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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.
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.
There were no declarations of interest received.
The minutes of the meeting held on 17th July 2025 were approved as accurate records of proceedings.
There were no items to consider from the Cabinet Forward Work Programme.
Members considered items from the Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programme.
Officers provided an overview of the report contained in the agenda pack. There have been significant improvements in pupil attendance in both primary and secondary sectors during the 2024–2025 academic year. Although attendance rates remain below pre-covid levels in the majority of schools there continues to be a positive trend. National comparison data is unavailable at present, a further update will be brought back to the committee in the spring term. Officers advise members of difficulties in recruiting Attendance Support Officers, due to uncertainties related to grant funded posts. This issue has been raised by senior officers across Wales to Welsh Government. Officers referenced the positive feedback received from Estyn during the recent inspection in relation to attendance. Members acknowledged that current data was unavailable at present but expressed an interest in how Neath Port Talbot compared to other local authorities historically. Officers confirmed that over the previous ten years, Neath Port Talbot attendance figures have been below the national average. During the last year, the secondary sector was placed 15th out of the twenty-two local authorities in Wales and it is hoped that this figure can be maintained and improved. It was noted that in the years immediately following the Covid pandemic, Neath Port Talbot was 21st out of twenty-two local authorities, so, significant progress has been made. Members welcomed this improvement in attendance figures and extended congratulations to YGG Cwm Nedd on their achievement. Members queried whether best practice was being shared with other schools within the authority? Officers confirmed that during the last academic year a number of schools had improved attendance rates, during various months of the year. However, at the end of the academic year, only YGG Cwm Nedd achieved sufficient positive attendance to breakthrough the pre-covid figures. Confidence was held that several schools would also achieve pre-covid attendance figures by the end of the academic year. Congratulations were extended to staff and governors at YGG Cwm Nedd, however, it was noted that further progress is achievable. Officers advised members that education services work on a cluster basis and good practice is shared through the Education Welfare Service. The Head of Education Development advised members that all schools have been asked to make attendance a development plan priority and this has helped the situation; improvements made have been recognised by Estyn. Members questioned the gap for children receiving free school meals (FSM) and those not in receipt of FSM and children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and those without ALN at YGG Cwm Nedd currently. Officers advised members; the requested information was not currently available but would be provided to members following the meeting. It was noted that the identified gap was evident prior to the pandemic and work is ongoing with schools to address this. Targeted support is being prioritised, including the appointment of two dedicated Persistent Absenteeism Officers, an approach not commonly adopted by the majority of local authorities in Wales. The introduction of these roles has produced significant benefits in supporting schools to reduce absenteeism and close attendance gaps. The Head of Education Development advised members that families and young people eligible for FSM and those with ALN often face a range of other challenges beyond their educational needs. It is important that schools offer a balanced curriculum to ensure that children are experiencing school positively. While work is ongoing to close the identified gaps, it is important to consider wider contributing factors. Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr. Nia Jenkins advised members that in the last Estyn Inspection, YGG Cwm Nedd had a FSM percentage of 20.1%, which was a significant amount. Members expressed concern regarding the difficulties in recruiting to the Attendance Support Officer role and questioned whether any reasons were held for two officers taking up posts within other local authorities. Officers confirmed that the staff had not moved to other local authorities to undertake the same role, but they had secured permanent or longer term contracts. Due to grant funding, the position is only offered in Neath Port Talbot on annual contracts. Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr. Nia Jenkins commented that the grant system leaves the authority in a vulnerable position. The report has shown that Attendance Support Officers are instrumental in supporting pupils who experience difficulties in attending school. A change is needed to the current system to provide stability for staff. Members were encouraged to raise the issue with the education minister, if possible. Members questioned whether consideration had been given to working with schools in other local authorities to share best practice. Officers advised members that a Welsh Government funded, All Wales Education Welfare Service Conference was hosted in Neath Port Talbot around three years ago. Education Welfare Officers have maintained a good network around Wales and good practice is shared. Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr. Nia Jenkins advised members that Neath Port Talbot were recognised by Estyn for good practices in several areas within education and youth services. The Cabinet Member expressed their opinion that Neath Port Talbot were leading practice in some areas within Wales. Members asked for clarification around the grant system and noted the importance of retaining staff in this significant role. The Head of Education Development commented that earlier confirmation and release of grant funding would be welcomed, particularly if there was assurance that such funding would continue. It was noted that the grant in question is distributed across Wales, and that other local authorities are in a similar position. It was highlighted that it is uncommon for grants to be converted into permanent sources of funding. Members thanked officers and schools for their work on this matter. Following scrutiny, the report was noted.
The Head of Education Development provided an overview of the report for the 2024-2025 academic year, as contained within the agenda pack. The report highlights trends, reasons for exclusion, alternative support and measures to reduce exclusion rates. It was important to note that there are often a variety of reasons for pupil exclusions. Officers confirmed that fixed exclusion rates had decreased, and permanent exclusions had decreased significantly which is a testament to the work being undertaken by schools. Welsh Government held a behaviour summit last year and exclusions are recognised as a national challenge, pupil behaviour has changed since children have returned to schools following the pandemic. It was noted that the permanent exclusion rates for female pupils are higher than males for the first time in more than ten years, the reason for this is unknown but work is being undertaken to identify issues and work to address them. The Head of Education Development reported that the number of permanent exclusions had returned to pre-pandemic levels. Although the figures remain high, ongoing work is being undertaken to address this issue year on year. It was emphasised that permanent exclusions are only used as a last resort. Members referred to alternatives to permanent exclusions that were mentioned in the report and questioned whether these were available to all schools. Officers confirmed that, upon receipt of a permanent exclusion notification, discussions are held with the relevant school to explore alternative interventions. These may include the provision of additional support, a managed move, or the implementation of a pastoral support plan, with the aim of avoiding permanent exclusion wherever possible. If withdrawal of the exclusion is not appropriate, there are a number of other alternatives available. Discussions relating to permanent exclusions have been held at the NAASH (Neath and Afan Secondary Headteachers group) to learn lessons and focus direction. One option is for pupils to attend alternative placements which are not classroom based. This has allowed pupils who would have previously received a permanent exclusion to attend an alternative provision where they can gain life skills; feedback from parents in these cases has been extremely positive. The Head of Education Development advised the committee that work has been undertaken on a pre exclusion model, aimed at preventing pupils from being in the position where an exclusion is a possibility. This pre-exclusion model involves work with families, officers and schools. It was noted that pastoral support teams within schools’ work with families, often providing support behind the scenes. Some families frequently face additional challenges that require targeted assistance. With continued support in this area, it is anticipated that the Not in Employment, Education or Training (Neet) figures will continue to decrease, if young people are given practical skill rather than academic pathways. Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr. Nia Jenkins complimented the work being undertaken in the Bulldog facility. The young people who attended the provision were able to obtain life skills where previously they had not engaged with education. There had been a noticeable change in the young people’s behaviour. Members asked if there were Champions in each school to lead the work of the Pastoral Support Programmes or whether teachers received training in this area. The Head of Education Development confirmed that both approaches were in place, all staff were aware of the benefits that can result from having a Pastoral Support Plan (PSP), and also Pastoral Leads who receive additional support and training to identify which individual could benefit from a PSP. It was noted that each PSP is unique to a child, and it is not a standardised system. The aim of the PSP is to increase the time the children receive full time education or full time appropriate support. Officers noted that increasing pupil engagement in their learning enables a deeper understanding of individual needs. It was recognised that schools, families, young people, and officers all play a key role in working collaboratively with social services and health teams to ensure that young people are given the best possible opportunities to succeed. In some cases, attending school full-time may not be the appropriate option for a young person and young people should not be punished for struggling with full-time education. Every PSP is sent by the school to the local authority for monitoring in partnership with other departments such as Social Services, to ensure the PSP is still appropriate for that child. Any reduction in school hours is a temporary solution. Members enquired if there was a reason for the three schools in the Primary sector with the highest number of fixed term exclusions. The Head of Education Development confirmed that there was not a singular answer, and this was not related to the school location; children can attend schools in areas outside of where they live. It was noted that numerous factors could affect exclusion rates. Work is undertaken with schools to determine the reason for the behaviour and how schools can address this. Often changes in behaviour can be triggered by undiagnosed family issues. Members welcomed the update on the strategies in place to support children. A query was raised regarding the monitoring of secondary school pupils who have received permanent exclusions and are not attending an alternative provision. It was noted that excluded pupils may be at increased risk of involvement in county lines activity. The Head of Education Development advised members that permanently excluded pupils were not monitored daily. However, during a period of permanent exclusion, a tutor would be engaged to ensure the child is receiving some form of education. It was noted that following a permanent exclusion there may be a substantial period of time that the child is not attending a school or alternative provision due to the exclusion and appeals process. Any tuition would be held in a public venue to safeguard both parties. Truancy patrols are held in Neath during school hours where Education Welfare Officers would identify any children absent from school. Officers reassured members that work is ongoing in the area to engage with children who are involved in county lines activity and further detail will be provided at a future meeting. Members were pleased to hear that Education Welfare Officers worked with Social Services as they could often be the first line of defence, but questioned how close the links were between the departments. Officers confirmed that the links between the departments are strong, as individuals become more experienced in their roles and continue working together, stronger links are being forged. There are also good links between Principal Officers and Heads of Service. Members enquired what work was being undertaken to investigate the links between those pupils struggling with mental health conditions and exclusions? Officers advised members that support was available from various sources, including the Wellbeing Team, Education Psychologists, the Inclusion Service and colleagues within the Health Service. Cynnydd workers are based in secondary schools and also mental health first aid training is available. It was noted that schools can build strong relationships with pupils and can often identify issues. Rates of anxiety are high and can mask other issues. It was noted that due to COVID, some children will have missed milestones so there is an expectation that levels of anxiety would increase. Cabinet Member, Cllr. Jeremy Hurley advised members that a strategy event was recently held which outlined the work taking place to provide support services, which he complimented. Members acknowledged that some families may feel disenfranchised. It was noted that early collaboration between Health and Education colleagues, can assist in breaking down barriers and identifying families who may require future support. Cabinet Member, Cllr. Nia Jenkins agreed with the comment made and emphasised the importance of continuing to roll out Early Years programmes with Flying Start. It was noted, in some cases, pupils with additional learning needs are now being identified prior to starting primary school. Following scrutiny, the report was noted.
There were no performance monitoring items for consideration.
Officers referred to the Cabinet and Scrutiny Committee Forward Work Programmes contained within the agenda pack, and members were given the opportunity to request further items for consideration. With the agreement of the Chair the following changes were made to the scrutiny committee forward work programme: • Quarter 1 2025 -2026 Corporate Performance Monitoring Report - moved to 16th October 2025 • Quarter 2 Corporate Performance Monitoring report - moved to 8th January 2026 • Q3 Corporate Performance Monitoring report removed from 19th February - a future date to be confirmed. • Welsh in Education Annual Report -added to the forward work programme for 16th October 2025. Officers advised members that the following changes had been made to the Cabinet Forward Work Programme: • Added - Non-Complaint Direct Award (Local Good Partnership) • Removed - Conveyance of School Meals contract (does not require Cabinet approval). The Forward Work Programme was noted.
There were no urgent items.
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