Agenda and minutes

To receive any  formal apologies of Members of the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee

The Vice Chair opened up this evening’s meeting due to the being a technical difficulty with the Chair of the Committee’s device. Members acknowledged that once the Chair was able to join she would then take over the role and continue with the proceedings.

Apologies were received from County Borough Councillor S. Evans, W Jones, S Powell and G Stacey.

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, there were no declarations made pertaining to the agenda.

To receive the minutes of the previous meeting of the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee held on 9^th September 2020

It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the 9^th September 2020 as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

For Members of the Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee to consider the Work Programme for the 2020/2021 Municipal Year.

The Service Director Democratic Services & Communications presented Members with the Draft Work Programme for 2020/2021 from (October to December in the first instance).

It was explained that following the Council’s AGM held on the 16^th September 2020 Scrutiny is now able to present its forward work programme for 2020/2021 Municipal Year, It was highlighted to Members that the work programme would initially be that of a three month basis with the Committee having the opportunity to review its Work Programme in December 2020.

Members acknowledged the current pressures  on the Council as it focuses on the impact of the pandemic and its associated plans for response and recovery and agreed  that this approach allows for business critical matters to be priority.

The Chair proceeded to ask the Committee to identify any areas that they wish to review in greater detail and opened up the meeting to Members.

A Member highlighted the FPN Working Group report and it was agreed that this would be added to the work programme for a future meeting. After further consideration Members RESOLVED to Agree the Children and Young People Scrutiny Work Programme for 2020/2021 (October to December)

To receive an update in respect of the Council’s Latest positon in response to COVID -19 from an  Education Prospective.

The Service Director Democratic Services and Communication explained that the Committee has the opportunity to scrutinise review and challenge the Council’s current position in response to the ongoing Covid19 pandemic and explained that the Director of Education & Inclusion along with Service Director Public Protection and Temporary Service Director for 21^st Century Schools would provide Members with a verbal update,

firstly to update Members on the critical actions taken by the Council over the Summer period including the current COVID 19 processes and practices in RCT and secondly, to inform Members of the current plans being undertaken for the Autumn Term and the up and coming Firebreak announced by the Welsh Government..

The Director of Education & Inclusion thanked the Committee for the opportunity to once again update Members on the actions taken during the pandemic and explained that the Service Director Public Health and Temporary Service Director 21^st Century Schools was also presented to answer any questions from Members in respect of collaborative actions taken to minimise any positive Covid 19 cases within our schools.

The Director of Education continued to explain that she would provide Members with an overview of some of the support mechanism provided to schools during this current time, it was highlighted that a great deal of guidance had been provided to all schools and communication channels were strong  are illustrated in frequent Headteachers meetings, cluster meetings and termly updates with Chairs of Governing Bodies where Schools and the Local Authority are able to address any current issues and concerns.

Parent and carer communication is frequent with information being passed through various means such as text messaging, Director’s letters to parents/carers, quick referral guidance or frequently asked questions for parents/carers made available on the Council website etc.    

It was also explained that a lot of engagement and partnership working has taken place to ensure that schools are running as smoothly and as safely as possible and to minimise the risks for pupils and staff. Some examples are as follows:

·         Staggered start times and finishing times;

·         Sneeze screens

·         PPE , Face coverings;

·         Sanitiser

·         Social distancing measures appropriate signage etc.

·         Enhanced cleaning

·         Maintaining discrete contact groups

The Temporary Service Director of 21^st Century Schools presented Members with an overview of the extensive Health and Safety measures the authority and schools have put in place for pupils’ safety. It was explained that clear guidance documents are in place for all areas such as traffic impact assessment, cleaning, hygiene compliance checks, along with support from health and safety colleagues. All risk assessments and support plans were checked by the Council Health and Safety Team and advice provided where required to ensure completeness and are signed off by Chair of Governors.  The Director thanked the Temporary Service Director 21^st Century School for her update.

The Director of Education continued to explain that home/distance learning continued at the end of the Summer Term. The Central South Consortium has developed guidance, support and professional learning for blended/distance learning which has  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

To reflect on the meeting and actions to be taken forward.

The Chair thanked Members and Officers for their time and contribution to the Meeting and at that point wished Members a good evening and closed the meeting.

To consider any items, which the Chairman, by reason of special circumstances, is of the opinion should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency