Presentation from Carly Skitt (Assistant Programme Director) and John Thomas (Engagement and Communications Specialist) on the North Powys Wellbeing Programme.
Minutes:
The Learning and Skills Scrutiny Committee had been invited to attend to participate in this item.
The Assistant Programme Director, Head of Commissioning and Strategic Programme Manager, Schools Transformation gave a presentation to update Members on the North Powys Programme. The presentation will be circulated to Members following the meeting.
Discussion:
· The Strategic Outline Case will be scrutinised at an additional meeting of the Committee on 21 January 2022 before being considered for approval by Cabinet on 1 March 2022
· The Chair noted that the Committee had been briefed so far but would welcome the opportunity to scrutinize details. She would hope that themes could be identified for scrutiny before decisions are made.
· It would be useful to scrutinize the Strategic Outline Case, Outline Business Case and governance arrangements. The Chair requested a copy of the principles of working together.
· The Bach a Lach scheme was noted but Members questioned teachers’ involvement given that this was for Foundation and Pre School phases. Both training and activities have been delivered and it is hoped that these will be available more widely. The scheme has been operating in north Powys for approximately 18 months. Any project receiving transformation funds is subject to evaluation and this is being carried out by an external company. The evaluation report is likely to be available in May 2022. It was hoped that the evaluation would continue as children transfer into education. The Assistant Programme Director agreed to investigate this issue further.
· Further detail was requested regarding how the health and education will work together and whether there will be opportunities for satellite health care provision in other schools in North Powys particularly in light of potential new school builds in the area. The Chair has been keen to promote the wider benefits to the area throughout the programme. The Assistant Programme Director reported that the aim was to offer one stop for services and in providing those in close proximity regardless of whether a family has universal or complex needs would be of benefit.
· Work is ongoing with Early Years to be more collaborative, and this will progress further. An informal group to explore synergies is to be set up. The operating model for early years is rather disparate and closer working with all partners is required to understand what the new model could look like. The Chair noted that this should not be developed in isolation and become too self-contained a group.
· A question was raised regarding wider engagement with the public. There have been several staff briefings and meetings with key stakeholders. A survey has been completed on campus. The next step is to take concept drawings to these groups to stimulate further discussion. Topics such as travel times and the use of digital services will be discussed. An Engagement Officer and Community Development Officer will be in place to facilitate engagement.
· Communication with the District General Hospitals was also key to ensure that full use was made of the facilities that will be provided. A business case to support cross border working has been produced.
Outcomes:
· The Chair would write to the Assistant Programme Director outlining the Committees’ expectations
· The Chair would discuss the matter with the Chair of the Learning and Skills Scrutiny Committee to establish how to take scrutiny of the programme forward
· The presentation will be forwarded to Members of both Committees for information
· Principles of Working Together to be made available