Agenda Item No

The Vale of Glamorgan Council

Scrutiny Committee [Lifelong Learning] : 14th December 2009

Director of Learning and Development

Welsh Language Education Scheme 2009 - 2014

Purpose of the Report

1.     To bring to the attention of the Scrutiny Committee for Lifelong Learning the Draft  Welsh Language Education Scheme 2009 - 2014.

Recommendations

1.     Scrutiny Members note that the Welsh Language Education Scheme 2009 - 2014 has been circulated for consultation.

2.     Scrutiny Members identify any aspects of the draft scheme which they wish to amend.

Reasons for the Recommendations

1.     To enable the Scrutiny Committee [Lifelong Learning] to consider the draft scheme.

2.     To enable the Scrutiny Committee [Lifelong Learning] to amend the scheme.

Background

2.     In March 2008, the Vale of Glamorgan Council published a Welsh Language Scheme in accordance with the requirements of the Welsh Language Act 1993.  It was approved by the Welsh Language Board, and states how the Council, in its dealings with the public, will treat the Welsh and English languages on the basis of equality.

3.     Under Section 5 of the Welsh Language Act 1993, the Local Education Authority is required to provide a Welsh Language Scheme dealing specifically with Education.  For ease of reference this scheme is called a "Welsh Education Scheme".  The "Welsh Education Scheme" forms part of the main Welsh Language Scheme.

Relevant Issues and Options

4.     The Vale of Glamorgan Council has produced and applied a series of Welsh Education Schemes approved under the relevant legislation since January 2000.  The latest version of the scheme is attached at Appendix 1 and has been approved by the Welsh Language Board for consultation in accordance with the relevant statutory requirements.

Resource Implications (Financial and Employment)

5.     The resources required to deliver the Council's obligations under the Welsh Education Scheme are included in current revenue budgets.

Legal Implications (to Include Human Rights Implications)

6.     The Council is required to agree a Welsh Education Scheme in accordance with Section 5 of the Welsh Language Act 1993.

Crime and Disorder Implications

7.     There are no crime and disorder implications.

Equal Opportunities Implications (to include Welsh Language issues)

8.     The Welsh Education Scheme is one of the key elements of the Council's response to its equal opportunities and Welsh Language obligations.

Corporate/Service Objectives

9.     Lifelong Learning.

Policy Framework and Budget

10.   This is a matter for executive decision by Cabinet.

Consultation (including Ward Member Consultation)

11.   The Draft scheme is currently the subject of extensive consultation.

Relevant Scrutiny Committee

12.   Lifelong Learning

Background Papers

Welsh Language Scheme Guidance from Welsh Assembly Government.

Contact Officer

Lynette Jones

Head of Achievement

01446 709734

Officers Consulted

Menna Roberts, Welsh Language Development Adviser

Responsible Officer:

Bryan Jeffreys

Director of Learning and Development