Wrthi'n llwytho
Y penderfyniadau fel y mae cofnodion y cyngor yn eu cofnodi. Bydd crynodeb mewn iaith glir yn dilyn pan fydd wedi'i ysgrifennu.
RESOLVED to: 2.1 Note the report. 2.2 Consider and scrutinise the information presented and the evidence provided by stakeholders as part of the post-decision scrutiny (based on the latest available information). 2.3 To receive a report back in 6 months’ time to include: How the hardship fund is promoted, to include the voices of young people, the exploration of drying rooms and an invitation extended to the WESP officer
In accordance with the code of conduct the following declarations were made: Cllr J Brencher – personal interest “My son works for Transport for Wales” The Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language and Communications advised that a personal declaration would be made on behalf of all Members who are school governors.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED to: 2.1 Note the report. 2.2 Consider and scrutinise the information presented and the evidence provided by stakeholders as part of the post-decision scrutiny (based on the latest available information). 2.3 To receive a report back in 6 months’ time to include: How the hardship fund is promoted, to include the voices of young people, the exploration of drying rooms and an invitation extended to the WESP officer
The Chairperson welcomed all to the meeting including Mr Mark Thomas, Headteacher Ysgol Bro Taf and Members of the Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee and the Leader of the Council, who were in attendance for consideration of the report. She also extended Members’ thanks to the Save the School Transport Campaign Group for their written submission to the Committee, noting they were unable to attend the meeting. The Service Director Democratic Services, Welsh Language and Communications presented the report which provided Members with an update on the implementation of the revised Home to School Transport Policy which took effect from the 1st September 2025. The report presented the Committee with the information currently available to support the Committee’s consideration as part of the post-decision scrutiny and outlined progress made against the actions requested in the above referenced Notice of Motion. Officers advised that the information presented reflected one term of data and should be treated with caution, noting that it would not be appropriate to draw firm conclusions without a full academic year of information available. In introducing the report, officers outlined that the Council continues to provide a significant level of discretionary transport support beyond its statutory duties. This includes free transport for learners living over 1.5 miles from their primary school and 3 miles from secondary school, continued provision for Welsh medium and faith-based education and support for post 16 learners. It was emphasised that in comparison with many other local authorities, the Council’s offer remained generous. Members queried the reliability of the early data and whether it was sufficient to understand the true impact of the policy. A Member proposed receiving a further update in 6 months’ time to understand the true impact. Officers reiterated that that a range of factors have influence over attendance and that it was too early to attribute changes directly to the revised transport arrangements. However, they accepted that the data provided a useful initial indication and committed to bringing back a more comprehensive analysis in due course in line with member agreement Members sought clarity on how the hardship fund had been distributed, what criteria had been applied, and how it was being used in practice. Officers explained that funding had been allocated directly to schools who were best placed to identify need within their schools. It was confirmed that the fund had not been widely advertised to avoid stigma associated with the fund and therefore to ensure the support was targeted appropriately. It was advised that schools were expected to use their professional judgement and knowledge of families in the engagement process. In terms of the criteria applied, officers outlined that the fund was intentionally flexible and could be used to address a range of barriers to attendance including cost of uniform, food, transport related pressures and wider wellbeing needs. It was intended to act as a last resort where other forms of support had been exhausted. The Chair invited Mr Mark Thomas, Headteacher of Ysgol Bro Taf to provide insight into how the fund had been used at school level. He thanked Members for the opportunity to address them and explained that his school had introduced practical measures such as washing machines, and drying facilities, alongside the provision of spare uniform, to support pupils who were arriving were or without appropriate clothing due to longer journeys. He advised that whilst there had been initial anxiety amongst families, particularly those facing financial hardship, some of the anticipated negative impacts on attendance had not materialised to the extent initially expected, although he reassured Members that the situation continued to be closely monitored and support provided to families facing practical challenges around public transport provision and those who may be travelling longer distances. Members expressed concern around the distribution of the hardship fund, stating that the approach may result in inconsistency between schools and that some families may not be aware that support is available. Officers acknowledged this point and indicated that the promotion and evaluation of the fund would need to be strengthened as part of future reporting. The Leader also recognised the importance of understanding the impact of the fund and confirmed that this would be kept under review. A Member queried the potential impact of the policy on the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP). The Member expressed concern that the changes to the eligibility for transport could discourage progression from primary to secondary Welsh medium education and therefore undermine longer term targets. Officers acknowledged this issue and advised that it would require linger term monitoring. It was confirmed that further detail would be brought back to a future meeting, and Members requested that the relevant WESP officer attend to support that discussion. Members raised concerns about the availability and reliability of public transport as an alternative to dedicated school transport. It was noted that in some areas, public transport provision is limited and may not be a realistic option for families which could in turn impact on the parents’ choice. In response to a request from the Chair, Officers outlined the support available from the Council, including the role of Family Engagement Officers in working directly with families to address attendance barriers. Members were advised that officers continued to work with transport providers to address issues such as capacity and reliability and that additional services had been introduced where possible. The Chairperson then welcomed non-Committee Member Councillor W Rees to the meeting and invited him to address Members. He voiced concerns around inequalities, bus reliability and overcrowding and the emotional impact on pupils. He also highlighted the need to consider practical mitigations, including flexibility around uniform and behaviour policies, as well as support for active travel. Another Member raised several detailed operational concerns, noting that whilst mitigations such as bus services and infrastructure improvement were welcomed, these had not been fully reflected in the report. Concerns were also expressed regarding areas where there is no viable public transport, the potential for bullying and behavioural issues on buses and instances where pupils were late for exams due to lateness of public transport. The Member also emphasised the practical support required within schools including drying rooms, lockers and access to spare uniform. The Member also raised a concern about the expenditure for ALN, noting the importance of understanding how funding is being utilised and whether it is delivering value effectively. In response, the Leader acknowledged the concerns raised and confirmed that there had been ongoing engagement with parents and campaign groups. It was noted that additional transport capacity has been introduced in some areas and that operation adjustments would continue to be made where issues were identified. The Leader also acknowledged the importance of the ongoing review of the hardship fund and continued engagement with stakeholders. The Committee sought clarification on how the Council’s approach compared with other local authorities. Officers advised that many authorities provide only the minimum level of transport and in some case there was no support for post 16 learners, whereas RCTCBC continues to offer an above discretionary level with additional support provided through the hardship fund. The Committee discussed the assessment of safer walking routes, with officers confirming that established criteria has been applied consistently. However, Members commented on weather, traffic and lighting conditions which may present additional challenges that are not always fully captured through standard assessments. A concern was raised in relation to the Equality Impact Assessment, with Members highlighting that impacts may vary significantly depending on geography and levels of deprivation. Officers confirmed that a full review of the Equality Impact Assessment would be undertaken after a longer period of implementation, and that further scrutiny can be undertaken at that stage. A Member highlighted that longer walking distances could increase the likelihood of pupils arriving wet or cold, which can impact on wellbeing and readiness to learn. Whilst it was noted that some schools had introduced measures to address this, concern was raised that the provision was not consistent and there were recognised limitations in terms of space and resources to introduce lockers and drying rooms. The Leader advised that this was an area that could be explored further where feasible. In concluding their discussions, the Committee agreed that further work was required to fully understand the impact of the policy. It was agreed that a further report would be brought back in six months’ time with more comprehensive evidence and data. Members also requested that future reporting include the voices of young people, that further scrutiny be undertaken in relation to the WESP with input from the relevant officer, that greater clarity be provided on how the hardship fund is promoted and that consideration be given to the provision of lockers and drying facilities within schools where possible. Following conclusion of discussion it was RESOLVED to: 2.1 Note the report. 2.2 Consider and scrutinise the information presented and the evidence provided by stakeholders as part of the post-decision scrutiny (based on the latest available information). 2.3 To receive a report back in 6 months’ time to include: How the hardship fund is promoted, to include the voices of young people, the exploration of drying rooms and an invitation extended to the WESP officer
None received
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.