Agenda item

To undertake a pre-decision scrutiny of the SOP Annual Report, which updates Members on progress against agreed School Organisation and capital investment priorities and spend; progress made and lessons learnt during the last year; reflect any potential notable changes based on opportunities/risks/issue presenting that could impact on programme in short, medium, long term; and confirm plans (including proposals and projects) for forthcoming year.

Appendix 3 and 4 are to follow

The Chair advised the Committee that the item provided Members with an update of progress in relation to school organisation planning.

The Chair welcomed Cllr Merry, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education; Melanie Godfrey, Director of Education and Lifelong Learning; Richard Portas, Programme Director for School Organisation Programmes; Michelle Duddridge-Friedl, Operational Manager, School Organisation Programme Strategy; Brett Andrewartha, Schools, Organisation Programme Planning Manager; and Jennie Hughes, Senior Achievement Leader, Inclusion.

The Chair invited Cllr Merry to make a statement, during which she gave a brief introduction to the report and invited feedback on its format.

Richard Godfrey gave a presentation, during which he gave an overview of progress in the SOP strategy, including the wider strategic context; funding streams; the Band B context; changes in the Sustainable Communities for Learning programme; Band B and LDP progress made; Band A and Band B spend 2022/23; asset renewal; planning of ALN places; independent/out of county placements; One Planet Cardiff progress; strategic planning considerations; growth in specialist placements; Sustainable Communities for Learning anticipated investment objectives; condition of assets; and next steps and engaging with stakeholders.

Members were invited to ask questions and make comments, and the discussion is summarised below:

Members sought clarification on the reasons for the work on the roof of the Court School, and officers advised that it was because it was unsafe.

Members suggested it would be useful to have more detailed information on the areas of the city where population was growing or falling. Officers advised that this was taken into account and correlated with the schools that are perceived as more popular in certain areas. New schools will have low numbers in the first instance as people go to trusted schools with established reputations. The Council looks at how many places will be needed in an area and how many children in an area are choosing local schools.

Members sought clarification on the reason for the increase in numbers of ALN children. Officers advised that it was not directly linked to population growth, but that there was a national increase in ALN populations, party due to a higher number of children with certain disabilities surviving old enough to attend school. There has also been an increase in complexity of needs and demand for specialist provisioning. The presence of the National Children’s Hospital for Wales in Cardiff attracts families of children with significant needs. In addition, there has been an increase in the number of children with mental health and emotional difficulties due to the special circumstances of recent years.

Members wished to know whether there were any predictions on how the Council would meet the clinical needs of children with ALN. Officers advised that the health board appoints a designated Educational Clinical Lead Officer. The Council is in discussion with special schools and therapy services about working collaboratively to further enhance services in schools.

RESOLVED:

That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.