Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director Education.

The Corporate Director Education advised that the report gave the Executive an opportunity to review the Education Directorate’s response to the COVID-19 situation, particularly supporting the schools during the emergency period. The Corporate Director spoke to the report and outlined the work undertaken in conjunction with corporate colleagues and schools.

The Corporate Director referred to the decision taken by Blaenau Gwent to move to remote learning from the 10^th December 2020 and advised that this decision had been based upon evidence of infection rates in Blaenau Gwent. The Corporate Director added that Blaenau Gwent currently had the 3^rd highest number of cases across Wales with 574 cases per 100,000. These figures had a significant impact on our schools with 19 out of 25 schools affected, 1300 pupils and 66 members of staff currently off school self-isolating.

These figures had significant impact on face to face learning, and therefore, there was a compelling rationale in moving to remote learning.

There was a strong political and professional support with unanimous support from head teachers. The Public Health Professor, Head of Public Protection and Disease Control have supported the approach adopted by Blaenau Gwent. The Corporate Director stated that the Authority would provide support to vulnerable learners and free school meals during this period.

It was reported that head teachers had felt that remote learning would be more effective in the current circumstances. The Corporate Director Education concluded that the decision to move to remote learning was a local decision based on the local situation, which was right at this time.

The Executive Member for Education wished to thank the Education Directorate for their outstanding response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Executive Member concurred with comments raised by the Corporate Director and stated that the decision to move to blended learning was based on a strong rationale. The decision had received unanimous support from head teachers and had been particularly welcomed in the Tredegar cluster where schools had been closed due to the rise in infection. The Executive Member fully supported the decision taken by the Leadership of the Council and felt this was a good decision for Blaenau Gwent.

The Leader also supported the decision to move to blended learning across all schools in Blaenau Gwent and advised that it was not a decision which the Council had taken lightly. He felt that the Executive Member for Education and Corporate Director Education had taken a decision which was best for Blaenau Gwent. It had received unanimous support from across schools and had been welcomed by parents

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the information contained therein be noted.