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RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND that the Cabinet proceed with the following: 4.1 Formal consultation on Ysgol Pontiets, Ysgol Meidrim and Ysgol y Fro; 4.2 Statutory Notice on Ysgol Llansteffan.
RESOLVED that the report be received.
RESOLVED that the report be received.
RESOLVED that the report be received.
RESOLVED that the report be received.
RESOLVED to recommend to the Cabinet that the draft Council Annual Report 2024/25 be endorsed.
RESOLVED that the report be received.
RESOLVED that the explanation for the non-submission be noted.
RESOLVED that the list of forthcoming items to be considered at the next scheduled meeting on the 2nd December 2025 be noted.
There were no apologies for absence.
Councillor Minute Item(s) Nature of Interest E. Skinner 4. Modernising Education Programme Personal Interest and would be leaving the meeting during consideration of the matter. B. W. Jones 4. Modernising Education Programme 5. Modernising Education Programme Update 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, but not vote. H. Jones 4. Modernising Education Programme Vice chair of a Governing Body of a school that is named in the context of the report. L. Bowen 4. Modernising Education Programme Member of the Governing Body for a school name in the report. *interest declared immediately prior to consideration of agenda item 4. A. C. Jones 4. Modernising Education Programme Member of the Governing Body for Bancyfelin, Llangain and Llansteffan School Federation. M.J.A. Lewis 4. Modernising Education Programme Member of the Governing Body for Ysgol Meidrim. A. Lenny 4. Modernising Education Programme Has a relation attending one of the schools named in the report. There were no declarations of prohibited party whips.
The Chair advised that no public questions had been received.
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RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND that the Cabinet proceed with the following: 4.1 Formal consultation on Ysgol Pontiets, Ysgol Meidrim and Ysgol y Fro; 4.2 Statutory Notice on Ysgol Llansteffan.
[NOTE: Councillors L. Bowen, B.W. Jones, H. Jones, M.J.A. Lewis having earlier declared an interest in this item re-declared that interest and remained in the meeting during its consideration. Councillors A.C. Jones, A. Lenny and E. Skinner, having earlier declared an interest in this item re-declared that interest and left the meeting during its consideration]. The Committee received for consideration the Modernising Education Programme (MEP) proposals for Ysgol Llansteffan, Ysgol Meidrim, Ysgol y Fro, and a Consultation Document for Ysgol Pontiets. Detailed information in respect of each school proposal was set out at Appendices 1-4 of the report and the Committee noted that the proposals aimed to address issues such as extremely low pupil numbers which were not projected to increase dramatically, high surplus places with a high number of pupils living within catchment attending other schools, unsustainable financial or projected financial deficits and varied standards of education. It was highlighted that Ysgol Llansteffan, Ysgol y Fro, and Ysgol Meidrim were categorised as rural schools which would require additional steps to comply with the School Organisation Code (2018). The Committee acknowledged that shaping discussions had been held with each school during Spring Term 2025, allowing schools to provide feedback on challenges and potential solutions. A SWOT analysis had also been undertaken and, following the evaluation of all options, the preferred option for all schools was discontinuation. The report referred to recent Pupil Level Annual School Census (PLASC) figures whereby it was confirmed that there were 8 registered pupils attending Ysgol Llansteffan at that point in time. Accordingly, it was considered appropriate to proceed with formal consultations for Ysgol Pontiets, Ysgol Meidrim, and Ysgol y Fro, with a Statutory Notice being issued for Ysgol Llansteffan. The Committee considered the financial implications set out in the report, which noted anticipated annual revenue savings of £342,064 and a potential capital receipt of £695,000 from the disposal of redundant school buildings. It was concluded 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 17 November 2025, a period of consultation would be initiated in accordance with the School Organisation Code 2018. Officers responded to the issues/observations raised by the Committee. The main matters were as follows: • In response to a query regarding the Additional Learning Needs provision at the receiving schools, an assurance was provided that the Authority had a clear profile of the Additional Learning Needs for all pupils within the county and the allocated resourcing to support those pupils would be transferred to the receiving schools in this regard. • In view of potential issues associated with transportation to alternative schools which would be further afield, the Committee highlighted the need for appropriate wrap around care provision to be available in the receiving schools by way of breakfast and after school clubs. The Head of Education and Inclusion Services agreed to further explore any identified needs with Headteachers and Governing Bodies to support families within this context. • In respect of the proposals for Llansteffan, a concern was raised that the capacity would be exceeded should all pupils transfer to the proposed receiving school. • A member expressed the need to implement the MEP strategy to transform the network of schools into a strategically and operationally effective resource that would meet the current and future need for a school based and community focused education. Reference was made to the need to respond to the challenges in respect of unsuitable school buildings, low pupil numbers, standards of education, recruitment difficulties and budgetary constraints. • The need for meaningful engagement with staff, pupils, families and the wider community was emphasised to ensure that they were fully prepared regarding the current situation and having an opportunity to input into the options going forward. · An assurance was sought that the impact on the community would be a key consideration regarding the change of use for any redundant school buildings. · In respect of the proposals for Ysgol Y Fro, the rationale for discounting option 5 of the proposals was queried given that there were neighbouring schools which had capacity and akin to their current school and also in view of parental preferences. It was clarified that the information presented was based upon the principles within the MEP strategy and the shaping discussions held with the school, which could be subject to change based on feedback received as part of the consultation process. · In response to a query regarding the Welsh continuum, it was confirmed that there was no evidence or feedback received to date to indicate that the pupils within the schools proposed for closure would move from Welsh to English-medium education. · In relation to the proposals for Ysgol y Meidrim, a member conveyed disappointment with the perceived limited consultation and engagement between the Authority and the school and referred to the lack of communication, with instances of correspondence not being responded to. Reference was made to a number of inaccuracies within the report, and it was expressed that the actual financial savings, taking cognisance of transportation costs, would not justify the closure of a rural school which was the heart of the local community, with a strong Welsh Language provision and the wellbeing of pupils being at the forefront. Accordingly, it was felt that further discussions should take place between the council and Ysgol y Meidrim prior to any determinations made by the Cabinet. In response, the Director of Education, Children and Family Services clarified that Stage 0 engagement had taken place and there would be further opportunity for discussions as part of the consultation process. · In reference to the proposals for Ysgol Pont-iets an assurance was provided that parental feedback would be fully considered, along with any requests for pupils to move to Ysgol Gwynfryn, which was also located within the village. · The Committee emphasised the need to make strategic, informed decisions in a timely manner to enable the Authority to progress the education provision for pupils and referred to the model utilised by Ceredigion County Council as an example of good practice. RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND that the Cabinet proceed with the following: 4.1 Formal consultation on Ysgol Pontiets, Ysgol Meidrim and Ysgol y Fro; 4.2 Statutory Notice on Ysgol Llansteffan.
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RESOLVED that the report be received.
[NOTES: Councillor B.W. Jones, having earlier declared an interest in this item re-declared that interest remained in the meeting during its consideration but did not vote. The English version of the report included some typographical errors which related to the names of schools. The Welsh version of the report was correct.]. The Committee considered a progress report on the implementation of the Modernising Education Programme (MEP) Strategy since its approval by the Cabinet in November 2024. The MEP strategy was designed to deliver on the Local Authority’s School Modernisation and reorganisation aspirations and set out the Authority’s strategic investment and rationalisation plan to transform school provision across Carmarthenshire. The MEP strategy would be achieved in collaboration with Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning (SCfL) programme by way of developing and improving buildings, infrastructure and spaces that are appropriately located, designed, constructed or adapted to foster sustainable development for the people and communities of Carmarthenshire. The Committee reviewed the key updates in term of school refurbishments, major investment schemes, reorganisation proposals, Welsh Government Grant funding, Equality Act works, site/traffic works and the catchment review. Officers responded to the issues/observations raised by the Committee. The main matters were as follows: • In response to a query regarding the potential site for the Ysgol Dewi Sant development, the Director of Education, Children and Family Services provided an assurance that the feasibility study was currently underway and would review infrastructure considerations, including highways and parking. The study was expected to be completed by the end of the calendar year. • The Director of Education, Children and Family Services congratulated members of staff within the division who had been successful in obtaining a number of grant funding opportunities to enable the Authority to move forward with its MEP strategy. • A request was made for a workshop be held in the new year to provide an opportunity for the Committee to input into the catchment review in terms of transport, Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP), and post-16 learning provision considerations. RESOLVED that the report be received.
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RESOLVED that the report be received.
The Committee received for consideration a report which detailed the outcome of the enhanced Estyn Local Authority Lead Inspector (LALI) visit undertaken in June 2025. The Committee reviewed the letter issued by Estyn appended to the report and which summarised the strengths and considerations for each focus area. Officers responded to the issues/observations raised by the Committee. The main matters were as follows: • The Committee was pleased to note that the Authority had been recognised for the opportunities provided for schools and settings to share effective curriculum development practices and queried how attendance at these sessions could be improved. It was reported that a dedicated officer shared between Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Pembrokeshire Local Authorities was in place to facilitate networks, cluster meetings, dedicated events and digital platforms in order to further strengthen collaboration and learning. • A request was made for update reports to be added to the Forward Work Plan on the progress made with the Estyn Considerations set out in the report. The Director of Education, Children and Family Services confirmed that routine updates on the matters relevant to Officers could be provided. UNANIIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report be received.
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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 report detailed the new inspection framework adopted by Estyn in September 2024 and provided a summary of the strong or effective practice identified by Estyn inspectors to be shared with others. The Committee reviewed the recommendations provided by Estyn since March 2022 which demonstrated the progress made by the division. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report be received.
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RESOLVED that the report be received.
The Committee received for consideration a report setting out the progress made against the Council’s Welsh Language Promotion Strategy, together with an update on the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan. In accordance with the national Cymraeg 2050 vision of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050, Carmarthenshire’s Welsh Language Promotion Strategy 2023–2028, complemented by the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan, sought to increase the number of Welsh speakers and make Welsh the main language of the county by way of integrating the Welsh language into public services, workplaces, and communities. The Committee reviewed the key developments made over the last 6 months by the Welsh Language Strategic Forum in overseeing the implementation and monitoring of the strategy and noted the action taken and planned in terms of digital technology, housing, adult Welsh learning, and collaboration with the Welsh Language Commissioner’s Office. The WESP focussed on expanding Welsh-medium education and increasing language competency among education staff. Recent developments included the appointment of a Welsh Language Development Manager, integrating WESP into the County Strategic Welsh Language Forum, and launching partnerships with organisations such as the National Centre for Learning Welsh. The Committee considered the key initiatives undertaken and planned to expand Welsh language immersion centres, conduct language competency audits, and promote Welsh-medium education through targeted campaigns. Officers responded to the issues/observations raised by the Committee. The main matters were as follows: • In response to a request the Committee was appraised of the recent developments made in respect of promoting the Welsh language in technology to ensure that the language formed a core part of Artificial Intelligence and voice technology. Reference was also made to the importance of technology within the ‘More than Words’ Strategy which focussed on embedding the Welsh Language into health and social care services. • Following a query regarding housing policies, the Committee was advised that the Welsh Language Strategic Forum focussed on housing developments and the availability of housing in rural areas in terms their impact on the Welsh Language and the sustainability of communities. It was confirmed that research reports could be made available to the Committee on request. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report be received.
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RESOLVED to recommend to the Cabinet that the draft Council Annual Report 2024/25 be endorsed.
The Committee received for consideration the Council’s draft Annual Report for the period 2024/25 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. It was noted that this was the first draft of the report and therefore some sections were incomplete and would be updated as information become available. An overview of the democratic reporting process was provided to the Committee which would culminate in the Annual Report being presented to Full Council at its meeting in December 2025. 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. Reference was made to the inclusion of the Council’s Social Partnership work for 2024/25, set out in Appendix 6 to the report which fulfilled the new statutory duties for the Council following the introduction of the Social Partnership and Public Procurement Act (2023). In this regard it was confirmed that in accordance with legislative requirements, additions to the content would be made following agreement of the draft report with Trade Unions. Officers responded to the issues/observations raised by the Committee. The main matters were as follows: • In response to a query regarding the management of the ALN funding provision going forward, the Committee was advised that additional funding was expected to be provided from Welsh Government in recognition of the significant pressures faced by all Local Authorities within this area. Discussions were also ongoing with headteachers to ensure the fair allocation of funding to ensure that the areas of greatest needs were met. • The Committee welcomed the investment into Bremenda Isaf Farm which became the first in the UK where the Council directly employ staff responsible for food production on the public plate. It was suggested that if appropriate, the Committee could consider a visit to the Farm to gain an insight into the Future Generations Menu launched in Primary Schools and the work undertaken in terms of diverse food production to education, health, and wellbeing. • The Committee raised concerns that the county reported the lowest school attendance levels in Wales. The Director of Education, Children and Family Services provided an overview of contributary factors which included Elective Home Education (EHE), behaviour and Additional Learning Needs and an assurance was provided that a range of strategic approaches had been implemented to support schools to improve their rates of pupil attendance, which remained a key priority for the division. • In respect of the increasing number of EHE pupils in Wales, the Committee was advised that EHE was prevalent in west Wales and research was being undertaken to ensure that the county’s learning offer met the needs of its pupils. • The importance of the county’s Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) programme, together with the Religion, Values and Ethics (RVE) curriculum was highlighted by a member and it was agreed, in response to a request, that further information in this regard would be circulated to the committee. • The Committee was pleased to note the achievement of the Authority in exceeding its targets in terms of the number of children who were able to swim. The Director of Education, Children and Family Services reported that access to essential life skills such as swimming was considered a key priority for the Authority, and a clear strategy was in place, supported by opportunities such as the development of the Pentre Awel facility. The cost of school transport was however recognised as a challenge for schools and as such, work was ongoing between the Leisure and Transport divisions to further explore ways to alleviate such barriers. • The Committee acknowledged the depth and breadth of services delivered set against backdrop of severe financial constraints. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED to recommend to the Cabinet that the draft Council Annual Report 2024/25 be endorsed.
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RESOLVED that the report be received.
The Committee considered the Revenue Budget Outturn Report 2024/25 in respect of the Education, Children and Family services falling within its remit. It noted that, overall, the services reported a £1,151k overspend at year end against its approved budget. The end of year financial position for schools was set out at Appendix D to the report and showed an overall deficit balance of 1,838,176. The Committee’s attention was drawn to Appendix E to the report, whereby it was reported that the division had met its target of delivering £805k of Managerial savings and had delivered £100k of Policy savings against a target of £2,589k at year end. Officers responded to the issues/observations raised by the Committee. The main matters were as follows: • A discussion ensued regarding the school budgetary situation whereby it was considered that the deficit expenditure of some schools remained at a critical level and had potential to destabilise the Authority’s wider finances. The Committee was appraised of the ongoing work by way of a consultant headteacher providing support, advice and challenge tailored to individual schools. The Committee was pleased to note that positive results had been derived thus far for primary schools in terms of supply staff, subscriptions and licensing costs. The challenges for secondary schools included the curriculum offer, low pupil numbers and bilingual provision. • The Head of Education and Inclusion Services emphasised that overall, 33 schools had further work to do to address their budgetary deficits, however it had been recognised by the Authority that due to the specific challenges of 9 primary schools, no further budget cuts had been deemed possible. • The Committee highlighted the ongoing challenges in recruiting headteachers to some schools, which could impact upon the effective management of school budgets, and this was a particular challenge for smaller schools. It was also recognised that the condition of school buildings could also adversely affect budgets. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the report be received.
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RESOLVED that the explanation for the non-submission be noted.
The Committee received an explanation for the non-submission of the following scrutiny report: • The School Survey Questionnaire results UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the explanation for the non-submission be noted.
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RESOLVED that the list of forthcoming items to be considered at the next scheduled meeting on the 2nd December 2025 be noted.
The Committee received a list of forthcoming items to be considered at its next meeting to be held on the 2nd December 2025. UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the list of forthcoming items to be considered at the next scheduled meeting on the 2nd December 2025 be noted.
UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 24 June 2025 be signed as a correct record.
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