Agenda and minutes

Apologies received from Cllr G Lewis

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 asked by members and answered by relevant officers S Walker, G Metheringham, A Pugh & J Watkins;

To what extent do parents the link between good attendance and learning? And how is this message being communicated?  

Is there a role for the adult learning department to supplement engagement? 

Our progress is slow compared to other authorities despite our hard work, why is this? 

How many schools have an SLA with EWS and what is the difference in attendance for those with an SLA and without? 

Is there any amount of finance that could address this issue? 

Can we promote wellbeing within attendance? 

Regarding 4.1, what are the main driving factors behind deteriorating figures?

Is mental health a contributing factor? 

With increased NHs demand for counselling some schools are offering their own counselling services, how successful have these been? 

With regards to penalty notices is there any evidence of improved attendance as a result? 

How are you tackling absenteeism with CLA children? 

How flexible are reduced timetables? 

Is there an update on the attendance project in AfonTaf highschool? 

The following Comments were made;

Cllr C Jones: I am concerned that there are neglected children with poor attendancethat deserve the support of grants and funding 

To consider the attached report

Presented by Cllr M Jones.

The following questions were asked by members and answered by relevant officers S Walker, G Metheringham, A Pugh & J Watkins;

There are potentially children that would have qualified for intervention and no longer qualify  under ALN. Has a trend been established for Merthyr Tydfil? And are we tracking the number of students who no longer qualify? 

Are we utilising the childrens rights ALN framework? 

When will work be completed and published? 

Are we continuing with the pilot class? 

Do you agree that there isn’t an understanding of universal provision? 

Will the difference in provisions across the county cause difficulties amongst parents? 

Can we ensure equitable provisions? 

How is the changeover and increased demand affecting staff?  

Transition from primary to comprehensive can be a struggle for Welsh speaking ALN students. Is there a progress update regarding Welsh language provision within ALN?I.e Rhyd y grug 

To consider the attached report

No questions were raised.

The following comments were made;

J Beard: Staff should be commended for all their hard work.

Cllr L Mytton: Raises concern regarding sufficient support and information.

To consider the attached report

Discussion regarding receiving the report on high achieving children.

Discussion regarding teachers workload and expectations as well as the role of governing bodies in relation to workload and expectations.

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

The Chair thanks members for their scrutiny work.

No referrals were received.

No other business was deemed urgent by the Chair