Agenda item

That members consider the 2012/13 Quarter 1 performance reports produced by the Heads of Service.

The Director introduced a report to request that the Committee consider the 2012/13 Quarter 1 service reports for the period April-June 2012.

Development and Resources

            The Head of Development and Resources gave an overview of key messages across work streams in Development and Resources.  He reported that the Schools Modernisation Programme was moving to its second consultation for Holywell, Connah’s Quay and Queensferry areas.  The options formulated last year were:

• A 3-16 facility at Queensferry
• Connah’s Quay post 16 hub in conjunction with Deeside College.
• Amalgamation of Holywell infant and junior school into a through primary school
• A new and smaller secondary school at Holywell.

The Head of Development and Resources reported the following developments:

• The new school at Connah’s Quay had opened
• Designs had been signed off for a new school at Shotton. 
• There was to be an amalgamation of a controlled primary and Church aided school to form a new aided school.
• The publication of statutory proposals for the closure of Rhes y Cae school.  There was one month to receive objections.  If objections were received, they would be referred to Welsh Ministers.
• The Council was still in discussion with Welsh Government regarding the Schools Programme Grant
• A £32 million pound grant had been approved for Holywell and Connah’s Quay and the Council need a commitment to fund the other 32 million.

Councillor C.A. Thomas asked if the modernisation project would use up the Capital Programme funding.  The Head of Development and Resources said that the formula for capital funding will be the same and smaller investments will be unaffected.  Councillor Thomas asked about section 106 funding.  The Head of Development and Resources said that, 106 monies could not increase the budget of over populated schools as the 106 money has got to go to the same area as the development. Councillor Thomas asked about the Youth Strategy and Staffing/Premises issues. The Head of Development and Resources replied that the council was reducing the numbers of underused premises and were transferring some to community management arrangements and leases where it was considered sustainable.  He reported that the Youth Service would be looking at reducing layers of management and increasing numbers of youth workers.

Councillor D.I. Mackie asked how much the council would borrow for schools modernisation.  The Director for Lifelong Learning replied that prudential borrowing of £29 million would be undertaken over a 40 year period. The repayments would come from corporate budget.  The Head of Resources and Development said that the council was expected to supply 50% of the cost of 21^st century schools.  He added that the prudential borrowing route would spread the cost like a mortgage. 

Schools Services

            The Head of the Inclusion Service gave an overview of key messages across work streams in school services as follows:

• Five key priority areas – literacy, numeracy, impact of poverty, collaborative working and use of technology.
• National expectations of pupil achievement each year, pupils performance monitored by teachers
• Welsh Assembly Government had asked for outstanding literacy and numeracy teachers to help improve practice, and that volunteers would be required
• Use of Pupil Attitude of Self and School to be used to bring change in schools
• The Welsh Assembly Government Initiative to see progress with the identification of vulnerable learners
• Schools to work more in consortiums
• Examination of how the model for Foundation stage can be adapted for other stages.
• Use of IT.

Mrs R. Stark commended the Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning Project (SEALS). The Head of Inclusion Service said that the Literacy and Numeracy Outstanding teachers will develop Key Stage 2 skills.

Culture and Leisure

            The Head of Culture and Leisure gave an overview of key messages across work streams in Culture and Leisure as follows:

• Culture and Leisure Services had received 5 commendations in the Flintshire Excellence Awards
• Redevelopment work at Flint Pavillion was now complete
• Flintshire came 4^th in the free activities for young people rankings in February half term 2012
• Visits to leisure centres up 9.92% quarter on quarter
• Spectacular Spirit of Dragons pageant at Flint and the Flintshire Festival of Sport both celebrated the Olympics
• 50^th anniversary of the Archive Office in June 2012
• Slight dip in Dragon sport attendance over summer 2012
• Increase in combined fitness class attendance at Deeside, Flint and Buckley
• Increased match funding with town and community councils for play areas
• Fields in Trust nominations for 17 recreation grounds
• Awaiting outcome of Families First grant for summer play schemes and buddy scheme.
• Revenue funding to be discussed at future meetings of this committee.

Councillor S. Jones asked if Hope had been invited to take part in Dragon Sports.  The Head of Culture and Leisure said that attendance at Hope had previously been poor and not cost effective and that they were aware Wrexham FC were hosting a soccer camp which they did not want to impact upon.

Councillor V. Gay reported that a community group had experienced difficulties paying for a group visit at a leisure centre as their company cheque was not accepted.  The Head of Culture and Leisure agreed to look into the matter.

Councillor C. Thomas asked if the youngest participants in the Flintshire Festival of Youth could perform first in future so that they could avoid becoming tired. She went on to comment that there had been instances of planning officers agreeing play areas and then the Play Unit deciding that there were unsuitable.  She commented that planning officers have not been attending meetings to discuss the matter with the Play Unit.  The Head of Culture and Leisure agreed to arrange a meeting.  Councillor Thomas said she had received a complaint about a customer being kept on the telephone for 30 minutes whilst trying to book a leisure activity.  The Head of Culture and Leisure agreed to look into the matter.

Councillor V. Gay reported that the Scout Hut application for Saltney has been re-submitted.  Leisure services response has been positive.  There had been some objections from the public although town and community council supported the application .  The Head of Culture would investigate and to make clear to Planning that Leisure support the application.  The Cabinet Member for Education explained that the council could not exert legal control over play areas.

Mrs R. Stark expressed concern that School Buildings and Modernisation would not achieve green/amber status until 2018.  She reported that her school had problems with mould growth.  The Director of Lifelong Learning arranged to meet with her immediately after the meeting to discuss.

That members consider the 2012/13 Quarter 1 performance reports produced by the Heads of Service.