Eitem Agenda

This Report provides the Committee with an update on the corporate performance indicators for the Education Department, together with a verbal update on the Cardiff 2020 – Aiming for Excellence plan.

(a)  Councillor Sarah Merry (Cabinet Member for Education) will be in attendance and may wish to make a statement;

(b)  Nick Batchelar (Director of Education and Lifelong learning) will present the report and be available to answer any questions Members may have;

(c)   Questions from Committee Members;

(d)  The way forward for this item will be considered at the end of the meeting.

The Chairperson welcomed Councillor Merry (Cabinet Member for Education) and Nick Batchelar (Director Education and Lifelong Learning) to the meeting.

The Chairperson invited the Cabinet Member to make a statement in which she outlined the national categorisation figures for both the primary and secondary sectors; work is proceeding as expected in relation to the new Eastern High School; and that a report in respect of Willows primary is due to be taken to Cabinet later this month. 

The Director presented the performance report, the purpose of which was to update the Committee on the corporate performance indicators for the Education Department.   

The Chairperson thanked the Director for the presentation and invited questions and comments from Members.

• Members expressed a number of concerns; firstly about the admission process, particular bearing in mind that pupils resident in the catchment area of schools are not able to attend their catchment school as school places are limited and further; that parents have indicated that they would rather home school their children that send them to a school not of their choosing and how it is intended to persuade parents that all schools are good; and also the issue of parents not confirming straight away whether or not a place is accepted. 

• Members were advised that as there is such pressure on admissions discussions are ongoing about the feasibility of a co-ordinated admissions process involving faith and local authority schools.

• Officers advised that in the latest round of admissions 100 children resident in the catchment area of the school did not get a place.

• Members were advised that in some instances there is an initial reluctance for schools to accept Looked After Children but is resolved with discussion.  There are occasions when schools have to accept a Looked After Child from another authority. 

• Members were also advised that whilst there are criteria for admissions, Looked After Children do not have to be resident in the catchment area of the school. 

• Members noted that whilst outcomes for vulnerable learners have improved they are still below the average, and what is being done to prevent them becoming NEET.  Officers advised that in following up recommendations in the Estyn report ongoing work is being done to strengthen inclusion practice and accountability and also challenge advisors are being briefed to support and challenge schools about their more vulnerable learners. 

• Members asked about the reconfiguration of the Youth Service and were advised that progress is ongoing; grants have now been issued which will enable universal provision; reconfiguration of central staffing is due to be completed shortly after Easter; and the bid for European Social Funding is progressing well, this will allow for engagement work to take place in schools to support vulnerable children. 
• Members discussed the lunchtime serving arrangements at schools.

• Members expressed concern at the level of School Governors, although noted that the position had improved.  Officers indicated that the figures do fluctuate and that there has been a good response to the initiative to raise the profile of school governance.  Members discussed the role of Governors and their work loads and were advised that consideration was being given towards a collaboration between schools. It was felt that it could strengthen school governance.  The Committee advised that they would welcome further discussion on this issue. 

The Director provided the Committee with a verbal update on the Cardiff 2020 – Aiming for Excellence Plan.  The Committee were advised that the draft plan would be available for scrutiny at the time of the June meeting.

AGREED – That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations.