Cabinet Member: Cllr. Gareth
Thomas
To consider a progress report by the Education Cabinet
Member on the above.
10.15 – 11.00 a.m.
Minutes:
a)
Submitted - a report by the
Cabinet Member on progress made by the Education Department in response to the recommendations
of the Welsh-Medium Education Scrutiny Investigation. Members were reminded that recommendations
had been produced to improve the consistency and quality of Welsh language
education provision within the County's catchment areas.
The Cabinet Member noted that the Education Department
had made arrangements for an independent expert to undertake a study on the
exact meaning of bilingual teaching and learning where applicable, and to
define the linguistic nature of the County's secondary schools (Recommendations
1 and 2 of the investigation). It was explained that, although an expert had
been appointed, that it had not been possible to commence the work due to
personal circumstances. It was reported that the department had considered
appointing another expert, but it had been decided to postpone the work until
September 2016. It was noted that this situation was unfortunate, but that it
had now been resolved.
A terms of reference for
the study had been shared with the members for information.
b)
In presenting the action
plan, the Education Quality Improvement Officer noted that the County's
Schools' Language Policy needed to be updated, and that the consideration of
the Secondary sector was a core part of the study.
c)
Disappointment was
expressed that there was no response to all the recommendations in the progress
report, and a request was made to the Education Quality Improvement Officer to
report on / provide a brief overview of each recommendation.
ch) The Education Quality Improvement Officer was
thanked for the details. The Cabinet Member noted that any future
recommendations would be included and responded to in the Department's Business
Plan, and also the recommendations of the Annual Report - a request was made
for the Scrutiny Committees to look at the Education Business Plan.
d)
In response to the
comments, the Chair noted that the investigation had proved valuable and that
it was pleasing to see some action already on the recommendations.
dd) During the discussion, the following comments were
noted:
·
In the context of Ysgol Friars there was a need to ensure appropriate
linguistic provision for the children.
·
Any additional reports /
documents should have been distributed beforehand to facilitate better scrutiny
of the situation
·
It was emphasised that it
was a Scrutiny Investigation on Welsh-Medium Education, not Bilingual Education
- and that there was a need to be proactive in order to keep the Welsh Language
alive
·
Need
to look urgently at the organisation of schools in Bangor. Need to consider
private schools in Bangor - to gain some control of the use of language here.
·
Why do schools place
themselves in categories - a need for consistency
·
The use of language beyond
school hours is difficult to control - need to measure that use of language in
society and ensure that there is encouragement / training for volunteers and
trainers
·
Need
to review the recommendations as ‘smart’ targets
·
Concern that schools could
be Anglicised, with children moving to nearby schools, resulting in additional
pressure on those schools.
·
Support required for
non-Welsh speaking parents.
e)
In response to the comment
in relation to measuring the use of the language outside school hours, the
Cabinet Member noted that by using the Language Charter, the children
themselves reported on their social use of language. Head teachers and
Governors were also encouraged to consider this element.
f)
In response to an
observation about Redrow funding in Bangor, it was
reported that this was the responsibility of the Planning Department.
ff)
In response to a comment
about Ysgol Friars, it was noted that the Chair of
the Governors, and the Local Member, Councillor Mair Rowlands, had held
discussions with the Education Department and had provided input to the
language Policy.
g)
The report was welcomed and
gratitude was expressed for the work that had been achieved thus far. The need
to review the recommendations publicly and formally was highlighted.
Disappointment was expressed that the additional documents had not been
distributed beforehand. The request for the independent expert to discuss the
initial observations / ideas of the study with members of the Scrutiny
Investigation was accepted.
RESOLVED,
a)
to accept the progress report, and aim to submit a
further progress report responding to all the recommendations in 6-months' time
(January 2017)
b)
the expert undertaking the independent study to meet
members of the investigation so that they can provide input to his work
Supporting documents: