A BRIDGEND Council scrutiny committee has met to discuss the authority’s draft strategic education plan for 2023-26.
The draft plan will outline priorities for the county’s schools and family support services, with a number of key strategies being discussed.
The Education and Family Support Directorate plays a key role in delivering a wide range of services which impact the lives of children, adults and families living in the Bridgend area.
It is currently Bridgend County Borough Council’s largest directorate with an annual gross revenue budget of around £170m and about 4,000 members of staff.
While the report says there is no statutory duty to produce a three-year plan, it also says: “The directorate is keen to engage with stakeholders to ensure service delivery.”
Alongside its 15 strategic themes and a number of priorities, the report highlights its mission statement:: “To inspire and support children, young people, adults and families to achieve better outcomes, leading to prosperous, healthy, safe and happy communities.”
Priorities within the plan include providing sector-leading schools that offer learning opportunities to secure excellent outcomes for all learners, as well as delivering an ambitious school modernisation programme with excellent youth and family support services.
There are also a number of others such as rolling out free school meals for primary school children, offering an effective education plan to promote the Welsh language, along with supporting children and young people with additional learning needs.
The report also highlights a number of challenges the borough expects to face in the coming years, such as budget pressures, capacity issues, and improving students’ attendance and behaviour in the area.
After lengthy discussions and scrutiny over the report, members compiled a list of recommendations to take forward, such as the request of more information on adult learning plans, an added priority in improving the uptake of the Welsh language, and further scrutiny on additional learning needs reform.
They also requested a review of existing school buildings across the borough, as well as more detailed information on how parents of vulnerable children will be supported. The feedback will now be presented to the council before further discussions take place.
