Issue - meetings

That the processes in relation to the Estyn monitoring visit of 4-8 February 2013 be noted.

The Democracy & Governance Manager introduced a report on the processes in place in relation to the Estyn monitoring visit of 4-8 February 2013 and explained that this reflected discussion on the previous item about a topic which had been brought to the Committee after consideration by Overview & Scrutiny.  The process meant that Overview & Scrutiny were responsible for ensuring that the action plan dealt with the recommendations made by Estyn and it was reported that the Lifelong Learning Overview & Scrutiny had been satisfied with the position at its meeting on 6 June 2013.  Consideration of the report at Audit Committee would provide extra reassurance of the action plan that was in place.

As Chairman of the Lifelong Learning Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Councillor I.B. Roberts was disappointed that local news coverage had focussed on Councils which had been placed into monitoring by Estyn, rather than those such as Flintshire which had been removed.  He went on to express his gratitude to officers who had helped to contribute to the good quality of outcomes.

The Chief Executive assured the Committee that key changes were being tracked through regular reports to Cabinet and Overview & Scrutiny.

Mr. J. Herniman of Wales Audit Office (WAO) commented on the role of the Audit Committee in ensuring that recommendations were tracked and the link with Overview & Scrutiny.

Councillor J.B. Attridge referred to paragraph 3.01 of the report and noted that the difficult decisions and positive actions taken by the current administration had been recognised in the letter from Estyn.  These comments were endorsed by Councillor Heesom.

RESOLVED:

That the processes in relation to the Estyn monitoring visit of 4-8 February 2013 be noted.