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RESOLVED That the action log updates be noted.
RESOLVED That the items outlined within the Forward Work Programme for 2026 be noted, with the following amendments: (a) That the Mobile Phone Policy be deferred to the September Committee meeting. (b) That the Dual-stream schools report be deferred to the November Committee meeting.
RESOLVED That the information provided from Welsh Government Officers regarding the Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025, be noted.
RESOLVED That the Pembrokeshire Not in Education, Employment, or Training Strategy be noted, ahead of Cabinet approval.
RESOLVED That the contents of the Partneriaeth business plan and interim report be noted.
RESOLVED That the Sport Pembrokeshire review of Physical Activity, PE and School Sport Across Pembrokeshire, be noted.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Jamie Adams, Sam Skyrme-Blackhall, Aled Thomas and Rev. John Cecil.
There were no requests received.
There were no declarations of interest received.
Moved by Councillor Rhys Jordan; Seconded by Councillor Nick Neumann The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the meeting held on 5 February 2026 be approved as a correct record. [Councillor Bethan Price abstained from voting as she was not present at the February Committee meeting.]
There were no public submissions or items of correspondence received.
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RESOLVED That the action log updates be noted.
The Chair drew Members’ attention to two ‘ongoing’ items contained within the action log and stated that an update in relation to Action 2 would be provided at the June Committee meeting. The Director for Education was welcomed to provide an update on Action 1 as follows: · Action 1 - Full adoption of the lockdown policy Update:Detailed discussions have taken place with Chairs of Governors, and all schools have now adopted the Council’s lockdown policy. Following the recent incident at Milford Haven Secondary School, a review of the policy’s implementation is being undertaken, and learning from the incident will inform further improvements, of which additional updates would be provided to Members in due course. The Director suggested that in future, the Committee consider adding the ‘lockdown policy’ and ‘weapons protocols’ in schools, to the Forward Work Programme, given the importance of ensuring the continued safety and safeguarding of all school communities (AP). Moved by Councillor Rhys Jordan; Seconded by Councillor Alec Cormack The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the action log updates be noted.
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RESOLVED That the items outlined within the Forward Work Programme for 2026 be noted, with the following amendments: (a) That the Mobile Phone Policy be deferred to the September Committee meeting. (b) That the Dual-stream schools report be deferred to the November Committee meeting.
The Chair drew the Committee’s attention to the work programme and sought the views of Members for suggestions of amendments to align priorities. It was highlighted that the June meeting was looking heavy on items for consideration, so it was suggested that consideration of both the Mobile Phone Policy and the Dual-stream Schools report be pushed on to the September or November meeting. Moved by Councillor Rhys Jordan; Seconded by Councillor Alec Cormack The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the items outlined within the Forward Work Programme for 2026 be noted, with the following amendments: (a) That the Mobile Phone Policy be deferred to the September Committee meeting. (b) That the Dual-stream schools report be deferred to the November Committee meeting.
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RESOLVED That the information provided from Welsh Government Officers regarding the Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025, be noted.
The Committee considered a report by the Senior Improvement Adviser and Strategic Lead for Welsh regarding the Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025. The Chair welcomed Llyr Gwyn Lewis (Pembrokeshire County Council’s link for the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP) from Welsh Government) and Gethin Davies (Welsh Government Policy Department) to the meeting to provide the update. Llyr and Gethin provided a presentation which outlined what the Act was set to achieve and the timetable planned. It was stated that the Act aimed to ensure fair access for all learners to develop Welsh language skills and would introduce a single national learning pathway based on an international framework. The targets were outlined, including one million Welsh speakers by 2030, and to establish a new Welsh Language National Institute. It was stated that implementation would be gradual, supported by statutory school language categories, strengthened planning structures, and collaboration with Local Authorities. The Chair advised that whilst Councillor Delme Harries was in attendance as a reserve Committee Member, he was also one of the Council’s Welsh Language Member Champion’s so would be participating in both capacities. The Committee debated the contents of the report and presentation and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Delme Harries made reference to the Welsh Language National Institute and queried who would be funding it. In response, Gethin advised that Welsh Government would fund the new arrangements but stated that much of the cost was already covered through the existing Welsh Language Centre, which would close in August 2027, though some additional government funding would be required to support expanded functions. It was confirmed that Local Authorities would not be expected to contribute from their core budgets. · Further information was sought by Councillor Delme Harries as to what support was planned to be given to Local Authorities to prepare to implement the Act. In response, Gethin stated that existing support arrangements would continue, with ongoing collaboration between the Welsh Government and Local Authority Officers on strategic Welsh language plans. It was stated that as the Act spanned multiple policy areas, cross?government work would also continue and support such as late immersion provision and sustainable communities initiatives would be maintained and strengthened. · In response to a question raised by Councillor Delme Harries regarding any assistance being provided to non-Welsh speaking parents and also Electively Home Educated learners, Gethin advised that parents would be supported but stated that the Act did not cover home education due to its complexity, but stated that related issues would be addressed later through the national framework and WESP’s. It was added that home education was an area of growing significance and would be considered in the supporting documents developed from the Act. · Councillor Delme Harries sought further information as to how the success of the Act would be monitored, to which Gethin advised that while the overall target extended to 2050, the national framework would set interim milestones. It was stated that the checkpoints, supported by delivery plans, would help identify schools needing support to meet the requirement. Members were advised that Local Authorities would provide the support, with leadership from the Welsh Institute. · Following further information being sought by Councillor Delme Harries, Gethin confirmed that the Welsh framework would cover both statutory education and wider organisations that provide opportunities for children to use Welsh, which were outlined. · Nicola Moore (PGR) sought information on how the Act would ensure that Welsh?medium teaching resources and learning systems reached the same standard as those available in English and sought clarification on how the Act would improve the quality of Welsh?medium resources to better support teachers and learners. In response, Gethin and Llyr acknowledged the importance of high?quality Welsh?medium teaching resources and advised that ‘ADnodd’ had been established to commission effective learning materials. It was stated that the new Welsh Education Institute created by the Act would also support the development of a strong Welsh?language pedagogy. Some additional plans to improve the quality of Welsh?medium teaching were outlined, in addition to a newly formed professional learning body which would provide training and support to practitioners to enhance their teaching of Welsh. · In response to points raised by Councillor Delme Harries regarding support for rural schools, the Director for Education advised that Elin Fry, Improvement Advisor, would be supporting schools and leading on the work to implement the Act. Moved by Councillor Delme Harries; Seconded by Councillor Nick Neumann The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the information provided from Welsh Government Officers regarding the Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025, be noted.
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RESOLVED That the Pembrokeshire Not in Education, Employment, or Training Strategy be noted, ahead of Cabinet approval.
The Committee considered a report by the Director for Education regarding the Pembrokeshire Not in Education, Employment, or Training Strategy (NEET). The Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language introduced the report and highlighted the strategy for the Committee’s review. It was stated that the update followed rising NEET levels locally and nationally, despite remaining below 3%, and a 2025 recommendation endorsed by Cabinet. The key priorities were outlined and it was noted that the strategy aligned with the Well?being of Future Generations Act and would be monitored through the annual Careers Wales destination survey and through reporting to the Committee. The Chair welcomed the 14-19 Adviser to the meeting to assist with answering questions and invited him to add any comments. It was stated that the strategy was developed through extensive collaboration with key partners, including secondary headteachers, curriculum coordinators, post?16 providers, youth services, Careers Wales and the Department for Work and Pensions. It was noted that the multi?agency input had helped shape a strategy that supported effective transitions for young people and implemented the Welsh Government’s Youth Engagement and Progression Framework. Before the Chair opened the matter for debate, the Director for Education highlighted that much of the work within the NEET Strategy was already in place, but the updated strategy would bring the elements together into a single, coherent framework. It was stated that it had also provided an opportunity to re?engage partners and reaffirm their roles and would strengthen independent advice and guidance for young people moving from compulsory to post?16 education and reflects current priorities such as the Young Person’s Guarantee. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Alec Cormack highlighted the fluctuation in NEET levels and queried whether the changes reflected genuine variation in the number of young people who were NEET, or whether they may be due to differences in how the Careers Wales destination snapshot measured the data. In response, the 14-19 Adviser explained that the percentage changes represented small variations in actual numbers and while the figures were far lower than a decade ago, national data showed a growing concern across Wales and the UK about increasing numbers of 16–24 year olds not in education, employment or training. · Following further information sought by Councillor Delme Harries regarding the low number of requests received for work experience, the 14-19 Adviser stated that work experience placement numbers had reduced since the pandemic, and also as a consequence of Careers Wales no longer managing the National Work Experience Database on behalf of Welsh Government. It was however, added that Pembrokeshire County Council continued to vet work?experience placements, and were reportedly one of the few Local Authorities in Wales still doing so, with several hundred placement opportunities available to 14-19 age learners in schools. · In response to a point raised by the Chair that the rising NEET levels locally and nationally could be linked to learners being unsure as to what career or pathway they wished to follow, the 14-19 Adviser stated that most NEET cases arise from significant mental or physical health barriers, with the remaining small number identified and supported quickly by youth support services and Careers Wales. It was acknowledged that navigating opportunities can be confusing and the ongoing work to improve the quality of impartial advice and guidance was highlighted. Members were advised that Careers Wales now provided face?to?face interviews for all Year 11 pupils. · In response to a request from the Chair for data or case studies of learners who had gained work experience following mental or physical health barriers, the 14-19 Adviser stated that, although specific data was not available, around 90 Year 11 learners each year take part in the ‘PEPS’ Pre-Engagement programme at Futureworks and Pembrokeshire College, which provided bespoke support for those facing significant barriers and at risk of becoming NEET at 16, of which further information was provided which highlighting strong outcomes. · Councillor Alec Cormack sought further information on the PEPS programme, to which the 14-19 Adviser emphasised the commitment to maintaining the provision, noting it was included in future Local Growth Fund plans. It was stated that the current cohort was partly funded by the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, focusing on raising aspirations in low?carbon industries among vulnerable young people which was stated to be a successful provision, and it was noted that the delivery team was actively seeking further funding from multiple sources. Moved by Councillor Alec Cormack; Seconded by Councillor Rhys Jordan The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Pembrokeshire Not in Education, Employment, or Training Strategy be noted, ahead of Cabinet approval.
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RESOLVED That the contents of the Partneriaeth business plan and interim report be noted.
The Committee considered an update report by the Partneriaeth Lead Officer. Partneriaeth Lead Officer, Ian Altman, introduced the report and provided an overview of recent organisational changes, explaining that the former regional service had transitioned to a smaller, commissioned model operating collaboratively with Swansea and Carmarthenshire. It was stated that the service now focused on two priorities, curriculum support across key subject areas and professional learning pathways for the education workforce. Members were advised that an interim report demonstrated strong school engagement, increased in?school and cluster?based support, and improved evaluation of impact. It was noted that leadership development programmes continued locally while national arrangements were reviewed. In summing up, it was stated that the Strategic Board of Directors now provided governance and challenge, ensuring the service offered value for money and aligned with Local Authority needs. The Head of Education Improvement provided an update from a Pembrokeshire perspective reporting improved joint working between the Local Authority and the regional body, noting better?aligned plans, clearer support information, and more collaborative school reviews in areas such as maths and science. It was stated that while the partnership was not yet seamless due to organisational differences and practical challenges, overall relationships had strengthened. It was emphasised that further work was needed, particularly to raise standards in language and mathematics. The Director for Education outlined Pembrokeshire’s core contribution to the regional service which he felt represented good value for money. The additional funds drawn from regional reserves across the three partner Authorities were outlined, and the risks arising from the development of the new national professional body were highlighted. It was stated that locally delivered programmes had already supported future and current leaders into headship, and the Council aimed to continue such work while avoiding duplication with future national provision. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor David Howlett referred to the business plan monitoring table, noting that all actions were rated green, indicating very good progress but commented that while that appears positive, queried whether the plan was sufficiently ambitious. In response, the Partneriaeth Lead Officer explained that the all?green ratings reflected confidence that delivery was currently on target and stated that the ambition of the business plan was reviewed annually by Directors and the Strategy Group. The Director for Education added that while the region was delivering against the priorities set out in the delivery plans, continued work was needed to strengthen evaluation. The importance of ensuring that delivery was consistently followed by robust assessment of impact was highlighted to ensure the support provided achieved the desired outcomes in schools. · In response to a question raised by Councillor Alec Cormack regarding the financial model, the Director for Education advised that the shared regional model was funded proportionately by all three Authorities and provided far greater flexibility and value than employing equivalent staff locally. It was stated that pooling resources allowed each Authority to draw on specialist support according to need without carrying the cost of full in?house teams. · Following a request for further information by Councillor Delme Harries, the Partneriaeth Lead Officer confirmed that subject?level Welsh language support was a core part of the service, covering both first and secondlanguage Welsh, with recruitment underway to replace a second language specialist. Assurance was given that all programmes were delivered bilingually, including a Welsh version of the advanced reading programme, ensuring parity of provision. · In response to a point raised by Councillor Maureen Bowen, the Director for Education highlighted the importance of the Teaching Assistant learning pathway for the Authority and stated that following regional discussions, it became clear that Pembrokeshire schools were making less use of the pathway than neighbouring Authorities. It was noted that the Director challenged this, and local work was now undertaken with headteachers to promote the benefits of the programme, which supported staff from induction through to Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) status and was fully funded. Moved by Councillor Rhys Jordan; Seconded by Councillor Delme Harries The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the contents of the Partneriaeth business plan and interim report be noted.
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RESOLVED That the Sport Pembrokeshire review of Physical Activity, PE and School Sport Across Pembrokeshire, be noted.
The Committee considered a report by the Sport Pembrokeshire Manager regarding a Sport Pembrokeshire review of Physical Activity, PE and School Sport Across Pembrokeshire. The Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language introduced the report and highlighted that although not responsible for statutory PE, the service played an important role in delivering the Health and Well?being Area of Learning by providing training, programmes and targeted support to build staff confidence and improve pupil engagement. It was stated that the report outlined current provision, draws on the 2022 School Sport Survey, and invited Members to identify areas for further development. The Chair welcomed the Sport Pembrokeshire Manager to the meeting who outlined persistent inequalities in pupils’ physical activity levels and stated that staff confidence, facilities and limited curriculum time also present challenges. it was stated that despite reduced external funding, Sport Pembrokeshire continued to play a key role in supporting schools through targeted, inclusive programmes aligned with local and national priorities. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · In response to points raised by both the Chair and Councillor Delme Harries, the Sport Pembrokeshire Manager explained that the Active Young People (AYP) programme now focused its externally funded support on areas with the highest deprivation (Haverfordwest, Fishguard, Milford Haven and Pembroke) where participation declines had been greatest. It was stated that around two and a half years ago, the service ended its universal secondary?level offer to target resources more effectively, retaining a universal offer only for primary schools to prioritise early childhood development, particularly fundamental movement skills in ages 0–7. It was noted that post?pandemic, enrichment activity had reduced but it was hoped that the forthcoming 2026 School Sport Survey, which all schools would now be required to complete, would provide a clearer baseline to guide future resource allocation. [Councillor David Howlett declared a personal interest by virtue of being a season ticket holder at Haverfordwest County Football Club.] · Councillor David Howlett highlighted the wide range of community and youth engagement work delivered by Haverfordwest County AFC, which had significantly increased activity levels, and sought further information on what level of engagement, if any, the Council currently had with the club, suggesting there may be opportunities to strengthen collaboration further. In response, the Sport Pembrokeshire Manager confirmed that Sport Pembrokeshire worked closely with Haverfordwest County AFC’s Community Trust, coordinating efforts to avoid duplication and align resources across local and national partners. · Following the importance of supporting PE within rural schools being highlighted by Nicola Moore (PGR), the Sport Pembrokeshire Manager acknowledged the concerns raised about support for rural schools and explained that the peripatetic PE service had been valued by schools for many years, but budget pressures made its continuation difficult. The significance of the male role model within schools was recognised and it was stated that the universal primary?level offer now allowed schools to self?refer for support, with decisions based on need. Members were advised that rural schools may also access provision through the Active Young People programme as an alternative to a paid service?level agreement for curriculum PE delivery. · In response to points raised by Councillor Alec Cormack, the Sport Pembrokeshire Manager explained that lower activity levels in deprived areas stem from multiple factors and added that Sport Pembrokeshire provided free community enrichment sessions in these areas, supported by Valero funding in the Pembroke/Pembroke Dock and surrounding areas, to engage disadvantaged children. It was stated that additional holiday programmes such as Fit & Fed and Food & Fun also help to widen access. · Following points made by Councillor Nick Neumann, the Sport Pembrokeshire Manager confirmed that children’s physical development was below pre?pandemic levels and stated that the service was working with early years settings to address this. It was highlighted that parental attitudes/understanding presented a significant barrier, as children often lack active lifestyles outside school due to wider societal and financial pressures. Information was provided regarding ongoing work to strengthen physical activity and educational outcomes. Moved by Councillor Rhys Jordan; Seconded by Councillor Nick Neumann The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Sport Pembrokeshire review of Physical Activity, PE and School Sport Across Pembrokeshire, be noted.
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