Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors G. Jones and E. Thomas.

There were no declarations of personal interest including any party whips.

The Chair advised that no public questions had been received.

The Committee considered a report providing an overview of the extensive ways in which the Education and Children’s Services Department is supporting our schools, pupil referral units and specialist settings with regard to the wellbeing of learners and staff.

The department is continuing to work alongside schools responding to the changing needs of learners, families and staff, as it continues to address the COVID pandemic.  The wellbeing challenges faces by schools are increasingly pronounced and complex, adding additional pressures on staffing.

The report detailed:-

-       what is known about current staff and pupil wellbeing;

-       how the School Improvement Team supports the wellbeing of its staff and learners;

-       further support initiatives;

-       education and Child Psychology Service and Emotional Health Team;

-       corporate and other support available.

The report also included an update on CO₂ monitoring and ventilation in schools and what measures are being undertaken to ensure good ventilation to aid in the prevention of the spread of Covid.

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

• In response to a question as to whether there was any identifiable pattern in the data collected, the Committee was informed that there was no pattern as such, however, families from more disadvantaged backgrounds are perhaps facing more challenges.  It was important to note that different challenges are arising in different areas as the challenges are changing over time;
• Asked how Peer to Peer Networks work, the Committee was informed that this is a group forum where headteachers come together to share concerns and experiences.  Additionally, if any headteacher requires further assistance then that is arranged and there is also signposting to support available from external organisations;
• Concern was expressed at the increase in suicide ideation and attempts and the fact that due to waiting lists it can take up to 3 weeks before a counsellor can be seen and officers were asked if extra safeguards are put in place if the risk is high.  Members were reassured that if a significant need is identified at the beginning of counselling then those children are fast-tracked.  When any pupil displays concerns, schools are robustly supported immediately by both the education psychologists and safeguarding teams.  Direct support is provided both for the young person and their family;
• Officers were asked about the level of increase.  The Committee was informed that 58 cases of suicide or suicide ideation were referred for counselling in 2020/21 which was an increase from 38 in the previous year. This was quite a considerable increase but it was also the national picture;
• Reference was made to the significant unprecedented pressure placed upon parents during the pandemic with regard to home schooling and other associated issues and reference was made to the fact that the report did not refer to parental engagement i.e. helping parents to help their children.  The Committee was informed that many schools engaged in the Health & Happiness Programme at the beginning of the pandemic which addressed some issues involved such as routines etc. Also, a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

The Committee considered the Education & Children’s Services Department’s 10 Year Strategy which brought together the department’s strategic thinking, collective vision, mission statements and priorities over the next 10 years.  The department’s new proposed vision was “Making sure every child and young person is valued and valued equally”.

The strategy builds on the improving practice which was already evident within the education service, in order to deliver the same opportunity for all learners with consistently excellent outcomes. It sets out a clear, shared vision for the role that education services plays in the future development of vibrant communities and a prosperous economy in Carmarthenshire. This high-level strategy will be operationalised through departmental and divisional plans and will also be evident in School Development Plans.

The Committee was asked to consider and comment upon the following issues and to formulate views thereon for submission to the Cabinet for consideration:-

1. Does the Strategy meet the aims as noted in the report?

2. Are the 20 Purpose Pieces relevant and do they reflect the County Council’s

    aspirations?

3. Can the Strategy be improved in any way?

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

·         Asked how officers consulted with schools on the strategy, the Committee was informed that consultation was undertaken on two levels – three workshops were held with headteachers and consultation was also undertaken with secondary school councils;

·         Reference was made to the fact that over the next 10 years a significant cohort of children who have been affected by the pandemic will pass through the school system and the need to ensure that no children slip through the system was stressed.  The Director explained that Aspirations 2,4 and 5 within the strategy have been specifically written with that in mind.  Many of these high level aspirations have been written bearing in mind that we will be dealing with the repercussions of the pandemic for a long time;

·         Reference was made to the fact that the availability of staff with relevant experience and bilingual skills continues to be a challenge for the Authority.  With regard to the 10 Year Strategy and the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan, officers were asked how the Authority is going to address these issues i.e. how will we recruit all the staff with necessary language skills and how will we retain those staff.  The Director explained that beneath these strategies sit the departmental business plans which contain the details in relation to how we support the strategies.  Lots of staff have engaged in online learning during the pandemic and teaching still remains an attractive occupation with a high number currently undertaking teacher training;

·         Asked how the strategy will be linked to measurements which can be monitored such as KPIs and timescales, the Director explained that officers are currently in discussion regarding the best way to measure progress on the 20 high level aspirations;

·         With regard to aspiration 3, reference was made to the fact that we need to ensure that children have the right skills  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED

6.1       that the report be noted;

6.2       that school engagement sessions be arranged as detailed in the          report.           

The Committee considered a list of items to be considered at the next scheduled meeting of the Committee to be held on 23^rd December, 2021.

As the budget consultation report has been moved to the January meeting, leaving only one report for consideration at the next meeting, it was requested that the “Teams Around The Family” report scheduled to be submitted to the January meeting be brought forward to the December meeting.  The Director suggested that the report be titled  “Support for Families” which would allow for a far wider scope.

RESOLVED that the list of forthcoming items to be considered at the next meeting, with the inclusion of the above-mentioned amendment, be noted.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 8^th July, 2021 be signed as a correct record.