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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED That the action log updates be noted.
RESOLVED (a) For the Director for Education to ascertain what can be done with cluster and non-cluster schools to develop a consistent approach to transition into secondary education, ensuring pupils enter Year 7 with comparable skills and knowledge. (b) That work be undertaken to explore ways to encourage families to register for Free School Meals despite universal provision, to ensure accurate data for funding and support allocation. (c) That the Director for Education assists with facilitating stronger links with neighbouring schools outside the immediate cluster for both pupil enrichment activities and staff professional development.
RESOLVED That the current position of Welsh Language provision across Pembrokeshire schools be noted.
RESOLVED (a) That the information regarding Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools be noted. (b) That support be given to any interventions which would improve the Authority’s approach to addressing the wellbeing needs of children and young people.
RESOLVED That the update on the implementation of the Curriculum for Wales across schools in Pembrokeshire be noted. [Councillor Viv Stoddart left the meeting at this juncture.]
RESOLVED That the exam outcomes for 2024-25 be noted.
RESOLVED That the items outlined within the Forward Work Programme for 2026 be noted, with following amendments: (a) That the referral from Policy and Pre-decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding school transport costs be accepted and placed on the work programme for consideration in February. (b) For consideration of the ‘Mobile Phone Policy’ report to be deferred to the June Committee meeting. (c) For consideration of the ‘Sports in Pembrokeshire Schools’ report be deferred to the March Committee meeting. (d) For consideration of the ‘Dual-stream schools’ report be deferred to the June Committee meeting. (e) That a report in relation to the ‘Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025’ be added for consideration at the March. Committee meeting. (f) That ‘Scrutiny of Partneriaeth’ be added for consideration at the March Committee meeting.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Joshua Beynon.
Following an invite by the Chair, Councillor Delme Harries, in his role as Member Champion for the Welsh Language, joined the meeting to partake in Agenda Item No. 8 - Welsh Language Provision.
Councillor Rhys Jordan declared a personal interest in relation to Agenda Item No. 8, Welsh Language Provision, by virtue of being a Local Authority appointed Governor for Ysgol Hafan Y Môr and his son being a pupil at the school. Councillor Maureen Bowen declared a personal interest in relation to Agenda Items No. 8, Welsh Language Provision, 9, Review of the Curriculum for Wales, 10, Review of Outcomes for 2024-25 and 11, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools, by virtue of her partner being employed as a teacher at a Pembrokeshire School. Councillor Huw Murphy declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Local Authority appointed Governor for Ysgol Bro Ingli and Ysgol Bro Preseli. Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall declared a personal interest in relation to Agenda Item No. 11, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools, by virtue of the report mentioning a case study regarding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) training being undertaken at Tavernspite Schools, during a time that she was employed by the School. Nicola Moore declared a personal interest by virtue of being a Parent Governor for Ysgol Gynradd Gymunedol Eglwyswrw.
Moved by Councillor Huw Murphy; Seconded by Councillor David Howlett The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Minutes of the meeting held on 25 September 2025 be approved as a correct record. [Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall abstained from voting as she was not present at the September Committee meeting.]
There were no public submissions or items of correspondence received.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the action log updates be noted.
The Chair drew Members’ attention to the items contained within the action log, and welcomed the Director for Education to provide updates on the three outstanding actions as follows: · Action 1 – Letter to Welsh Government RE: Use of Adrenaline Emergency Auto-Injectors in Schools. Update: Still awaiting update from Welsh Government. · Action 2 – Asymmetric Schools Seminar for Members Update: Arrangements still being made. · Action 6 - Emergency Lockdown Policies and Procedures – to be added to autumn term briefing for Chairs of Governors and included on Governing Body agendas under policy approvals Update: Update to be provided at the next meeting. Moved by Councillor Viv Stoddart; Seconded by Councillor David Howlett The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the action log updates be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (a) For the Director for Education to ascertain what can be done with cluster and non-cluster schools to develop a consistent approach to transition into secondary education, ensuring pupils enter Year 7 with comparable skills and knowledge. (b) That work be undertaken to explore ways to encourage families to register for Free School Meals despite universal provision, to ensure accurate data for funding and support allocation. (c) That the Director for Education assists with facilitating stronger links with neighbouring schools outside the immediate cluster for both pupil enrichment activities and staff professional development.
The Committee considered a report by the Schools Scrutiny Panel following its visit to Golden Grove School. The Chair welcomed Mr Andrew Williams, Headteacher, and Darrell Willington, Chair of Governors, to the meeting and proceeded to invite them to address the Committee. The Headteacher provided an update on recent developments and challenges at the school. The transition in September 2024 from a dual-stream to an English-medium school, which reduced pupil numbers and created opportunities for wraparound care, including the establishment of the Golden Grove Daycare provision was highlighted. Praise was expressed to staff commitment, particularly their ability to maintain emotional connections with pupils and keep the school open during adverse weather. Curriculum challenges under the new framework were outlined and an update on the adoption of the Primary Knowledge Curriculum (Cymru), which was said to have improved structure, progression, and pupil engagement was given. Initiatives for phonics and spelling, and benchmarking tools were outlined and the “Winning with Numbers” programme for maths was noted as being used as a key strategy to raise standards. The importance of vocabulary development, cluster collaboration, and consistency in literacy and numeracy milestones were emphasised. Leadership succession planning was discussed following the imminent departure of the Deputy Head, with several staff undertaking leadership training. In summing up, the Headteacher stressed the value of sport and community engagement, calling for the revival of county-wide events such as cross-country and athletics to enhance opportunities for pupils. The Chair of Governors concurred with the Headteachers contribution and commended the school’s leadership and staff for their professionalism and commitment to continuous improvement. Significant progress in staff development through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities and leadership training, which supports succession planning and long-term stability, was noted. It was stated that the Governing Body fully endorsed recent curriculum decisions, praising the structured, knowledge-based approach and the wide range of formal and extracurricular activities that foster both academic and soft skills. The positive atmosphere within the school was highlighted and he stated that the expansion into early years and wraparound provision had been welcomed as a benefit to the local community. It was stated that the Governors had involvement in recent appointments and their commitment to supporting the school’s forward-looking approach was reiterated. The Director thanked the school for its openness and adaptability during recent organisational changes and acknowledged the challenges posed by Wales’ shift to a purpose-led curriculum, reduced funding, and increasing demands on schools to “do more with less.” The importance of strong relationships in driving standards was stressed and the lack of time for schools to absorb reform was noted. The Director emphasised the need for continued collaboration to manage the pressures effectively. The Chair thanked the school and the Director for their honesty and acknowledged the challenges of implementing policies set at national level. Golden Grove was praised for responding positively to significant changes, turning reduced pupil numbers into an opportunity to expand provision and strengthen community engagement. The Chair commended the school’s proactive approach and noted its growing reputation locally. The Committee discussed the report and the points raised by the school representatives and the following points were raised: · Councillors David Howlett, Alec Cormack and Sam Skyrme-Blackhall participated in the visit and commented on how impressive the outdoor facilities were, including the plans for a forestry area, and noted the school’s effective use of outdoor space as a learning resource. The Headteacher’s personal knowledge of pupils was remarked, along with the Governing Body’s constructive role and effectiveness of the wraparound provision. · In response to a question raised by Councillor Alec Cormack, the Headteacher addressed the lower attendance levels on Friday’s, which may be linked to the symmetric school week arrangement, and stated that the school was battling with learners/parents’ priorities. It was stated that more structure had been built into the day and lunch before heading home was assisting with the attendance levels and that work to improve Friday attendance levels would continue. The Director for Education provided Members with some statists pre and post-Covid and stated that the schools attendance had improved each year since the data began to be measured in 2021. · In response to further information sought by Councillor Viv Stoddart as to where the pupils who had left the school had progressed on to, the Headteacher advised that those of primary age moved to Ysgol Bro Penfro when it opened. · Councillor Viv Stoddart highlighted the School’s budgeting, which was currently not showing any signs of entering a deficit, and sought further information as to what the school was doing to manage the budget effectively. In response, the Headteacher stated that post-COVID, the school experienced an increase in pupil numbers which had resulted in more funding. It was added that larger year groups had led to more classes and higher budgets but whilst the school was managing well without financial pressure, it was alert to changes which could arise and change circumstances. The Director for Education outlined the funding per pupil allocations and reiterated that the school was providing good value for money in terms of remaining within budget and managing resources throughout a challenging time. · In response to a question raised by Councillor Maureen Bowen, the Headteacher stated that a year group of 42 was split between two classes with an average class size across the school of 26 learners. Moved by Councillor David Howlett; Seconded by Councillor Huw Murphy The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) For the Director for Education to ascertain what can be done with cluster and non-cluster schools to develop a consistent approach to transition into secondary education, ensuring pupils enter Year 7 with comparable skills and knowledge. (b) That work be undertaken to explore ways to encourage families to register for Free School Meals despite universal provision, to ensure accurate data for funding and support allocation. (c) That the Director for Education assists with facilitating stronger links with neighbouring schools outside the immediate cluster for both pupil enrichment activities and staff professional development.
The meeting was paused at 11:10am for a break and resumed at 11:20am.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the current position of Welsh Language provision across Pembrokeshire schools be noted.
The Committee considered a report by the Senior Improvement Adviser and Strategic Lead for Welsh regarding the Welsh Language Provision. The Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language introduced the report and highlighted that progress was strong, with notable achievements including alignment with Welsh Government targets through the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP) and Cymraeg 2050, the successful opening of Ysgol Bro Penfro, transition of Ysgol Croes Goch to full Welsh-medium status and effective late immersion provision. It was, however, stated that challenges remained around recruitment and retention of Welsh-speaking staff, addressing post-COVID language gaps, and planning for phased implementation of the Welsh Language and Education Bill by 2030. It was noted that strategic solutions were essential to meet long-term targets. The Senior Improvement Adviser outlined the key points of the report which included Pembrokeshire’s leadership in the Language Charter, revised school language categories, and provision for latecomers through three established Language Centres, along with a range of challenges. Councillor Delme Harries, Members Champion for the Welsh Language, expressed that it was pleasing to see the success of the Language Charter along with the important work being undertaken by the teams at the Language Centres, improving standards. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor David Howlett made reference to the late immersion provision and the three Language Centres and queried how many pupils per year were taking up the provision. In response, the Senior Improvement Adviser stated that the Learning Centres fed secondary schools and were therefore based on the sites of the secondary schools. It was stated that the convenient placement of the centres allowed for close progress monitoring and it was stated that the provision was demonstrating impressive results. Information on size class and flexible entry points were outlined. · The Chair highlighted the recruitment difficulties being experienced in relation to Welsh-medium schools and queried what was being done to ensure the provision could be supported fully in future. In response, the Senior Improvement Adviser outlined measures under the new Education Bill to strengthen Welsh language capacity through the National Centre for Learning Welsh. It was stated that support would include sabbatical and residential courses for teachers, financial support for schools, and targeted training to increase Welsh-medium teaching. It was noted that whilst recruitment remained a National challenge, rising applications and ongoing campaigns were showing positive progress toward building a skilled workforce. · In response to the Chair querying whether the standard of Welsh language teaching in English-medium schools was satisfactory, the Senior Improvement Adviser provided assurance that good wok was ongoing within those schools, with a clear framework in place to support staff to promote the Welsh language along with a range of resources and strategies. It was added that a number of English-medium schools had been awarded the Gold Award for the Language Charter. · Councillor Huw Murphy sought further information on where pupils living in South Cardigan and Carmarthenshire attend school, querying if they stayed within their local catchment or crossed the border to attend Ysgol Bro Preseli. The Senior Improvement Adviser advised that cross border figures fluctuated year by year but confirmed there were some pupils who attended Ysgol Bro Preseli from both Carmarthen and Cardigan. · In response to further information requested by Council Huw Murphy regarding surplus places, the Director for Education advised that there were currently fewer surplus places in Welsh-medium schools compared to English-medium schools. · Councillor Huw Murphy made reference to the WESP and queried if any different approaches were being conducted following the matter being called-in and discussed by the Committee and Cabinet in April. In response, the Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language stated that feedback from Welsh Government on the WESP was awaited, so no change of approach had been actioned yet. Moved by Councillor Huw Murphy; Seconded by Councillor David Howlett The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the current position of Welsh Language provision across Pembrokeshire schools be noted.
The Chair advised that an alteration to the running order would be made, where Agenda Item No. 11 - Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools would be taken at this juncture due to Officer’s in attendance for that item of business having other work-related commitments.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (a) That the information regarding Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools be noted. (b) That support be given to any interventions which would improve the Authority’s approach to addressing the wellbeing needs of children and young people.
The Committee considered a report by the Principal Educational Psychologist regarding Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools. The Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language introduced the report and highlighted the positive work which was ongoing within schools which included a ‘whole-school’ approach, multi-agency collaborations, and use of evidence-based tools and programmes. It was stated that the ongoing challenges included rising needs amongst vulnerable groups, emotionally based school avoidance, and the need for ongoing monitoring and targeted support. It was noted that continued evaluation and targeted support for high risk groups would be essential to maintain momentum. The Principal Educational Psychologist added that data had highlighted increased emotional difficulties, especially among girls, older pupils, and disadvantaged families, compounded by COVID impacts, which needed to be addressed. It was stated that the Authority had aligned its work with Welsh Government’s whole-school approach and embedded a range of approaches and programmes, which were outlined. The Chair, in his role as the Members Champion for Mental Health and Wellbeing, welcomed the focus on Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools noting its importance and complexity. The need for ongoing and open discussion was expressed, to help address the growing issue. The Director for Education advised that Public Health Wales had developed a whole-school framework for emotional and mental health and stated that Welsh Government had set a target for 60% school engagement. It was highlighted that in 2024 Pembrokeshire exceeded the target with 83.6% overall engagement. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Maureen Bowen sought further information as to whether there was any data which showed that children’s mental health was impacted where domestic violence and verbal abuse had been experienced in their home environment. In response, the Principal Educational Psychologist confirmed that children’s mental health needs derive more from children who are subjected to adverse childhood experiences. The Head of Engagement, Performance and Communities expressed that the root cause of poor mental health in children was often not linked to one specific matter, but was a combination of factors, which in recent years was including social media as a negative impact. · In response to a question raised by Councillor Huw Murphy in relation to any known trends or patterns of more prevalent impact, the Principal Educational Psychologist stated that mental health issues were more prevalent among less affluent families and adolescent girls, with social media identified as a significant contributing factor, particularly affecting girls and increasing anxiety levels. · Councillor Huw Murphy highlighted that COVID had caused isolation and queried if that was an impacting factor of increased social anxiety in young people today. In response, the Principal Educational Psychologist stated that it would be fair to say that COVID could be described as a traumatic event affecting the entire population and added that its impact on children and young people varied depending on resilience and the strength of support networks. It was recognised that whilst many coped well, increased exposure to trauma had contributed to rising mental health challenges. · Councillor Viv Stoddart made reference to the ‘PERMA’ wellbeing measure which had been adapted for use with school age pupils and which would be submitted as a questionnaire to pupils, who would complete it online and obtain a personal ‘Wellbeing Profile’. It was queried if parents were made aware of the questionnaire and if they were involved in completing it with the pupils. In response, the Principal Educational Psychologist stated that PERMA was a low-level intervention tool to assist staff to understand the needs of the cohort within their schools to enable them to direct their support to the individual needs of learners. It was added that the tool would enable the school to work with the parents of pupils who were not responding to the standard emotional support provisions and would enable a tailored support measure. · In response to a question raised by Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall as to whether there was currently any data which showed the positive impact the mobile phone ban policy within schools was having, the Principal Educational Psychologist stated that there were not any specific statistics on the impact at present. The Head of Engagement, Performance and Communities stated whilst it was hard to pin point the effect of the measure, schools had reported that following the ban, it appeared to have a calming effect in terms of the climate in schools with learners displaying better attention in class. · Mr James Parkin stated that the ‘Trauma Informed Schools (TIS)’ work had been impressive and queried what the Authority’s ambition was regarding that work. In response the Principal Educational Psychologist stated that the aim was to continue embedding the whole-school approach and to expand training beyond Senior Management to a wider range of staff delivering interventions. It was stated that TIS would remain a priority for future years. Moved by Councillor Rhys Jordan; Seconded by Councillor Huw Murphy The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the information regarding Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools be noted. (b) That support be given to any interventions which would improve the Authority’s approach to addressing the wellbeing needs of children and young people.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the update on the implementation of the Curriculum for Wales across schools in Pembrokeshire be noted. [Councillor Viv Stoddart left the meeting at this juncture.]
The Committee considered a report by the Director for Education and the Head of Education Improvement regarding a review of the Curriculum for Wales. The Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language introduced the report and highlighted that it reviewed the Curriculum for Wales’ implementation. Areas of good practice and challenges were outlined and progress was stated to be steady. It was recognised that targeted support for secondary schools was vital to improve teaching quality, progression, and core skills. The Head of Education Improvement noted the progress made since the publication of the Successful Futures report ten years ago and highlighted the key areas of the report based on Estyn’s evaluation, local school improvement work, current cluster priorities, strengths and weaknesses. It was highlighted that sustained focus on core skills and leadership capacity was essential to secure high-quality teaching and robust progression frameworks moving forward. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Viv Stoddart stated that she had seen a post on social media about ‘new’ GCSE options and sought clarification on the matter. In response, the Director for Education stated that it was likely referring to syllabus changes rather than curriculum content or ‘new’ GCSE’s. it was stated that the transition to the new syllabus had presented challenges for secondary schools, with an update being given on Qualifications Wales’ decision to replace triple science with a double award being reversed. Members were advised that additional changes included revised content for Welsh language, humanities, English, and literature, with further subject updates were planned for next year. It was noted that new qualifications, such as GCSE Dance, and the introduction of Vocal Certificates of Secondary Education (VCSE) in 2027 would broaden options for learners. The Head of Education Improvement stated that a link would be shared by Democratic Services which contained further information regarding the GCSE changes happening now and in future years (AP). · Councillor Alec Cormack made reference to the updated literacy and numeracy framework and queried how fundamental it would be within the primary setting. The Head of Education Improvement advised that with no formal updates being received, the Authority made the decision for schools to progress with the framework based on the best evidence available to date, to ensure it had the desired effect as early as possible. Councillor Cormack highlighted that it appeared that Schools were finding the Council’s approach helpful although it was different to to the curriculum nationally. It was stated that he feels this point should have been included within the report to give an accurate reflection of what was working within schools and to assist the review that the Welsh Government undertakes of their curriculum recommendations. · The Chair concurred with Councillor Alec Cormacks point and expressed concern that, based on evidence from school visits and reports, the Curriculum for Wales did not appear to be delivering the intended outcomes. It was noted that this was not a criticism of the Authority or Cabinet Member but of Welsh Government policy, and urged that the Government reconsider its approach. · Reference was made to the point stating that ‘some schools demonstrated robust assessment strategies linked to pupil progress’ and Councillor Alec Cormack sought further information on the point. The Head of Education Improvement stated that the quote was from Estyn’s evidence, so he agreed to take the matter away and provide some further information from Estyn’s annual report (AP). Moved by Councillor Rhys Jordan; Seconded by Councillor Huw Murphy The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the update on the implementation of the Curriculum for Wales across schools in Pembrokeshire be noted. [Councillor Viv Stoddart left the meeting at this juncture.]
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the exam outcomes for 2024-25 be noted.
The Committee considered a report by the Director for Education and the Head of Education Improvement regarding a review of outcomes for 2024-25. The Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language introduced the report and highlighted that both GCSE and A-level results had recovered beyond pre-COVID levels, broadly matching or exceeding Welsh averages in literacy, numeracy, and science. The main improvements were highlighted, along with some regressions. It was stated that while outcomes displayed a positive trajectory, they remained slightly below contextual expectations, and targeted interventions would be needed to address equity gaps and sustain progress. The Director for Education outlined the comparisons between Wales, England and Northern Ireland in terms of GCSE outcomes and expressed that he and the Head of Education Improvement were of the opinion that Wales remained comparatively weak when compared against the other UK nations. Comparisons to pre-pandemic levels were outlined along with the modelled outcomes benchmarks. The Head of Education Improvement highlighted that whilst further improvement was necessary, 2024-25 was displaying an encouraging trajectory of upward outcomes, which was not being seen nationally, and stated that for the first time literacy grades were above the Welsh average, which was pleasing to see. Further information was provided on the fluctuations in Free School Meal (FSM) learners in comparison to non-FSM learners but it was stated that they were not balanced. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Huw Murphy suggested that condensing the sixth form provision to a fewer number of centres, could enable a better offer of additional subjects and also more specialist teaching which in turn could lead to better grades. In response, the Head of Education Improvement stated that the outcomes would be dependent on the quality of the teaching in those settings but added that it was difficult to comment as there were not any reliable measures at A-level at the moment as updated measures were awaited from Welsh Government. The Director for Education stated that it was his view that there still needed to be an emphasis on good quality teaching and outcomes through key stages three and four which would enable learners to make informed choices about their sixth form provisions. It was added that the continuing costs of specialist courses at post-16 was a challenge whether that was through A-levels or a vocational course. · In response to a question raised by Councillor Huw Murphy as to whether there was a sense of learners choosing to move from an academic to a vocational route, the Director for Education stated that there was and outlined the reasoning for that. It was recognised that a range of factors contribute to the pathways learners take when progressing through education. [Councillor Elwyn Morse left the meeting at this juncture.] · Councillor Huw Murphy queried if GCSE results showing a positive upward trend was consistent across all schools offering GCSE’s or if the trend was being enhanced by a few successful schools. In response, the Head of Education Improvement stated that most schools made good improvements, which included a number of schools which had previously had quite poor outcomes, which was pleasing, but stated that variation amongst schools was being seen. · In response to a question raised by Councillor Huw Murphy, the Director for Education advised that A-level grade data only included learners taking the qualifications for the first time at age 18 and did not include learners who undertake A-levels later in life. · Councillor Alec Cormack highlighted the widening gap between pupils eligible for FSM and those not eligible, noting that Pembrokeshire performed better than the Welsh average in 2024, but was now below average, and queried if more focus was being given to certain aspects of the data. In response, the Head of Education Improvement stated that when looking at the data it was important to also look at the rural schools data. Figures were outlined and it was explained that while FSM literacy scores declined slightly non-FSM scores increased significantly, exacerbating the gap. It was noted that such variations were influenced by small cohort sizes and rural school contexts. Assurance was provided that the data was regularly shared with school leaders, and there was no indication of reduced focus on disadvantaged pupils. · In response to further information being requested by Councillor Alec Cormack in relation to a comment within the report stating that ‘model of outcomes indicate Pembrokeshire is moving closer to contextual expectations’ the Head of Education Improvement stated that he would share some further information following the meeting (AP). It was stated that the contextual measure used was the best available, though not perfect, as it compared a school’s three-year FSM average with Year 11 performance rather than individual pupil data. Moved by Councillor Rhys Jordan; Seconded by Councillor David Howlett The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the exam outcomes for 2024-25 be noted.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the items outlined within the Forward Work Programme for 2026 be noted, with following amendments: (a) That the referral from Policy and Pre-decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding school transport costs be accepted and placed on the work programme for consideration in February. (b) For consideration of the ‘Mobile Phone Policy’ report to be deferred to the June Committee meeting. (c) For consideration of the ‘Sports in Pembrokeshire Schools’ report be deferred to the March Committee meeting. (d) For consideration of the ‘Dual-stream schools’ report be deferred to the June Committee meeting. (e) That a report in relation to the ‘Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025’ be added for consideration at the March. Committee meeting. (f) That ‘Scrutiny of Partneriaeth’ be added for consideration at the March Committee meeting.
The Chair drew the Committee’s attention to the work programme and made the following suggestions of amendments to align priorities: (a) For consideration of the ‘Mobile Phone Policy’ report to be deferred to the June Committee meeting. (b) For consideration of the ‘Sports in Pembrokeshire Schools’ report be deferred to the March Committee meeting. (c) For consideration of the ‘Dual-stream schools’ report be deferred to the June Committee meeting. Members were advised that as outlined within the supplementary agenda published yesterday, a referral from the Policy and Pre-decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee had been received, regarding school transport costs. Following discussion, it was agreed that the Committee would accept the referral and place the matter on the work programme for consideration in February. It was noted that the placement of the item was timely with the budget also being considered at the February meeting. The Director advised that the following two matters would also benefit from scrutiny at the March meeting, which the Committee agreed with. · Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025 · Partneriaeth The Chair advised Members that the next Schools Scrutiny Panel visit had been agreed and arrangements would be made to visit St. Teilo’s and Mary Immaculate, as a joint visit due to their federation, in early 2026. Moved by Councillor Rhys Jordan; Seconded by Councillor Huw Murphy 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 following amendments: (a) That the referral from Policy and Pre-decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding school transport costs be accepted and placed on the work programme for consideration in February. (b) For consideration of the ‘Mobile Phone Policy’ report to be deferred to the June Committee meeting. (c) For consideration of the ‘Sports in Pembrokeshire Schools’ report be deferred to the March Committee meeting. (d) For consideration of the ‘Dual-stream schools’ report be deferred to the June Committee meeting. (e) That a report in relation to the ‘Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act 2025’ be added for consideration at the March. Committee meeting. (f) That ‘Scrutiny of Partneriaeth’ be added for consideration at the March Committee meeting.
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