Agenda and minutes

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In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, no interests were declared.

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 8 June 2016 be agreed as a correct record subject to the addition of “Members outlined the importance of the availability and expansion of courses that involve “practical skills and that these should be considered in parity with academic qualifications” being added to the last paragraph of Minute 8.

The European & External Funding Team Leader provided a background to the basis and cycle of funding for schemes which receive grant aid form Europe.

He provided an update to Members relating to the possible financial implications of the Brexit vote on schemes funded by European particularly the current Cynnydd Project which the Education Department is heavily involved with.

The financial implications and the amount of time the projects will continue for will depend on when Article 50 is activated by the Government. The likely hood is that scheme length will be reduced but the funding will still be available, albeit in a reduced timeframe.

He detailed the aims of the project which are designed to meet the requirements of ESF funding in reducing the number of those at risk of becoming NEET between the ages of 11-24.  The scheme is being developed to assist with specific targeted help for young people on a one to one basis, rather than an across the board approach. It is hoped the scheme will commence fully in September of 2016, following a delay due to the recent Welsh Government elections and EU Referendum votes.

He outlined the Cynnydd project has a total of £2.4m funding which is spread across 5 local authority areas.

He also outlined the development of the new Cam Nesa project which is being led by Pembrokeshire Council and will aim to provide a range of additional engagement learning and training activities for 16-24 year olds in an attempt to reduce youth unemployment and the number of NEETs.

Members discussed the need for appropriate monitoring and safeguards on spending for the Cynnydd project. The Officer indicated he could report back at a future meeting on the schemes progress.

RESOLVED that the update be noted and a further monitoring report be presented to the CAC in the New Year.

The Head of Learner Support Services presented an update to Members relating to the legal issues and guidance around the Authorities EOTAS provision.

He gave a brief outline of the current EOTAS provision in the various facilities across Swansea for young people aged between 4-16.

He referred to the Welsh Government guidance document – 203/2016 “Inclusion and Pupil Support” which covers a wide ranging area of topics including the role of the local authority, the role of schools, special needs provision, pupil exclusions, pupil illness, home tuition, ethnic minority pupils policy, child protection and prevention systems.

He indicated that an electronic link to the full Welsh Government document would be circulated to Members following the meeting, and he would be happy to attend the CAC again should members require further information or updates.

RESOLVED that the update be noted.

The Head of Management Systems Unit provided an update to Members relating to VAP data.

He outlined the background to the establishment of the data, and indicated that pupils are scored on 14 different criteria, which results in a green, amber or red score.

He detailed and circulated the responses received from Headteachers on the use of the data he had received following a recent survey.

He also outlined and circulated the proposed main enhancements for a revised and updated 2017 version of the VAP.

The main changes and amendments proposed including the following areas were all discussed by Members,

·       Recording of four needs(currently one) for SEN pupils

·       inclusion of Welsh national tests results

·       use of Welsh index of multiple deprivation to be included

·       new additional criteria of intervention being developed which is currently being trailed in a small number of secondary schools, this would be used alongside the VAP score to better identify intervention needs

·       more formal training for schools

Members referred with disappointment to the reluctance of schools to respond to the surveys on VAP data use and the perceived reluctance to share good practice and ideas, in order to protect their own individual achievements.

The use of the data by professionals within the department was outlined as well as the accuracy and monitoring/reviewing of the data by the Unit.

He referred to the issue raised at a previous meeting relating to missing VAP data for Gower College pupils and detailed the reasons behind the matter and reassured Members that the issue had been resolved.

He also outlined the links between Education and Social Services to ensure a complete a record as possible is compiled on each pupil. Further technological advances would assist this process in the future.

RESOLVED that the update and information provided be noted.

Members discussed the draft work programme for the Committee.

RESOLVED that the work programme be noted, subject to the following additions:

·       Site Visit to Pentrehafod School to be arranged in the new school term.

·       Feedback on Cynnydd project to be added in the new year.

·       Officers form the Youth Offending team be invited to a future meeting.