Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence was received from Councillor D.M. Jenkins, Executive Board Member for Resources.

The following declarations of personal interest were made:-

There were no declarations of party whips.

The Chair advised that no public questions had been received.

[NOTE: 

(1) Cllr B. Thomas had earlier declared an interest in this item;

(2) Cllr. D. Price, Chair, having earlier declared a prejudicial and personal interest in this item, left the meeting prior to the consideration and determination thereof.]

The Committee considered a report providing an update on progress in implementing the Carmarthenshire Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP) 2017-21.  The report also appraised the Committee of anticipated developments in Welsh Government policy.

The current WESP has been extended by one year and will conclude no later than September 2022. The next WESP is to be a 10-year plan to 2031. WG have shared the planning template and criteria with LAs. This and proposed ancillary developments indicate that there will be some noteworthy changes which have certain implications for decision making in Carmarthenshire. 

The following questions/observations were raised on the report:-

·         Reference was made about the sabbatical and in-house training and a breakdown was requested on how many staff are taking the training and at what level.   The Head of Curriculum & Wellbeing advised that a Welsh Language Audit was recently carried out for all staff. Some 758 responses have been received (at 8.3.21) to request enrolment for linguistic courses across all ability levels determining at what levels they are.   The Welsh Language Development Manager advised that there is a need to understand the pedagogy within the Foundation Phase.  There is a holistic resource which looks at not only language learning but also teaching and learning within the Foundation Phase as well as working with parents.  This will be offered to the schools who wish to work with us in moving along the continuum.  Proficiency levels are very important within the teaching staff.  Also staff learning alongside very young pupils can also be a powerful vehicle in language learning.

·         Officers were asked how much of the £30m will be available for training – the Director advised that we are eligible to apply for the £30m capital grant but understands that its only for building; not training but are in conversation with WG with regards to revenue.

·         The Welsh Language Development Manager advised that the Welsh audit gives 1 overview on the Welsh language and is a good starting point for strategic planning

·         Clarification on what courses have been undertaken and completed by teachers during lockdown and what level are they at. The Executive Board member for Education & Children advised that feedback from courses has been very positive and the Welsh Language Development Manager are in consultation with the schools.

·         Concern was expressed on the need to be clearer on language used and the aim of the national consultation on categories.  The Head of Curriculum & Wellbeing  advised that the new system envisages three main categories (1, 2 and 3) with two transitional categories (T2 and T3) to facilitate a developmental journey from one category to the next (see diagram):

·         Reference was made as to why the need for change in Curriculum at this time?  The Head of Curriculum  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

The Committee considered a report detailing a proposal to relocate Ysgol Heol Goffa to a new site and increase its capacity from 75 to 120 (Stage 3) from September, 2023.  In accordance with Executive Board’s instructions on the 18^th November, a formal consultation exercise was undertaken from 21 September 2020 to 1 November 2020.  The results of the consultation exercise were contained in a Consultation Report  and were presented to the Scrutiny Committee and then to the Executive Board for consideration and determination as to whether or not to publish a Statutory Notice.

On the 21^st December 2020 approval was granted by the Executive Board for the publication of the Statutory Notice which provided objectors with 28 days in which to forward their objections in writing to the Council at the end of which no objections were received.

Should the County Council agree to implement the proposal, the capacity of Ysgol Heol Goffa will increase from 75 to 120 once the school re-locates to its new school site from September 2023.

The following observation was received on the report:-

·         An observation was made stating that although this is a separate special school that they should have the full experiences as mainstream children.  The Director advised that there is an inclusive policy in place which is supported at our mainstream schools as well as Special Units and that its fortunate that this new school location will be close to Penrhos School and will work on relationships between these schools and possibly other secondary schools in Llanelli.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED

(1)  that the report be received;

(2)  to recommend to the Executive Board that the proposal to relocate Ysgol Heol Goffa to a new site and increase its capacity from 75 to 120 from September, 2023, as laid out in the Statutory Notice, be implemented.

The Committee received an explanation for the non-submission of the following scrutiny reports:-

• Department Self Evaluation and 10 Year Strategy
• ALN Transformation Action Plan
• Departmental Business Plans

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the information be noted. 

The Committee considered a list of items to be considered at the next meeting to be held on 21^st April, 2021. The Committee was also given the opportunity to provide suggested items for discussion for the FWP for the 8 month period May-December, 2021.  Suggested items collated for discussions today included:-

·         Self Evaluation – look at this for next 6 months.

·         NEET – potential impact of loss of European funding

·         Departmental Structure

·         WESP – being involved in the corporate process with respect to the new plan

·         Wellbeing and Mental Health / COVID - keep an eye on it as schools are going back full-time.  WG accept that more resources into Mental Health in general needs to be looked at and as a Committee improve our situation to move forward – up-to-date data may be required.

·         MEP – how we are funding it?

·         Consultation with School Changes – look at how the Council shares the message / consultation around the strategic objectives with schools across the county re closure of school, change of language of learning etc.

The Chair and Vice-Chair will meet with the Director to scope out some of the ideas suggested before presenting back to the Committee for final adoption.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the information be noted.

It was pointed out that on pg.38 (Agenda Item 4) re. pay rise it should read “the full cost of this would have to be met the Local Authority”.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 28^th January, 2021 be signed as a correct record.