Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members relating to items to be considered on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest reported.

To consider a report by the Interim Chief Education Officer.

Cabinet received an update on the continuity of learning plan and the Portfolio Holder for Education and Property thanked everyone involved in delivering it. The school service had worked closely with Welsh Government, Estyn, ERW and other local authorities to develop the plan. The service had been pro-active in providing schools with guidance, facilitating the sharing of good practice and ensuring families had a suitable device for learning and wi-fi access. Over 800 families had been provided with a device and 4G dongles purchased so learners would have access to wi-fi. The Interim Chief Education Officer advised that many schools had already begun a system of check-ins with all pupils, including vulnerable learners and their families and that Children’s Services were in contact with the families they support. She confirmed that the service was in regular touch with Welsh Government planning scenarios for the return of pupils to school when that was allowed.

To consider a report by the Interim Chief Education Officer.

Cabinet received an update on the Childcare hubs set up for the children of key workers and vulnerable children which had been operating 7 days a week since 27^th March. There were 15 hubs across the county including 2 for special schools and PRU. A further hub had just been opened in Brecon to cope with demand. It was confirmed that there was close co-operation with Children’s Services to ensure that vulnerable children were supported.

Provision for pre-school aged children of key workers was available at 29 settings across the county consisting of

o   Maintained settings based within schools and share premises with the Childcare Hubs.

o   Private settings based within schools and share premises with the Childcare Hubs.

o   Non maintained privately run settings

o   Childminders

o   Third sector providers.

Due to the rurality of Powys and the need to retain provision for families to access local childcare and the council had opted to adopt the block booking model to allow for local provision whilst ensuring the sustainability of the childcare providers. 

Cabinet thanked everyone involved in supporting the hubs and childcare settings.