Agenda item

(a)     That the Committee support the levels of progress and confidence in the achievement of priorities as at mid-year within the 2022/23 Council Plan;

(b)     That the Committee endorse and support overall performance against 2022/23 Council Plan performance indicators as at mid-year; and

(c)     That the Committee is assured by explanations given for those areas of underperformance.

The Chief Officer (Education & Youth) presented the monitoring report to review mid-year progress against the Council Plan priorities identified for 2022/23.  The out-turn report for the 2022/23 Council Plan showed 59% of activities were making good progress.  70% of the performance indicators had met or exceeded their targets, 9% were being closely monitored and 21% were currently not meeting target.

There was currently one activity showing a red RAG status relevant to the Committee around upskilling portfolio employees through the GwE professional learning offer and other appropriate training opportunities.  The Chief Officer provided information together with details of the circulation of a questionnaire to portfolio employees to understand what training they felt would be beneficial to them.  The questionnaires had been returned and were currently being collated to enable an action plan to address the areas of developmental need for the portfolio and this would be in place by April 2023. 

The Chair welcomed that the Council’s Plan for 2023 was constantly monitored and its progress reviewed and measured against the criteria for success of the actions within it.  She thanked the education portfolio staff for the positive education and skills report with the data highlighting the RAG ratings falling between amber, where actions were being progressed or green where actions were complete or on track.

In response to questions from Councillor Dave Mackie around digital learning and Integrated Youth Services, the Chief Officer explained that the Primary Learning Advisor had provided excellent support to schools with regular reviews undertaken of the equipment, software and hardware available to enable improvements in the digital structure.  Work was also ongoing to ensure schools were able to access the extensive funding provided by Welsh Government (WG) for this which was reported to the meetings of the Hwb Digital Board.  The Senior Manager, School Improvement Systems, outlined the work across Wales in rolling out the Hwb programme with the Primary Learning Advisor undertaking regular audits of the provision available for the 24,000 learners across all schools in Flintshire.  Discussions were also held with schools, who had that day-to-day connection with parents, to understand any change in circumstances or difficulties encountered by pupils accessing the digital infrastructure outside school.  Ongoing discussions were held with WG about moving this forward and sustaining the national investment through the Hwb Programme to improve the digital structure and deliver the new curriculum. 

            The Chief Officer referred to the delivery plan for Integrated Youth Services and explained that the targets in the Council Plan were set ahead of this reporting year and would be changed for 2023.  The new plan had been developed and a consultation had been carried out with young people with the new Senior Manager in the service revisiting the plan.  She explained that Covid was the driver for the digital offer but now that the service was returning to normality the young people had asked for it to be more face-to-face.  The target to maintain focus on increased digital engagement would not be taken forward in the new Council Plan as the circumstances and feedback from the young people had changed and the revised target would focus more on enhancements to the face-to-face offer.  

            Councillor Mackie asked for an update on the construction of the 3 to 16 Campus at Mynydd Isa and development of actions plans in relation to Emotional Health and Wellbeing.  The Chief Officer confirmed that financial close had been achieved and that contractors were on site at Mynydd Isa.  She also explained that the Emotional Health and Wellbeing action plans would be formulated in the summer terms with audits completed by the end of March when a figure could be identified.

            In response to further questions from Councillor Mackie around digital learning opportunities, alternative provision for young people and Open University targets supported by Aura, the Chief Officer said that she would check with Aura why the increasing take up of digital learning opportunities completed was currently 0% following the meeting and provide a response to the Committee.  She also suggested that an officer from Aura be present at future meetings when considering the performance monitoring reports to ensure responses to questions could be provided to the Committee.

            The Chief Officer noted comments made by Councillor Andrew Parkhurst around the comments being vague and said that she would ask Aura to provide more specific information, particularly against some of their targets.  She also agreed to look at her portfolio’s actions to improve the wording where necessary.

            In response to a question from Councillor Gladys Healey on provision of digital equipment to those families in poverty, the Chief Officer confirmed that this was taking place.  WG had provided significant funding to improve the infrastructure across Wales with schools being audited around the equipment and support provided to families.  These families were prioritised during the pandemic to ensure that they had equipment and Wi-Fi to enable pupils to continue to receive their education.  It was a priority that there was an equitable offer throughout their schools and all pupils were able to complete the online work set for them.  The Senior Manager, School Improvement, added that pupils were also able to use equipment provided at after school homework clubs in libraries with individual school providing different support for their learners and families.

            The recommendations, as outlined within the report, was moved by Councillor Mel Buckley and seconded by Councillor Gladys Healey.

RESOLVED:

(a)     That the Committee support the levels of progress and confidence in the achievement of priorities as at mid-year within the 2022/23 Council Plan;

(b)     That the Committee endorse and support overall performance against 2022/23 Council Plan performance indicators as at mid-year; and

(c)     That the Committee is assured by explanations given for those areas of underperformance.