Venue: GwE Offices, Bryn Eirias, Abergele Road, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8BF
Contact: Annes Sion 01286 679490
No. | Item |
---|---|
APOLOGIES To receive any apologies for absence. Minutes: Apologies were received from Haf Williams (Primary Schools'
Representative), Claire Armisted (Secondary Schools' Representative), Jonathan
Morgan (Special Schools' Representative), Rhys Howard Hughes (Anglesey
Council), Dr Lowri Brown (Conwy County Borough Council), Karen Evans
(Denbighshire Council) and Claire Homard (Flintshire Council). |
|
DECLARATION OF PERSONAL INTEREST To receive any declaration of personal interest. Minutes:
No declaration of personal interest was received by any member
present. |
|
URGENT ITEMS To note any items that are a matter of urgency in the view of the Chairman for consideration. Minutes: There were no urgent matters. |
|
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING PDF 83 KB (copy enclosed) Minutes: The Chair signed the
minutes of the previous meeting held on 11 September 2019 as correct. |
|
REPORT ON OUTCOMES 2019 PDF 83 KB Alwyn Jones to present
a report on performance across North Wales whilst adhering to Welsh Government guidance. Additional documents: Minutes: DECISION It was decided to accept the
report as a model for reporting to scrutiny committees in terms of regional
context and local performance. DISCUSSION The report was presented, and it was noted that the principles of how
GwE will report on performance have already been approved. It was added that the report outlines the
background and context as regards national changes to reporting on performance,
and that it explains the matters raised in the joint statement between Welsh
Government, WLGA and Estyn. It was expressed that it gives a regional overview of GwE outcomes, but
a local analysis will also be undertaken for each authority. It was noted that
the data is not as yet in its final form and that work will be done to complete
this by January. Comments arising from the
discussion ¾
The new format of the report was welcomed. ¾
The need
to ensure that information is shared with everyone and that it is used
correctly was emphasised. ¾
It was
also emphasised that this is a shift in culture and a journey of focussing on
pupils rather than on results. It was
added that this needs to be emphasised, and that further work remains. ¾
It was noted it needs to be ensured that
consistent messages are shared across the region. |
|
RESOURCES AND GwE SCOPE PDF 76 KB Arwyn Thomas’
report outlines the current resources & scope of the regional service. Additional documents: Minutes: DECISION The report was
accepted. DISCUSSION The report was
presented, and it was noted that its purpose is to initiate discussion. It was expressed that it highlights two
elements to the budget - the core element and the Welsh Government agenda. The
report explains the work of GwE and the wide range of grants that GwE receives.
It was explained that all grants go through a monitoring process and that
discussions with Welsh Government is needed to re-visit this. Comments arising
from the discussion ¾
The
report is an eye opener and gives people an idea of what exactly is the work of
GwE. ¾ It was noted that perhaps figures are needed with some of the grants in order to provide better understanding. ¾ The need to look at the grants and their monitoring was emphasised - there will need to be further discussion on this. |
|
GwE BUDGET 2019-20 - QUARTER 2 REVIEW PDF 121 KB Arwyn Thomas
and Dafydd Edwards to update Joint Committee members on the
latest financial review of GwE's budget for the
2019/20 financial year. Additional documents: Minutes: DECISION The report
was accepted. DISCUSSION The report
was presented, and it was noted that not much has changed since the first
quarter of 2019/20. The main change is
the savings to be found as the Joint Committee has now approved a permanent
strategy to confirm savings. A net overspend
estimate was noted against the budget, but GwE balances may be used to
counterbalance this by the end of the financial year. |
|
2019-20 BUSINESS PLAN - QUARTER 2 MONITORING PDF 106 KB Arwyn Thomas
to present the Level
1 Business Plan – Monitoring
Quarter 2 Report to the Joint Committee. Additional documents: Minutes: DECISION The monitoring
report for quarter 2 was accepted. A further discussion was requested on the
use of the G6 platform and its culture. DISCUSSION The report was
presented and members were directed to the GwE objectives and priorities. In terms of Strategic Objective 6, it was
noted that GwE is awaiting the draft settlement before moving on to undertake a
review of the budget and workforce. |
|
WELSH REGIONAL STRATEGY PDF 96 KB Alwyn Jones
to present ‘Developing Welsh in Education across
the North Wales region’ strategy
to the Joint Committee for approval. Additional documents: Minutes: DECISION The document
'Developing Welsh in Education in the North Wales Region' was accepted. DISCUSSION The report was
presented, and it was noted that planning a strategy for the north Wales region
poses a considerable challenge as there is significant variance in the region.
It was corroborated that the strategy sets out objectives, courses of action
and direction. Comments arising
from the discussion ¾
The
report was welcomed, and support for the 6 priority areas was noted. It was
asked what would arise from the strategy, and how it will develop. ¾
It was
explained that it will be a difficult process as there is such variance across
the region and the need to avoid duplication was emphasised. It was added that the strategy is a long term
strategy, and the question was asked whether there are enough Welsh teachers. ¾
Ensuring
parents' support will be crucial, so that they will be aware of the importance
and advantages of using the language. |
|
Arwyn Thomas to To
present an update to the Joint Committee on the Pupil Development Grant for looked after/
former looked after learners Additional documents: Minutes: The report was noted and accepted. DISCUSSION The report was
presented, and it was noted that GwE has responsibility for the overall
administration and co-ordination of the grant.
It was expressed that the process is transparent, and that the report
clearly shows how funding is allocated. The report notes the process, together with grant
requirements, conditions and guidance.
It was noted that the budget is £970,000. |
|
GwE REVIEW OF PROGRESS - STEVE MUNBY REPORT PDF 96 KB Arwyn Thomas
to present ‘GwE Review of progress’ report by Steve Munby to the Joint Committee. Additional documents: Minutes: DECISION The
report was noted and accepted. DISCUSSION The report was presented,
and it was noted that Steve Munby conducted a review of the direction of GwE 12
months ago. He re-visited the region recently to further evaluate the
service. On looking at the
improvements presented last year, it was added that progress had been made in
terms of developing the culture of GwE to work for the benefit of everyone in
the system. It was expressed that it had
been a difficult and challenging time, but that the report is encouraging. |