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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED That the Committee scrutinised the post inspection action plan improvements in the four recommendations, reviewed the progress being made and the early analysis of outcomes. [Councillor Guy Woodham left the meeting at this juncture]
RESOLVED (a) That the Committee considered the content of the report and agreed to endorse the actions undertaken to date by the Inclusion Service to implement the Additional Learning Needs reforms. (b) Considered the risks to the Council, as highlighted in the report and the actions recommended in section eight to address such risks during phase two and three of the Additional Learning Needs implementation timetable from 2022-24. (c) Agreed to receive a further update on the implementation of the new Additional Learning Needs legislation and any recommendations for future investment/funding at a later stage of the three year implementation timetable. (d) That the Authority make representations to the Welsh Government regarding the budget costs of the additional responsibilities and the need the Authority have to meet such responsibilities.
RESOLVED (a) The Panel Membership was confirmed as follows: 1. Councillor Huw Murphy (Chair) 2. Councillor Iwan Ward 3. Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall 4. Councillor Anji Tinley 5. Tom Moses, Parent Governor Representative Reserve members: 1. Councillor Alistair Cameron 2. Councillor David Howlett It was agreed that Alison Kavanagh, Parent Governor Representative, would deputise for Tom Moses, Parent Governor Representative if he was unable to attend any visits. (b) That the proposed Terms of Reference be adopted
RESOLVED That the Committee endorsed the Annual Report for 2021-22 prior to consideration by Council.
RESOLVED That the Committee approved the items listed on the Forward Work Programme for November, with an alteration for the Schools Scrutiny Panel visit reports to be considered in January instead of November, as the visits were unlikely to have taken place in time for the November meeting.
The Following declarations of interest were made in relation to educational matters: · Councillor Alistair Cameron declared a personal interest, by virtue of being a Governor at Tenby VC School. · Mrs Alison Kavanagh, Parent Governor Representative, declared a personal interest in Agenda Item No. 6 - Additional Learning Needs Policy, by virtue of being a Parent Governor at Golden Grove School.
Moved by Councillor Huw Murphy; Seconded by Councillor John Davies The vote, by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 30 June 2022 be approved as a correct record.
There were no public submissions or items of correspondence received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Committee scrutinised the post inspection action plan improvements in the four recommendations, reviewed the progress being made and the early analysis of outcomes. [Councillor Guy Woodham left the meeting at this juncture]
The Committee considered an update report by the Director for Education on the Estyn Action Plan recommendations. The Chairman welcomed the Director and the Head of Education Improvement and Commissioning to the meeting to partake in the discussion and answer questions raised by Members. The Committee considered the updates in relation to the four recommendations, and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Following a question from Councillor Pat Davies regarding the progress of the Raising the Attainment of Disadvantaged Youngsters (RADY) project, the Director advised that up-take of the project had been good across all schools, although whilst the impact was starting to have an effect it was not yet reflected in outcomes as this could take a number of years. It was stated that recovery from the pandemic was still ongoing within schools and grant funding was being used to continue to support learners who have additional deficits as a result. · Tom Moses, Parent Governor Representative, made reference to the lack of GCSE results data and queried how Pembrokeshire had achieved in comparison to national figures. The Director advised that details regarding the GCSE outcomes were still awaited and that work around GCSE outcomes would be ongoing to ensure the gap between EFSM and non-EFSM pupils was continuing to close. · Mr Tom Moses, Parent Governor Representative highlighted the recent economic pressures and queried whether the Authority had the resources in place to deal with a possible surge in EFSM pupils. The Director advised that the Authority were well placed with the current provision in place, although it was recognised that there was currently a high level of reform going on within education so careful balance was needed to ensure schools were not overwhelmed. · On receiving a question from Councillor David Howlett regarding the recommendations which had not progressed from amber, the Director advised that the cross curricular skills had remained at amber as they were areas which were still being embedded and required further work. Information was provided regarding networks which had been developed across the County although were stated to be in their early stages of development. · Councillor David Howlett requested assurance and further information on the effectiveness of assessment and evidence gathering, to which the Director advised that all evidence was gathered from a range of sources with regular challenge being conducted on internal evidence gathering and assurance was given that evidence gathering was strong and featured sound components although improvements could always be made. The Head of Education Improvement and Commissioning added that the Authority had widened the base of gathering evidence and provided a number of examples. · Councillor Alistair Cameron requested further information as to how pupils who needed additional support in achieving desired GCSE results were being assisted. The Director advised that schools identify at an early stage which pupils may require some additional support with examinations, and the additional support was being funded via the ‘recruit, recover, raise standards’ grant in the form of additional lessons, often before/after school, online or within school holidays. · Following a question from Councillor Alistair Cameron regarding how progress was measured within key stages 1-3, the Director advised that internal assessments were used to assess the skills of learners along with progress based personalised national tests of which the results were used diagnostically within schools and often used when reporting to parents. It was noted that the tools used provide a robust understanding of any skills deficits learners were presenting. · The Chairman made reference to school attendance, and queried what was being done to improve this. The Director reiterated that the pandemic had negatively impacted attendance although attendance reporting had now resumed in conjunction with an education campaign ‘it starts in school’ which had been featured across local media streams, of which the campaign goals were outlined which included programmes for parents. It was noted that a range of sanctions had resumed and were being used when required and work was ongoing to achieve pre-pandemic attendance levels within the County to ensure the full learning impact could be achieved. · Councillor Mark Tierney raised concerns regarding the amber ratings for numeracy and literacy and queried how long the Director felt progress would take on those issues. The Director advised that evidence would continue to be monitored and it was anticipated that those matters would have progressed to yellow by this time next year. · Councillor Mike Stoddart raised concerns that a small section of the gap between EFSM and non-EFSM learners could be unbridgeable due to lack of support or facilities at home and suggested that an alternative measure could be more beneficial to measure progress. The Director informed Members that additional in-school provisions such as additional I.T. resource was often used to support the gap and concurred with the suggestion of conducting some value added work in relation to starting points. Councillor Stoddart highlighted the importance of schools engaging with parents effectively and felt that it could assist with bridging the attainment gap. · Following a request by Councillor Maureen Bowen, the Director agreed to provide a guide to any acronyms used in future reports, and added that a conscious effort would be made to not use them at all. · In response to a question raised by Councillor Alistair Cameron, the Director advised that programmes were in place to support parents of learners in advancing their literacy and numeracy skills and outlined a springboard programme and opportunities available via the adult and community learning team. In summing up the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Education and Welsh Language expressed his thanks to all teaching and education directorate staff who were continually working to improve outcomes for leaners in Pembrokeshire and recognised that it was an ongoing piece of work of which updates would continue to be provided to the Committee. Moved by Councillor Huw Murphy; Seconded by Councillor John Davies The vote, undertaken by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Committee scrutinised the post inspection action plan improvements in the four recommendations, reviewed the progress being made and the early analysis of outcomes. [Councillor Guy Woodham left the meeting at this juncture]
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (a) That the Committee considered the content of the report and agreed to endorse the actions undertaken to date by the Inclusion Service to implement the Additional Learning Needs reforms. (b) Considered the risks to the Council, as highlighted in the report and the actions recommended in section eight to address such risks during phase two and three of the Additional Learning Needs implementation timetable from 2022-24. (c) Agreed to receive a further update on the implementation of the new Additional Learning Needs legislation and any recommendations for future investment/funding at a later stage of the three year implementation timetable. (d) That the Authority make representations to the Welsh Government regarding the budget costs of the additional responsibilities and the need the Authority have to meet such responsibilities.
The Committee considered a report by the Director for Education on the Implementation of the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and Education Tribunal Act 2018. The Chairman welcomed the Group Manager for Prevention and Early Help to the meeting to partake in the discussion and answer questions raised by Members. The Committee considered the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Alison Kavanagh, Parent Governor Representative, requested clarity as to how referrals manifests into support within the classroom environment and the timeframe in which this process takes. The Group Manager for Prevention and Early Help outlined how the process works from initial contact stage to the creation of an individual development plan, if required. · Following a question from Alison Kavanagh, Parent Governor Representative, regarding the impact the new ALN reform could have on Learning Resource Centres in regards to provision or take-up, the Group Manager for Prevention and Early Help advised that there had been no change to the LRC provision and advised that LRC’s were currently being reviewed, with the provision already being expanded within secondary. · Councillor Alistair Cameron raised concerns regarding the false perception that the new reform would be cost neutral to Authority’s and suggested that the Authority make representations to the Welsh Government regarding the budget costs of the additional responsibilities and the need the Authority have to meet such responsibilities. The Group Manager for Prevention and Early Help agreed that to ensure such reform embeds effectively, additional resources would need to be considered. [Councillor Iwan Ward declared a personal interest, by virtue of his son having a statement] Moved by Councillor Huw Murphy; Seconded by Councillor Alistair Cameron The vote, undertaken by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the Committee considered the content of the report and agreed to endorse the actions undertaken to date by the Inclusion Service to implement the Additional Learning Needs reforms. (b) Considered the risks to the Council, as highlighted in the report and the actions recommended in section eight to address such risks during phase two and three of the Additional Learning Needs implementation timetable from 2022-24. (c) Agreed to receive a further update on the implementation of the new Additional Learning Needs legislation and any recommendations for future investment/funding at a later stage of the three year implementation timetable. (d) That the Authority make representations to the Welsh Government regarding the budget costs of the additional responsibilities and the need the Authority have to meet such responsibilities.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (a) The Panel Membership was confirmed as follows: 1. Councillor Huw Murphy (Chair) 2. Councillor Iwan Ward 3. Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall 4. Councillor Anji Tinley 5. Tom Moses, Parent Governor Representative Reserve members: 1. Councillor Alistair Cameron 2. Councillor David Howlett It was agreed that Alison Kavanagh, Parent Governor Representative, would deputise for Tom Moses, Parent Governor Representative if he was unable to attend any visits. (b) That the proposed Terms of Reference be adopted
The Committee considered a report by the Democratic and Scrutiny Services Officer on the Schools Scrutiny Panel Terms of Reference and Membership Arrangements. The Chairman welcomed the Democratic and Scrutiny Services Officer to the meeting, who outlined the updated Schools Scrutiny Panel Terms of Reference and proposed Membership Arrangements, before handing back over to the Chair to request nominations for Members to form the Panel. The following nominations were received: · Councillor Pat Davies Moved that Councillor Iwan Ward form part of the Panel membership; Seconded by Councillor David Howlett · Councillor David Howlett Moved that Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall form part of the Panel membership; Seconded by Councillor Pat Davies · Councillor Huw Murphy Moved that Councillor Anji Tinley form part of the Panel membership; Seconded by Tom Moses, Parent Governor Representative · Alison Kavanagh, Parent Governor Representative, Moved that Tom Moses, Parent Governor Representative, form part of the Panel membership; Seconded by Councillor Huw Murphy · Councillor Huw Murphy Moved that Councillor Alistair Cameron be listed as a reserve member; Seconded by Councillor John Davies · Councillor Huw Murphy Moved that Councillor David Howlett be listed as a reserve member; Seconded by Councillor Pat Davies · A suggestion was made for Alison Kavanagh, Parent Governor Representative, to deputise for Tom Moses, Parent Governor Representative if he was unable to attend any visits. Moved by Councillor Pat Davies; Seconded by Councillor Andrew Edwards The vote, undertaken by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) The Panel Membership was confirmed as follows: 1. Councillor Huw Murphy (Chair) 2. Councillor Iwan Ward 3. Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall 4. Councillor Anji Tinley 5. Tom Moses, Parent Governor Representative Reserve members: 1. Councillor Alistair Cameron 2. Councillor David Howlett It was agreed that Alison Kavanagh, Parent Governor Representative, would deputise for Tom Moses, Parent Governor Representative if he was unable to attend any visits. (b) That the proposed Terms of Reference be adopted
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Committee endorsed the Annual Report for 2021-22 prior to consideration by Council.
The Committee considered a report by the Head of Democratic Services on the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2021–22. The Chairman welcomed the Head of Democratic Services to the meeting to partake in the discussion and answer questions raised by Members. As no questions were raised, the Chairman moved that the Committee endorse the Annual Report; Seconded by Councillor John Davies The vote, undertaken by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Committee endorsed the Annual Report for 2021-22 prior to consideration by Council.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Committee approved the items listed on the Forward Work Programme for November, with an alteration for the Schools Scrutiny Panel visit reports to be considered in January instead of November, as the visits were unlikely to have taken place in time for the November meeting.
The Chairman outlined the items scheduled for the November Committee meeting and suggested that the Schools Scrutiny Panel visit reports be considered in January instead of November, as the visits are unlikely to have taken place in time for the November meeting. Moved by Councillor Huw Murphy; Seconded by Councillor Mark Tierney The vote, undertaken by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Committee approved the items listed on the Forward Work Programme for November, with an alteration for the Schools Scrutiny Panel visit reports to be considered in January instead of November, as the visits were unlikely to have taken place in time for the November meeting.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
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