Agenda and minutes

No apologies for absence were received.

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.

Have we got the right issues in the right way at the right time and place?

The report was presented by Cllr Michelle Jones

The following questions were raised;

Is the education budget ring fenced?

How will the education budget have positive impact on students?

What evidence is there to support the theory that an increase in budget increases performance?

How will twin approaches affect the lives of students and education professionals and are the establishments in Merthyr ready for the changes?

What quality control do we have in place for good practice amongst teams?

Any clarity surrounding the 4 week reduced timetable?

Is the increase in early hub referrals covid related?

What support has been given regarding the RARS strategy?

What work has taken place to inform Central South Consortium leads on poverty and disadvantage strategies?

There were no referrals

To consider the attached report

The following questions were raised;

How does the reduced timetable increase compare to other authorities?

What are the current levels of attendance compares pre-pandemic?

Is there a difference between primary and secondary attendance?

What is the current notice period for SLA?

Are parents and young people involved in the development of attendance strategies?

Is there a link between wellbeing and attendance?

Do we have a support directory for young people?

Has the impact of the cost of living crisis on attendance been considered?

Are children engaging, are their voices heard?

What progress has been made on acquiring additional capacity at Rhydywaun?

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

The Committee discussed the recommendations in the report and agreed that value had been added.

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

Positive feedback was received.

No other business was deemed urgent by the Chair.