Agenda item

[NOTE:  Councillors L. Bowen, B.W. Jones, D. Jones, G. Jones and E. Schiavone and Mrs V. Kenny had earlier declared an interest in this item.]

The Director of Education and Children gave an overview of the report and in particular drew member’s attention to the following items –

• The number of Support Staff in Schools (non-teaching – school based) was at a higher rate than previously with 1800 support staff to 1700 teaching staff
• The priorities for the department for 2019-2023

The following questions/observations were raised on the report –

• The School Holiday Enrichment Programme was originally a two year pilot scheme which was grant funded. Going forward, the Authority will fund the project, however £0.4m is being made available across Wales to fund this type of work.
• Under learning Transformation Service in the Divisional Summary Action Plan it was noted that the department would ‘work with partners in the Regional Skills and Learning Partnership to develop greater opportunities for learning and progression routes including FE /HE and employment.’ The Head of Curriculum and Wellbeing advised members that good working relationships have been developed with the Economic Regeneration Department and progress was being made. The financing of the project was still under consideration.
• Members highlighted the importance of the Music Service and commented that it is listed as a major strength within the report, however, it is also listed as a key area for improvement. Reassurance was sought that the Music Service would continue and funding will be found to ensure this. The Head of Curriculum and Wellbeing advised the Committee that a report “A Sustainable and Successful Future for the Music Service” is being prepared which outlines various options to safeguard the future of the service. Carmarthenshire is expecting further funding from the Welsh Government in 2019.
• The report referenced the statutory procedures associated with federation with specific reference to rationalisation and members asked whether there was a drive to federate schools. The Modernisation Services Manager explained that the term “rationalisation” refers to the presumption against schools closures and the drive towards federation.  He added that there is a statutory process involved in closing a school which each Authority must follow. There are identified schools but the closure of any school is an emotive issue and not undertaken without considerable consultation.
• Measure 11 on the report set out the ‘average length of time in days it has taken all children placed for adoption (in quarter (Q4) to progress from date of should be placed for adoption decision, to date of placement for adoption.’ Members noted a significant increase from 625 days in 2016/17 to 2388 days in 2017/18. The Performance and Information Manager advised that this was probably due to a complex case, and added that she would ask the Head of Children Services to provide members with a more detailed response.
• Reference was made to the Mutual Investment Model and in view of the continuing reservations expressed by members, officers were asked if it would be possible to have a presentation on this issue at a future meeting.  The Head of Access to Education advised that he would circulate a link to the relevant page of the Welsh Government website which included an update on MIM.  The Committee was reminded that there would be further debate on this issue at future meetings when considering reports on the MEP.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Education and Children Departmental Business Plan 2019/20 – 2022 be received.