The Corporate Director Education and Family Support informed Council of the outcomes of the recent Estyn inspection of the Council’s local government education services. 

He reported that the inspection was carried out by Estyn in March 2019, under the new Local Government Education Inspection Framework.  Inspectors from the Wales Audit Office and Care Inspectorate Wales were part of the inspection team.  A wide range of stakeholders were involved in the inspection, which included elected Members, officers, head teachers, learners and members of the public. 

The Corporate Director Education and Family Support highlighted to Council the strengths and areas for development in relation to Inspection Area (IA) 1 – Outcomes; IA2 – Education Services and IA3 – Leadership and Management.  He also highlighted the recommendations made by Estyn.  He stated that in recognition of the notable practice by the authority, it had been requested by Estyn to provide a case study on its work in relation young people’s involvement in decision-making processes in schools and the local authority, for dissemination on Estyn’s website.

The Leader commented that the authority would ensure that the recommendations made by Estyn are implemented in a timely way in the post-inspection plan.  He was pleased to note that Estyn had recognised the Council’s work in relation to involving young people in the decision-making process, holding monthly meetings with the Youth Mayor and it valued the input of the Youth Council in making policy.  He thanked the Corporate Director Education and Family Support, officers, all Members of Council and stakeholders for making a difference to young people. 

A Member of Council requested an update on the progress being made with the post inspection plan.  The Corporate Director Education and Family Support informed Council that a detailed plan had been drawn up to look at the key priorities and he welcomed the involvement of scrutiny in that. 

A Member of Council questioned what was being done to identify and provide support to young carers.  The Corporate Director Education and Family Support stated that work in ongoing to support young carers, but there was need for young carers to identify themselves in order that they can receive support.

A Member of Council questioned the support provided to vulnerable groups where pupils’ attendance at school could be adversely affected by having to attend hospital appointments.  The Corporate Director Education and Family Support commented that the Directorate is working with health and partners to support vulnerable groups.  A Vulnerable Groups Team had been set up to work with schools and partners. 

Concern was expressed by a Member at the standard of literacy in primary schools, with reliance being placed on the Consortium and whether the Council was receiving value for money from the Consortium.  The Corporate Director Education and Family Support informed Council that reading tests were in line with expectations.  He stated that 3 primary schools are causing concern and work is in progress with the Consortium to address the situation.  He also stated that the Consortium receives value for money from the services of the Consortium.  He informed Council that he would be required to submit the post inspection plan to Estyn for sign off.                  

RESOLVED:           That Council noted the contents of the report.