Issue - meetings

To update Members on overall service performance 22-23 and Learner Outcomes from 2022.

That the Committee note the outcome of the Education Portfolio’s annual self-evaluation report on the quality of education services for the period 2022-2023.

In introducing the report, the Chief Officer (Education & Youth) explained that the report had been produced in line with the current Estyn Framework for the Inspection of Local Government Services which focused on outcomes, equality of education services, leadership, and management. She confirmed that Estyn were coming to the end of the current inspection cycle, and they expect to have completed their inspections by the end of summer 2024.

The Chief Officer advised that Estyn were currently developing a new framework from Autumn 2024 onwards. It was explained that whilst the Authority was inspected in 2019 it was likely that the next inspection could be near the front of the new framework, with planning work ongoing for the commencement of the next cycle of inspections. The recommendations made by Estyn were highlighted within the report which also provided a detailed summary of work being undertaken in response to the recommendations.

Councillor Hilary McGuill sought clarification on the Condition Grades listed as A,B,C and D identified as part of the Suitability Survey. The Chief Officer explained that surveys were undertaken on the school estate on a cyclical bases, which included inspections on the suitability of the building to deliver appropriate educational provision. There was also a survey of the condition of school buildings against industry standards and this information was used to determine where essential maintenance or a radical school modernisation programme was required. She suggested that the Senior Manager School Place Planning provide a short briefing note to explain the differences in the condition grades to the Committee following the meeting.

The recommendation, as outlined within the report, was moved by Councillor Hilary McGuill and seconded by Councillor Carolyn Preece.                

RESOLVED:

That the Committee note the outcome of the Education Portfolio’s annual self-evaluation report on the quality of education services for the period 2022-2023.