Agenda, decisions and minutes

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None.

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

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

Approved

Resolved that the Minutes of the Education & Skills Policy Development Committee held on 16 March 2022 and the Education & Skills Corporate Delivery Committee held on 24 May 2022 be approved and signed as correct records.

For Information

The Chair referred to the circulated terms of reference and indicated that the committee would aim to focus on topics linked to the corporate priorities which will be presented to Council in July.

He referred to the different roles that the CDCs and scrutiny play, but outlined that close working relationships between the two can be beneficial.

The terms of reference for the committee were noted.

Approved

The Chair outlined that the circulated report had been compiled a result of the previous PDCs work over the last municipal year in looking at issues to assist and support learners, particularly vulnerable learners both during and post pandemic.

He outlined that the whole Covid pandemic period has been an incredibly difficult time for young people, teachers, support staff in schools and internal Education Department staff.

Helen Morgan-Rees referred to the report which sought to consider the implications of recovery from the pandemic for learners in Swansea schools.

She outlined the background to the previous PDCs work, the evidence gathering undertaken and the information/data collected and collated from the various individuals and organisations who attended the meetings during the year. This information was outlined and detailed in the report.

She indicated that although some of the proposals in the report have already begun to be imbedded in schools, the main body of recommendations if supported by the Committee and agreed by Cabinet in July, the implementation and introduction of these would be dependent on both resources and staffing for schools and the department.

Resolved that the report and its ten recommendations be approved and be presented to Cabinet in July.

For Information

The Chair indicated that further to the discussion undertaken on the item relating to the terms of reference earlier in the agenda, he proposed that the committee at its meeting in July, receive a presentation/update from the Department to cover issues such as the relevant corporate priorities and to include some background information for members on the number of schools/staff/buildings etc.

Agreed that the item for the July meeting be as outlined above.

Agreed

The Chair proposed that the committee continue to meet at 4pm on a Wednesday as they have for the past few years.

All members agreed with the proposal and the meetings remain at 4pm on a Wednesday.