Issue - meetings

To consider and debate the following motion, submitted by Cllr M Jones, which was referred to the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at the meeting of the County Council on 18 September 2020.

‘This Council notes that the Covid 19 pandemic has impacted on the education of young people over the age of sixteen in this County over the last six months or so. Those who have recently taken A levels, GCSEs and BTec examinations have had a particularly stressful time due to changes in the way exams were graded which impacted on choices for onward study for some young people.  For those who were planning on seeking employment or apprenticeships after completing their education, the situation is even worse due to the current state of the economy.

Now more than ever these students need support to ensure they do not find themselves Not in education, employment or training (NEETs).  Moreover, given the likely long term impact of the effects of the pandemic on the economy, it will become even more important than ever for this Council to be able to provide support for future generations of school-leavers.

This Council therefore calls on the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills to reprioritise funding to enable the reversal of the decision taken at full Council in February to reduce the post-16 support service that provides interventions and careers guidance for young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs) and instead to consider whether current staffing levels are adequate or should in fact be increased.’

and the report by the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills.

41.1     At the County Council meeting on 18 September 2020 the following motion had been moved by Cllr M Jones, seconded by Cllr Oxlade, and referred to the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills for consideration. A report by the Cabinet Member was included with the agenda (pages 75 and 76).

‘This Council notes that the Covid 19 pandemic has impacted on the education of young people over the age of sixteen in this County over the last six months or so. Those who have recently taken A levels, GCSEs and BTec examinations have had a particularly stressful time due to changes in the way exams were graded which impacted on choices for onward study for some young people.  For those who were planning on seeking employment or apprenticeships after completing their education, the situation is even worse due to the current state of the economy.

Now more than ever these students need support to ensure they do not find themselves Not in education, employment or training (NEETs).  Moreover, given the likely long term impact of the effects of the pandemic on the economy, it will become even more important than ever for this Council to be able to provide support for future generations of school-leavers.

This Council therefore calls on the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills to reprioritise funding to enable the reversal of the decision taken at full Council in February to reduce the post-16 support service that provides interventions and careers guidance for young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs) and instead to consider whether current staffing levels are adequate or should in fact be increased.’

41.2     The motion was lost.

To consider the following motion, submitted by Cllr M Jones, notice of which was given on 1 September 2020:

‘This Council notes that the Covid 19 pandemic has impacted on the education of young people over the age of sixteen in this County over the last six months or so. Those who have recently taken A levels, GCSEs and BTec examinations have had a particularly stressful time due to changes in the way exams were graded which impacted on choices for onward study for some young people.  For those who were planning on seeking employment or apprenticeships after completing their education, the situation is even worse due to the current state of the economy.

Now more than ever these students need support to ensure they do not find themselves Not in education, employment or training (NEETs).  Moreover, given the likely long term impact of the effects of the pandemic on the economy, it will become even more important than ever for this Council to be able to provide support for future generations of school-leavers.

This Council therefore calls on the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills to reprioritise funding to enable the reversal of the decision taken at full Council in February to reduce the post-16 support service that provides interventions and careers guidance for young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs) and instead to consider whether current staffing levels are adequate or should in fact be increased.’

26.1     The following motion was moved by Cllr M Jones and seconded by Cllr Oxlade.

‘This Council notes that the Covid 19 pandemic has impacted on the education of young people over the age of sixteen in this County over the last six months or so. Those who have recently taken A levels, GCSEs and BTec examinations have had a particularly stressful time due to changes in the way exams were graded which impacted on choices for onward study for some young people.  For those who were planning on seeking employment or apprenticeships after completing their education, the situation is even worse due to the current state of the economy. 

Now more than ever these students need support to ensure they do not find themselves Not in education, employment or training (NEETs).  Moreover, given the likely long term impact of the effects of the pandemic on the economy, it will become even more important than ever for this Council to be able to provide support for future generations of school-leavers.

This Council therefore calls on the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills to reprioritise funding to enable the reversal of the decision taken at full Council in February to reduce the post-16 support service that provides interventions and careers guidance for young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs) and instead to consider whether current staffing levels are adequate or should in fact be increased.’

26.2     The motion was referred to the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills for consideration.