The Swansea Council's Scrutiny Performance Panel on Education convened on Thursday, 20 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the implementation of the Curriculum for Wales, the council's Corporate Plan 2023-28, and the work planning for the upcoming year. Decisions were made to prioritise certain educational initiatives and to align them with the broader goals outlined in the Corporate Plan.

Curriculum for Wales Update

The panel reviewed the Report for Scrutiny June 2024 - Curriculum for Wales update v0.1, which provided an update on the implementation of the new curriculum. The discussion focused on the progress made so far and the challenges faced by schools in adapting to the new framework. Councillors expressed concerns about the adequacy of training for teachers and the availability of resources. One councillor noted,

The success of the Curriculum for Wales hinges on our ability to support teachers through this transition. Without proper training and resources, we risk undermining the potential benefits of this new approach.

The panel decided to recommend additional funding for teacher training and resource allocation to ensure a smoother implementation process.

Corporate Plan 2023-28

The panel discussed the alignment of educational initiatives with the Corporate Plan 2023-28. The Corporate Plan outlines the council's strategic priorities over the next five years, including improving educational outcomes and reducing inequalities. The panel emphasised the importance of integrating these priorities into the education sector.

Councillors debated the merits of various initiatives, with some advocating for a focus on early childhood education and others highlighting the need for enhanced support for secondary schools. Ultimately, the panel agreed to prioritise initiatives that address both ends of the educational spectrum, ensuring a comprehensive approach to improving educational outcomes.

Education Scrutiny Work Planning 2024-25

The panel reviewed the Education Scrutiny Work Planning 2024-25 document, which outlines the key areas of focus for the upcoming year. The discussion centred on identifying the most pressing issues and setting realistic goals for the panel's work.

Key issues identified included addressing the attainment gap, improving mental health support for students, and enhancing digital learning infrastructure. The panel decided to establish sub-committees to focus on each of these areas, ensuring dedicated attention and resources.

Key Issues in Education Scrutiny 2024

The panel also discussed the Key Issues Education Scrutiny 2024 V0.1 document, which highlights the major challenges and opportunities in the education sector. Topics included the impact of socio-economic factors on student performance, the role of technology in education, and the importance of community engagement.

Councillors stressed the need for a holistic approach to education that considers the broader social context. One councillor remarked,

We cannot view education in isolation. The socio-economic environment of our students plays a crucial role in their academic success. Our policies must reflect this reality.

The panel agreed to incorporate these considerations into their strategic planning and policy recommendations.

Role of the Performance Panel

Finally, the panel reviewed the Role of the Performance Panel DRAFT document, which outlines the responsibilities and objectives of the panel. The discussion focused on refining the panel's role to ensure it effectively supports the council's educational goals.

The panel decided to adopt a more proactive approach, with regular reviews of progress and outcomes to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.