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For each, it unanimously agreed to recommend that Full Council goes ahead with closure. Cabinet only recommends.
There were no apologies for absence.
Councillor Minute Number Nature of Interest A.C. Jones Modernising Education Programme - To Consider the Objection Report for Ysgol Meidrim. As Local Authority Governor for Ffederasiwn Ysgolion Bancyfelinm, Llangain a Llansteffan who may be impacted by the decision
UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 21st September, 2026 be signed as a correct record.
The Chair advised that no questions on notice had been submitted by members.
The Chair advised that no public questions had been received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL, after consideration of the responses to the proposal as outlined in the objection report that Council proceeds with implementing the proposal to discontinue Ysgol Meidrim as laid out in the statutory notice.
[NOTE: Councillor A.C. Jones having earlier declared an interest in this item left the meeting during consideration of this item.] Councillor G. Davies advised that as Cabinet Member for Education he participated in support of the Council’s position during the recent judicial review proceedings. Following legal advice Councillor Davies advised that that he would be withdrawing from the meeting to avoid perception of bias or predetermination. He was not present at the meeting during consideration of this item. The Cabinet received the Consultation Reports for Ysgol Meidrim, relating to the proposals to discontinue the school. The Cabinet Member for Deputy Leader and Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism presented the objection report and acknowledged the significant level of community engagement and opposition to the proposal, recognising the important role of Ysgol Gynradd Meidrim in community life, Welsh language promotion, pupil wellbeing and support for learners with additional learning needs. Cabinet noted the views expressed by parents, staff, governors, the wider community and pupils. Cabinet Member for Deputy Leader and Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism reported that the school continued to face long-term challenges, including low pupil numbers, surplus capacity, financial pressures, leadership sustainability concerns and a projected budget deficit. Cabinet was advised that the Authority had a responsibility to ensure educational provision remained sustainable and that resources were used effectively across the county. The Cabinet Member for Deputy Leader and Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism noted that Welsh-medium education would remain available through alternative provision and that appropriate transition, wellbeing and ALN support arrangements would be put in place should the proposal proceed. Reference was made to Estyn's assessment, which concluded that the proposal was likely to maintain educational standards and represented a viable option in light of the school's long-term sustainability challenges. It was also noted that alternative options had been considered but were not considered capable of addressing the underlying issues over the longer term. It was reported that all statutory requirements under the School Organisation Code 2018 had been followed, including consideration of the presumption against the closure of rural schools and the assessment of alternative options. The preferred option remained the discontinuation of the school, with pupils transferring to Ysgol Hafodwenog or Ysgol Griffith Jones from January 2027. The Cabinet Member for Resources while seconding the proposal acknowledged the efforts of Councillor Lewis as Local Member, governors and parents in supporting the retention of Ysgol Meidrim but seconded the proposal for three reasons. It was noted that pupil numbers across Carmarthenshire had declined significantly, resulting in surplus school places, with Ysgol Meidrim operating at around half capacity and a number of catchment area pupils attending other schools. Financial pressures were highlighted, including projected overspends within the education budget and at the school itself, with closure expected to allow funding to follow pupils to receiving schools. Reference was also made to the need to make effective use of council resources, buildings and staff, in line with the Modernising Education Programme and Estyn’s expectations, to ensure that learners had access to the best possible educational opportunities and a wider range of activities. The Chair advised that she had agreed for Councillor M.J.A. Lewis to make a statement to the Cabinet. The Chair invited Councillor Lewis to make her representation in respect of Ysgol Meidrim. Councillor Lewis, the local Member for Meidrim, provided a representation opposing to the discontinuation of Ysgol Meidrim. Councillor Lewis expressed disappointment at the proposal to close Ysgol Meidrim, stating that the school was central to the local community and Welsh language. It was argued that the Governing Body had explored sustainable alternatives to closure, including measures to improve financial viability, but had not been given sufficient opportunity to demonstrate their effectiveness. Concerns were raised that the anticipated financial savings were limited and could be offset by increased transport costs, while the dispersal of pupils between three receiving schools would have a detrimental impact on established community ties. Councillor Lewis also highlighted the potential impact on pupils, families, staff and the wider community, and questioned whether transferring pupils during the middle of an academic year would be in their best interests. Councillor Lewis urged the Cabinet to reconsider the proposal. The Chair acknowledged the strength of feeling within the local community and recognised the efforts made by the Local Member, parents and residents throughout the consultation process. It was noted that a wide range of options had been considered in detail over an extended period; however, the Chair supported the recommendation to refer the matter to Full Council for a final decision. The Chair emphasised the Council's responsibility to safeguard the future provision of education, highlighting the need to consider the wider strategic picture and ensure access to Welsh-medium education for all children. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL, after consideration of the responses to the proposal as outlined in the objection report that Council proceeds with implementing the proposal to discontinue Ysgol Meidrim as laid out in the statutory notice.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL, after consideration of the responses to the proposal as outlined in the objection report that Council proceeds with implementing the proposal to discontinue Ysgol Y Fro as laid out in the statutory notice.
Cabinet considered the Objection Report relating to the proposal to discontinue Ysgol y Fro. The Cabinet Member for Education noted that the school had been identified for review under the Modernising Education Programme due to very low pupil numbers, high surplus places, declining projections and an unsustainable financial position. Following consultation and the statutory objection process, 22 objections had been received and were addressed within the Objection Report. It was reported that the preferred option remained to discontinue the school on 31 December 2026 and transfer pupils to Ysgol y Dderwen from 1 January 2027. Cabinet noted that, as of September 2026, all pupils previously on roll had secured places at alternative schools and no pupils remained registered at the school. It was reported that the majority of responses opposed the proposal, with concerns raised regarding community impact, the Welsh language, educational standards and wellbeing, travel arrangements, effects on the Cylch Meithrin, access to wraparound care, capacity at the receiving school, the financial case, and the adequacy of the process. Cabinet noted that the proposal had been developed in accordance with the School Organisation Code 2018, including the additional requirements applicable to rural schools, and that Community, Welsh Language and Integrated Impact Assessments had been undertaken. Cabinet also noted the school's significant budget deficit and the potential revenue savings associated with the proposal. The Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability seconded the proposal and thanked all those who had participated in the consultation process and acknowledged the significance of the school to the local community. The consultation process undertaken by the Education Department was recognised as detailed and thorough. It was noted that the school had faced ongoing challenges, including low pupil numbers, a high level of surplus places, increasing financial pressures and the transfer of all pupils to other schools. Reference was made to the wider financial pressures facing local authorities and the need to ensure resources were used effectively to provide the best educational opportunities for children. Appreciation was expressed to the school's staff, governors and parents for their commitment and support over the years. The Cabinet Member for Resources noted that the school was projected to overspend by over £100k during the current financial year with the deficit expected to rise to approximately £130k in the following year. It was highlighted that financial considerations formed part of the overall assessment, alongside other factors. It was also noted that declining pupil numbers were affecting both rural and urban schools and that this trend was not unique to rural areas and reflected challenges being experienced by other authorities. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL, after consideration of the responses to the proposal as outlined in the objection report that Council proceeds with implementing the proposal to discontinue Ysgol Y Fro as laid out in the statutory notice.
The Chair advised that there were no items of urgent business.
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