Agenda and minutes

Apologies received from Cllr J Scriven and Cllr C Jones

Members are reminded of their personal responsibility to declare any personal and prejudicial interest in respect of matters contained in this agenda in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government and Finance Act 1992 relating to Council Tax, the Local Government Act 2000, the Council’s Constitution and the Members Code of Conduct

Note:

(a)  Members are reminded that they must identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest and

(b)  Where Members withdraw from a Meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must notify the Chair when they leave

No declarations of interest were received

To consider the attached report.

Presented by Cllr M Jones

The following questions were raised and answered by relevant officers S Walker and members of Central South Consortium C Seery, H Power and K Lewis;

Why did Penydre not accept the new curriculum?

What was in the syllabus and how did it allow schools to develop their own framework?

What is the criteria to take part in BETP?

Who are the community partners?

Have opportunities been developed for parents and governors to understand changes?

What is the impact of the cost of the school day on families? i.e extra-curricular

How will you ensure pupils from lower income backgrounds can access the curriculum?

In terms of curriculum development, what specific support is being given to schools? –

How will you preserve school budgets in the next financial year?

Is there a risk of failing to deliver the new curriculum with budget constraints?

What representations have been made to Welsh government to achieve more clarity on assessments for schools?

What is Impact on teachers workload?

How can we ensure consistency in assessments?

Which schools are confident in assessment?

Who has been supporting the project in the North of the borough to ensure its success?

Which partners are we working with for curriculum changes?

Why is it necessary to create a programme to share best practice?

Is there a plan to address some of the concerns raised? i.e promoting pupil wellbeing.

How are we able to help practitioners facing barriers?

 The following comments were raised;

P Phillips expresses that Curriculum for Wales has been discussed at termly meetings and a new technology block will be completed in September.

Cllr A Williams-Price highlights positivity surrounding new curriculum with pupils at the heart of teaching and thanks CSC for their answers.

J Beard requests that detailed examples be included in future reports.

L Matuszcyk extends thanks to CSC for their enlightening report.

To consider the attached report

The Chair reminds members of a planned workshop on school inspections.

A Price raises the matter of the tertiary changes and the importance of Welsh medium education.

A request from the committee that the (England) Children’s Commissioner report be shared with members.

Did we address the recommendations in each report and how have we added value?

Any outstanding actions?  Feedback from workshops / task and finish groups / enquiry days, etc.

No other business was deemed urgent by the Chair