Agenda item

To consider a report (copy enclosed) from the Interim Head of Education on the progression made to enable schools to safely open for all pupils in September and to examine the post COVID Recovery Plans for schools.

10:05 – 10:40

Agreement on the recommendation was by consensus.  No formal vote was taken.  All members indicated they were in favour of the recommendation, no one indicated they were against it and no one indicated they wanted to abstain.

Resolved: - subject to the above observations to:

(i)           support the action taken to date to enable schools to safely open for all pupils in September 2020, and endorse the evolving post COVID Recovery Plans for Schools; and

(ii)          extend the Committee’s sincerest gratitude to all Education and other Council services’ staff for all their hard work and efforts during the lockdown and in planning and facilitating the re-opening of the County’s schools

The report (previously circulated) was introduced by the Lead Member for Education, Children’ Services and Public Engagement who began by thanking all of Denbighshire County Council’s staff in Education Services – including the outgoing Head of Service, school head teachers, parents and children for their hard work and commitment during the challenging time of lockdown.

Before the summer holidays commenced learners were given the opportunity to attend sessions to check-in, catch up and prepare for the new term. On average a 50% take up rate had been experienced although some schools had seen up to 85% - 90% attendance.

The Region, local authority (LA) and schools had been preparing for four possible eventualities at the beginning of the new school term but were surprised when Welsh Government had announced that the least expected outcome – 100% return to school – the week before schools closed for the summer holidays. A further announcement (but no guidelines) regarding the use of face coverings was also delivered by Welsh Government last week. In response a meeting had been held with all Head Teachers who had agreed that secondary school children would be required to wear face coverings when moving between classes in the corridors.

The Interim Head of Education acknowledged the role of various other departments throughout the Authority that had had a part in helping the Education Service meet their challenges. He gave his assurances that schools were ready for the return of the children, all were expected to have returned by 14^th September. Detailed risk assessments covering catering, cleaning, transport, HR etc. had been undertaken to ensure the wellbeing of Denbighshire’s 16,000 students.

In response to questions the Committee were:

·         reassured that capacity and support were in place for the Education and Children’s Services following the previous Head of Service’s recent move to another Authority;

·         advised that the interim appointments for Heads of Education and Children’s Services had been made for a period of 12 months (commenced in June 2020) with the expectation of a permanent decision on the Service’s structure in December;

·         assured that the changes made to the Housing Allocation Policy and Homelessness Regulations by the Welsh Government(WG) in response to Covid-19 were still in place and discussions were ongoing with WG in relation to them.

·         confirmed that Welsh government guidelines and subsequent operational protocol would be followed should any child display symptoms whilst in school;

·         advised that there were no plans to test asymptomatic children – that was a decision for Public Health Wales rather than Local Authorities;

·         informed that fixed penalty notices for non-attendance would not be issued at that time and attendance data submitted to Welsh government would not be used in the current or previous academic year;

·         reassured that the child protection process had been ongoing during lockdown and contact had been made throughout with all known vulnerable children.  It was anticipated that the volume of child referrals would increase once the schools had re-opened fully;

·         advised that additional costs for PPE etc. were currently being met through the school budget but Covid-19 grants were being accessed;

·         acknowledged that school transport arrangements were difficult given the reduced capacity for social distancing; and

·         emphasised that WG COVID-19 guidelines in relation to Schools and associated support services’ operating practices changed on a regular basis.

At the end of the discussion the Chair reiterated thanks to the Lead Member for Education, Children’s Services and Public Engagement, Corporate Director: Communities, Interim Head of Education and Interim Head of Children’s Services.

Agreement on the recommendation in the report was by consensus.  No formal vote was taken.  All members indicated they were in favour of the recommendation, no one indicated they were against it and no one indicated they wanted to abstain.

Resolved: - subject to the above observations to:

(i)           support the action taken to date to enable schools to safely open for all pupils in September 2020, and endorse the evolving post COVID Recovery Plans for Schools; and

(ii)          extend the Committee’s sincerest gratitude to all Education and other Council services’ staff for all their hard work and efforts during the lockdown and in planning and facilitating the re-opening of the County’s schools