Issue - meetings

To consider co-opting pupils onto SACRE Committee

To form a Working Group to look at all options for co-option of pupils onto the SACRE committee to include Cllr Dewi W. Roberts, Miriam Amlyn, Anest G. Frazer and Gwawr M. Williams.

Everyone was reminded that the above matter had been discussed some years ago, and that one of the difficulties at the time was the practical issue surrounding pupils' ability to travel to Caernarfon to attend meetings.  It was noted that travel would no longer be a problem as the meetings were held on a virtual basis. 

A discussion ensued and concerns were noted such as the confidentiality of reports and whether it would be appropriate for a pupil to be involved in this type of discussion.  It was noted, however, that SACRE meetings were public meetings.  It was noted that there had to be a clear purpose for the pupil to attend the meeting, with a clear role and contribution to make.  It was asked what the position would be in terms of the pupil's need to declare an interest. 

It was suggested that consideration could be given to teacher and pupil input, with the teacher talking about a particular piece of work and the child discussing it from the pupil's  point of view.  The Committee was reminded that the issue of pupil inclusion in Council committees had been discussed in other committee meetings.  The Committee felt that, as a result of the change in voting rules for young people, and the promotion of youth participation in decision making, it would be helpful for the Chair to make further enquiries.  It was questioned that it might be better to discuss with young people in the first instance, explaining what SACRE is and asking whether they felt they would have a role.  It was noted that it was important to be clear what the role of the pupil would be at the meeting.  It was confirmed that consideration would need to be given to how to select children in terms of age, location, number of children, etc.

It was resolved, subject to the comments received following a conversation between the Chair and the relevant Officer, to accept the proposal to form a working group to look at all options for co-opting pupils onto the SACRE committee.  It was agreed that it would be necessary to report back to the full Committee in due course under the chairmanship of Councillor Dewi W. Roberts, with Miriam Amlyn, Anest G. Frazer and Gwawr M. Williams as members.