Agenda item

To accept and note the information in the report.

The report was submitted by Cllr Beca Brown. ⁠

DECISION

To accept and note the information in the report.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted and Gwern ap Rhisiart was congratulated on his new role as Head of the Education Department. Members were reminded that the Authority had received a positive Estyn report published in September last year which testified to the organisation's hard work and everyone was thanked for their work.

It was highlighted that the department had been implementing plans within the new Council Plan but they were early days as it was a new plan. Some areas were highlighted as follows. In terms of the Transforming Early Years Education plan, it was noted that an external commissioner had been commissioned and a draft work plan had been created.  It was expressed that this would reduce inconsistency in terms of the offer across the county. It was made clear that the Council was ahead of the Government's free school meals timetable, and that the upgrading work had now been carried out within schools.  It was added that promotion work was needed specifically in some schools where the rate of children who benefited was lower.   

It was expressed regarding the modernising of buildings and the learning environment that money may be re-directed to invest in Ysgol Hirael and Ysgol Tryfan in Bangor, as construction costs had increased so much.  It was added that in terms of the Well-being of Children and Young People and the Cost of sending Children to School that a questionnaire had been shared which would identify the actual cost of sending children to school and highlight the obvious costs of school uniforms, as well as drawing attention to more hidden costs. 

In terms of the Immersion scheme, staff were thanked for their work and the children for all their efforts and there was a real need to celebrate the number of new Welsh-speakers the service had created. It was expressed that training continued within schools and that some secondary schools were in a Say Something in Welsh pilot scheme with the Welsh Government and that this highlighted that the department was seeking every opportunity to ensure the use of Welsh.

On a day-to-day basis it was highlighted that the attendance level remained an issue, but was visible locally, nationally and internationally following Covid.  It was noted that the reasons were complex, but a great deal of work was being done. Sadness was expressed that Cabinet had taken the decision to close Ysgol Felinwnda but staff were thanked for all their work and the children were wished well in transferring to the two neighbouring schools.⁠

Observations arising from the discussion

·         The Head of Education added that the report highlighted a great deal of good news but the department was facing challenges; however, he was looking forward to moving on to work closely not only with department staff but also with the schools.

·         It was highlighted that a teacher’s job was not an easy job and all teachers and school staff were thanked profusely for their work and for their contribution in transferring the Welsh language to the next generation. 

·         It was asked how the immersion system was evaluated.  The plan was to hold a user group to see what worked in order to improve the provision.