Agenda

At the start of the meeting the Executive Director will briefly update the Committee on some changes in responsibilities in Children, Families & Education.

To receive any apologies for absence.

To receive and note any declarations of interests in respect of any matters included on the agenda for consideration at this meeting.

(The other registrable interests of Councillors of Somerset Council, arising from membership of City, Town or Parish Councils and other Local Authorities will automatically be recorded in the minutes: City, Town & Parish Twin Hatters - Somerset Councillors 2023 )

To approve the minutes from the meeting held on Wednesday 13 March 2024.

The Chair to advise the Committee of any items on which members of the public have requested to speak and advise those members of the public present of the details of the Council’s public participation scheme.

For those members of the public who have submitted any questions or statements, please note, a three minute time limit applies to each speaker and you will be asked to speak before Councillors debate the issue.

We are now live webcasting most of our committee meetings and you are welcome to view and listen to the discussion. The link to each webcast will be available on the meeting webpage, please see details under ‘click here to join online meeting’.

To receive an update from the Service Manager, Governance Scrutiny. To assist the discussion, the following documents are attached:-

(a)  The Committee’s work programme 2023/2024

(b)  The Committee’s outcome tracker

(c)  Summary meetings overview 2023/2024

(d)  Draft Committee work plan 2024/2025 - to note the items planned for the next meeting on 26 June 2024. Committee members are invited to identify items for consideration at the next few meetings.

Please use the following links to view the latest Somerset Council Forward Plans and Executive Forward Plan of planned key decisions that have been published on the Council’s website:

Somerset Council Forward Plans

Somerset Council Executive Forward Plan

To consider PowerPoint presentation.

Note – the Chair will allow 30 minutes for this agenda item.

To consider PowerPoint presentation.

Note – the Chair will allow 30 minutes for this agenda item.

To receive a verbal update from the Scrutiny Manager on the position with regard to DBS checks for Councillors. A short PowerPoint presentation will be provided at the meeting.

Note – the Chair will allow 10 minutes for this agenda item.

To consider PowerPoint presentation.

Note – the Chair will allow 25 minutes for this agenda item.

1. This is a standing agenda item and will provide details of information sent to Committee members in between meetings, that cover the Committee’s policy areas.

(a) LGA virtual event - Improving support for care leavers – circulated on 15 April 2024

(b) Update on Academisation Programme – link to website - Academisation Pipeline Page | Support Services for Education- circulated on 25 April 2024

(c) Note about Education Standards Standing Panel – to be circulated

If Committee members have any questions or comments on the information, please contact the Committee Administrator on democraticservicesteam@somerset.gov.uk in the first instance and before the date of the meeting.

2. The Committee is asked to note the proposed meeting dates for 2024/2025 - the meetings will be held in Deane House, JMR, Taunton except where indicated:-

·         Wednesday 26 June @ 10am.

·         Monday 5 August @ 1.30 pm.

·         Wednesday 18 September @ 10am (Sedgemoor Room, Bridgwater).

·         Tuesday 29 October @ 10am.

·         Monday 9 December @ 1.30pm.

·         Wednesday 22 January @ 10.30am.

·         Monday 10 March @ 1.30pm.

·         Wednesday 23 April @ 10.30am.