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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED to recommend that the Cabinet approves the initiation of consultation on the proposals to: 4.1 change the age range of Ysgol Cwrt Henri from a 4-11 school to a 3-11 school from September 2026. 4.2 change the age range of Ysgol Llanybydder from a 4-11 school to a 3-11 school from September 2026 4.3 change the age range of Ysgol Gymraeg Y Tymbl from a 4-11 school to a 3-11 school from September 2026. 4.4 change the age range of Ysgol Y Ddwylan from a 4-11 school to a 3-11 school from September 2026.
RESOLVED to recommend that the Cabinet approves the initiation of consultation on the proposals to: 5.1 discontinue Ammanford Nursery School; 5.2 extend the age range at Ysgol Bro Banw from 4-11 to 3-11; 5.3 extend the age range at Ysgol Gymraeg Rhydaman from 4-11 to 3-11.
RESOLVED that: 6.1 the report be received. 6.2 An update report be provided to the Committee incorporating the information referred to above, to enable members to have a comprehensive insight into the Welsh for Adults provision within Carmarthenshire.
RESOLVED that: 7.1 the report be endorsed. 7.2 Enquiries to be made with the Marketing and Media division to circulate further information in respect of promoting public engagement within the scrutiny process.
RESOLVED that, subject to the inclusion of the above suggestions and resolution 6.2, the Education, Young People and the Welsh Language Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Plan 2025/26 be approved.
RESOLVED that: 9.1 the explanation for the non-submission be noted. 9.2 an interim report on the position regarding school budgets, as set out above, be circulated to the Committee.
RESOLVED that the list of forthcoming items to be considered at the next scheduled meeting on the 14 October 2025 be noted.
There were no apologies for absence.
Councillor Minute Item(s) Nature of Interest Cllr. B. W. Jones Item 4: Modernising Education Programme Update: Proposal to change the age range from 4-11 to 3-11 at the following primary schools: Cwrt Henri, Llanybydder, Tumble, And Y Ddwylan Son is Headteacher of a school within Carmarthenshire. Cllr Jones has been granted dispensation by the Standards Committee allowing her to speak and make representations only. Cllr. B. W. Jones Item 5: Modernising Education Programme Update: proposal to reconfigure nursery provision in Ammanford Local Authority representative on the Governing Body for Ammanford Nursery There were no declarations of prohibited party whips.
The Chair advised that no public questions had been received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to recommend that the Cabinet approves the initiation of consultation on the proposals to: 4.1 change the age range of Ysgol Cwrt Henri from a 4-11 school to a 3-11 school from September 2026. 4.2 change the age range of Ysgol Llanybydder from a 4-11 school to a 3-11 school from September 2026 4.3 change the age range of Ysgol Gymraeg Y Tymbl from a 4-11 school to a 3-11 school from September 2026. 4.4 change the age range of Ysgol Y Ddwylan from a 4-11 school to a 3-11 school from September 2026.
[Note: Councillor B. W. Jones, having earlier declared an interest in this item, remained in the meeting during the deliberation of the matter]. The Committee considered a report on the proposals to amend the age range of four primary schools in Carmarthenshire from 4-11 to 3-11, with effect from September 2026. Following the Council’s removal of the Rising 4s Policy, effective from September 2025, children would commence full-time education at the start of the term after their fourth birthday, thereby impacting the provision of early education for three-year-olds. It was explained that the removal of the Rising 4s Policy extended the duration children spent in nursery and childcare settings, potentially increasing the demand for non-statutory education and wrap-around care. It was noted that this demand would preferably be met by the non-maintained sector whereby providers would be able to expand their provision to cater for additional numbers of children for either or both of the minimum 10 hours education and for wrap around care for those eligible. However, to address the gaps in early education provision within certain communities, the draft consultation documents appended to the report proposed changes to the age range of Cwrt Henri, Llanbydder, Tumble, and Y Ddwylan schools to 3-11. This adjustment would enable these schools to offer a minimum of 10 hours of non-statutory education for three-year-olds. The proposals sought to ensure that the educational needs of younger children were met, thereby supporting their early development and readiness for full-time education. A number of queries were raised in respect of the selection process for the schools put forth for consideration, staffing and financial implications, future plans and the consequential impact upon local communities. The Schools Transformation and Change Manager duly addressed these as follows: • A gap analysis had been undertaken in respect of the provision of early years education across the county and had identified the four initial schools on the basis that there was insufficient provision within a reasonable distance within those respective communities. Cognisance had also been taken of areas of deprivation. Of the four schools identified, consultation had been undertaken with the federated schools to establish which establishments would benefit most from the change. • It was clarified that the pupil projection data was based on a formula and could only provide estimated numbers as the Authority could not take account of parental choice. The Committee was encouraged to note however that the assessments undertaken thus far had been positive and it was hoped that parents would take advantage of the provision available. • Other potential viable options would be considered in future within the context of the gap analysis; however, the initial four schools would be monitored in the first instance to review the impact on the local communities, including whether the 3-11 age range could have influenced parental choice by way of maintained or increased enrolment numbers. • It was confirmed that in considering potential viable options, the Authority liaised closely with other institutions such as Cylchoedd Meithrin and private nurseries and would endeavour to protect their business interests to ensure sufficient provision of early years education across the county. • An assurance was provided that full consultation would be undertaken with the stakeholders determined by the School Organisation Code 2018, as set out in the report. Shaping discussions had already commenced with Governing Bodies and Headteachers in line with stage 1 of the consultation process, all of whom were supportive of the proposals. • It was confirmed that delegated funding would be provided to schools for the provision of 3-year-old education on a part-time basis by the Local Authority. Furthermore, following discussions with Governing Bodies, the schools had also indicated that would have sufficient staffing and resources should the proposals be implemented. Members, in the main, indicated their support for the proposals put forth which sought to maintain future pupil numbers within schools and ensure an equitable provision across the county. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED to recommend that the Cabinet approves the initiation of consultation on the proposals to: 4.1 change the age range of Ysgol Cwrt Henri from a 4-11 school to a 3-11 school from September 2026. 4.2 change the age range of Ysgol Llanybydder from a 4-11 school to a 3-11 school from September 2026 4.3 change the age range of Ysgol Gymraeg Y Tymbl from a 4-11 school to a 3-11 school from September 2026. 4.4 change the age range of Ysgol Y Ddwylan from a 4-11 school to a 3-11 school from September 2026.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to recommend that the Cabinet approves the initiation of consultation on the proposals to: 5.1 discontinue Ammanford Nursery School; 5.2 extend the age range at Ysgol Bro Banw from 4-11 to 3-11; 5.3 extend the age range at Ysgol Gymraeg Rhydaman from 4-11 to 3-11.
[Note: Councillor B. W. Jones, having earlier declared an interest in this item, remained in the meeting during the deliberation of the matter]. Following the Council’s removal of the Rising 4s Policy, effective from September 2025, the Committee considered a report which set out proposals to reconfigure the nursery provision in the Ammanford area from September 2026. The report detailed the current arrangements for Ammanford Nursery, which was the only maintained nursery school within the county and uniquely provided nursery education on a full-time basis for children aged 3 to 5. Reference was made to the aforementioned implications emanating from the removal of the Rising 4s Policy in respect of the increased duration children would spend in nursery and childcare settings. It was explained that the Authority intended to discontinue Ammanford Nursery School whilst also extending the age range at Ysgol Bro Banw and Ysgol Gymraeg Rhydaman from 4-11years to 3-11 years. This reconfiguration would offer the minimum of 10 hours non-statutory Early Years education entitlement and provide greater equity of provision across Carmarthenshire. The Committee considered the draft consultation document appended to the report which provided detailed information in respect of the proposal. Amongst the issues and queries raised on the report were the following: • Concerns were conveyed in respect of the adverse implications for parents within the community who had previously received 6 hours free childcare per day. It was however acknowledged that a reconfiguration was deemed appropriate to redress the balance and provide equality of provision across the county. • In response to concerns raised, the Schools Transformation and Change Manager acknowledged that implementation of the proposals may create an unavoidable bottleneck for nurseries in the short term whereby an increase in the number of children over the age of 3 remaining within the nursery setting would prevent the enrolment of younger children due to capacity constraints. The Committee was informed that the Authority, having engaged with private providers in the area, was mindful that some establishments could have difficulty in absorbing the surplus children and was working closely with the headteachers to ensure adequate space would be available within Ammanford and Bro Banw Schools for those who wanted a place. An assurance was provided that the comprehensive consultation process, which would be undertaken in accordance with the School Organisation Code (2018), would identify any issues and enable preparations to be made to address any potential issues. • Following concerns raised regarding the future demand for the Welsh stream within Ysgol Bro Banw, the Committee was informed that the Authority, in acknowledging these concerns, would be monitoring the situation in an endeavour to incorporate the Authority’s vision to increase the number of children educated through the medium of Welsh. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED to recommend that the Cabinet approves the initiation of consultation on the proposals to: 5.1 discontinue Ammanford Nursery School; 5.2 extend the age range at Ysgol Bro Banw from 4-11 to 3-11; 5.3 extend the age range at Ysgol Gymraeg Rhydaman from 4-11 to 3-11.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that: 6.1 the report be received. 6.2 An update report be provided to the Committee incorporating the information referred to above, to enable members to have a comprehensive insight into the Welsh for Adults provision within Carmarthenshire.
Further to the meeting of the Education, Young People and the Welsh Language Committee held on 4th December 2024 [minute 8 thereof refers], the Committee received a report which provided an update on the current position regarding the Welsh for Adults provision for Carmarthenshire. The Committee was advised that the Learn Welsh Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, Powys service (under the umbrella of Aberystwyth University) became responsible for all Learn Welsh provision in Carmarthenshire since 1st September 2024. The Committee considered an update on the transition of the service in terms of staffing, service provision, partnership initiatives and enrolment figures. The report highlighted that the National Centre for Learning Welsh had monitored the transfer closely and was satisfied with the delivery arrangements within Carmarthenshire. Amongst the issues and queries raised on the report were the following: The Committee was pleased to note that the number of learners receiving a Learn Welsh service in Carmarthenshire had increased by 23% since 2023-24, which indicated that the transition had been successful. In response to a query, the Welsh Language Development Officer provided an overview of the opportunities to share best practice which had derived from the collaborative initiatives referred to in the report. An assurance was provided that the National Centre for Learning Welsh oversaw the monitoring arrangements and provision of the service and the county had regular meetings with Aberystwyth University to discuss progress and future provision. Following a question regarding course costings, the Welsh Language Development Officer confirmed that fees were attributed to Learn Welsh courses, however the learning opportunities available for the education workforce were provided free of charge. The array of courses offered at different levels from beginners to experienced speakers was available on the dysgucymraeg.cymru website. In accordance with the Committee’s previous request, further information was sought in the following areas to enable members to have a comprehensive insight into the new arrangements: · Methods utilised to promote the provision; · Course locations, enrolment figures for each area, including detailed information on the progress made by learners across the continuum of course levels; · Data on the success rate of those who had undertaken exams; · Mentoring initiatives to support learners; · Details as to how the significant increase of 23% in enrolment figures had been achieved; · Further information on the provision of Welsh language courses available for businesses across the county. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that: 6.1 the report be received. 6.2 An update report be provided to the Committee incorporating the information referred to above, to enable members to have a comprehensive insight into the Welsh for Adults provision within Carmarthenshire.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that: 7.1 the report be endorsed. 7.2 Enquiries to be made with the Marketing and Media division to circulate further information in respect of promoting public engagement within the scrutiny process.
The Committee received for consideration the Education, Young People and Welsh Language Scrutiny Committee Annual Report which detailed the work undertaken by the Committee during the previous municipal year. The report had been prepared in accordance with Article 6.2 of the Council’s Constitution and provided an overview of the work programme and key issues addressed, whilst also incorporating any issues referred to, or from, the Cabinet, Task and Finish reviews, development sessions and member attendance. Reference was made to section 5 of the report which related to public participation. The Committee was advised that further information in relation to the initiatives undertaken by the Authority to promote public engagement within the scrutiny process would be sought from the Marketing and Media division and circulated to the Committee. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that: 7.1 the report be endorsed. 7.2 Enquiries to be made with the Marketing and Media division to circulate further information in respect of promoting public engagement within the scrutiny process.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that, subject to the inclusion of the above suggestions and resolution 6.2, the Education, Young People and the Welsh Language Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Plan 2025/26 be approved.
The Committee reviewed its draft Forward Work Plan for 2025/26 which had been compiled following the Committee’s informal planning session held on the 29 April 2025 and subsequent feedback provided by members and officers. It was emphasised that the Forward Work Plan was a flexible document that could be updated throughout the year as and when required. A request was made for an informal development session to enable the Committee to explore the issues faced by schools and Education Welfare Officers in respect of absenteeism in an endeavour to enhance the Authority’s policies and procedures in this regard. The Head of Education and Inclusion Services advised that the children’s services department was responsible for supporting families and schools around non-attendance and further enquiries would be made to take the request forward. A suggestion was put forth for the Committee to review the key risks and opportunities relevant to the remit of the scrutiny committee during consideration of the service delivery plans, in conjunction with performance and financial monitoring targets, in order to identify focus areas for the Committee to scrutinise. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that, subject to the inclusion of the above suggestions and resolution 6.2, the Education, Young People and the Welsh Language Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Plan 2025/26 be approved.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that: 9.1 the explanation for the non-submission be noted. 9.2 an interim report on the position regarding school budgets, as set out above, be circulated to the Committee.
The Committee received an explanation for the non-submission of the following scrutiny report: • Review of the position regarding school budgets in primary, secondary and special schools. In response to a query, it was agreed that an interim report on the position regarding school budgets be circulated to the Committee. It was agreed that a summary of reasons for the school deficits to be included where possible. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that: 9.1 the explanation for the non-submission be noted. 9.2 an interim report on the position regarding school budgets, as set out above, be circulated to the Committee.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the list of forthcoming items to be considered at the next scheduled meeting on the 14 October 2025 be noted.
The Committee received a list of forthcoming items to be considered at its next meeting to be held on the 14 October 2025. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the list of forthcoming items to be considered at the next scheduled meeting on the 14 October 2025 be noted.
UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 13th May 2025 be signed as a correct record.
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