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Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 26th June, 2024 4.00 pm

June 26, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)
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Summary

The Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee of Wrexham Council met on Wednesday 26 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the work programme, budget scrutiny, and the engagement of pupil voice. The committee also reviewed the impact of budget cuts on schools and provided updates on period poverty initiatives.

Work Programme and Budget Scrutiny

The committee discussed the work programme and noted a few changes. The impact of budget cuts to schools, originally scheduled for this meeting, was deferred to July due to the pre-election period. The committee also discussed the need for regular budget scrutiny monitoring reports, as recommended by the Customers Performance and Resources Scrutiny Committee. These reports will be reviewed in July and February each year, with potential issues referred to specific scrutiny committees.

Councillor Stella Matthews raised concerns about the quality of free school meals, which will be addressed in a detailed report due in September. Councillor Robert Ian also expressed concerns about the minutes not fully representing his views on the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan.

Engagement of Pupil Voice

Phil and Jonathan Miller presented a comprehensive report on the engagement of pupil voice. The report highlighted three levels of engagement: population-level surveys, the Senate, and individual services. The Senate's recent ballot identified the cost of living as a priority, reflecting the pressures on parental mental health and family finances. The committee acknowledged the importance of engaging pupils directly and suggested inviting representatives from the Senate, youth justice service, and school councils to future meetings.

Councillor Frank Hemmings inquired about feedback from Denbighshire regarding pupils from his area attending schools out of county. Officers assured that there are established networks and close collaboration with neighbouring authorities.

Period Poverty Initiatives

The committee received an update on period poverty initiatives, noting that all schools now receive products and that the range of products continues to develop based on feedback from young people. Products are also distributed through community organizations, and efforts are underway to increase public awareness of where these products can be accessed.

Councillor Carrie Harper, chair of the committee, praised the progress made since the initial task and finish group on period poverty in 2018. The committee acknowledged the positive impact of these initiatives on pupils' well-being.

Concerns About CAMHS

The committee expressed concerns about the long waiting times for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Councillor Stella Matthews highlighted that some families are paying for private assessments due to the lengthy wait times. Officers noted that while there have been improvements in assessment times, challenges remain, particularly for neurodevelopmental assessments. The committee requested further research into the socioeconomic factors affecting CAMHS referrals and the impact on pupils' education.

Recommendations

The committee recommended merging the pupil voice and well-being reports and bringing the combined report forward to January 2025. They also emphasized the importance of having pupil representatives at future meetings. Additionally, the committee requested that officers convey their concerns about CAMHS waiting times through the appropriate channels.

For more details, you can refer to the Public reports pack and the Agenda frontsheet.

Attendees

Profile image for CouncillorBeryl Blackmore
CouncillorBeryl Blackmore  Marford and Hosely
Profile image for Y Cynghorydd Dana Davies
Y Cynghorydd Dana Davies  Leader of the Labour Group •  Ruabon
Profile image for Y Cynghorydd Carrie Harper
Y Cynghorydd Carrie Harper  Deputy Leader of the Plaid Cymru Group •  Queensway
Profile image for Councillor Tina Mannering
Councillor Tina Mannering  Mayor •  Gwersyllt East
Profile image for Y Cynghorydd Becca Martin
Y Cynghorydd Becca Martin  Acton and Maesydre
Profile image for Councillor Alison Tynan
Councillor Alison Tynan  Pen-y-cae and Ruabon South
Dr Emily Clarke-Jones - Church Representative
Mr Brendan McDonald - Church Representative
Mrs Alison Fisher - Co-optee
Dr Emily Clarke-Jones - Cynrychiolydd yr Eglwys
Mr Brendan McDonald - Cynrychiolydd yr Eglwys
Mrs Alison Fisher - Cyfetholedig

Topics

No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.

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