Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to the report of the Chair of Education and Learning Scrutiny Committee.

The Chair advised that this was a fluid document and could be subject to change.

A Member commented that the report on Section 106 Agreements was an information item and felt that this should be an agenda item for Committee so that Members gain a better understanding of the benefits of Section 106 Agreements, how the money was utilised and how they link with Education, Planning and Regeneration Directorates. 

The Chair proposed that the report on Section 106 Agreements be withdrawn from the information pack and be presented to a future meeting of the Committee as an Agenda item. 

This course of action was AGREED.

A Member enquired if there were any reports on the Forward Work Programme regarding the large turnover of Headteachers in Blaenau Gwent and also home schooling as this impacted on pupil attendance.  The Corporate Director of Education said that as part the Forward Work Programme there were reports on both school pupil attendance and exclusions that would feature as part of the Inclusion and Improving Schools reports, there would also be updates in terms of where we are with leadership, potential changes and recruitment in those schools that are a cause for concern.

The Member referred to the EAS and enquired regarding value for money.  The Corporate Director of Education said there was a good working relationship with the EAS who worked closely with the School Improvement and Inclusion team.  A report had been presented to Committee previously that highlighted value for money, which was based upon two key variables i.e. whether performance was increasing and standards improving and if that was being done with less resources. The Director felt that both the Authority and the EAS were improving standards with reducing budgets during the period of public sector austerity.

The EAS Principal Challenge Advisor reiterated the Director’s comments and added that she was excited to be working with the new Education Directorate and Leadership team in Blaenau Gwent.  She reassured Members that the partnership, which was how the Welsh Government saw the relationship moving forward, was healthy and strong.  They held regular meetings and had excellent opportunities to look at the roles the Local Authority and the EAS played to ensure that the support for schools was tailored in the right way.   

The Committee AGREED that the report be accepted and endorse Option 1; namely that the Education & Learning Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme 2021-22 be approved; and

FURTHER AGREED that the information item on Section 106 Agreements be presented to the Committee as an Agenda item for consideration.