Issue - meetings

That the Committee confirm that it has received an appropriate level of assurance regarding the work of the Education & Youth Portfolio in supporting schools with sixth form provision to be able to meet the requirement of the new Commission for Tertiary Education and Research.

            In presenting the report the Post 16 and Adult Learning Adviser commented that there were two point she wished to highlight.  The first was that the operational date for the new Commission had changed from the 1April to the 1 August 2024.  This illustrated the unprecedented changes which were taking place within Post 16 provision which affected every sector and all providers up to higher education.   Secondly, she wished to reassure members that the Council was very involved in informing and influencing the statement of priorities in the New Commission and that she was a member of the National Adult Learning Wales Partnership which held monthly briefings with Welsh Government and Officials specifically around the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research (CTER).  The portfolio was also represented on the 14 to 19 Regional Group which met nationally specifically looking at financing for Post 16 and the changes which were being introduced under the new proposals.  This information was fed back to the six counties in the North.  Vicky Barlow,  Senior Manager for School Improvement, was a member of the Regional Skills Board where apprenticeships were discussed with CTER having a role.  With regard to schools sixth forms, it was reported that work was ongoing with GwE to enable opportunities for Head Teachers of schools with Sixth Forms to meet with the new Chief Executive of CTER to enable schools to influence the statement of priorities going forward.

            Councillor Carolyn Preece commented said this could be a massive improvement with all areas working as one.  She had looked at the membership of the Commission which include high level professional professors who would be guiding in this area.  She felt this would bring everyone together and provide a flow through the education process and felt that this was a positive move forward. She looked forward to receiving reports on this in the future.

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

RESOLVED:

That the Committee confirm that it has received an appropriate level of assurance regarding the work of the Education & Youth Portfolio in supporting schools with sixth form provision to be able to meet the requirement of the new Commission for Tertiary Education and Research.