To receive and consider the report of the Portfolio Holders for Corporate Governance and Engagement and Education and Property.
Minutes:
The Committee received the report of the Portfolio Holders for Corporate Governance and Engagement and Education and Property.
Issues Discussed:
· The grant is for the provision of equipment and installation.
· Laptops for the Edtech programme were ordered but have not been received. The Council therefore used laptops not being used in schools which would be replaced.
· Some learners were still excluded due to a lack of broadband and therefore wifi dongles were funded from the Edtech programme which reduces the grant available to the Council.
· Caerphilly Council acted as the brokers for Welsh Government in the scheme and managed to obtain very good prices from suppliers for the purchase of equipment.
· Questions:
The Council identified a need for 800 laptops and only had 400 |
The Council obtained laptops from the schools and then worked with schools to apportion devices to pupils. |
Have all schools got access to Microsoft teams |
Yes schools have Teams and also governors as well |
For youngsters and schools having access to technology, what is the starting age to this access |
As soon as a pupil starts school they have their own HWB account and email. This is available to all learners. |
There are longer term opportunities arising from remote access to excluded youngsters, and we need to make sure that equipment is not recovered too soon |
There are opportunities for both Continuity of Learning but also blended learning and the equipment gives the opportunity for these types of learning. It also gives the opportunity to access learning and teaching, and for pupils who might otherwise have difficulties being in a school setting. |
Would this provide benefits for home schooled children by providing a greater structure for their learning |
Yes |
With capital being spent throughout schools is any thought being given to school modernisation |
Yes this is taken into account whilst all learners in all settings are treated equally |
Would it have been beneficial to use Caerphilly Council's installation contractors or have HOWPS procured contractors that are offering the same or better prices for Powys |
The procurement power for Caerphilly Council was in buying the equipment on behalf of all Councils in Wales. The installation of the equipment is for local contractors and providers. The Council used HOWPS under a framework contract and HOWPS utilise local contractors. |
Why is there an additional cost if the arrangement continues more than 12 months |
Welsh Government worked with digital providers and the agreement was for a 12 month period. If the agreement goes over the 12 month period that is when there would be additional costs. |
Can this programme be sustained after the initial stages and what funding is there for this to happen |
As part of the Council's plan a sustainability plan had to be included. ICT and Education have said that they would sustain this after the project i.e. updating the cabling. There is also agreement in principle with schools to make sure the programme is sustained. |
Does this funding come from school budgets |
The cost of the network will come from central budgets and the equipment cost will come from the schools delegated budget |
Are all staff trained and able to use the equipment |
This is transformational and also transformational in the form of teaching. A link to the Open University has been provided for staff to learn how to undertake online teaching. Schools also help each other. |
Safeguarding – is every downloaded video and music barred or only specific artists |
The agreement between Welsh Government and digital providers is that downloading from other music apps such as Apple Music is not allowed |
Is it the machines where the barring takes place |
No it is the digital provider that would bar the information through the dongle |
If children are digitally excluded, this is almost being reinforced by stopping music and video. Will pupils miss out |
Welsh Government took the view that this is about providing digital learning. There could also be an issue with downloading in the amount of mobile data which is available. Some of these music sites are subscription sites and the focus is on learning. |
Is the cost of the installation of equipment paid for by Welsh Government or from school budgets. Is the Council paying more to HOWPS for this. |
The costs are paid for from the grant not by schools for phases 1 and 2. The HOWPS cost comes from the national fee as well, and the Council pays HOWPS against a framework contract so there are no additional costs. |
Can pupils access a digital support group for their age group |
The Council is looking to support Year 6 pupils in particular, especially with the transition from Year 6 to Year 7. There is guidance from Welsh Government regarding safeguarding. |
Can pupils access social media sites, especially primary school children |
The scheme does not exclude these sites as access is across all age groups. Downloading is data hungry which social media is not. |
Outcome:
· Noted.
Supporting documents: