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Agenda item

Cyflwynwyd gan:Cyng / Cllr Gareth Thomas

Decision:

To accept and note the information in the report.

 

Minutes:

The item was submitted by Cllr Gareth Thomas

 

DECISION

 

To accept and note the information in the report.

 

DISCUSSION

 

The report was submitted, drawing attention to some projects in the Strategic Plan. It was noted that the Education Principles had now been adopted by the Cabinet and would be considered when responding to any opportunities for the future. It was added that the department was looking forward to working with GwE in order to arrange relevant training in order to strengthen Leadership within schools.

 

In looking at the Twenty First Century Schools Programme it was noted that the majority of it could currently be seen in the Bangor catchment area. It was noted that construction work had started at Ysgol y Garnedd and arrangements were continuing with the plans at Ysgol y Faenol. With the Bala catchment area, it was expressed that the Head had now been appointed and that staff appointments would now start. It was expressed that the building had been used as a social space and that the first evening had been a great success.

 

It was noted that the work of transforming the Additional Learning Needs and Inclusion Provision was underway. It was added that Phase 1 of the transforming work had been completed, but there were a number of other aspects that required attention in Phase 2 in relation to the new act, and creating new arrangements within work processes across our schools.

 

It was noted that it was not possible to compare this year's results with previous years because of the adaptations to the national policy. It was discussed that English GCSE results had dropped this year as a result of a substantial increase in the margins between grades. It was noted that though Qualifications Wales had published an extremely technical report to justify its processes, officers and the Cabinet Member were of the opinion that the justification was insufficient. It was explained that discussions were ongoing.

 

Reference was made to the financial situation and the Transport Overspend specifically. The main reasons were noted, which included

-        £149,000 as a result of the a new contract following the opening of Ysgol Hafod Lon

-        £125,000 due to new contracts in the field of transport

-        £73,000 due to an increase in the Dolgellau and Cymerau ABC units as both units were open four days a week, while the previous provision at Ysgol Eifion Wyn had been open five days a week.

-        £69,000 due to the impact of re-tendering over the summer.

-        £69,000 due to new mainstream contracts.

It was added that no child would be transported without the necessary permission. It was noted that the department was working with the Environment Department and a further report to the Cabinet would follow.

 

Observations arising from the discussion

-    The overspend in the transport service was discussed, noting that there were many reasons for the overspend. It was noted that that the process needed to be examined and lessons learned before moving on. 

 

Awdur:Iwan Trefor Jones

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