Agenda Item No

The Vale of Glamorgan Council

Scrutiny Committee [Lifelong Learning] 14th December 2009

Director of Learning and Development

Perception Survey - Action Plan

Purpose of the Report

1.       To seek Scrutiny Committee [Lifelong Learning] support for the proposed School Perception Survey Action Plan.

Recommendations

That Scrutiny Committee [Lifelong Learning] endorse the proposed Action Plan prior to submission to Cabinet.

Reasons for the Recommendations

To enable the Scrutiny Committee [Lifelong Learning] to consider the actions proposed.

Background

2.       The Scrutiny Committee [Lifelong Learning] has considered the results of the School Perception Survey in some detail.  The results were presented at a special meeting held on 2nd November to which Headteachers were invited.  The minutes of that meeting are attached at Appendix 1 and were approved on 30th November.

3.       When formalising the Committee Work Programme at the last meeting, Members asked that the Perception Survey Action Plan be brought to Scrutiny on 14th December.  The proposed Action Plan is attached at Appendix 2.

Relevant Issues and Options

4.       When the results of the Perception Survey were presented originally, it was suggested by Headteachers that the reasons for the relatively poor responses were:-

          1.             Recent changes in the management structure of the service which had not become embedded.

          2.             A Headteacher view that the comparatively poor funding position of Vale Schools reflected a lack of support and understanding of the needs of schools by Elected Members.

5.       The Committee agreed that rather than base any response on these generalised comments, it was necessary to focus in detail on each of the issues where Headteachers perceived that the performance of the Council was judged as between poor and satisfactory.

6.       The Action Plan attached reflects the outcome of those discussions.  It is clear at this point, that whilst still "early days", the new Management Team within the Service is seen to be having a positive impact.  The concern originally expressed by schools in relation to School Improvement and Additional Learning Needs, have receded and Headteachers are working closely with the Directorate to progress improvements.

7.       In relation to funding issues, the position has not been resolved, although it has been clarified.  Headteachers have welcomed the work of the Council in developing a strategic vision, have acknowledged recent success in attracting additional capital funding and have valued the work of the Schools Budget Forum.  However, the fact that the budget quantum available to the Council, the Education Service and to Schools has not increased is, in the view of Headteachers, an indication that the Council's commitment to schools is not reflected in funding decisions.

8.       Quite clearly, this is a difficult issue for the Council facing significant financial pressures and which is taking unpopular service decisions in order to protect key services such as schools.  The Leader's response on this matter is attached at Appendix 3.

9.       The reality facing the service and the Council is that budgets are going to continue to be very challenging and whilst this is recognised and understood by the Budget Forum, they have requested that their needs be addressed as part of the budget setting process.

10.     The other aspects of the Action Plan which relate to matters that are deliverable through the service and in consultation with schools, will be built into the work programme of the Directorate.

Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)

11.     None.

Legal Implications (to Include Human Rights Implications)

12.     None.

Crime and Disorder Implications

13.     None.

Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language issues)

14.     None.

Corporate/Service Objectives

15.     Lifelong Learning.

Policy Framework and Budget

16.     This is a matter for Executive consideration by Cabinet.

Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)

17.     Headteachers.

Relevant Scrutiny Committee

18.     Lifelong Learning

Background Papers

School Perception Survey

Contact Officer

Bryan Jeffreys

Director of Learning and Development

Officers Consulted

Education Management Team

Responsible Officer:

Bryan Jeffreys

Director of Learning and Development