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It recommended that Cabinet start formal consultation on the first three. It also endorsed the draft Council Annual Report 2025/26 and received a report on Estyn school inspections.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors B.W. Jones and S. Williams.
Councillor Minute Item(s) Nature of Interest H. Jones 6. Modernising Education Programme - To consider a Consultation Document on Ysgol Carwe Personal and Prejudicial Interest - a member of Cllr. Jones’ family is a member of staff at Ysgol Carwe. K.V. Broom 6. Modernising Education Programme - To consider a Consultation Document on Ysgol Carwe Cllr. Broom is the Chair of the Governing Body for Ysgol Trimsaran. H. Jones 7. Modernising Education Programme - To consider a Consultation Document on Ysgol Bancffosfelen Cllr. Jones is the Vice Chair of a Governing Body within a school federated with Ysgol Bancffosfelen. L. Bowen 7. Modernising Education Programme - To consider a Consultation Document on Ysgol Bancffosfelen Cllr. Bowen is a member of the Governing Body for Ysgol Bancffosfelen and Ysgol Pontyberem. 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 proceed with formal consultation on Ysgol Blaenau.
The Committee received for consideration the Modernising Education Programme (MEP) consultation document which set out proposals for Ysgol Blaenau. The Committee noted that Ysgol Blaenau had been identified for review following a Viability Assessment of all Primary Schools which had been undertaken in accordance with the updated Modernising Education Programme (MEP) Strategy approved by Cabinet on 18th November 2024. The Committee acknowledged that shaping discussions had been held with the school, which allowed for feedback to be provided on the challenges and potential solutions to address issues pertaining to: • Extremely low pupil numbers; • High surplus places; • High number of pupils living within catchment attending other schools • Pupil projections which suggested that there is little likelihood of pupil numbers increasing dramatically over the next few years; • Deficit budget resulting in unsustainable financial situation; • High budget share per pupil; • Low birth rate data. The report set out a range of options regarding the future of Ysgol Blaenau, which had been assessed for its likely impact on: • Educational standards and learner outcomes; • Financial sustainability; • Community impact; • Learner travel arrangements; • School capacity and surplus places; • Building suitability and condition. The report provided an analysis of all reasonable alternative options and concluded that discontinuation of the school had been determined as the preferred option and the Committee’s role was to scrutinise the consultation document and determine whether to recommend that Cabinet proceed to formal consultation, rather than to make a final decision on the future of the school. The proposed changes would secure the continued delivery of high-quality education for local children as maintaining the school in its current form was considered unsustainable and would not provide the education standards required. The report noted that the proposals aligned with the updated MEP Strategy and statutory requirements and should the Cabinet resolve to proceed with the recommended actions at its meeting on 2 November 2026, a period of consultation would be initiated in accordance with the relevant statutory procedures and requirements prescribed by the School Organisation Code 2026. This would include the publication of a consultation document, engagement with key stakeholders, and the provision of an appropriate consultation period to enable individuals and stakeholders affected by the proposal to consider the information presented and respond accordingly. The Cabinet Member and Officers responded to the issues/observations raised by the Committee. The main matters were as follows: • Concerns were expressed regarding the volume of documentation presented to the Committee and the number of school proposals considered at a single meeting; it was therefore suggested that future arrangements allow more time for thorough scrutiny of the important matters being presented. • Members sought clarification regarding the level of surplus capacity within the school and whether the published capacity figure reflected current staffing levels. Officers explained that a school's capacity was calculated using the Welsh Government formula based on the size and teaching accommodation within the building and funding and staffing was provided in accordance with the number of pupils. • Members sought further details on the factors contributing to the school’s financial position. It was explained to the Committee that the deficit had accumulated over a number of years as pupil numbers gradually declined. The Committee was further advised that, despite previous advice from the Education Department regarding affordability, a decision had been taken by the Governing Body to appoint a headteacher, which had contributed to increasing financial pressures over time. Furthermore, Officers explained that smaller schools often required two teaching classes to accommodate multiple year groups, resulting in staffing costs that could not be sustained by the level of funding generated from the number of pupils on roll. In response to queries raised it was explained that, notwithstanding the professionalism and skill of teachers working in such environments, teaching multiple year groups placed additional demands on the teaching staff. Furthermore, it was noted that pupils in very small schools may have limited opportunities in relation to sporting and other extracurricular activities. • Members questioned whether the alternative options considered could be combined to provide a stronger and more sustainable solution for the school. In response, the Committee was advised that the key consideration was whether any alternative arrangement would generate sufficient pupil numbers to secure the school's future viability. Officers stated that the sustainability of the school was dependent upon pupil enrolment and that continued low numbers would inevitably lead to increasing financial pressures and budget deficits. A further reduction in pupil numbers was projected going forward. • Questions were raised regarding transport provision, particularly in relation to pupils' ability to access extracurricular activities following any transfer to another school. It was explained that transport eligibility would continue to be determined in accordance with the Council's transport policy. It was emphasised that transport costs continued to increase significantly which presented a substantial challenge for schools, particularly in relation to off-site educational opportunities and sporting activities such as swimming lessons. • It was commented that some pupils were accessing the county’s transport provision despite not being eligible, and the Cabinet Member for Education noted that he would make enquiries with the transport division in this regard. • Members sought assurances regarding support for pupils, particularly for those with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) who may be required to transfer to another school should the proposal ultimately proceed. It was confirmed that appropriate support would be available through ALN services, school improvement teams and other council services to assist both pupils and staff throughout any transition period. • An assurance was sought regarding the integrity of the statutory consultation process. The Director of Education and Leisure explained that, should Cabinet approve the recommendation, a 42-day consultation period would be undertaken in accordance with the School Organisation Code. It was confirmed that all responses received during the consultation would be formally considered and included in a subsequent report to Cabinet before any final decision was taken. The Director of Education and Leisure urged all interested parties to respond to the consultation to ensure that their views were considered. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND that the Cabinet proceed with formal consultation on Ysgol Blaenau.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND that the Cabinet proceed with formal consultation on Ysgol Pontiets.
The Committee received for consideration the Modernising Education Programme (MEP) consultation document which set out proposals for Ysgol Pontiets. The Committee noted that Ysgol Pontiets had been identified for review following a Viability Assessment of all Primary Schools which had been undertaken in accordance with the updated Modernising Education Programme (MEP) Strategy approved by Cabinet on 18th November 2024. The Committee acknowledged that shaping discussions had been held with the school, which allowed for feedback to be provided on the challenges and potential solutions to address issues pertaining to: • Extremely low pupil numbers; • High surplus places; • High number of pupils living within catchment attending other schools; • Pupil projections which suggested that there is little likelihood of pupil numbers increasing dramatically over the next few years; • High budget share per pupil; • Low birth rate data. The report set out a range of options regarding the future of Ysgol Pontiets, which had been assessed for its likely impact on: • Educational standards and learner outcomes; • Financial sustainability; • Community impact; • Learner travel arrangements; • School capacity and surplus places; • Building suitability and condition. The report provided an analysis of all reasonable alternative options and concluded that discontinuation of the school had been determined as the preferred option and the Committee’s role was to scrutinise the consultation document and determine whether to recommend that Cabinet proceed to formal consultation, rather than to make a final decision on the future of the school. The proposed changes would allow for the reallocation of resources to schools with the ability to deliver better educational outcomes for pupils and would also address the issue of surplus places and support a more efficient use of public funds. Maintaining the school in its current form was considered unsustainable and would not provide the education standards required. It was noted that the proposals aligned with the updated MEP Strategy and statutory requirements and should the Cabinet resolve to proceed with the recommended actions at its meeting on 2 November 2026, a period of consultation would be initiated in accordance with the relevant statutory procedures and requirements prescribed by the School Organisation Code 2026. This would include the publication of a consultation document, engagement with key stakeholders, and the provision of an appropriate consultation period to enable individuals and stakeholders affected by the proposal to consider the information presented and respond accordingly. The Cabinet Member and Officers responded to the issues/observations raised by the Committee. The main matters were as follows: • An assurance was sought regarding the capacity of the receiving school and the potential impact on class sizes, resources and educational standards. It was confirmed to Members that an assessment had been undertaken which concluded that sufficient capacity existed within Ysgol Ponthenri to accommodate the additional pupils. Members also questioned whether parental choice could lead to pupils attending alternative schools, potentially transferring capacity issues elsewhere. Officers advised that a surplus of school places remained across the wider area and that the preferred receiving school had been identified following discussions with the governing body based on parental preference. • In response to questions raised regarding the estimated home-to-school transport costs, the Committee was advised that the figures were indicative and based on the current cost of providing a single vehicle service, with actual costs dependent on future pupil demand should the proposal proceed. • Members sought clarification on whether the closure proposal should be considered alongside other school organisation proposals, particularly in relation to existing federation arrangements. Officers confirmed that while the proposals were being treated separately, it was anticipated that the transfer of pupils would strengthen the existing federation between Ysgol Ponthenri and Ysgol Carwe. • The Director of Education and Leisure provided an assurance that recent representations submitted by elected members and other stakeholders would be fully reviewed before the consultation documents were presented to the Cabinet, and that any necessary amendments for each school would be communicated to the Committee. • The Committee discussed the availability of breakfast clubs, after-school provision and wrap around care arrangements at the receiving school in light of the importance of these services for families and sought assurance that any gaps in provision would be addressed. The Committee was informed that the Authority would work closely with schools to assess demand in the first instance and provide support for the development of appropriate provision where required. • Members questioned the significant change in the school’s financial position from a surplus to a projected deficit. In this regard it was explained to the Committee that additional costs in relation to the leadership had been incurred. Furthermore, falling pupil numbers had reduced funding levels while staffing and leadership costs had remained comparatively high, thereby creating financial pressures that were not considered sustainable in the longer term. RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND that the Cabinet proceed with formal consultation on Ysgol Pontiets.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND that the Cabinet proceed with formal consultation on Ysgol Carwe.
[NOTES: • Councillor K.V. Broom, having earlier declared an interest in this item, re-declared that interest and remained in the meeting during its consideration and voting thereof. • Councillor H.Jones, having earlier declared an interest in this item re-declared that interest and was not present in the meeting during its consideration and voting thereof]. The Committee received for consideration the Modernising Education Programme (MEP) consultation document which set out proposals for Ysgol Carwe. The Committee noted that Ysgol Carwe had been identified for review following a Viability Assessment of all Primary Schools which had been undertaken in accordance with the updated Modernising Education Programme (MEP) Strategy approved by Cabinet on 18th November 2024. The Committee acknowledged that shaping discussions had been held with the school, which allowed for feedback to be provided on the challenges and potential solutions to address issues pertaining to: • Low pupil numbers at the school; • High surplus places; • High number of pupils living within catchment attending other schools • Consistent but low pupil projections which suggested that there is little likelihood of pupil numbers increasing dramatically over the next few years; • Significant issues in relation to building condition. The Committee was advised that Ysgol Carwe had ceased operating from its school building in September 2025 following significant health and safety concerns due to structural issues to the building resulting in the premises being deemed unsuitable and unsafe for occupation by pupils and staff. Since September 2025, pupils attending Ysgol Carwe had been transferred to Ysgol Gwynfryn, Pontyates, under arrangements established by the Local Authority and the governing body of the federated schools. The report set out a range of options regarding the future of Ysgol Carwe, which had been assessed for its likely impact on: • Educational standards and learner outcomes; • Financial sustainability; • Community impact; • Learner travel arrangements; • School capacity and surplus places; • Building suitability and condition. The report provided an analysis of all reasonable alternative options and concluded that discontinuation of the school had been determined as the preferred option and the Committee’s role was to scrutinise the consultation document and determine whether to recommend that Cabinet proceed to formal consultation, rather than to make a final decision on the future of the school. It was noted that the proposals aligned with the updated MEP Strategy and statutory requirements and should the Cabinet resolve to proceed with the recommended actions at its meeting on 2 November 2026, a period of consultation would be initiated in accordance with the relevant statutory procedures and requirements prescribed by the School Organisation Code 2026. This would include the publication of a consultation document, engagement with key stakeholders, and the provision of an appropriate consultation period to enable individuals and stakeholders affected by the proposal to consider the information presented and respond accordingly. The Cabinet Member and Officers responded to the issues/observations raised by the Committee. The main matters were as follows: • A question was raised regarding the possible implications for the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP), including whether the loss of a local school could lead parents to choose alternative schools and potentially reduce participation in Welsh-medium education. The Committee was advised that the pupils had transferred to Ysgol Gwynfryn which was a Welsh-medium provision within the federation and had settled well in their new school. It was emphasised that maintaining Welsh-medium provision remained a key consideration for the Authority. • The Committee sought clarification regarding the capacity of the receiving school and the implications surrounding the current condition of the school building at the receiving school, and transportation implications within the context of future pupil catchment arrangements. Officers confirmed that sufficient capacity existed to accommodate additional pupils, explaining that published figures did not reflect all available classroom space. The Committee was advised that improvements would be made to the condition of the school building should the proposal proceed and highlighted that arrangements regarding the receiving school remained subject to consultation, with changes possible in response to stakeholder feedback. It was emphasised that any maintenance costs at the receiving school would be significantly less than the investment required for Ysgol Carwe. • The Committee discussed the wider strategic approach to school organisation. Members highlighted historic patterns of parental choice, demographic changes and housing development within the area, together with the potential impact on Welsh-language education. Officers acknowledged these concerns and outlined ongoing work to support schools to progress along the Welsh language continuum. • In response to a request, it was confirmed that the list of schools subject to viability assessments as part of the Authority’s review processes would be circulated to the Committee and would also detail, as a percentile, the surplus capacity within those schools. • The Committee considered the timing of school closures and pupil transfers, with Members expressing concern that implementing changes during an academic year could be disruptive for pupils and families. Officers recognised the concerns raised and advised that balancing educational considerations with financial and statutory requirements could be complex but confirmed that the issue would continue to be considered as part of future school organisation proposals. Officers confirmed that the MEP and its criteria remained under regular review to ensure that the MEP reflected the changing circumstances and challenges within the education system. RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND that the Cabinet proceed with formal consultation on Ysgol Carwe.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that a revised consultation document be presented to a special meeting of the Scrutiny Committee for further consideration before being submitted to Cabinet on 2 November. RESOLVED that the Committee be mined to recommend that the Cabinet proceed with formal consultation on Ysgol Bancffoselen, pending the above mentioned amendments being agreed at a special meeting of the Committee.
[NOTE: Councillors L. Bowen and H. Jones, having earlier declared an interest in this item re-declared that interest and remained in the meeting during its consideration and voting thereof]. The Committee received for consideration the Modernising Education Programme (MEP) consultation document which set out proposals for Ysgol Bancffosfelen. The Committee noted that Ysgol Bancffosfelen had been identified for review following a Viability Assessment of all Primary Schools which had been undertaken in accordance with the updated Modernising Education Programme (MEP) Strategy approved by Cabinet on 18th November 2024. The Committee acknowledged that shaping discussions had been held with the school, which allowed for feedback to be provided on the challenges and potential solutions to address issues pertaining to: • Low pupil numbers at the school; • High surplus places; • High number of pupils living within catchment attending other schools; • Consistent but low pupil projections which suggested that there is little likelihood of pupil numbers increasing dramatically over the next few years; • Deficit budget position; • Significant issues in relation to building condition. The report set out a range of options regarding the future of Ysgol Bancffosfelen, which had been assessed for its likely impact on: • Educational standards and learner outcomes; • Financial sustainability; • Community impact; • Learner travel arrangements; • School capacity and surplus places; • Building suitability and condition. The report provided an analysis of all reasonable alternative options and concluded that discontinuation of the school had been determined as the preferred option and the Committee’s role was to scrutinise the consultation document and determine whether to recommend that Cabinet proceed to formal consultation, rather than to make a final decision on the future of the school. The proposed changes would allow for the reallocation of resources to schools with the ability to deliver better educational outcomes for pupils in a building with a better condition and suitability rating and which would be more suitable for the delivery of the Curriculum for Wales. It would also address the issues of surplus places and support a more efficient use of public funds. It was noted that the proposals aligned with the updated MEP Strategy and statutory requirements and should the Cabinet resolve to proceed with the recommended actions at its meeting on 2 November 2026, a period of consultation would be initiated in accordance with the relevant statutory procedures and requirements prescribed by the School Organisation Code 2026. This would include the publication of a consultation document, engagement with key stakeholders, and the provision of an appropriate consultation period to enable individuals and stakeholders affected by the proposal to consider the information presented and respond accordingly. The Cabinet Member and Officers responded to the issues/observations raised by the Committee. The main matters were as follows: • Members conveyed concerns regarding the accuracy, ambiguity and currency of the information within the report which could lead to inaccurate conclusions if not updated prior to proceeding with the formal consultation. • Attention was drawn to the financial information presented in the report whereby a Member expressed that the projected budget deficit included within the document was based on monitoring figures available at a specific point in time and that more recent information suggested a different financial position. It was highlighted that figures relating pupil numbers had already required verbal correction during the meeting, therefore the financial data should also be updated to ensure that the consultation document reflected the most current information available. Officers acknowledged that financial projections could change over time and accepted that the latest figures would need to be considered. • A further area of concern related to the report's reliance on findings from the 2018 Estyn inspection. Whilst the Committee acknowledged that the inspection represented the most recent published report available, it was expressed that the document did not adequately recognise the significant improvements that had taken place since that time, particularly in relation to leadership and governance arrangements. It was therefore queried whether references to the historic inspection findings placed disproportionate emphasis on issues that had since been resolved. In response, the Cabinet Member for Education emphasised to the Committee that the leadership concerns identified by Estyn in 2018 had been addressed through federation arrangements and emphasised that there were no current concerns regarding the quality of education or leadership at the school. It was reiterated that report put forth for consideration could not reference the more recent inspection findings until formally published, however an assurance was provided that the forthcoming Estyn report would be considered before any final decision was taken. Furthermore, the wording within the consultation document would be reviewed to rectify any misinterpretation or ambiguity regarding the leadership of the school. • Concerns were raised regarding the assessment of the school buildings, including the proposed demolition of part of the site and its associated costs. Clarification was sought as to whether demolition works would proceed regardless of the outcome of the consultation process and therefore it was questioned whether the estimated demolition costs should form part of the rationale for closure. It was also contended that the report did not fully explain how the removal of the condemned building might affect the site's overall condition and suitability ratings. Officers clarified that the building's suitability issues would remain, as they related not only to the condemned block but also to wider accommodation constraints, including the hall and classroom sizes. It was however acknowledged that the overall condition rating could potentially improve following demolition and subsequent reassessment. The Committee was further informed that that no demolition had been scheduled to date, and the matter remained under consideration with Property Services. • A question was asked about the suitability and capacity of the proposed receiving school and potential investment required to accommodate additional pupils. Reference was made to contradictions within the report which indicated both that sufficient capacity existed and that additional investment and accommodation works would be required before pupils could be transferred. Officers explained that the existing capacity was insufficient in its current form, however planned capital investment and additional classroom accommodation, by way of grant funding would mitigate the issue. • Following consideration of the issues raised, the Committee agreed in principle to support progression of the proposal to consultation, subject to the identified inaccuracies, ambiguities and inconsistencies being addressed, with particular strengthening of the wording to provide clarity in respect of the leadership of the school. It was further agreed that the amendments would be considered by way of a revised report, at a special meeting of the Committee, to allow the Members to review the amendments prior to consideration of the report by the Cabinet. Members were encouraged to submit any additional comments to officers to ensure that the consultation document was as accurate and robust as possible. RESOLVED that a revised consultation document be presented to a special meeting of the Scrutiny Committee for further consideration before being submitted to Cabinet on 2 November. RESOLVED that the Committee be mined to recommend that the Cabinet proceed with formal consultation on Ysgol Bancffoselen, pending the above mentioned amendments being agreed at a special meeting of the Committee.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED to recommend to the Cabinet that the draft Council Annual Report 2025/26 be endorsed.
The Committee received for consideration the Council’s draft Annual Report for the period 2025/26 which had been produced to meet the relevant provisions within the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and the Local Government and Elections Act (Wales) 2021. The Annual Report provided a progress made on the Council’s four Well-being Objectives as outlined in the Corporate Strategy for 2022-27. The Committee was advised that the reporting structure was based upon an outcome-focussed approach to performance management. The Committee considered the information detailed within the Annual Report in respect of the well-being objectives and thematic and service priorities falling within its remit. The Cabinet Member and Officers responded to the issues/observations raised by the Committee. The main matters were as follows: • Reference was made to the number of bilingual and Welsh language performances by Theatrau Sir Gâr whereby it was expressed that further improvement was required in this area. The Committee was advised that progress had been made during the reporting period which would be further developed going forward. • The report highlighted the need to rebalance ALN investment between specialist provision and mainstream capacity by responding to unprecedented demand for specialist Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) placements while also strengthening schools’ ability to meet needs within mainstream settings where appropriate. The Director of Education and Leisure, in response to a request for further information, noted that a workshop could be provided to the Committee in due course. • Attention was drawn to the provision of free swimming to all under 16’s across all four of the Actif swimming pools under Welsh Government’s Free Swimming Initiative. The Director of Education and Leisure agreed to write to the Committee to provide further information regarding the pilot, its parameters and future plans. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED to recommend to the Cabinet that the draft Council Annual Report 2025/26 be endorsed.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the report be received.
The Committee received for consideration a report which provided an overview of Estyn inspection outcomes within the county for the past five years. The Committee reviewed the main themes which had emerged from the Estyn recommendations during the reporting period which demonstrated the progress made by the division. The Committee was assured to note that all recommendations were analysed and used to inform the business planning and the strategic focus of the department. The report concluded that inspection evidence demonstrated that non-maintained settings across Carmarthenshire continued to provide high-quality provision for young children. The inspection profile indicated a sector that is well supported, highly reflective and increasingly able to sustain improvement through strong leadership, effective professional learning and collaborative working. In response to a request regarding secondary-sector evaluation, it was confirmed that an update would be circulated to the Committee in due course regarding the progress made by the two secondary schools which had been identified as requiring significant improvement. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report be received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the explanation for the non-submission be noted.
The Committee received an explanation for the non-submission of the following scrutiny report(s): • School Survey Questionnaire results. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the explanation for the non-submission be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED that the list of forthcoming items to be considered at the next scheduled meeting on the 8th December 2026 be noted.
The Committee received a list of forthcoming items to be considered at its next meeting to be held on the 8th December 2026. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the list of forthcoming items to be considered at the next scheduled meeting on the 8th December 2026 be noted.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 16th September 2026 be signed as a correct record.
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