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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 changing nature of collaboration between Schools, the Local Authority and Pembrokeshire College under the Memorandum of Understanding be noted, prior to review by Council.
RESOLVED That the Annual Report of Partneriaeth be noted.
RESOLVED That Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall be duly elected as Reserve Member for the Vice-Chair of the Partneriaeth Scrutiny Councillor Group.
RESOLVED Greenhill School Report 1. That the Committee acknowledged the ongoing poor structural condition of the 1950’s building and agreed to support, where appropriate, plans for remedial works to be undertaken, in line with the Authority’s capital programme. 2. For the Head of School Improvement to continue to work proactively with schools requiring improvement and to provide them the same opportunity Greenhill had to partner up and receive funded mentoring from other top performing schools across Wales. 3. The panel noted that a plethora of resources were not poured into the school and that the stripped back arrangements appeared to be successful in terms of school improvement. This required an honest assessment within the school of the extent of the challenges which lay ahead. The panel felt that this model of support should be considered for schools improvement at other schools. Goodwick School Report 1. That the Committee acknowledged the ongoing staff shortages within the School and class structures as a result and agreed to support, where possible, the recruitment and retention of teaching staff at the school. 2. That additional support be provided, where possible, for vulnerable pupils and pupils with Additional Learning Needs. 3. That the potential cuts being faced by the School be explored further, and where possible, avoid cuts that would be detrimental to the School.
RESOLVED That the education plans be noted.
RESOLVED That the Annual Report 2022-23 be noted, prior to consideration by Council.
RESOLVED 1. That the Forward Work Programme be accepted, subject to the Section 175 Safeguarding Audit item being moved to September 2023. 2. That the School Governors Survey and Quarterly Evaluation be added to September 2023. 3. That the following schools be considered for a visit from the Schools Scrutiny Panel: · Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi · Portfield School · Fenton · Caer Elen · St Teilo’s
The Chair sought nominations for the role of Vice-Chair. Councillor Viv Stoddart Moved that Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall be duly elected; Seconded by Councillor Marc Tierney. Councillor Iwan Ward Moved that Councillor Anji Tinley be duly elected; Seconded by Co-opted Member Alison Kavanagh. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall: Councillors Alistair Cameron, Bethan Price, Marc Tierney, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Mike Stoddart and Viv Stoddart [6] For Councillor Anji Tinley: Councillors Huw Murphy, Maureen Bowen, David Howlett, Danny Young, Mel Phillips, Anji Tinley, Iwan Ward and Co-opted Member Alison Kavanagh [8] RESOLVED That Councillor Anji Tinley be duly elected as Vice-Chair for the ensuing Municipal Year.
The following declarations of interest were made in relation to educational matters: • Councillor Maureen Bowen declared a personal interest by virtue of a family member being a teacher. • Councillor Mike Stoddart declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Agenda Item 7, by virtue of the fact that his daughter teaches at Pembrokeshire College but mentioned that he had a dispensation to speak but not to vote. • Councillor Viv Stoddart declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Agenda Item 7, by virtue of the fact that her daughter teaches at Pembrokeshire College but mentioned that she had a dispensation to speak but not to vote. • Councillor Guy Woodham declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 7, by virtue of the fact that he was appointed by the Leader to sit on the Pembrokeshire College Board and Agenda Item 8 by virtue of the fact that he was appointed to represent the Authority on the Partneriaeth Regional Board. • Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 11, by virtue of the fact that she is a Governor for Ysgol Greenhill. • Councillor Bethan Price declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 7, by virtue of the fact that she is a Governor for Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi and her niece works for Pembrokeshire College. • Councillor Alistair Cameron declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 7, by virtue of the fact that he is a Governor for both Ysgol Greenhill and Tenby VC School.
Moved by Councillor Alistair Cameron; Seconded by Councillor David Howlett. The vote, by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 April 2023 be approved as a correct record, in both English and Welsh.
There were no Chair’s announcements.
There were no Public Submissions / Correspondence.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the changing nature of collaboration between Schools, the Local Authority and Pembrokeshire College under the Memorandum of Understanding be noted, prior to review by Council.
The Committee considered a report by the Director of Education on the effectiveness of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for delivery of Post-16 Education in Pembrokeshire. The Chair welcomed the 14-19 Adviser to the meeting, who outlined the key points of the report and welcomed questions from Members. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: • Councillor Alistair Cameron sought clarification as to why Greenhill School had chosen the blended learning option over federation learning. In response, the 14-19 Adviser stated that it related to the small volume of learners that had opted for federation subjects, as well as the implications regarding subject delivery and the impact it had on years seven, eight and nine. Councillor Cameron then sought an explanation in regards to why the number of federation leaners had significantly declined. In response, the 14-19 Adviser stated that there was no data exploring this matter, but suggested that it varied on a pupil by pupil basis and referenced that during the Covid-19 pandemic, it was articulated by young people that they wished to stay within their relevant learning centres. In regards to whether the low uptake would affect the federation offer in the future, the 14-19 Adviser confirmed that that would be the case. Dave Evans, from Pembrokeshire College, highlighted that the decrease in numbers related to sixth forms closing, pupils choosing vocational options over A-Level’s and schools not opting for the federation option. • Councillor Cameron referred to pupils leaving on mental health grounds and whether there was any data on the matter. In response, the 14-19 Adviser referred to page 38 of the report which outlined the data and highlighted that the numbers had increased. Councillor Cameron then referred to the support on offer for students and action to be taken in the future. Mr Evans highlighted that various Youth Services would pick up on the issues and would work with the College in order to slowly bring those young people back into education. Councillor Cameron then wished to include, within the final resolution, the concerns around the rise in the number of pupils affected by mental health issues. • In response to a question from Councillor Michael Stoddart regarding his concern over sixth formclass sizes, specifically in Ysgol Harri Tudur, the Director of Education stated that the sixth form numbers were reviewed on an annual basis, and would continue to be monitored by the Directorate and the School’s Governing Body. Councillor Stoddart sought clarification in regards to the funding arrangements for 11-16 Education and Post-16 Education, and whether it was acceptable to transfer funds from the first stream to subsidise the Post-16 stream. In response, the Director of Resources explained that Post-16 funding was grant funded and that the funding followed the learner. He then listed various grants that had been available in relation to Post-16 education, but stated that they would soon be coming to an end, therefore the transfer of funding from 11-16 Education would be carefully considered, in order to support Post-16 Education. • Councillor David Howlett stated that he supported the federation between Pembrokeshire College and schools, but wished to see data regarding the various outcomes for the pupils in relation to wellbeing and their qualifications. In response, the 14-19 Adviser explained that when the amalgamation of the College and schools data was complete, outcome data would be available and reported on at the end of the next academic year. Councillor Howlett also sought clarification in regards to federation learning and the travel implications for pupils. The 14-19 Adviser explained the mechanism and stated that the majority of the teaching and learning would take place online, with face to face lessons on a monthly basis. • Councillor Marc Tierney sought clarification in regards to the choices pupils were making, the schools in Carmarthenshire that the College were collaborating with, and the monitoring arrangements in regards to online learning support. In response, the 14-19 Adviser stated that collaboration was ongoing with Dyffryn Taf in Whitland and Ysgol Gyfun Newcastle Emlyn and highlighted that a Governance Model had been put in place with the schools in the partnership. He explained that the detail around lesson observation was yet to be determined, however, it was highlighted that the learning and teaching experience needed to be a quality one. He then stated that he would be happy to report back in 12 months’ time to highlight how effective the process had been. • The Director of Education then explained that, in terms of the MOU, the decision had been made to focus on the schools without sixth forms, in order to ensure that the transitions of learners into the College was positive. He highlighted that the College continued to remain open to working with the Council for learners in individual circumstances, who may want options that were not being offered in schools. He stated that it was important that the matter be kept under review to support the changing views of learners. • Councillor Cameron wished to include within the resolution that the Committee noted, with concern, the increase in students leaving who were not in employment, education or training (NEET) due to medical reasons. The Director of Education suggested that Councillor Cameron’s comment could be included within the body of the report in order to be recorded. He also suggested that it could be added to the Committee’s Forward Work Programme, in that the increase in learners who were NEET be reviewed in relation to Post-16 Education. Moved by Councillor David Howlett; Seconded by Councillor Marc Tierney. The vote, by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the changing nature of collaboration between Schools, the Local Authority and Pembrokeshire College under the Memorandum of Understanding be noted, prior to review by Council.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Annual Report of Partneriaeth be noted.
[Councillor Marc Tierney declared a personal interest by virtue of his daughter being a temporary LSA at Tavernspite School.] The Committee considered a report by the Director of Education on the annual Partneriaeth report, outlining the work that had been undertaken over the course of the last year. The Chair welcomed Ian Altman and Greg Morgan from Partneriaeth to the meeting, who outlined the key points of the report and welcomed questions from Members. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: • Councillor David Howlett wished to know what positive differences were being made through Partneriaeth in its first year, the successes, and the evidence of any successes. In response, Mr Altman explained that feedback was important and always evaluated. He stated that gaining evidence of successful practices would develop over the next 12 months, and that success criteria needed to be clear in terms of what was being delivered for the profession, as well as the outcomes. Councillor Howlett suggested the use of targets in order to monitor the progress of Partneriaeth. Mr Altman stated that the next iteration of the Business Plan would have the success rates more clearly evidenced, as well as each section of professional learning having a clear rationale of the expectations. [Councillor Iwan Ward left the meeting at this juncture.] • Councillor Viv Stoddart sought clarification as to how engagement with parents and the wider community had been organised in relation to Relationships and Sexual Education (RSE) and Religion, Values and Ethics (RVE). In response, Mr Altman explained that a seconded Officer from Swansea had oversight of that work and had run professional learning sessions to support schools with that process, in order for them to engage with their communities. • In response to a question from Councillor Alistair Cameron regarding schools’ views of Partneriaeth, the Director of Education stated that there was an improving picture in regards to the views of schools. He explained that in terms of support being provided, schools were happy to receive support but wished to ensure that there was still a good amount of interactive learning with pupils. He suggested that a wider conversation around this matter needed to take place. The Director also highlighted that schools made him aware of any issues and whether professional learning sessions had suited them, and stated that such feedback had been shared with Partneriaeth in order to directly address those issues and concerns. • Councillor Mike Stoddart suggested that feedback from the schools, in regards to the programmes, be anonymously recorded to be viewed by the Committee. The Director confirmed that this could be provided to the Committee in an anonymous survey format. • Councillor Marc Tierney sought clarification as to how teachers were responding to children in poverty and the support provided by Partneriaeth. He also wished to know how the Directorate was ensuring that Pembrokeshire employed teachers with the correct skill set to teach the curriculum that was being set, especially in regards to RSE and RVE. In response, the Director stated that there was an annual Leadership Pathway programme that Partneriaeth ran directly, and stated that a number of people had been recruited and had gone on to become Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTA’s) through the programme. The Director then highlighted that the Poverty Strategy was almost complete, which would go back to the Public Services Board in due course. He then mentioned the RADY Strategy, which covered disadvantage in a wider sense and stated that it was important to ensure that all pupils were equally represented. Poverty at home was said to be a real challenge, with breakfast clubs becoming increasingly full. The Director then highlighted pilot work recently undertaken in providing meals at the end of the school day at Fenton School, of which 360 portions were provided each week over the course of that project, which proved the scale of the challenge. He also mentioned various other initiatives which schools were trialling in order to provide for their pupils. In regards to RVE, work was ongoing in regards to resources, however, there was a prescriptive set of requirements in terms of each of the religious traditions, and therefore the Regional expert from Swansea was creating resources for schools through Partneriaeth. Moved by Councillor Marc Tierney; Seconded by Councillor Alistair Cameron. The vote, by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Annual Report of Partneriaeth be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall be duly elected as Reserve Member for the Vice-Chair of the Partneriaeth Scrutiny Councillor Group.
The Chair announced that nominations were required for the role of Reserve Member for the Vice-Chair of the Partneriaeth Scrutiny Councillor Group. The Chair Moved that Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall be duly elected; Seconded by Councillor Marc Tierney. The vote, by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall be duly elected as Reserve Member for the Vice-Chair of the Partneriaeth Scrutiny Councillor Group.
[Councillor Bethan Price left the meeting at this juncture.] The Chair announced that Item 11, Schools Scrutiny Panel Reports – (Greenhill School & Goodwick School), would be taken next, with the rest of the agenda to follow as listed.
The Meeting adjourned at 12:03pm for a short comfort break and reconvened at 12:10pm.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED Greenhill School Report 1. That the Committee acknowledged the ongoing poor structural condition of the 1950’s building and agreed to support, where appropriate, plans for remedial works to be undertaken, in line with the Authority’s capital programme. 2. For the Head of School Improvement to continue to work proactively with schools requiring improvement and to provide them the same opportunity Greenhill had to partner up and receive funded mentoring from other top performing schools across Wales. 3. The panel noted that a plethora of resources were not poured into the school and that the stripped back arrangements appeared to be successful in terms of school improvement. This required an honest assessment within the school of the extent of the challenges which lay ahead. The panel felt that this model of support should be considered for schools improvement at other schools. Goodwick School Report 1. That the Committee acknowledged the ongoing staff shortages within the School and class structures as a result and agreed to support, where possible, the recruitment and retention of teaching staff at the school. 2. That additional support be provided, where possible, for vulnerable pupils and pupils with Additional Learning Needs. 3. That the potential cuts being faced by the School be explored further, and where possible, avoid cuts that would be detrimental to the School.
The Committee considered a report by the Schools Scrutiny Panel on their visits to Greenhill School and Goodwick School. The Chair welcomed Mr David Haynes, Head Teacher of Ysgol Greenhill and Mr Vic Dennis, Governor of Greenhill School to the meeting, as well as three Senior Prefects, Amelia Faletau, Josh Geertman and Beth Evans, who outlined the key points of the report and from the visit, and welcomed questions from Members. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: • Councillor Alistair Cameron praised the School for its continued improvements and was pleased to know that there was a strong, family-friendly, inclusive atmosphere within the School. He stated that it was clear to see that staff and students worked together to identify ways in which to improve the School. Councillor Cameron then sought clarification from Mr Haynes as to why he believed the blended learning option was the correct option for Greenhill. In response, Mr Haynes stated that the blended learning option offered a wider learning provision for pupils and highlighted that improving the quality of teaching and learning would result in more pupils opting for the Sixth Form option. He also stated that online lessons would be an interactive process and would provide an enhanced learning experience. • Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall praised the dedication of the Governors and School staff and referenced how positive the pupils were on the Scrutiny Panel visit. She also mentioned various parts of the School that had been updated and stated that it provided a sense of pride and community within the School. • Councillor Viv Stoddart sought clarification regarding improvement around disruptive pupil behaviour in the School. In response, Mr Haynes highlighted the effectiveness of keeping things simple and stated that the School focused on two aspects: improving the quality of teaching and improving the quality of attitudes to learning. He then explained the ways in which staff would come together to share good practice and how to structure lessons effectively, as well as work with the wider community to clearly outline the expectations and aspirations for learners. Councillor Stoddart suggested that it would be beneficial to speak to teachers without the presence of senior management in order to get their views. Mr Haynes believed that proof of improvement was within the work of the learners and believed that it was instead more beneficial speaking to learners about their views. • Councillor Anji Tinley stated that she was impressed with the pupil voice at the School and its growth. She then sought clarification as to whether blended learning lessons would all be online. In response, Mr Hayes explained that during blended learning lessons, a school would host and pupils from other schools would join. He highlighted that the point of this structure was so that pupils could remain in their own school environments, as well as broadening the offer of lessons. • Co-opted Member Alison Kavanagh stated that Ysgol Greenhill was a shining example of the significant value that maintaining a sixth form in a school would bring to the school and the wider community. She mentioned that the Prefects present at the meeting demonstrated that sixth form pupils significantly contributed to the ethos and success of the School. • Councillor Maureen Bowen stated that she was pleased to hear about the improvements at the School and agreed with the comments made by Councillor Viv Stoddart. • In regards to the Goodwick School visit, the Chair stated that it was a very positive visit with a warm and welcoming environment, with happy pupils. Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall agreed and stated that the general feel of the School was wonderful, despite various aspects needing to be addressed. She highlighted, however, that since the Covid-19 Pandemic, parents were being interacted with regularly and believed that the parents could see the effort of the teachers and staff. Moved by Councillor David Howlett; Seconded by Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall. The vote, undertaken by way of a roll call, was carried. The votes were recorded as follows: For the Motion: Councillors Maureen Bowen, Alistair Cameron, David Howlett, Huw Murphy, Mel Phillips, Marc Tierney, Anji Tinley, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Mike Stoddart, Viv Stoddart, Danny Young and Co-opted Member Alison Kavanagh [12] There were no votes against or abstentions. RESOLVED Greenhill School Report 1. That the Committee acknowledged the ongoing poor structural condition of the 1950’s building and agreed to support, where appropriate, plans for remedial works to be undertaken, in line with the Authority’s capital programme. 2. For the Head of School Improvement to continue to work proactively with schools requiring improvement and to provide them the same opportunity Greenhill had to partner up and receive funded mentoring from other top performing schools across Wales. 3. The panel noted that a plethora of resources were not poured into the school and that the stripped back arrangements appeared to be successful in terms of school improvement. This required an honest assessment within the school of the extent of the challenges which lay ahead. The panel felt that this model of support should be considered for schools improvement at other schools. Goodwick School Report 1. That the Committee acknowledged the ongoing staff shortages within the School and class structures as a result and agreed to support, where possible, the recruitment and retention of teaching staff at the school. 2. That additional support be provided, where possible, for vulnerable pupils and pupils with Additional Learning Needs. 3. That the potential cuts being faced by the School be explored further, and where possible, avoid cuts that would be detrimental to the School.
The Chair announced that Item 10, Section 175 Safeguarding Audit, would be added to the September meeting on the Committee’s Forward Work Programme.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the education plans be noted.
The Committee considered a report by the Director of Education on the new plans, taking into account the summary evaluation and the continuing need for improvement in outcomes, provision and support for schools. The Director of Education and the Head of Education Improvement and Commissioning outlined the key points of the report and welcomed questions from Members. The Director of Education stated that he was happy to show Members the extensive individual plans, but as the Plan was still being developed, he encouraged Members to highlight any points for improvement. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: • The Chair highlighted concern regarding Appendix 4 to the report, around the increasing demand for Additional Learning Needs (ALN) provision and support from Welsh Government, as well as a concern regarding Appendix 5 to the report around the number of Welsh language learners having decreased by 15%, specifically in relation to Welsh Government’s one million Welsh speakers by 2050 objective. He also highlighted concern around declining pupil numbers as outlined in Appendix 6 to the report. • Councillor David Howlett sought assurance from the relevant Cabinet Member in regards to page 85 of the Agenda, point 5ab. The Cabinet Member highlighted the improvement and stated that it related to staffing and the Directorate being in a position where it was possible to develop the capacity and skills of the Management Team. Councillor Howlett wished for more detail in regards to how the Directorate got to the level outlined in the report. The Director then outlined that a Head of Education Improvement and Commissioning had been appointed, as well as the team undertaking an extensive professional learning programme, specifically around improving the quality of planning for improvement with precision. The Director stated that he believed that the skill level and capacity within the Management Team was right and it was about keeping the momentum within the team. Moved by Councillor Marc Tierney; Seconded by Councillor David Howlett. The vote, by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the education plans be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Annual Report 2022-23 be noted, prior to consideration by Council.
[Councillors Anji Tinley and Guy Woodham left the meeting at this juncture.] The Committee considered a report by the Head of Democratic Services on the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2022-23, who outlined the key points of the report which included areas of work scrutinised at each meeting, commentary on some of the good practice, positive outcomes achieved and future challenges of the Committee. The Head of Democratic Services then welcomed questions from Members. The Committee was content with the report and had no questions. Moved by Councillor Alistair Cameron; Seconded by Councillor David Howlett. The vote, by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Annual Report 2022-23 be noted, prior to consideration by Council.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED 1. That the Forward Work Programme be accepted, subject to the Section 175 Safeguarding Audit item being moved to September 2023. 2. That the School Governors Survey and Quarterly Evaluation be added to September 2023. 3. That the following schools be considered for a visit from the Schools Scrutiny Panel: · Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi · Portfield School · Fenton · Caer Elen · St Teilo’s
The Chair introduced the report on the Committee’s Forward Work Programme and asked Members if they wished to add any future items to the Programme. • Co-opted Member Alison Kavanagh wished to add an item regarding the School Governors’ Survey with reference to effectiveness and value for money in regards to Governor training. The Director of Education agreed to include an item on this matter. • The Chair reiterated the fact that Item 10 on the Agenda, Section 175 Safeguarding Audit, would be added to the Committee’s September meeting. • The Chair wished to include a report on the pupil numbers for each Primary School and their capacity for the future. The Director of Education suggested that given the amount of references regarding the performance of the Directorate, it would be beneficial to bring the Directorate’s quarterly evaluation to the Committee in September. • The Chair then sought clarification as to which schools the Committee would like the School Scrutiny Panel to visit during the next school term, and suggested Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi. The Director suggested that it would be helpful for Members to visit Portfield School, as well Fenton as a category school. He also suggested Caer Elen. • In response to Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall suggesting St Teilo’s School, the Director highlighted that that School would have a new acting Executive Head Teacher from September, as well as moving into a temporary federation with Mary Immaculate School. The Chair suggested that it may be beneficial to visit in the spring term. Moved by Councillor Alistair Cameron; Seconded by Councillor Marc Tierney. The vote, by way of show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED 1. That the Forward Work Programme be accepted, subject to the Section 175 Safeguarding Audit item being moved to September 2023. 2. That the School Governors Survey and Quarterly Evaluation be added to September 2023. 3. That the following schools be considered for a visit from the Schools Scrutiny Panel: · Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi · Portfield School · Fenton · Caer Elen · St Teilo’s
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