Wrthi'n llwytho
Does dim crynodeb o'r cyfarfod hwn eto. Caiff crynodebau eu hysgrifennu pan fydd y cyngor yn cyhoeddi'r cofnodion, sef ei gofnod swyddogol o'r hyn a benderfynodd cyfarfod. Maen nhw fel arfer yn ymddangos ychydig wythnosau ar ôl y cyfarfod.
Apologies were received from J Beard and H O’Neil.
No declarations of interest were made.
The minutes of the meeting held on 5th January 2026 and 2nd February 2026 were approved as an accurate record.
Members noted that all outstanding actions had now been completed.
Cabinet Member introduced the report. In response to questions from the committee members, offices confirmed: • Members noted that there were no schools identified as “failing”, but several had low attendance, requiring targeted support. • The strong practice from high?performing schools is shared across the LA. • Attendance has fluctuated year?on?year but there is an upwards trend and improvement to 16th. • Small numerical differences (0.1%–0.2%) can shift rankings significantly. • Sustained improvement is now the key focus. • Going forward priorities include, better use of data, multi?agency working, family?focused interventions, cluster consistency, targeted use of grant funding • Holiday absence, anxiety, mental health and complex needs remain a significant barrier. • Parental condoned absence is increasingly common. • The “whole family” programme is showing early impact and grant-funded secondary projects are showing improvements for KS3/4 • Multi?agency wellbeing support and home visits are being strengthened. • Schools apply discretion when issuing FPNs and Welsh Government guidance prohibits blanket approaches. • The data trend is inconsistent when comparing improving attendance and the number of FPNs issued. • National trend inconsistent; LA intends to compare with other high?performing authorities. • LA recognises hardship/cost of living impact; decisions remain case?by?case at school level. • Members noted the majority of fines are paid within the 28 days period and unpaid notices proceed automatically to prosecution. • Chair and Cabinet Member agreed to have a wider discussion around attendance challenges and the data post Covid with WLGA. • Members noted the Children’s Commissioner has launched an Attendance Audit. Members commented that positive progress has been made and suggested that officers work with MTBWYF to explore the possibility of co-producing an attendance video similar to the transition/mental?health videos.
Cabinet Member introduced the report. In response to questions from the committee members, offices confirmed: • Over the last 3 years ASD identification has significantly increased nationally and locally. • The Increase in MLD relates to post?Covid developmental and behavioural delays, speech/language regression, toileting issues etc. • ALN Panels run regularly; and the newly appointed ALN Manager is conducting a review of systems/processes for improved consistency. • LRBs have been re-aligned, expansion is considered where there is a need and capacity allows. • Not aware of an LRB School, Some schools operate satellite pods or have internal nurture spaces ("cwtch", "Haven"). • There is no intention to force schools to host an LRB, but the LA can direct schools if there is surplus capacity. • Within LRB setting’s and 1:1 support, training includes PBS, ELSA, good practice forums, MELSA, trauma?informed. • Members noted that following the training there is also regular EPS supervision, consultation lines, peer networks. • Greenfield School provides additional outreach and mentoring support for schools. • Recruitment for LRB staff remains challenging but is manageable. • ALN comparison data with other LAs from the national dataset could be looked at in the ALN workshop. Members wanted to thank school staff for their hard work and dedication, supporting children with complex needs. The Chair advised that ALN is an annual item on the FWP and as discussed a workshop will be arranged to have a deep dive into ALN next cycle.
The Chair referred to the FWP and members noted the following: • Workshop (Planning of School Places & Service Risks) - 25 March, 4pm. · Next Scrutiny meeting: 20 April – WESP & Welsh Language.
The Chair informed members that a scrutiny referral in relation to ALN had been received from a member of the public. ALN is an annual item which was on the FWP for today. It was noted that the Chair & Cabinet Member are in discussions and reviewing the concerns raised and thanked members for their questions/comments today.
None.
None.
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.
Caiff datganiadau eu darllen o'r cofnodion unwaith y byddan nhw wedi'u cyhoeddi.
Yn rhestru cynghorwyr presennol y cyngor yn unig. Nid yw aelodau cyfetholedig, swyddogion a chyn-gynghorwyr yn cael eu dangos.