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 & sign the Minutes of the previous meeting(s) as a correct record.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 10 August 2016 be agreed as a correct record

The Chair and Councillor M Lewis reported back on the site visit held earlier in the day to the school.

They outlined and referred to the PACE scheme in place at the school and the excellent progress being made with young people who could be in danger of becoming NEET’s.

The Chair indicated that due to the disappointing attendance at the visit he would ask the relevant officers from the school if they could attend a future meeting of the CAC to give a short presentation on the scheme.

The Chair indicated that the representative from Careers Wales West – Wendy Williams was unable to attend the meeting as she was currently off sick from work, but she had indicated she would be available to attend a future meeting.

RESOLVED that the item be deferred to a future meeting.

Jane Whitmore outlined her and her colleague’s involvement with the Listening & Participation Scheme with Children & Young People.

She outlined the various ways in which officers currently engage with young people including the Big Conversation and Pupil Voice Forum. She also referred to a previous engagement exercise undertaken with EOTAS pupils as an example.

She indicated that in conjunction with her colleagues they could develop a series of questions and /or engagement exercise relating to the topics that the CAC are interested in, that could be incorporated into one of the future events with young people as outlined above.

Questions could include issues around the following:- What do young people want to learn and achieve, What support do you need to progress, What topics would you wish to study, What are their aspirations for the future.

Following the event, which would probably be held in the new year, analysis of the results and feedback could be given to a future meeting of the CAC. Members of the CAC may be able to attend the session with young people if required.

She indicated that one of the officers involved in developing the successful scheme at Pentrehafod has recently been seconded to the department to further investigate the potential for “rolling out” the good practice to other comprehensive schools. Officers could use the relevant VAP data and number of NEET’s in schools to target the roll out at schools in the most need.

The involvement of parents in the success of Pentrehafod scheme was outlined and discussed. The involvement of parents in other schemes would have to be carefully considered.

She referred to similar ongoing schemes at Cefn Hengoed and Dylan Thomas schools.

Members again referred to the over emphasis of academic qualifications for young people and indicated that vocational/practical achievement needs to be promoted as of equal value. The availability of an alternative/appropriate curriculum for young people was reiterated, particularly when they are choosing their options.

Members requested that the recently appointed Pathways Officer attend a future meeting to outline their views and plans for the future.

RESOLVED that

1) officers report back to the CAC in the New Year on the proposals for a consultation exercise with young people.

2) following the exercise a further report be brought back to the CAC on the analysis/outcomes.

3) the new Pathways Officer attend a future meeting of the CAC.

Members discussed the updates to the draft work programme for the Committee.

Amendments to the schedule as outlined in the previous item and during discussion were noted.

RESOLVED that the amended work programme be noted