Agenda and minutes

To receive disclosures of personal interest from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

Note:

1.     Members are requested to identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest; and

2.     Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must  notify the Chairman when they leave.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, the following declarations of interest were made pertaining to the following agenda items:-

·         County Borough Councillor M Webber declared the following personal interest in respect agenda item 2 - " I am on the Governing Body of Heol Y Celyn Primary School but my interest is not prejudicial because of the exemption contained within paragraph 12(2) (a)(iii) of the Members Code of Conduct.”

·         County Borough Councillor A Crimmings declared the following personal and prejudicial interest in respect of in respect agenda item 2 and left the meeting when the item was discussed and voted upon "I am emloyed by Coleg y Cymoedd"

·         County Borough Councillor S Belzak declared the following personal interest in respect of agenda item 2 - " I am on the Governing Body of YGG Pontsionnorton & Cilfynydd Primary  but my interest is not prejudicial because of the exemption contained within paragraph 12(2) (a)(iii) of the Members Code of Conduct.”

·         County Borough Councillor S Bradwick declared the following personal interest in respect of agenda item 2 - " I am on the Governing Body of Aberdare Community School but my interest is not prejudicial because of the exemption contained within paragraph 12(2) (a)(iii) of the Members Code of Conduct.”

·         County Borough Councillor R Bevan declared the following personal interest in respect of agenda  item 3- “I am on the Governing Body of Pontygwaith Primary  School but my interest is not prejudicial because of the exemption contained within paragraph 12(2) (a)(iii) of the Members Code of Conduct”

·         County Borough Councillor S Bradwick declared the following personal interest in respect of agenda item 3- “I am on the Governing Body of Caradog Primary  School but my interest is not prejudicial because of the exemption contained within paragraph 12(2) (a)(iii) of the Members Code of Conduct”

·         County Borough Councillor R Bevan referenced his dispensation in respect of agenda item 4 - “As granted by the Standards Committee on the 8th December, 2017 I have a dispensation to speak and vote on all matters relating to the Community and Children’s Services Group, save for any specific matters that directly affect my daughter, who is employed by the Council in the Community and Children’s Services Group as the Service Manager for Access and Enablement.”

To receive the report of the Chief Executive advising Members of the 21^st Century School proposals in respect of improving education provision in the Greater Pontypridd area.

The Head of 21^st Century Schools referred Members to the  report before them which looked to improve the quality of the education provision available in the Greater Pontypridd area of Rhondda Cynon Taf, by taking forward the following proposals, to which the Officer spoke through in detail:-

·         Develop post 16 centres of excellence based at Bryncelynnog Comprehensive School, Beddau and Coleg y Cymoedd, Nantgarw, investing £10m in new sixth form provision at Bryncelynnog;

·         Create two new 3-16 schools, in Pontypridd and Hawthorn, which will take a radically different approach to education in these areas, by sharing both primary and secondary sector resources, investing £16.7m in improved educational facilities;

·         Improve and increase Welsh medium primary provision by investing £10.7m in a new school to replace Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pont Sion Norton and the Welsh Medium stream of Heol Y Celyn Primary School.

Members were advised of a few typographical errors contained within the consultation document, however the officer confirmed that these had been addressed. Members were advised of the rationale for the decision and the necessary statutory consultation process that would need to be taken forward in respect of the proposals.

 The Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning commented upon the proposals and the detail contained within the report and consultation paper, adding that the Council needed to ensure that they were providing the best possible outcomes for all learners, as this is what they all deserved.  The Cabinet member commented on the drop in 6^th form numbers and the rationale for the proposals.  Reference was also made to the access for transport within the proposals.

Other Cabinet Members commented on the importance of undertaking the statutory consultation if the proposals were taken forward to ensure the opinion of those affected could be considered.

County Borough Councillors S Belzak &  L Walker also spoke on this item, to which the officers responded.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the information contained within the report.

2.     To commence consultation on the following specific proposals as outlined within the report:

a)    To close the sixth forms of Hawthorn High School, Pontypridd High School and Cardinal Newman RC Comprehensive School and transfer the post-16 provision to Bryncelynnog Comprehensive School or Coleg y Cymoedd, Nantgarw. It is proposed to invest £10m in improving the sixth form facilities at Bryncelynnog Comprehensive School. Those students who opt for a Roman Catholic education, can apply for sixth form provision at St David’s College, Cardiff, and home to school transport will be provided by the Council;

b)    To close Pontypridd High School and Cilfynydd Primary School and create a new 3-16 ‘all through’ school on the site of the current Pontypridd High School site, investing £4.7m in improved facilities;

·         Close Hawthorn High School, Hawthorn Primary School and Heol-Y-Celyn Primary School and create a new 3-16 ‘all through’ school on the site of the current Hawthorn High and Hawthorn Primary Schools, investing £12m in improved facilities. The local authority designated  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

To receive the report of the Director, Education & Inclusion, providing Members with an opportunity to consider proposals for the realignment of mainstream Learning Support Class (LSC) provision within Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT).

The Director, Education & Inclusion Services provided Members with her report which looked at an opportunity to consider proposals for the realignment of mainstream Learning Support Class (LSC) provision within Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT),  to  improve the  continuum of SEN provision that can be achieved in within the Authority. 

The Director continued by advising of the considerable benefits to be gained from the realignment of LSCs in ensuring the SEN of all children and young people are met and outcomes for pupils are improved, with the proposed realignment of LSCs ensuring that the LA has an enhanced focus on providing more effective mainstream inclusion opportunities for pupils with a wide range of SEN.

The Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning spoke positively on the proposals and commented upon the rationale for the proposals as outlined within the report and the current high rate of surplus places.  Reference was also made to the transport provision.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the information contained within this report.

2.    To the realignment of Special Educational Needs (SEN)   mainstream LSC provision within the context of the School Organisation Code (2013) and the 21^st Century School Modernisation Programme.

3.     To commence consultation on the following proposals, as contained within the report:

a)    To close the Foundation Phase Learning Support Class (“LSC”) for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties in Heol y Celyn Primary School – no pupils in 2019;

b)    To close the Foundation Phase LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties in Penrhys Primary School – no pupils in 2019;

c)    To close the Key Stage 2 LSC for pupils with Social, Emotional, Behavioural Difficulties in Penywaun Primary School – no pupils in 2019;

d)    To close the Foundation Phase LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties in Pontygwaith Primary School – no pupils in 2019;

e)    To close the Key Stage 2 LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties in Heol y Celyn Primary School – 2 pupils in 2019;

f)     To close the Key Stage 2 LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties in Caradog Primary School – 8 pupils transferring to Cwmbach Primary School;

g)    To transfer the Foundation Phase LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties from Caradog Primary School to Cwmbach Primary School, creating a cross phase provision from Foundation Phase to Key Stage 2.

h)   To transfer the Foundation Phase LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties from Penrhys Primary School to Maerdy Primary School, creating a cross phase provision from Foundation Phase to Key Stage 2;

i)     To transfer the Key Stage 2 LSC for pupils with Communication Disorders based at Hafod Primary School to Porth Community School (3-16 provision) creating a cross phase provision from Foundation Phase to Key Stage 4

j)      To re-designate the Foundation Phase LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties at Darran Park Primary and Foundation Phase Observation and Assessment Class at Llantrisant Primary to become Early Years Assessment and Intervention LSCs for pupils under statutory school age with significant presenting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

To receive the report of the Group Director, Community & Children’s Services providing Cabinet with the Annual Report for 2017/18 for the Cwm Taf Safeguarding Board (Children, Adults and MASH).

The Group Director, Community & Children’s Services provided Members with the Cwm Taf Safeguarding Board Annual Report, which looked to demonstrate the Boards effectiveness in exercising its functions during the 2017/18 financial year.

Members were provide with details in respect of safeguarding practices, collaboration, engagement, participation and communication, information, training and learning, as set out within the report.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Community Services & Welsh Language spoke positively on the report and the work being undertaken in respect of Safeguarding.  These comments were also reiterated by the Cabinet Member for Children & Young People in respect of the  work undertaken by the Board for Children & Adults.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    To note and endorse the content of the Cwm Taf Safeguarding Board Annual Report for 2017/18.

To receive the report of the Group Director, Corporate & Frontline Services updating Cabinet on the current situation regarding the A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling Sections 5 and 6 Dowlais Top to Hirwaun.

The Head of Highways and Engineering updated Cabinet on the current situation regarding the A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling Sections 5 and 6 Dowlais Top to Hirwaun, advising that such works would address congestion,  safety and capacity issues as well as providing an economic stimulus for the area.  The work would complete a dual carriageway route through the Heads of the Valleys which is of national and strategic importance, providing a critical Northern Cross valley link for the Metro and improving the resilience of the City Deal transport network.

Members were advised that the dualling would deliver wider economic benefits including social impact of improved accessibility, increased social inclusion, improved accessibility for tourists and the perception and attractiveness of the Heads of the Valleys as an area in which to invest.

The Leader commented on the positive work done to date and the meetings taken forward with Jacobs, Welsh Government and local Members in respect of the design and commented on the need for the dualling of the sections as outlined within the report.  The Leader also referenced the Aberdare bypass scheme (Cynon Gateway North) and funding with Welsh Government  and pressed that both schemes being taken forward at the same time, to avoid any time lapse between the two.

County Borough Councillors G Thomas and P Jarman also spoke on this item.

Following discussions It was noted that the Welsh Government are considering a 3 roundabout option at Croesbychan but there has been no formal release of documentation by the Welsh Government in this respect. It was confirmed that RCT would work with the Welsh Government to check that if a 3 roundabout option proceeds then the Cynon Gateway North would not be compromised by this option.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the proposals drawn-up by the Welsh Government to dual the existing A465 between Dowlais Top and Hirwaun.

2.    To note the letter of support from the Welsh Government in respect of the Council’s Cynon Gateway North (as outlined within  Appendix A of the report).

3.    To the Council supporting the Welsh Government’s proposals for the dualling of the A465.

(N.B  At the conclusion of this item, County Borough Councillors P Jarman and L Walker left the meeting.)

To receive the report of  the Group Director, Community & Children’s Services providing Cabinet with an overview of the operation and effectiveness of the Council’s statutory Social Services complaints procedure between 1st April 2017 and 31st March 2018.

The Group Director, Community & Children’s Services provided Cabinet with  an overview of the operation and effectiveness of the Council’s statutory Social Services complaints procedure between  1^st April 2017 and 31^st March 2018.  The Group Director advised that the report contained information on the background of the Social Services statutory complaints procedure, information on lessons learnt from complaints and performance data for Adults & Children’s Social Services, together with achievements for 2017/18 and future developments.

The Cabinet Member for Children & Young People thanked the Group Director for the report and spoke of the positive work of the service as reflected within the contents of the report.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the contents of the Social Services Annual Complaints report (attached as Appendix 1 of the report)

2.    To note the work undertaken by the Social Services Complaints Team.

(N.B Following conclusion of this item County Borough Councillor G Thomas left the meeting)

To receive the report from the Group Director, Community & Children’s Services providing Cabinet Members with the final Director of Social Services Annual Report prior to its publication.

The Group Director, Community & Children’s Services under his statutory duties as Director of Social Services for the Council, provided Members with a brief overview of his Annual report which outlined the delivery, performance, risks and planned improvements of the Social Services function of the Council for 2017/18.

Members were reminded that the draft report had previously been to Cabinet and had since been to Scrutiny to the Children and Young Peoples Scrutiny Committee and to the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee for consultation. The Group Director added that overall feedback was positive and advised Members of the minor amendments taken forward.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Community Services & Welsh Language welcomed the positive report of the Director of Social Services which highlighted that the service continues to improve and spoke further on the importance of working with partners. The Cabinet Member also spoke of the increasing pressures with Adult  Social Care, although added that the Council were in a good place to meet the future demands placed upon them.

The Cabinet Member for Children & Young people commented upon the complex needs with Children Looked After and the positive work being taken forward with early access, signposting, intervention and resilience services available.

     It was RESOLVED:

1.    To approve the Rhondda Cynon Taf Director of Social Services Annual Report (as attached as Appendix 1 to the report) for publication.