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There is no summary of this meeting yet. Summaries are written once the council publishes the minutes, which are its official record of what a meeting decided. They usually appear a few weeks after the meeting.
Apologies were received fromA Anil. The Chair welcomed Jeff Beard back to the Committee and reminded Members that the Authority is now in the pre?election period, during which requirements around non?political conduct apply.
No declarations of interest were made.
The minutes of the meeting of the 2nd March 2026 were approved as an accurate record.
The Chair outlined the outstanding actions from previous meetings and advised that the outstanding actions would be taken forward to the next FWP.
Cabinet Member introduced the report. In response to questions from the committee members, it was noted:: · Progress has been made in complying with the 172 Welsh Language Standards in recent years, although further work is required. · Compliance has improved notably across service delivery, including calls, emails, the website, social media and correspondence. · Staff Welsh language skills are measured using a Level 1–5 framework, with a transition to the CEFR underway. · Incidental use of Welsh has increased, supported by training uptake and cultural and awareness?raising activities. · 226 staff, including all new starters and Learning Department staff, have completed the mandatory 10?hour Welsh course, which is available Council?wide. · Workforce pressures and capacity can limit staff participation in Welsh courses. · Officers agreed to provide data on staff who have completed the Level 1 Welsh course. · Joint working with early years and schools continues with the aim of improving the 57.1% transfer rate from Cylch Meithrin to Welsh?medium primary education. · Noted ongoing work to improve the 74% of pupils leaving school with a Welsh qualification. · Welsh Language compliance will be monitored through a new cycle, including quarterly reporting to CMT. · Noted events delivered over the past five years to promote the Welsh language. Members commented that progress had accelerated over the past two years and agreed to include the item in the Forward Work Programme for the next cycle in order to continue monitoring progress.
Cabinet Member introduced the report. In response to questions from the committee members, it was noted: · Progress against the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP) was considered. · There is currently there is no Welsh?medium secondary school in Merthyr Tydfil and pupils attend Welsh?medium secondary provision in Rhondda Cynon Taf, where the data is held and their ALN needs are met. · Members agreed that any available ALN data be requested from Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council for consideration as part of the ALN Workshop in the next cycle. · A feasibility study into a Welsh?medium secondary school in Merthyr Tydfil is underway, with a report to be presented to Council during the next municipal year. · Officers confirmed that immersion and support for Welsh learners can be provided at various stages to support pupils in developing their Welsh language skills. · Officers advised that early parental decision?making and transport remain barriers to Welsh?medium education uptake, although transfer rates to Welsh?medium secondary provision remain high. · Officers reported that the opening of the LRB has been delayed due to building delays and ongoing recruitment challenges, with the Welsh?speaking teacher post having been advertised for the third time. Members noted the progress made and the added value through questions and challenge. It was agreed that data on post?16 employment opportunities for Welsh speakers be shared with the Committee.
The Chair confirmed that this was the final meeting of the cycle and that a meeting to consider the 2026/27 Forward Work Programme would be scheduled.
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Members thanked Sue Walker and Andrea May for their contribution to Education Services and extended their best wishes to Sue Walker on her retirement and to Andrea May in her new role.
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