Wrthi'n llwytho
Yn ei gyfarfod ar 20 Ionawr 2026, bu Pwyllgor Craffu Plant a Phobl Ifanc yn ystyried pum adroddiad cyn cyfarfod y Cabinet ar 22 Ionawr: cyllidebau ysgolion, Adroddiad Perfformiad Addysg Blynyddol, buddsoddi yn yr ystad addysg, darpariaeth uwchradd cyfrwng Cymraeg, a symud Ysgol Gynradd Eglwys yng Nghymru St Mellons i Ffederasiwn y Saint. Ym mhob achos, cytunodd y Pwyllgor y bydd y Cadeirydd yn ysgrifennu at yr Aelod Cabinet gyda sylwadau ac arsylwadau'r Pwyllgor. Nid yw'r cofnodion yn cofnodi unrhyw benderfyniadau eraill gan y Pwyllgor.
Apologies were received from Cllr Reid-Jones and Elisabeth Hagen.
The Chairperson reminded Members of their responsibility under Part III of the Members’ Code of Conduct to declare any interest in general terms and to complete personal interest forms at the start of the meeting and then, prior to the commencement of the discussion of the item in question, specify whether it is a personal or prejudicial interest. If the interest is prejudicial, Members would be asked to leave the meeting and if the interest is personal, Members would be invited to stay, speak and vote. The following declarations of interest were received in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct: Name Agenda Item Nature of Interest Reason for Interest Cllr Ahmed All Personal Governor at Peter Lea Primary School. Brigid Corr All Personal Governor at Llanedeyrn Primary School Cllr Hopkins All Personal Governor at Lakeside Primary School. Carol Cobert All Personal Governor at Holy Family Primary and Bishop of Llandaff High Schools. Patricia Arlotte All Personal Governor at St Bernadette’s Primary School. Cllr Humphries All Personal Governor at St Francis Primary School.
The minutes of the meeting held on 16th December 2025 were approved by the Committee as a correct record and signed by the Chairperson.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
This agenda item provided Members with an updated position in relation to School Budgets, which is a priority topic chosen by this scrutiny committee. The last update was in June 2025. The Chair welcomed: · Councillor Sarah Merry, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education · Councillor Chris Weaver, Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance · Melanie Godfrey, Director of Education & Lifelong Learning · Helen Williams Assistant Director of Education & Lifelong Learning · Ian Allwood, Head of Finance · Eifion Austin, Group Accountant Officers delivered the presentation and the Chair opened the floor to questions from the Committee. Members thanked the Panel and other Officers involved for their hard work in this area and asked about the reasons for 54 schools still operating at a deficit when there has been year on year funding increases, the reasons for this and plans to improve the situation. Officers explained that the ALN strategy will help alleviate some of the financial pressures and get children in the best places. Officers also explained that the planned funding increase for this year has been shared with schools, and is a 4.2% funding increase, but this also includes liabilities, such as pay award increases. It is an uncertain year. The plan is to have 400 ALN places by September 2026, but it may not all be in place by then, so some funding may need to be held back, but communication will be kept open with schools. There is no absolute certainty, but the plan and the hope is for an overall improvement in the financial situation, although this might mean some schools will benefit and some lose out. Members asked for more detail about SRB’s being funded per place but mainstream schools being funded per pupil on roll, and if there is funding factored into all school budgets currently for SRB’s. Officers explained that funding SRB’s per places and mainstream per pupil is not new and has not changed, and that SRB’s are currently funded out of delegated school budgets, but pupil demand is looked at, and a check is made to ensure this is equivalent to SRB cost. As and overall pot of money, more is being moved into SRB places, and this is coming from ALN budgets and budgets for Out of County places in future. Members asked for clarification on plans for pay awards and NI increases and if this has been included and covered in school budgets and for more detail on the new Deficit Protocol. Officers confirmed the planned pay award and NI increases are covered for 2025/2026 and the planned budgets for 2026/2027. The new Deficit Protocol was explained as changes planned for this year and next years and is designed to respond to need. There is a more defined escalation process for approval and robust control for any increase in staff costs. There is a check in point for schools with the LFM (Local Finance Management) Officers, and the plan is to communicate with all schools, Leadership teams, and Governors by mid-March, but just those in a deficit position. Members asked whether the main ways to reduce deficit is to reduce staffing and expressed concern that schools may look to lose Teaching Assistants to reduce costs at the detriment of children in mainstream schools. Officers reassured Members that they fast track requests to approve teacher posts and explained that most requests for additional funding are for children with complex needs, and they will continue to work with schools for support children with ALN who can be supported in mainstream schools. It is difficult, and some decisions by schools are challenged, but Officers explained that schools tend to come up with creative solutions themselves. Members asked about the falling pupil numbers combined with surplus places, a number of smaller schools, needs of children with ALN needing specialist places and in mainstream schools and whether managing this is the medium term is an impossible task. Officers assured Members that they are looking at the right things, and are looking at ALN places first, which will take the pressure off schools, so if this can be brought under control, it will make a difference to schools and individual children. The plan is to have 400 ALN places by September 2026, increasing to 1,000 places over the next 3 years. Officers are confident with this clear strategy and noted that the finance side might take longer but this would ensure the money is allocated in the right places. Members asked if part of the Inclusion Strategy and planned additional ALN places included funding for teachers to be upskilled to support ALN and Officers confirmed that this has been included. Members then asked about funding for transport for children moving from their current school to an SRB, if this had been included in budgets and how this could be accessed. Officers explained that the reduction in the Out of County places budget will be used to cover transport to new ALN places. Members asked for clarification on what defines a small school and how many are in Cardiff. Officers explained that it is defines as 150 places, which is more than the definition used by Welsh Government and other Local Authorities, and there are 13 in Cardiff covering reception to Year 6. RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward and will write to you to inform you of the Committee’s observations, comments and/ or recommendations ahead of Cabinet on the 22 January 2026.
This Agenda Item enabled Members to undertake a pre-decision scrutiny on this issue, prior to its consideration by Cabinet on the 22 January 2026. Joining Cllr Merry, Melanie Godfrey and Helen Williams, the Chair welcomed: · Suzanne Scarlett (Operational Manager, Partnerships & Performance) · Kelly Rowlands (School Improvement, Education) · Geraint Lewis (School Improvement, Education) The Cabinet Member introduced this item explaining the paper provided an update on high level educational outcomes for Cardiff learners for the last academic year and the new School Improvement arrangements. This report sits alongside the next report on the agenda which covers the investment in the Education Estate. Members were advised that there would be another report in the Summer term, which would provide details of wider support and include information about support for vulnerable learners. Attention was drawn in this report to the exam results at KS3 and 4 showing strong results across the school system; successful ESTYN inspections, with only 2 schools in special measures; decreased exclusions; increased attendance figures in Secondary schools; decreased exclusions in Secondary schools and targeted multi agency interventions. Attention was also drawn to an unexpected decrease in attendance by girls in key stage 4. Officers added that the performance report focussed on high level outcomes over the last academic year and related to the old school improvement guidance. The next steps and key challenges were outline in the report and the plan is to update schools on the arrangements. The Chair opened the floor to questions from the Committee. Members asked for clarification on whether the new guidance recently received was clearer in expectations, and Officers explained that this guidance had reverted to the Local Authority being held accountable for holding schools to account, as had been the situation previously, and that this will be done through Bwrdd Dysgu Cymraeg and will be a key piece of work going forward. Officers also confirmed that the BAME representation is being reviewed as part of the board, as well as the recruitment and retention strategy across Cardiff for schools, children’s services, and youth services. Members requested more detail in the breakdown on attendance data in future reports, as well as attendance levels in terms of location and asked if attendance was monitored in the same way by the Virtual Head Teacher for Children Looked After. Officers confirmed that this is done in conjunction with the Assistant Director and that a request will be made for the Virtual Head Teacher to provide an update on how the programme is progressing at a future meeting. Members also requested information in termly reports on the priorities within the Collaborative Learning Partnerships (CLPS) and how they are developing, as well as geographical data on A level results and attendance and links to those pupils entitled to Free School Meals. This will be taken forward by Officers, and a future briefing will be arranged. Members asked about the stronger focus in the new guidance from Welsh Government on self-evaluation, and that ESTYN mentioned this as an area for improvement in its report last year and Officers confirmed this is on their radar for development within the Local Authority and with schools, as is also focussed on improved attendance which will be fed back on in July. Members asked whether the part of the report relating to Children Looked After whether academic and vocational courses were funded equally or whether school struggle to fund vocational courses. Officers explained that they are funded differently and they will check on this and provide feedback to the Committee at a future meeting. Members asked about the increase in exclusions at Primary schools and the reasons for this. Officers explained that it is complex and are hoping that the increase in ALN places will support those with complex needs. Officers are working with mainstream schools to share skills and good practice to improve this situation. There is also a pilot programme to how best support those at risk of exclusion and this will happen over the next 18 months. Members asked about whether the decrease in exclusions was linked to the Inclusion strategy and Officers explained that the Education department had gathered data termly and looked at schools and any patterns. This was followed up with a conversation with the school. This is a strategy which has worked well in this area, but other areas too and this is at various stages in other areas. Members asked how many children were ‘Elected to be Educated at Home’ (EHE), how they are monitored, what is being done to reduce the numbers, reasons given and how this is distributed geographically. Officers reminded members that it is parental legal right for EHE and the requirement was to monitor once a year by the Local Authority to ensure standards are being met. Work is being done to attempt to reduce these numbers, and more information will be brought back to a future meeting. RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward and will write to you to inform you of the Committee’s observations, comments and/ or recommendations ahead of Cabinet on the 22 January 2026.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward and will write to you to inform you of the Committee’s observations, comments and/ or recommendations ahead of Cabinet on the 22 January 2026.
This Agenda Item enabled Members to undertake a pre-decision scrutiny on this issue, prior to consideration by Cabinet on the 22 January 2026. Joining Cllr Merry and officers, the Chair welcomed: · Richard Portas (Programme Director for the School Organisation Programme); and · Brett Andrewartha (School Organisation Programme Planning Manager) · Michele Duddridge-Friedl (Operational Manager: School Organisation Programme Strategy) The Cabinet Member introduced this item explaining that it is an update on the wider investment in schools, the successes and challenges., and that it is the second wave of investment to improve school in Band B and move closer to net zero. There is still one school in Band D – Willows High School – but building work here is progressing, and there is investment in the wider school estate too. Officers explained that the report covers population changes and ALN demand and relates to the Inclusion and Investment Strategies and progress is being made. The Chair opened the floor to questions from the Committee. Members congratulated Officers on the positive impact from the opening of the Fairwater Campus, and that it was felt this was the right direction of travel, but it needed to continue. Members asked whether the plan to use funding from surplus places in some schools to fund additional ALN places was sustainable and had been discussed with Finance teams; and Officers confirmed that this is a situation that is continuously reviewed, can vary depending on geographic location and the Estate and surplus numbers will need to be carefully monitored in light of dropping birth rates to ensure the best long term sustainable decisions are made. Officers also pointed out that surplus places and decisions made around this can be complex as those children filling places still need to be educated, and that the problem is that the schools funding formula is per pupil on roll so is increasing pressure. Members asked about how the capital costs were being met to fund bringing the school estate up to standard and Officers explained funding has come from Welsh Government grants, which have specific conditions, and ‘Invest to Save’ which has funded some ALN places, so this has been allocated and accounted for. Going forward, this will be part of budget allocations and will include significant schemes over the next 12 months. RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward and will write to you to inform you of the Committee’s observations, comments and/ or recommendations ahead of Cabinet on the 22 January 2026.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward and will write to you to inform you of the Committee’s observations, comments and/ or recommendations ahead of Cabinet on the 22 January 2026.
This Agenda Item enabled Members to undertake a pre-decision scrutiny on this issue, prior to consideration by Cabinet on the 22 January 2026. The Chair noted that the committee had received correspondence from an individual on behalf of the Campaign for a Secondary Welsh Medium School in the South of Cardiff, and it was for individual members to raise questions specifically relating to this. The Chair welcomed Cllr Merry and officers. The Cabinet Member introduced this item explaining that this is a very different type of report, planning to go out to discuss with stakeholder what options are available to address the shortfall in Welsh Medium secondary school places over the next few years. There is an ambition to increase the number of places, but this is considered in the context of falling pupil numbers. Everyone is conscious of the current geographical spread of the 3 existing schools, and conversations are needed about how best to meet the competing pressures and look at potential solutions. It is not a formal consultation but an early engagement exercise to explore options. No decisions have been made yet, and the feedback will form part of the impact assessment to help Officers make the right decisions. The Chair opened the floor to questions from the Committee. Members asked when the information would be available to come back to the Committee and Officers explained the planned timeline is for the Engagement to take place from February until the end of March, and for feedback to be available in the Summer term, before the end of the academic year. Officers explained that existing Welsh Medum High Schools have been oversubscribed, so there needs to be an offer for all who want it, and that they are encouraging conversations with schools and Communities. Members asked what was being done to engage with communities in areas where schools are oversubscribed but who traditionally do not engage in such exercises and whether responses could be qualified. Officers assured Members that online sessions would also be made available, and that they would work with schools to establish what works well in their areas, as well as with local Members, local interest groups and organisations. A high level of interest is expected. Members asked whether the challenge of providing staff to deliver all subjects through the medium of Welsh would be part of this engagement, and Officers admitted that this can be a challenge in some subject areas, and this would need to be considered as part of this exercise to avoid a detrimental impact of the existing schools. Officers explained there are 2 Engagements routes planned: An immediate one which related to secondary places needed for the Autumn 2027 intake, so children currently in Year 5 and their families; Medium term – More widely available Welsh Medium Education places. Officers also explained that this would run concurrently and alongside the work on ALN provision. Officers also confirmed that they were using links with Universities and Welsh Education Forum to address this challenge and that schools across Cardiff are creative in attracting and supporting staff. Members asked whether the engagement would be as comprehensive as for Schools Organisation Protocol and Officers explained that this exercise would not be bound by this Code, so they had scope to lay it out differently, so alternatives can be suggested. The plan is to reach as many people as possible, and to hold public meetings, drop-in sessions, pupil consultations, and to involved school leaders and Governors too. Members asked about the need for additional buildings and transportation, and Officers explained that anything is an option at this point, as it is an open engagement exercise, but the need to understand the demand and need and without more stakeholder feedback there is only so much that can be predicted. There is a requirement under the WESP to stimulate demand for Welsh Medium Education, so it is about understanding this more. Members suggested how important it was to be clear about what is being considered, as this has been ambiguous in the past, and suggested building a mechanism into the feedback to show if those responding were directly impacted or not. Officers re-iterated that this was an early Engagement exercise and not a Consultation, and that feedback would be as specific as possible. Officers are happy to work with Members on this. RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward and will write to you to inform you of the Committee’s observations, comments and/ or recommendations ahead of Cabinet on the 22 January 2026.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward and will write to you to inform you of the Committee’s observations, comments and/ or recommendations ahead of Cabinet on the 22 January 2026.
This Agenda Item enabled Members to undertake a pre-decision scrutiny on this issue, prior to consideration by Cabinet on the 22 January 2026. Joining Cllr Merry and officers, the Chair welcomed: · Ruth Lock (School Improvement & Development Manager, Education & Lifelong Learning) Officers delivered a presentation. The Chair opened the floor to questions from the Committee. Members asked whether there had been sufficient advertising of this matter, as the response rate was low and if Officers were content that this was representative. Officers accepted that the rate was low but that lots of opportunities had been provided and it was an extensive exercise, offering both online and face to face opportunities. Officers are satisfied that the feedback they have is enough to be representative. Members asked about the governance arrangements and Officers explained that legal advice had been taken and that the status of each school remains with that school, and that the Diocese and Governing body are happy with this arrangement. If a situation arising where staff want to work across schools in the future, HR will be consulted. Schools remain singular in terms of their budget, ethos, uniform and how it is run. The change is in relation to governance arrangements and sharing skills and experience. RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward and will write to you to inform you of the Committee’s observations, comments and/ or recommendations ahead of Cabinet on the 22 January 2026.
There were no urgent items.
The date of the next meeting is 23rd February 2026 at 4.30pm.
Rhaid i gynghorwyr ddweud pan fydd ganddyn nhw gysylltiad personol â rhywbeth sy'n cael ei drafod, fel swydd, eiddo neu aelod o'r teulu. Mae buddiant sy'n rhagfarnu yn ddigon cryf i'r cynghorydd adael yr ystafell fel arfer a pheidio â chymryd rhan.
Ahmed: Buddiant personol
Llywodraethwr yn Ysgol Gynradd Peter Lea. Datganwyd ar gyfer pob eitem.
Brigid Corr: Buddiant personol
Llywodraethwr yn Ysgol Gynradd Llanedeyrn. Datganwyd ar gyfer pob eitem.
Hopkins: Buddiant personol
Llywodraethwr yn Ysgol Gynradd Lakeside. Datganwyd ar gyfer pob eitem.
Carol Cobert: Buddiant personol
Llywodraethwr yn Ysgol Gynradd Holy Family ac Ysgol Uwchradd Esgob Llandaf. Datganwyd ar gyfer pob eitem.
Patricia Arlotte: Buddiant personol
Llywodraethwr yn Ysgol Gynradd St Bernadette. Datganwyd ar gyfer pob eitem.
Humphries: Buddiant personol
Llywodraethwr yn Ysgol Gynradd St Francis. Datganwyd ar gyfer pob eitem.
Yn rhestru cynghorwyr presennol y cyngor yn unig. Nid yw aelodau cyfetholedig, swyddogion a chyn-gynghorwyr yn cael eu dangos.