Performance Scrutiny Committee - People

The committee considered the Estyn report on school inspection outcomes in Newport and the Scrutiny Adviser's reports on actions, the work programme and outcomes. It asked for an information report on digital exams, and the Head of Education agreed to estimate the number of electively home educated children. The minute records no decisions on the Scrutiny Adviser's reports, and updated versions will go on the next agenda.

1. Estyn inspection outcomes for Newport schools 2024-25

   Decided

   The committee asked for an information report on the strengths and opportunities of digital exams. The report will cover the effect on additional learning needs (ALN) provision, and the first digital exam to be held in Newport in summer 2026, including its challenges, successes and subject. The Head of Education agreed to estimate the number of children who are electively home educated (taught at home by their parents by choice), noting that this figure is not officially recorded. The committee said it was pleased with the report and encouraged officers to continue the work.

   Why

   Estyn is the body that inspects education and training in Wales. The report covers Newport schools inspected from September 2024 to July 2025 under Estyn's new inspection framework (its rules for how it inspects), and eight judgements were available when it was written. Estyn's reports no longer give grades such as 'Good'; they name strengths and areas for development.

   Based on the minutes, Item 4 - Estyn Inspections CR and Report

2. Scrutiny Adviser reports: actions, work programme and outcomes

   Decided

   The minutes record no decision on this item.

   Why

   The action sheet lists requests made at earlier meetings, and the outcomes table tracks officers' replies to the committee's recommendations. Several replies from the Head of Adult Services were still awaited, and had been chased on 17 September 2025. The minute notes that the next meeting is on 2 December 2025 at 16:30.

   Based on the minutes, Item 5 - Scrutiny Advisor Report, Item 5.1 - Actions, Item 5.2 - FWP, Item 5.3 - Outcomes

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1. 2

   Declarations of Interest

   Minute

   None.

2. 3

   Minutes of Previous Meeting

   Minute

   The minutes of the previous meeting held 2nd September 2025 were agreed as a true and accurate record.

   Papers: Item 3 - Draft Minutes
3. 4

   Estyn Outcomes Report

   Minute

   The Head of Education introduced the report and the Deputy Chief Education Officer gave an overview to the Committee. The Committee members asked questions and explored the content of the report. Comments and recommendations: • The Committee requested an information report on the strengths and opportunities of digital exams. This will include a perspective regarding the impact of digital exams on Additional Learning Needs (ALN) provision and information on the first digital exam being held in Newport in Summer 2026, its challenges and successes, and the exam subject. • The Head of Education agreed to provide information on the estimated number of children that were Electively Home Educated, acknowledging that this number was not officially recorded. • The Committee were pleased with the report, praised Officers for the work undertaken to date and encouraged its continuation.

   Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings

   Papers: Item 4 - Estyn Inspections CR and Report
4. 5

   Scrutiny Adviser Reports

   Minute

   a) Actions Arising The Scrutiny Adviser highlighted that an updated version of this report had been circulated prior to the meeting. They confirmed that it would be included in the next agenda for transparency. b) Forward Work Programme Update The date of the next meeting was noted as the 2nd December 2025 at 16:30pm. c) Outcomes Monitoring The Scrutiny Adviser highlighted that an updated version of this report had been circulated prior to the meeting. They confirmed that it would be included in the next agenda for transparency.

   Papers: Item 5 - Scrutiny Advisor Report, Item 5.1 - Actions, Item 5.2 - FWP, Item 5.3 - Outcomes
5. 6

   Meeting recording

   Minute

   Please click here to watch the recording.

   Part of an issue followed across 17 meetings

Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.

The minutes record no declarations of interest.

• Alex Pimm, Committee MemberLabourSent apologies
• Bev Davies, Committee MemberLabourPresent
• Carmel Townsend, Committee MemberLiberal DemocratPresent
• Claire Baker-Westhead, Committee MemberLabourAbsent
• Debbie Harvey, Committee MemberLabourSent apologies
• Debbie Jenkins, Committee MemberLabourPresent
• Janet Cleverly, Committee MemberNewport Independent PartyPresent
• Stephen Marshall, Committee MemberLabourPresent
• Trevor Watkins, Committee MemberLabourPresent

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