Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Remote Attendance Meeting

Contact: Janet Kelly 01352 702301  Email: janet.kelly@flintshire.gov.uk

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Items
No. Item

37.

Declarations of Interest (Including Whipping Declarations)

To receive any Declarations and advise Members accordingly.

Additional documents:

Decision:

There were no declarations of interest.

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest.

38.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 84 KB

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on the 2 December 2021.

Additional documents:

Decision:

That, subject to the amendments listed above, the minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 2 December 2021 were received.

 

Accuracy:

 

            Councillor Tudor Jones referred to page 7 of the minutes and suggested that the fourth paragraph be amended to read: -

 

            Councillor Tudor Jones commented on the way ALN funding was allocated and distributed to individual schools. He suggested that funding would be required in the case of an increase in ALN pupil numbers or an individual with greater needs in one school while requirements in another school declined. The Senior Manager agreed to feedback this suggestion to SSCE Cymru following the meeting.

 

            Councillor Tudor Jones also suggested the following amendments to paragraph 1 on page 9 of the minutes: -

 

  • Line 2 - fluent Welsh Speakers to be inside inverted commas; and
  • Line 5 to be amended to read - He felt that the term ‘conversational Welsh’ would be more appropriate. Councillor Jones provided the accepted definitions for the terms ‘fluent’ and ‘conversational’ speakers.

 

Subject to the amendments listed above, the minutes were moved as a correct record by Councillor Dave Mackie and seconded by Councillor Martin White.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That, subject to the amendments listed above, the minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

39.

Forward Work Programme and Action Tracking pdf icon PDF 82 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

(a)       That the Forward Work Programme be noted;

 

(b)       That the Facilitator, in consultation with the Chair of the Committee, be authorised to vary the Forward Work Programme between meetings, as the need arises; and

 

(c)        That the progress made in completing the outstanding actions be noted.

Minutes:

The Overview & Scrutiny Facilitator presented the draft Forward Work Programme and confirmed the next scheduled meeting on the 24th of March had been cancelled.  She provided an outline of the reports to be presented at the meetings which followed the Local Government Elections in May.  Moving on to the Action Tracking report she confirmed that all actions arising from the last meeting, as shown at Appendix 2 of the report, had been completed. 

 

The Chairman suggested that the Committee add two reports to the FWP to cover the following areas: -

 

  • The impact the pandemic had had on literacy and numeracy skills and how this was being dealt with; and

 

  • The skill shortage across North Wales and how this was being addressed.

 

The Chairman referred to the recent Recovery Committee meeting where the issue of skills shortages was discussed.  An explanation was provided of the work undertaken by the North Wales Economic Ambition Board with the education sector to promote educational/work opportunities to address the skills shortages across North Wales.   The Facilitator explained that following the Recovery Committee meeting, Mrs. Alwen Williams, Portfolio Director of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board had agreed to attend the next meeting of the Recovery Committee to outline the work being carried out by the Regional Skills Partnership for North Wales and the education sector.  She suggested that the presentation given at the Recovery Committee would provide information to inform the reports to be added to the Forward Work Programme.

 

The Chief Officer (Education & Youth) thanked the Chairman and suggested that the following two reports be presented to the Committee: -

 

1)    a report to provide an overview of the impact the pandemic was having on the core skills of pupils and how interventions and plans were being deployed to ensure learners were maximising their skills development.

2)    a report to align the work being carried out by the Regional Skills Partnership and the Senior Manager for School Improvement through Adult Community Learning, to assist members of the community in improving their skills.

 

The Committee supported the suggestions made by the Chairman and Chief Officer.

 

The recommendations, as outlined within the report, were moved by Councillor Dave Mackie, and seconded by Councillor Paul Cunningham.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That the Forward Work Programme be noted;

 

(b)       That the Facilitator, in consultation with the Chair of the Committee, be authorised to vary the Forward Work Programme between meetings, as the need arises; and

 

(c)        That the progress made in completing the outstanding actions be noted.

40.

Learner Outcome Assessment Processes for 2022 pdf icon PDF 91 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

That the Committee note the arrangements currently in place for assessments in 2022 and recognise the hard work of secondary schools in Flintshire in supporting their examination year groups.

Minutes:

In presenting the report the Chief Officer (Education & Youth) explained that during the last two years there had been different approaches for key stage 4 and 5 learners.  This report provided an update for this year following arrangements put in place by Welsh Government (WG)

 

The Senior Manager for School Improvement provided an update on the preparations for this year for GCSE and A Level examinations.  During the past two years, due to the pandemic, these had been cancelled and replaced with Centre Assessed Grades in 2020 and Centre Determined Grades in 2021.  The report presented the current position and the contingency plans and assessments which would be put in place if circumstances changed.   These had been shared with schools, parents and learners who were sitting examinations at GCSE and A Level this summer.  She confirmed that the spring examinations had taken place in January and praised the schools for the hard work they had undertaken and the support they were providing to learners.

 

Councillor Martin White referred to the upheaval and changes that the students had endured during the last two years with this year’s students finding it more challenging preparing for the examinations.   The Chair agreed saying the pandemic had impacted the learning of our young people but praised the way they had coped, and the support provided by schools and parents.

 

The Senior Manager for School Improvement agreed saying everyone was aware of the challenges faced by these young people and paid tribute to their resilience.  Despite the disruption some mock examination had been able to take place.  She provided information on the work undertaken with Qualifications Wales and the WJEC on the paperwork and support provided to enable these young people to succeed.

 

The Chair sought reassurance that the papers would allow flexibility as some learners may have missed topics because of self-isolation or school closures.  In response the Senior Manager for School Improvement confirmed that Qualifications Wales and the WJEC had provided schools with information in advance on the requirements for the adapted examinations.  The challenges were different across Wales and the new curriculum would be delivering teaching content and skills to learners at a local level.  This information would form part of discussions on what qualifications and assessments would look like for learners in the future and how this would fit into the new curriculum from next September.  There were a lot of positive outcomes coming from this.

 

The recommendation, as outlined within the report, was moved by Councillor Janet Axworthy, and seconded by Councillor Tudor Jones. 

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the Committee note the arrangements currently in place for assessments in 2022 and recognise the hard work of secondary schools in Flintshire in supporting their examination year groups.

41.

Multiplying Impact - Flintshire Integrated Youth Provision Delivery Plan 2021-2024 pdf icon PDF 127 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

(a)       That the Committee positively acknowledge the vital work of the Integrated Youth Provision during the COVID-19 pandemic in supporting Flintshire’s children and young people;

 

(b)       That the Committee endorse the ‘Multiplying Impact – Flintshire Integrated Youth Provision Delivery Plan 2021-2024’; and

 

(c)        That the Chairman write to Mrs. Ann Roberts, Senior Manager - Integrated Youth Provision, on behalf of the Committee, wishing her well in her retirement and thanking her for her passion and commitment to the Youth Service over the years.

Minutes:

Prior to consideration of the report, the Chief Officer (Education & Youth) reported that Mrs. Ann Roberts, Senior Officer of the Integrated Youth Provision, would be retiring from her role at the beginning of March.  She commented on the tremendous contribution Ann Roberts had made to the Committee and her passion and commitment for delivering high quality services to young people.  There would be an opportunity for Members of the Committee to send comments which would be collated and presented to Ann Roberts during her leaving presentation.  The Chair suggested that the Committee send a letter of appreciation to Ann Roberts for what she had achieved for the education service over the years and to wish her well for the future.  This suggestion was supported by the Committee. 

 

            The Chief Officer (Education & Youth) introduced Mick Holt (Senior Youth & Community Worker) and Ali Thomas (Youth Forum Worker), the two Senior Youth Workers, to the Committee and thanked them for their assistance.  She outlined the current position, explaining the Plan was developed, following a wide-ranging consultation with young people in Flintshire who used this service, the Youth Team and a range of partners’ delivering these services to young people in the 11-to-25-year age group.  The aspirations for the young people were explained together with the support provided by the Youth Service.  The digital provision was beneficial but as restrictions were being lifted more face-to-face services were able to be delivered.  The Children’s Commissioner and Welsh Government (WG) had recognised the value of Youth Services and that this was now at the forefront of the new inspection regime of Local Government and Education Services.  The Youth Service and Youth Workers were a highly skilled and valued part of the Education Services. 

 

The Chief Officer referred to the key purposes at section 1.06 of the report which tied in with the national curriculum and provided information on the key partnership working.  Young people valued the services they received through the Integrated Youth Provision and that this plan would provide a route map for the next three years on how services were embedded and expanded to support them.  She referred to the Welsh in Education Strategy which was discussed at the last meeting and said that the focus was to provide services through the medium of Welsh to improve their opportunities moving forward. 

 

            In response to questions from Councillor Dave Mackie on the Toolkit, the Chief Officer (Education & Youth) said the Integrated Impact Assessment was completed as part of the statutory process for reporting to Committee.  This was a standard template which had to be used and agreed there were elements which were repetitive.  The Youth Forum Worker confirmed that the multiplying impact reporter was used with elements included in the report and confirmed that some of the services were face to face with others going online.  Although it appeared that this was repeated wording, a blended approach and different service delivery was being looked at.

 

            Councillor Dave Mackie referred to section 1.07  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

42.

School Modernisation Update pdf icon PDF 131 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

That the Committee note the progress of the School Modernisation Programme and appreciate the work carried out.

Minutes:

In presenting the report the Senior Manager (School Planning & Provision) firstly referred to the Lixwm and Ysgol yr Esgob in Caerwys schools formally becoming federated on the 7th of June.  He referred to the Childcare Programme, the operational management of which had been moved from Social Services to the Education portfolio and outlined how the programme was funded and put out to tender to get the best value for money and grant funding from Welsh Government (WG).  

 

The Senior Manager (School Planning & Provision) reported on the new Mynydd Isa Campus confirming that planning permission had been granted in January.  A design and build contract had been selected through Welsh Education Partnership Company (WEPCO) which had been established by WG to deliver the MIM projects in Wales.  The business case would be submitted to WG by March and if it received ministerial approval then a paper would be presented to Cabinet in June for approval to enter the construction phase.  The projected completion date was scheduled for July 2024 and occupation on site in September 2024.

 

Councillor Tudor Jones thanked the Senior Manager for a thorough report.  Referring to the federation of Lixwm and Ysgol yr Esgob Schools he felt the benefits for the pupils and staff were tremendous.  The two schools shared staff and workload and they felt it improved the quality of what they delivered, together with the wraparound care service, which was great for the area.  He congratulated everyone who had supported this.  Referring to the investment into Welsh language schools, Councillor Jones said this proved that the council was taking steps to deliver both languages across the county.  He applauded the Senior Manager, and everyone involved.

 

Councillor Ian Smith referred to the excellent 21st Century Schools projects which had benefited the whole of Flintshire.   He asked if this was similar to the PFI scheme and were the costs known for MIM compared to borrowing for over 25 years in the normal way.  In response the Senior Manager (School Planning & Provision) explained that there were costs involved when the business case was submitted, and that this had been included in the Council’s financial planning and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). 

 

            Councillor Sean Bibby welcomed the investment at Ysgol Croes Atti, Glannau Dyfrdwy saying that 10 pupils were able to attend Ysgol Maes Garmon in September.  The paid tribute to the Head, Teachers, Governors, and pupils for this fantastic achievement having a Welsh medium school in the heart of Deeside.  He asked if there were any proposals for this in the Buckley and Mynydd Isa areas to hopefully emulate the success of Shotton in that part of the County also.  The Leader hoped that a Welsh medium school in the Buckley and Mynydd Isa area could be established where there was demand. 

 

            The Senior Manager (School Planning & Provision) referred to the federation comments made by Councillor Tudor Jones and said that this was open to any governing body to promote and would be supported by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

43.

Council Plan 2022/23 pdf icon PDF 114 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

That the Committee support the content of the themes for the Council Plan 2022-23 as presented within the report and appendix.

Minutes:

In presenting the draft Council Plan for 2022/23 the Strategic Performance Advisor confirmed the Plan continued to include the themed areas as the Council recovered from the pandemic.  He highlighted the changes at 1.02 and the six themes and priorities which remained the same at 1.03 of the report.  He confirmed that he would be collating the comments which would be shared with Members prior to being presented to Cabinet and Council in July 2022. 

 

            The Chief Officer (Education & Youth) referred to the new sub-priority on Well-Being which had been included in the Council Plan following discussions at Recovery Committee.  She referred Members to page 119 which outlined how this was being supported and the WG National Framework for schools to embed a whole school approach to Emotional Health and Well-being, which was being led regional by a Flintshire officer, Laura England.  This would ensure schools were well equipped, trained and supported to review everything they did through the lens of emotional health and well-being.  The Chief Officer also reported on the collaborated working with the Youth Services in Flintshire and Wrexham to support young people who attempt suicide and were admitted to hospital.  The work carried out by the Inclusion and Youth Justices Services to gain an understanding of the trauma experienced by young people through a variety of reasons was also outlined.  The aim was to encourage them back into education and the world around them.  

 

The Chair referred to page 113 which was the new element of Climate Change adaption and was pleased that the issue of adverse weather events such as flooding, high winds and long hot summers was being addressed.  He said that Flintshire was named as one of the authorities not having a Climate Change Plan which was erroneous and maybe could be rectified in the Council Plan. 

 

The Chief Officer (Education & Youth) confirmed that the Council had a Climate Change Strategy, and a Programme Manager was leading a cross portfolio group where all portfolios had representation and had contributed to a very detailed Climate Change Strategy.  Referring to the Council Plan she confirmed the different colours in sections identified other portfolios who were able to contribute to those themes.  She provided information on the themes for the Education portfolio especially through healthy schools, eco schools and COT26 which included representations from Flintshire’s young people.  She then provided information on the measures taken in school buildings and that the Mynydd Isa school would be the first carbon neutral project. 

 

Councillor Sean Bibby confirmed that a very detailed Climate Change Strategy was being presented to the Environment & Economy Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet.

 

The Leader of the Council confirmed that children had been very interested and concerned about climate change and the environment prior to it being highlighted as the biggest issue of our generation.  Referring to the charging points he explained these would need to be installed in all schools, buildings, leisure centres, community centres and council car parks.  The demand for the authority,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

44.

Mid-year Performance Indicators for Recovery, Portfolio and Public Accountability Measures pdf icon PDF 110 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

That the report be noted.

Minutes:

The Chief Officer (Education & Youth) introduced the report which provided an overview of the levels of progress in the achievement of activities, performance levels and current risk levels as identified in the Council Plan.

 

            In response to a question from Councillor Dave Mackie on the free food initiative, the Chief Officer (Education & Youth) confirmed that this was an anomaly in the report and that the two items were separate.  She explained that the free primary school breakfast was targeted at pupils who were eligible for free school meals, and it was hoped that 100% of schools would be delivering that offer.  Due to the pandemic and arrangements for the delivery of meals during Covid, it had been challenging with secure measures in place and dining rooms not operating in the same way.  Regarding the free fruit, this was provided by NEWydd through the Poverty Strategy to schools and it was agreed to reword the text for that objective.

 

The recommendation, as outlined within the report, was moved by Councillor Paul Cunningham, and seconded by Councillor Joe Johnson. 

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the report be noted.

45.

MEMBERS OF THE PRESS IN ATTENDANCE

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There were no members of the press in attendance.

 

(The meeting started at 2.00 pm and ended at 4.30 pm)

 

 

 

…………………………

Chairman