Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Committee acknowledge the effective work of the Education Portfolio, in conjunction with the regional school improvement service (GwE), in ensuring Flintshire learners continued to receive effective educational provision through the Covid-19 pandemic; and

(b)       That the Committee note the positive progress made against each of the five Estyn recommendations in the national thematic review by the Education Portfolio and schools.

            The Senior Manager (School Improvement) presented the report which provided details of the five key recommendation for the Welsh Government (WG) and Councils to address following the thematic review of the work undertaken by the education departments of each Council in Wales to support their learning communities in schools and pupil referral units (PRU’s) during the period from March to October 2020.

            Flintshire’s first review letter, received in January 2021, had been very positive.  During the summer term of 2021, Estyn conducted follow up reviews with all Councils in Wales to consider the progress being made against their initial recommendations in the national thematic review.  The review culminated in a second letter to the Chief Executive which provided a high degree of assurance that the Portfolio had continued to work effectively through its own resources and through its support for schools in partnership with GwE.  A copy of the letter, which contained feedback on the Council’s response to the five recommendations was attached at Appendix 1 of the report.

            The Senior Manager concluded that the thematic review had captured the positive changes around digital and blended learning and the progress made towards the new curriculum.

            The Chief Executive welcomed the letter which he said had provided a level of assurance.  The Chair echoed the comments made and said that schools should be commended for the work undertaken.    

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

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Committee acknowledge the effective work of the Education Portfolio, in conjunction with the regional school improvement service (GwE), in ensuring Flintshire learners continued to receive effective educational provision through the Covid-19 pandemic; and

(b)       That the Committee note the positive progress made against each of the five Estyn recommendations in the national thematic review by the Education Portfolio and schools.