Decision details

The Director, Education and Inclusion Services presented the report to Cabinet, which sought consideration for the funding and consequent employment of Family Engagement Officers in six secondary/through schools to help tackle school attendance.

The Director informed Members that there had been a decline in secondary school attendance within RCT in the academic year 2018/19, which placed RCT 22^nd in the All Wales attendance table.  As such, in order to ensure that the most vulnerable pupils are supported, a model of best practice within the Primary Schools had been identified, that was believe to be beneficial to supporting attendance as well as forming and enhancing relationships with parents in the lowest performing settings.

The Director drew Members’ attention to Section 5 of the report, where the Family Engagement Officer proposal was outlined. Members were asked to consider piloting the placement of a Family Engagement Officer in each of the following lowest performing schools:

·         Porth Community School (Red)

·         Aberdare Community School (Red)

·         Mountain Ash Comprehensive School (Amber)

·         Ferndale Community School (Amber)

·         Tonyrefail Community School (Yellow)

·         Ysgol Nantgwyn (Yellow)

The Cabinet Member for Education and Inclusion Services voiced her support for the proposal and spoke of Glenboi Primary School, where the role of the Family Engagement Officer had worked extremely well in engaging families and improving attendance.

The Leader and Deputy Leader spoke positive of the proposal and agreed that the good practice needs to be shared as supporting families is essential.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To note the information contained in the report; and

2.    To the funding and consequent employment of Family Engagement Officers in six secondary/through schools to help improve attendance.