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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED (a) That the action log updates be noted. (b) That consideration of ‘School lockdown policies’ be added to the work programme for consideration. (c) That consideration of ‘Weapons protocols within schools’ be added to the work programme for consideration.
RESOLVED (a) That the items outlined within the Forward Work Programme for 2026/27 be noted. (b) That the referral from the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, in relation to a review of elective home education figures, be accepted and added to the work programme. (c) That a Schools Scrutiny Panel visit to Haverfordwest High School be arranged. (d) That an update in relation to the ‘communication and engagement between the Local Education Authority and the Church in Wales and Roman Catholic diocesan education authorities, with particular reference to how effective collaboration can support and improve educational outcomes across the County’ be added to the work programme.
RESOLVED (a) That the Director of Education’s support be sought in addressing leadership instability at Catholic Schools by considering the need for additional interim or targeted leadership support to sustain recent improvements in light of ongoing recruitment challenges with securing Catholic Headteachers. (b) For the Education Directorate to explore how pressures on staff capacity arising from increasing Additional Learning Needs demands were being addressed at a County-wide level.
RESOLVED (a) That the annual review of the effectiveness of the Memorandum of Understanding for delivery of Post-16 Education in Pembrokeshire be noted. (b) That consideration of learner outcomes performance data at the end of Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 be added to the work programme.
RESOLVED That the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025-26 be endorsed, prior to consideration by Council.
The Chair sought nominations for the election of Vice-Chair for the ensuing municipal year. Councillor Rhys Jordan nominated Councillor Alec Cormack; Seconded by Councillor Alun Wills. The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That Councillor Alec Cormack be elected as Vice-Chair for the ensuing Municipal Year
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Jamie Adams, Mr James Parkin and Rev John Cecil
There were no requests received.
The Chair welcomed the newly appointed Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration, Councillor Paul Miller, to the meeting, and provided him an opportunity to briefly outline his priorities. The Cabinet Member welcomed the opportunity and stated that he had visited approximately 10–12 schools since his appointment and had felt encouraged by what he had seen. It was noted that primary schools were generally performing well, with positive learning environments, strong leadership and pupils reporting that they felt safe and engaged in their learning. It was acknowledged that the secondary sector faced greater challenges and he advised that a programme of engagement and targeted intervention was being developed, particularly for the two schools that had recently received adverse Estyn inspection outcomes, with implementation noted to be planned from September. The positive support and professionalism from officers within the Education Directorate was highlighted and confidence was expressed that focused intervention could support improvement in the secondary sector and build on the sustained progress already achieved in primary education.
Councillor Viv Stoddart declared a personal interest in relation to Agenda Item No. 10, The Annual Review of the Effectiveness of the Memorandum of Understanding for delivery of Post-16 Education in Pembrokeshire, by virtue of having a family member employed at the College.
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 Minutes of the meeting held on 13 March 2026 be approved as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (a) That the action log updates be noted. (b) That consideration of ‘School lockdown policies’ be added to the work programme for consideration. (c) That consideration of ‘Weapons protocols within schools’ be added to the work programme for consideration.
The Chair drew Members’ attention to the items contained within the action log, highlighting that actions one and two had been completed. The views of the Committee were sought in relation to action 3, which recommended that the following two items be added to the forward work programme: · School lockdown policy · Weapons protocols within schools. It was stated that the items had been suggested by the Director for Education, to ensure the continued safety and safeguarding of all school communities. Moved by Councillor Rhys Jordan; Seconded by Councillor Alec Cormack The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the action log updates be noted. (b) That consideration of ‘School lockdown policies’ be added to the work programme for consideration. (c) That consideration of ‘Weapons protocols within schools’ be added to the work programme for consideration.
The Chair advised that one item of correspondence had been received in relation to agenda item no. 9 Schools Scrutiny Panel Monitoring Report - (Mary Immaculate School & St Teilos School). Members were advised that the views had been circulated to them all in advance, but for the benefit of members of the public watching online he would read out the submission which a Member of the public had asked to be conveyed, anonymously: “I read the panel visit report relating to St. Teilo's and Mary Immaculate with concern. Although my child does not attend either of these schools, I felt that some of the comments regarding parental expectations may reflect how parents of children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) are sometimes perceived. The statement regarding parents of children with ALN being “increasingly unrealistic” is frankly offensive and I am shocked to read this in a public report. I would suggest that if this is the view of schools being reported to you as committee members, it is imperative that the panel engage directly with parents of children with ALN before drawing conclusions about parental expectations. Many of us are simply seeking an inclusive educational provision where reasonable adaptations are made to support our children to access education (and which local authorities have a responsibility to provide). There is a significant difference between discussing ALN provision in theory and experiencing it as a parent. Unless you have walked in our shoes, it can be difficult to appreciate the challenges families face. These include: · Long waiting times for NHS ASD and ADHD assessments · Delays in receiving support from advisory teachers and specialist services. · Limited support from welfare and attendance services when difficulties arise in school. · The complexity of navigating Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and the wider ALN system. · The emotional and practical impact on families when children's needs remain unmet for extended periods. It is therefore important to consider whether the increasing number of children accessing both Home Education is indeed “elective” or not – many do not feel there is a choice. The increase reported in Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) is another indicator of challenges to meet needs in an inclusive way in mainstream education. In some cases, families may feel they have no viable alternative because suitable provision is not available and their child's needs are not being met within the education system. The ALN Code for Wales rightly promotes inclusion and seeks to ensure that children with ALN can be educated within mainstream settings wherever appropriate. However, mainstream education is not suitable for every child, and specialist provisions such as Learning Resource Centres (LRCs) are not always the right fit either. Some children have significant additional needs while also achieving highly academically, and they may struggle to find a setting where both their educational and social needs can be met. I believe there would be great value in including one or more parents of a children with ALN on the relevant scrutiny committee or advisory groups. Lived experience can provide an important perspective and help ensure that policy discussions remain connected to the realities faced by children and families. In addition, every school should have sufficient ALN leadership and capacity, including an effective Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCo), to improve communication, coordinate support, and help families navigate the system. Better communication and earlier intervention would benefit both children and schools. Parents should be viewed as partners in their children's education, not as obstacles. Most families are simply trying to secure the support their children need to thrive” The Chair expressed thanks to the member of the public for submitting the views, and stated that they had been acknowledged and would be taken into account when considering the agenda item.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (a) That the items outlined within the Forward Work Programme for 2026/27 be noted. (b) That the referral from the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, in relation to a review of elective home education figures, be accepted and added to the work programme. (c) That a Schools Scrutiny Panel visit to Haverfordwest High School be arranged. (d) That an update in relation to the ‘communication and engagement between the Local Education Authority and the Church in Wales and Roman Catholic diocesan education authorities, with particular reference to how effective collaboration can support and improve educational outcomes across the County’ be added to the work programme.
The Chair drew the Committee’s attention to the work programme and outlined the referral which had been received from the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, asking the Committee to review the elective home education figures for the past 12 months and the return rate. The Director for Education advised that that Officers would be pleased to provide an update on the work undertaken during the previous year and its impact, so it was agreed, by Members, that the matter would be added to work programme for consideration, and an update provided back to the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee in due course. Members attention was then drawn to the need to identify a secondary school for the Schools Scrutiny Panel to visit next term. A suggestion was made by the Director for Education for the Panel to visit Haverfordwest High School following the appointment of a new Headteacher in September 2025. The Committee agreed with the proposal. The Chair sought any further requests or amendments to the work programme from Members. Councillor Alec Cormack requested that an update in relation to the communication and engagement between the Local Education Authority and the Church in Wales and Roman Catholic diocesan education authorities, with particular reference to how effective collaboration can support and improve educational outcomes across the County be added to the work programme. Members supported this suggestion. Moved by Councillor Rhys Jordan; Seconded by Councillor David Howlett The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the items outlined within the Forward Work Programme for 2026/27 be noted. (b) That the referral from the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, in relation to a review of elective home education figures, be accepted and added to the work programme. (c) That a Schools Scrutiny Panel visit to Haverfordwest High School be arranged. (d) That an update in relation to the ‘communication and engagement between the Local Education Authority and the Church in Wales and Roman Catholic diocesan education authorities, with particular reference to how effective collaboration can support and improve educational outcomes across the County’ be added to the work programme.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (a) That the Director of Education’s support be sought in addressing leadership instability at Catholic Schools by considering the need for additional interim or targeted leadership support to sustain recent improvements in light of ongoing recruitment challenges with securing Catholic Headteachers. (b) For the Education Directorate to explore how pressures on staff capacity arising from increasing Additional Learning Needs demands were being addressed at a County-wide level.
The Committee considered a report by the Schools Scrutiny Panel regarding Mary Immaculate School and St Teilos School. The Chair welcomed Michael Scale, Acting Executive Headteacher for both schools, Charlotte Tweedie, Acting Deputy Headteacher at Mary Immaculate School, and Pat Mansfield, Chair of Governors to the meeting. Thanks were expressed to both schools for hosting the Panel in March and the Chair stated that during the visits, he made an offer to the Learners of both schools, for them to send in a video of their thoughts on their school and was pleased to have received two videos, which were then displayed. On conclusion of the videos, the Chair thanked both schools for the effort made in producing them and stated that he would be sending letters of appreciation on behalf of the Committee (AP). The Chair then invited the school representatives to address the Committee, to which they welcomed the opportunity and provided the following addresses: The Acting Executive Headteacher thanked the Committee for its visit to both schools describing it as a valuable opportunity to showcase the schools’ work, discuss challenges openly and highlight the commitment of staff, pupils and governors. It was noted that the Committee’s report recognised the increasing stability achieved across the Federation since its formation in April 2024, with clear evidence of positive progress and a shared direction across both schools. The positive findings of the panel report were highlighted, while recognising the ongoing challenges relating to leadership stability and recruitment within Catholic education. It was acknowledged that the public submission had raised valid concerns regarding increasing waiting lists and pressures within the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) system and he clarified that discussions had focused on the growing complexity and volume of ALN need, together with increasing expectations from families, rather than criticism of those concerns. It was stated that whilst recent Local Authority funding for one-to-one support had made a significant difference, a gap remained between identified need and available resources, and that ALN continued to present a system-wide challenge for schools. The Acting Deputy Headteacher of Mary Immaculate School reported positive progress across the Federation, with increased collaboration between the schools, supporting improved outcomes for learners. It was stated that Local Authority funded literacy and numeracy programmes were having a positive impact on standards, and Mary Immaculate School had recently received a positive Section 50 inspection report recognising strong leadership, committed staff and a strong Catholic ethos. It was noted that both schools continued to invest in leadership development and school improvement. Ongoing challenges were highlighted which included financial pressures linked to declining pupil numbers, attendance, pupil wellbeing and mental health needs, and wider recruitment and volunteer capacity issues. The Chair of Governors reiterated the ongoing challenge facing the Federation relating to leadership recruitment within Catholic education due to the ‘protected post’ requirements and reported that significant concerns remained regarding the condition of the St Teilos School building. It was stated that whist two substantial Welsh Government grants had secured improvements for pupils and staff, they would not resolve all underlying issues of the building so Governors welcomed the Archdiocese’s agreement to participate in exploratory discussions regarding a potential new school building. In summing up it was stated that despite the pressures outlined, the Federation remained optimistic about the future, with strengthening leadership, improving teaching and learning, and positive outcomes for pupils providing a strong foundation for continued improvement. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Alec Cormack commented positively on the visit and recognised the successful operation of the Federation across a considerable geographical distance. The concerns raised as part of the public submission regarding the wording of the report on ALN provision were recognised and he concurred that parents should be regarded as partners in their children's education and clarified that the issue discussed was the affordability of meeting increasing ALN demand within available resources. On the same point, the Chair emphasised that discussions regarding ALN were not intended as criticism of parents but acknowledged that, when read in isolation, some wording in the report could have been misconstrued, but stressed that schools were facing significant pressures in meeting increasingly complex needs within limited resources and that the comments made reflected the increasing challenges rather than any criticism of parents. · In response to a question raised by Councillor David Howlertt, the Chair of Governors confirmed that there was equal representation for both schools on the Governing Body, regardless of the relative size of each school. The Director for Education added that school federations were formal legal arrangements with equal governing body representation for each school and while federated schools retain their own identity, ethos, budgets and inspections, federations provide opportunities to strengthen leadership, share resources and maximise funding. It was noted that new staff were appointed to the federation, while existing staff remained employed under their original school contracts, unless they take up a new role. [Councillor Joshua Beynon left the meeting at this juncture.] · Nicola Moore highlighted the dedication of staff, leadership and governors, noting in particular the valuable contribution made by Governors in their voluntary roles. The importance of school meals was also highlighted and it was suggested there may be a link between the quality and choice of food available and pupil attendance, emphasising the need to consider these issues together rather than in isolation. In response, the Acting Deputy Headteacher of Mary Immaculate School advised that feedback about school meals had been gathered from pupils following the Committee’s visit and the findings would be shared with the Local Authority as part of its request for feedback which would help inform future menu developments and ensure that pupils’ views were taken into account. The Director for Education reported that an increase in funding in relation to primary free school meals had been received and the uptake of primary free school meals across the County remained strong. · In response to further information sought by Councillor Alec Cormack, the Director for Education advised that representatives from the Catholic Education Service and the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia had made contact to arrange an initial meeting to consider how a new school site for St. Teilos school might be accommodated within the Council’s Sustainable Communities for Learning programme. · The Chair expressed support for the requirement that Catholic schools should be led by a Catholic Headteacher but raised concerns about the long-term stability of leadership within the Federation. The number of leadership changes in recent years was noted and it was questioned how long it was sustainable to rely on interim arrangements while awaiting the appointment of a substantive Catholic Headteacher, particularly given the challenges of recruiting from a limited pool of eligible candidates. In response the Director for Education acknowledged the ongoing leadership challenges facing the Federation and advised that leadership development programmes were being used to support and grow future school leaders. The need for a stronger partnership with the Archdiocese was highlighted to help develop and recruit leaders for Catholic schools, noting that leadership recruitment remained a significant challenge both locally and nationally. · Following a question raised by Councillor Viv Stoddart, the Acting Executive Headteacher provided further information on the split of Catholic and non-Catholic leaners across the federation. · Councillor Alec Cormack queried whether greater consistency in the use of phonics programmes across school clusters should be encouraged, particularly where Local Authority funding had supported successful approaches. In response, the Director for Education advised that, following previous scrutiny work, the Council had identified four recommended phonics programmes and Schools were working within their clusters to implement those approaches and monitor their impact on pupil outcomes. It was noted that improvement advisers were supporting schools to promote consistency across clusters and facilitate a coherent approach as pupils transitioned to secondary education. Moved by Councillor Rhys Jordan; Seconded by Councillor Alec Cormack The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the Director of Education’s support be sought in addressing leadership instability at Catholic Schools by considering the need for additional interim or targeted leadership support to sustain recent improvements in light of ongoing recruitment challenges with securing Catholic Headteachers. (b) For the Education Directorate to explore how pressures on staff capacity arising from increasing Additional Learning Needs demands were being addressed at a County-wide level.
The meeting was paused at 11:22am for a break and resumed at 11:30am.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED (a) That the annual review of the effectiveness of the Memorandum of Understanding for delivery of Post-16 Education in Pembrokeshire be noted. (b) That consideration of learner outcomes performance data at the end of Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 be added to the work programme.
The Committee considered a report by the Director of Education regarding the annual review of the effectiveness of the Memorandum of Understanding for delivery of Post-16 Education in Pembrokeshire. The Chair then invited the 14-19 Adviser to present the report further detail. It was stated that the report outlined the range of transition support, interventions and post-16 engagement activities provided by the College, particularly for pupils at risk of experiencing difficulties during transition. It also included destination data for learners and highlighted proposed Welsh Government reforms that would require schools to monitor and publish post-16 destination outcomes to strengthen transition arrangements and accountability. The Chair welcomed the Senior Outreach Youth Worker and the Principal of Pembrokeshire College to the meeting to partake in discussion. The Principal of Pembrokeshire College outlined the transition-focused Memorandum of Understanding between the College, the Council and secondary schools, noting that its purpose was to support learners moving from Year 11 into post-16 education. The range of transition activities undertaken in partnership with schools to ensure a smooth progression to college were highlighted. Members were advised that the former A-Level Committee had evolved into a Transition Committee with a greater focus on learner support and outcomes and the College’s significant role in education and training provision was highlighted and a request made for it to be represented in future post-16 strategic discussions. In summing up, the College's support was offered to schools in delivering vocational qualifications as part of forthcoming curriculum reforms. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · In response to further information sought by Councillor David Howlett, the Principal of Pembrokeshire College stated that around 55% of full-time students entered the College without achieving the expected standard in English and Mathematics, presenting a significant challenge, however, stated that despite this, learner outcomes remained strong, with performance at Levels 1 and 3 above Welsh national benchmarks and Level 2 outcomes only slightly below. The Director for Education added that literacy and numeracy outcomes remained a significant challenge locally and across Wales, with too many learners progressing into further education without the expected qualifications in these core areas which was due to a range of factors. The importance of providing effective independent advice and guidance was emphasised, ensuring that learners understood the pathways available to them and were supported to achieve the qualifications needed for their chosen post-16 progression routes. · Following a request for further information sought by Councillor Alec Cormack, the Principal of Pembrokeshire College highlighted a significant decline in the proportion of learners studying Level 3 courses, from 62% in 2021 to 45% in the current year. The need for schools, the College and the Local Authority to work collaboratively was highlighted. The Director for Education concurred that the issue was complex and required a system-wide response and outlined a range of key priorities. The importance of closer transition planning with the College was highlighted. · Councillor Alec Cormack queried whether a similar approach to that adopted for phonics should be applied to numeracy and number skills within schools, to which the Director for Education confirmed that this was already being undertaken of which further information was provided. · In response to clarification sought by Councillor Anji Tinley, the Principal of Pembrokeshire College explained that apprentices were generally employed individuals who attend College on a part-time basis to complete technical qualifications alongside vocational awards, of which further information was provided. It was noted that the figures mentioned were 2,000 full-time students aged 16–19 attending Pembrokeshire College, while the College itself had approximately 800 apprentices but highlighted that the wider apprenticeship contract delivered by the College supported around 5,000 apprentices across South Wales. · Both the Chair and Councillor Anji Tinley expressed concern regarding the number of young people not achieving the expected standards in Mathematics and English by the age of 16 and asked whether there was a target percentage for pupils achieving grades A–C in these subjects that schools were expected to meet. In response, the Director for Education acknowledged the concern and advised that the Local Authority did not currently set a specific attainment target as the performance data available in the public domain did not allow the Authority to aggregate the information sufficiently to establish a meaningful local target. · Councillor Alec Cormack observed that much of the discussion had focused on the factors affecting learners before they progressed to College and emphasised the importance of adopting a more continuous, data-driven approach to monitoring educational progress. It was then suggested that that the Committee consider learner outcomes performance data at the end of Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5, which was an idea supported by Members and the Director for Education. In summing up the Chair highlighted that a Members Seminar was being arranged which would be held at Pembrokeshire College which would also provide the opportunity to gain a better understanding of current developments and future plans at the College, to which Members were encouraged to attend. Moved by Councillor Rhys Jordan; Seconded by Councillor David Howlett The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED (a) That the annual review of the effectiveness of the Memorandum of Understanding for delivery of Post-16 Education in Pembrokeshire be noted. (b) That consideration of learner outcomes performance data at the end of Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 be added to the work programme.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED That the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025-26 be endorsed, prior to consideration by Council.
The Committee considered a report by the Head of Democratic Services regarding the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025-26. The Head of Democratic Services introduced the report and highlighted the Committee’s strong programme of scrutiny during 2025–26, with an attendance rate of 85%. Key areas of focus were outlined and it was stated that the Committee’s work had influenced policy and service improvements. The Committee debated the contents of the report and the key points were highlighted as follows: · Councillor Viv Stoddart sought an update on the progress in implementing the Council’s position on asymmetric school weeks and asked whether Governing Bodies had been contacted. In response, the Director for Education confirmed that the Council’s position had been communicated to all schools and Governing Bodies, with further communication planned. It was stated that a number of schools had already agreed to move away from asymmetric school weeks from September, and Officers would continue to work with and support the remaining schools to implement changes by September 2027. It was noted that Governing Bodies were undertaking the required consultation processes and that any changes to the start and end of the school day could only be introduced at the beginning of an academic year. · Both the Chair and Councillor Alec Cormack welcomed the positive impact of the Council’s clear position on asymmetric school weeks, noting that although decisions rest with Governing Bodies, providing a strong steer from the Local Authority had helped influence schools to reconsider their arrangements. In summing up, the Chair commended the Committee’s work during the year, with particular emphasis on the shared commitment to improving educational outcomes for learners in Pembrokeshire and supporting schools facing challenges, including those in special measures. Moved by Councillor Rhys Jordan; Seconded by Councillor Alun Wills The vote, undertaken by way of a show of hands, was carried. RESOLVED That the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025-26 be endorsed, prior to consideration by Council.
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