Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence received from Councillor Howard Barrett and Kaitlin Sutton (Youth Forum Representative).

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 made.

To consider the attached report

The Chair welcomed Andrew Williams and Emma Willmott from the Central South Consortium to the meeting.

Sue Walker referred to the Key Stage 4 Performance Report and gave an update to members on the significant changes made to the KS4 performance between reports in 2018 and 2019.   She advised that new performance measures have been introduced that use average points scores for interim performance measures of Literacy, Numeracy, Science, Capped 9 Points Score and Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.  

Sue Walker, Andrew Williams and Emma Willmott provided background information in relation to the following questions:

·         How does the Authority’s current performance relate to the period of time when we were in special measures?   If inspected now, is there a risk that we would go back into special measures?

·         Clarification if this score is representative of all schools. 

·         Should we be considering going to other Authorities to look at best practice?

·         Are under-performing Schools having additional support?

·         Clarification on the improvement packages of support in place, and are there any improvements on progress?

·         In relation to the average literacy and numeracy points score, should we be doing more work with the Headteachers of both Primary and Secondary Schools, and what strategies need to be put in place to move this forward?

·         What is in place to have effective transition arrangements within Primary Schools and should Secondary Headteachers be part of the process?

·         Are the right procedures and individuals in place to implement these changes?

Members then received an update on categorisation from Andrew Williams and Emma Willmott from the Central South Consortium.

RESOLVED that:

The contents of the report be noted by members.

To consider the attached report

The Chair advised that members of the Committee feel that, at the present time, the Raising Aspirations, Raising Standards Strategy update will be treated as an information report, and that members will discuss this in detail when the final report is presented. 

Sue Walker advised that she would welcome comments and would be happy to meet with members outside on this Committee.    It was agreed that a meeting be arranged with Sue Walker and members of the Committee in order to discuss this report.

To consider the attached report

Sue Walker updated members on the Review of the Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) Provision and advised of the impact of the recent changes to provision for EOTAS and attainment for this group of young people.  

Sue Walker provided background information in relation to the following questions:

·         Clarification on the transition arrangements from the PRU to mainstream education in relation to Key Stage 2, 3, 4 pupils.   

·         Clarification on the Special Tuition arrangement?

·         Are tutors with Equity Solutions qualified teachers?  

RESOLVED that:

Members note the contents of the report.

Sue Walker to confirm whether tutors with Equity Solutions are qualified teachers.

To consider the attached report

The Committee considered and agreed the Work Programme.

To receive an update from the Chair

The Chair advised that there was no update on this matter.

To receive an update from the Chair

The Chair and the Members reflected in detail on the items discussed in the meeting. 

The Chair advised that there was no business deemed urgent.