Agenda item

That the reports be noted.

The Director introduced a report to request that the Committee consider the 2012/13 Quarter 4/Year end service reports for the period January-March 2013.

Schools’ Services

The Director of Lifelong Learning referred to the key considerations and performance across all work streams and invited Members to submit questions.

During discussion the Director provided an update to Councillor N.M. Matthews on the raising of standards by transforming teaching and learning through effective use of technologies.

Councillor D.I. Mackie sought further clarification on the information and data provided in the report.  The Director acknowledged the point made and explained that the Improvement Plan for 2013/14 should be simpler and the priorities more easily identifiable.

            Mr. D. Hytch referred to the Regional School Improvement Service (GwE) and the appointment of System Leaders to replace primary phase Link Officers.  He asked what Officer assistance could be provided to support school Governing Bodies in the future.  In his response the Director advised that there was no shortage of professional advice to support interventions in individual schools that were causing concern, however, it was not the role of the Authority to create dependence and it was impracticable to provide Officer attendance at all governing body meetings.

Councillor R.C. Bithell commented on the support and guidance provided to school governors through the School Governors Development and Training Programme and suggested that it may be helpful if all Members attended some of the training sessions delivered.

Councillor P.G. Heesom emphasised the need to broaden the training provided and suggested that it would be helpful if DVDs, or similar media could be produced so that it could be revisited and shared with those school governors and school staff who had been unable to participate.    

In response to a query from Councillor M.J. Peers regarding the recent Estyn inspection of six primary schools the Director advised that Inspection Reports had been published in respect of three schools so far and Members would be notified of the outstanding Reports as soon as they were published.

Development and Resources

Responding to a comment made by Councillor M. Bateman concerning the closure of an all weather pitch at a local school and the condition, suitability and sufficiency of education assets, the Head of Culture and Leisure advised that a pilot project had been set up within the Asset board to review the Authority’s entire Leisure property portfolio.

The Chairman referred to the closure of the Nat West branch in Flint and the implications for school banking procedures in the area.  He commented on the agreement between the Authority and the Nat West Bank to provide banking services to schools and asked what alternative provision was being made to enable schools to access banking facilities within their local community.   The Head of Development and Resources acknowledged the issue raised and said he would pursue the matter with the Bank on behalf of the Authority.    

Councillor A.I. Dunbar referred to the Facilities Review and the proposal to develop an on-line payment system for school meals.  He expressed concerns on behalf of families who did not have access to a computer.   The Head of Development and Resources advised that there were a number of locations within the County where individuals could gain access to a computer and said that the initiative was being progressed to ensure access was available to all.          

Mr. D. Hytch made reference to the specification and design of new schools and asked what arrangements were in place to ensure headteachers and governing bodies were involved in the process.   The Head of Development and Resources explained that headteachers, staff, and Chairs of Governors were always consulted in the initial stages of the design and scoping of a new school. 

            Discussion took place on school modernisation and the areas schools review, development of the proposed new schools at Holywell and Queensferry, the post-16 ‘Hub’ at Connah’s Quay being developed in partnership with Deeside College, and the implications for both Saltney and Flint.   Councillor N.M. Matthews asked what the projected numbers were for the ‘Hub’ at Connah’s Quay. 

The Director, Cabinet Member for Education and Head of Development and Resources responded to the questions and concerns raised around, the ‘Hub’, provision for faith based education, terms and conditions of service for teaching staff, and funding.    

Culture and Leisure

The Head of Culture and Leisure gave an overview of the key messages across work streams in Culture and Leisure and highlighted performance in service areas.

Councillor A.I. Dunbar expressed his thanks to the Head of Culture and Leisure for his commitment and attendance at a recent meeting of Connah’s Quay Town Council.  

RESOLVED:

That the reports be noted.