Children and Education Scrutiny Panel – 14 October 2020

Chairman:  Cllr T Foster
Venue:  Virtual meeting Microsoft Teams
Time:   9.30 a.m.
E-mail Address: dean.gillon@northlincs.gov.uk

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AGENDA

1. Substitutions.

2.  Declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and personal or personal and prejudicial interests and declarations of whipping arrangements (if any).

3.  Public speaking request (if any).

4.  Education in North Lincolnshire – Supporting Recovery and Ensuring the Wellbeing of Staff and Students.

(i)  Discussion with the Director: Learning, Skills and Culture and the Director of Public Health.
(ii)  Next steps (if any)

5.  Added item – Ashby Link and Adult Education

6.  Any other items which the Chairman decides are urgent by reason of special circumstances which must be specified.

MINUTES

PRESENT:-    Councillor T Foster in the Chair.

Councillors Yeadon (Vice-Chair), Armiger, Clark, Evison, and Wells.

Statutory Co-opted Members: P Whittaker (Parent Governor Representative) and Mr G Marsden (Church Representative).

The panel met via MS Teams.

33        DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS AND PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – Cllr Clark declared a personal interest as his daughter worked in North Lincolnshire Council’s Children’s Services Team.

No whip was declared.

34        PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK – There were no requests received.

35        EDUCATION IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE – SUPPORTING RECOVERY AND ENSURING THE WELLBEING OF STAFF AND STUDENTS – The Chairman welcomed The Chairman welcomed Pete Thorpe, Director: Learning, Skills and Culture, and Penny Spring, Director of Public Health, to the meeting. The Chairman explained that Pete and Penny had been invited to update the panel on ongoing work within educational institutions within North Lincolnshire, arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pete delivered a presentation on adapting to Covid-19, which covered:

  • Background: The React and Respond Timeline,
  • An update on priorities towards recovery and renewal,
  • Additional workstreams,
  • Children’s experiences,
  • Data from primary, secondary and special schools,
  • Lessons learned.

The Director of Public Health then provided an update on issues relevant to her area of specialism, outlining how the public health team was supporting Pete’s work and action within schools and other settings.

The Chairman initiated a discussion on relevant issues, with members asking questions about engagement with colleges, the Test, Trace and Isolate programme, virtual teaching, safety measures around fire evacuations etc. and ensuring young people can gain the skills necessary to enter employment or further education and training.

Resolved – (a) That Pete Thorpe and Penny Spring be thanked for their attendance and for answering members’ questions, and (b) that the situation be noted.

36        ADDED ITEMASHBY LINK AND ADULT EDUCATION.  There Chairman explained that Pete Thorpe, Director: Learning, Skills and Culture, and Sandra Simmons, Head of Participation and Achievement, would address this Added Item request.

The Chairman invited Cllr Yeadon to introduce her request for the Added Item, outlining her areas of concern, and likely questions.

Pete and Sandra gave a comprehensive presentation and timeline on the Ofsted report into Ashby Link, its re-inspection, and the comprehensive work that was underway to improve services for learners.   Sandra outlined the data to support the improvements.

Cllr Yeadon and the panel asked a number of questions, including topics such as funding, links to the employability and skills agenda, links to other organisations and agencies, and destination data.  These questions were answered fully by Pete and Sandra.

Resolved – (a) That Pete Thorpe and Sandra Simmons be thanked for their attendance and for answering members’ questions, and (b) that the situation be noted.