Schools, school places and buildings, additional learning needs and Welsh-medium education.
What councils do
Councils run community schools, fund every state school, provide school transport and support pupils with additional learning needs. They plan school places, including Welsh-medium places under a ten-year plan.
Who decides
The Cabinet decides on school changes, such as opening, closing or merging schools, after a formal consultation. Head teachers and governing bodies run each school day to day.
Having a say
Proposals to change a school must be consulted on, and anyone can respond. Parents can also become school governors.
In numbers
Welsh councils plan to spend £1,307 per person on this in 2026-27.
It ranges from £1,099 in Monmouthshire to £1,475 in Merthyr Tydfil.
Year 1 pupils taught in Welsh: 25% across Wales (2025-26).
RESOLVED: that
1. the Director of Education & Lifelong Learning, in consultation with Cabinet Member for Education, be authorised to undertake an engagement exercise, to:
i. Inform the planning of temporary measures to accommodate all learners who wish to enter Welsh-medium secondary education in 2027/28.
ii. Inform the review of Welsh-medium primary and secondary school catchment areas.
iii. Inform the planning of long-term strategic changes to Welsh-medium secondary school provision.
iv. Inform future priorities in Cardiff’s Welsh in Education Strategic Plan.
2. It be noted that financial resources would need to be identified ahead of any later decisions to implement organisational or infrastructure changes.
3. It be noted that officers will bring a report on the outcome of the engagement with stakeholders to a future meeting to inform planning and investment priorities.
RESOLVED:
That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
RESOLVED:
That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward and will write to you to inform you of the Committee’s observations, comments and/ or recommendations ahead of Cabinet on the 22 January 2026.
RESOLVED:
That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward and will write to you to inform you of the Committee’s observations, comments and/ or recommendations ahead of Cabinet on the 22 January 2026.
RESOLVED:
That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward and will write to you to inform you of the Committee’s observations, comments and/ or recommendations ahead of Cabinet on the 22 January 2026.
RESOLVED:
That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward and will write to you to inform you of the Committee’s observations, comments and/ or recommendations ahead of Cabinet on the 22 January 2026.
RESOLVED – That the Council be recommended to approve the recommendations of the Panel to appoint the following persons to current Local Authority Governing Body vacancies as follows:
School Name
Ward
Start of Vacancy
Applications Received
Baden Powell Primary School
Splott
03/02/2025
Bryn Celyn Primary School
Pentwyn
12/12/2025
Thomas Breeze
Cardiff West Community High School
x 2 vacancies
Caerau
31/12/2024 15/10/2025
Anita Batten
Katy Bennett
Coed Glas Primary School
Llanishen
1011/2025
Lauren Charles-Nelson
Ffederasiwn y Ddraig
x 2 vacancies
Trowbridge
26/06/2025
06/10/2025
Glyncoed Primary School
Pentwyn
03/09/2025
Grangetown Primary School
Grangetown?
26/11/2025?
Greenhill School
Rhiwbina
02/072025
Hywel Dda Primary School
x 2 vacancies
Ely
30/06/2025
03/09/2025
Lansdowne Primary School
Canton
01/09/2025
Pentyrch Primary School
Pentyrch & St Fagans
23/10/2024
Zoe O’Regan
Peter Lea Primary School
Fairwater
13/10/2025
Radnor Primary School
x 2 vacancies
Canton?
26/11/2025
20/12/2025
Donald Sargeant
St Francis RC Primary School
Ely
08/03/2025
The Saints Federation
Pentwyn
09/09/2025
Willows High School
Splott
29/09/2024
Sian Chase
Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf
Llandaff North
01/05/2025
Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr
Fairwater
08/12/2025
Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch
Canton
30/06/2025
Ysgol Gynradd Groes-Wen Primary School
Pentyrch & St Fagans
01/02/2025
Ysgol Pencae
Llandaff
27/11/2024
Ysgol Y Wern
Llanishen
01/08/2025
Barbara Connell left the meeting during discussion of her application relating to Cantonian High School.
Councillor Merry in accordance with her declaration of interest, left the meeting during discussion of the application relating to Ysgol Cynefin. Cllr Lister took over the role of Chair during this time.
Councillors Williams and Driscoll in accordance with their declarations of interest, left the meeting during discussion of the application relating to Pear Tree Federation.
The Committee received and considered applications to future vacancies against criteria, matching skills to vacancies.
RESOLVED – That the Council be recommended to approve the recommendations of the Panel to appoint the following:
School Name
Ward
Start of Vacancy
Re-appointment requested
New Application Received
Albany Primary School
Plasnewydd
28/01/2026
Saqib
Siddique
Cantonian
High School
Fairwater
23/03/2026
Barbara Connell
Creigiau
Primary School
Pentyrch & St Fagans
18/03/2026
Fiona Girdler
Herbert Thompson Primary School
Ely
18/03/2026
Cllr Maliika
Kaaba
Millbank Primary School
Caerau
18/03/2026
Deferred
Pencaerau Primary School
Caerau
28/01/2026
Lindsey Riella
Radnor Primary School
Canton
28/03/2026
Cllr Susan
Elsmore
Ysgol
Cynefin
Llanishen
28/03/2026
Cllr Garry Hunt
The Pear Tree Federation
Whitchurch
&
Tongwynlais
27/03/2026
27/03/2026
27/03/2026
Nicholas Ashby
Sharron Dore
Mike Jones-Pritchard
Ton-Yr-Ywen Primary School
Heath
28/01/2026
Cllr Julie
Sangani
Ysgol Gymraeg
Coed-Y-Gof
Fairwater
18/03/2026
Ryan Williams
Ysgol Y Berllan Deg
Pentwyn
27/03/2026
Nicholas Webb
RESOLVED: Pursuant to this Committee’s delegated powers the following development management applications be determined in accordance with the recommendation set out in the reports of the Director of Planning, Transport and Environment, subject to any further amendments as detailed below and notification be given of the decisions in accordance with Section 70 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 or Section 74 of the Planning (Listed Building & Conservation) Act 1990.
APPLICATIONS GRANTED:
5a. 25/02048/FUL – PENTWYN
St Teilos High School, Circle Way East, Llanedeyrn
Proposed construction of 3G pitch, floodlighting, changing rooms and associated works.
RESOLVED: that
(i) the update on demand for specialist additional learning needs places be noted.
(ii) Officers be authorised to consult on proposals as outlined in paragraphs 4 and 6.
(iii) Ahead of determination of proposals and Ministerial approval, authority be delegated to the Director of Education & Lifelong Learning in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Cabinet Member for Finance, Modernisation & Performance, Director Governance & Legal Services and S.151 Officer to proceed with the design, procurement and implementation of refurbishment works to schools summarised in paragraph 4 to urgently provide additional places in the 2026/27 school year.
(iv) Ahead of determination of proposals and Ministerial approval, authority be delegated to the Director of Education & Lifelong Learning in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education to proceed with the design development of schemes summarised in paragraph 6 that would take effect later than the 2026/27 year, to ensure proposals for the expansion of specialist provision are not delayed.
(v) the negotiations on a site in the northeast of Cardiff to allow the delivery of the expanded Greenhill Special School be noted.
(vi) the potential revenue and capital implications to the Council arising from all proposals be noted.
(vii) the consideration of relocation of T? Storrie Children’s Home be noted.
(viii) It be noted that officers will bring a report on the outcome of the consultation to a future meeting to seek authorisation as to whether to proceed to publish proposals in accordance with section 48 of The School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013.
RESOLVED: that
1) Authority be delegated to the Director of Economic Development, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport & Parks, the Section 151 Officer and Director of Governance and Legal Services, to deal with all aspects of the proposed procurement (including determining delivery model, setting the evaluation methodology, commencing procurement and to deal with any ancillary matters) and thereafter to report the outcome at a future Cabinet meeting for approval of award of contracts.
2) It be agreed, subject to interest in the opportunity, to advertise the proposed disposal of the land as indicated within the attached plan at AppendixB, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1972 and to report back the outcome at a future Cabinet Meeting.
RESOLVED: The Committee agreed to exclude the Public from the meeting at this point. The Youth Council Representative left the room for this part of the item, and the recording of the meeting was paused.
The Open Session resumed.
RESOLVED that the Committee:
· That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward ahead of Cabinet on the 18th December 2025.
AGREED: that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations and recommendations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.
RESOLVED: Council AGREED:
1.
To approve the new appointments of Local Authority governors to the school governing bodies as set out in Appendix 1, each for a term of 4 years from the date of the appointment, in accordance with the recommendations of the Local Authority Governor Panel.
RESOLVED – That the Council be recommended to approve the recommendations of the Panel to appoint the following persons to current Local Authority Governing Body vacancies as follows:
School Name
Ward
Start of Vacancy
Applications
Received
Baden Powell Primary School
Splott
03/02/2025
Bryn Deri Primary School
Radyr &
Morganstown
01/10/2024
Helen Francis
Cardiff West Community
High School x 2
Caerau
31/12/2024
15/10/2024
Ffederasiwn y Ddraig x2
Trowbridge
26/06/2025
06/10/2025
Glyncoed Primary School
Pentwyn
03/09/2025
Greenhill School
Rhiwbina
02/072025
Hywel Dda Primary School x 2
Ely
30/06/2025
03/09/2025
Lakeside Primary School
Cyncoed
01/09/2021
Ann Griffith
Lansdowne Primary School
Canton
01/09/2025
Pentyrch Primary School
Pentyrch & St
Fagans
23/10/2024
Peter Lea Primary School
Fairwater
13/10/2025
Springwood Primary School
Pentwyn
16/05/2025
Marinela Zagorscak
St Cuthbert’s RC Primary School
Butetown
09/092025
Marie Haggett
St Francis RC Primary School
Ely
07/03/2025
St Mellons C.I.W Primary School
Pontprennau & Old St Mellons
02/11/2025
Stacey Primary School
Adamsdown
26/02/2025
Hannah Morgan
The Saints Federation
Pentwyn
09/09/2025
Ton -Yr -Ywen Primary School
Heath
02/10/2025
Cllr Mike Ash-Edwards
Whitchurch Primary School
Whitchurch & Tongwynlais
18/09/2025
Shubnam Aziz
Willows High School
Splott
29/09/2024
Ysgol Glan Ceubal
LLandaff North
01/07/2025
John Fury
Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern
Penylan
01/05/2025
Cllr Imran Latif
Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf
Llandaff North
01/05/2025
Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch x 2
Canton
11/03/2025
25/06/2025
Deferred
Ysgol Gynradd Groes-Wen Primary School
Pentyrch &
St Fagans
31/01/2025
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Hamadryad
Butetown
01/05/2025
Huw Williams
Ysgol Pencae
Llandaff
12/09/2024
Ysgol Y Wern
Llanishen
01/08/2025
The Committee received and considered applications to future vacancies against criteria, matching skills to vacancies. RESOLVED – That the Council be recommended to approve the recommendations of the Panel to
appoint the following:
School Name
Ward
Start of Vacancy
Re-appointment
New Application Received
Albany Primary School
Plasnewydd
28/01/2026
Deferred
Ely and Caerau Children's Centre
Ely
26/11/2025
Bryony Lanham
Grangetown Primary School
Grangetown
26/11/2025
Pencaerau Primary School
Caerau
28/01/2026
Peter Lea Primary School
Fairwater
26/01/2026
Philip Bond
Radyr Comprehensive School
Radyr & Morganstown
26/01/2026
Caroline Taylor
Radnor Primary School
Canton
26/11/2025
20/12/2025
St Mary The Virgin C.I.W Primary School
Butetown
28/01/2026
Vanessa Leyshon
St Peter's R.C Primary School
Plasnewydd
22/02/2026
Cllr Mary McGarry
The Western Learning Campus
Caerau
08/01/2026
08/01/2026
Bianca Rees
Cllr Peter Bradbury
Ton-Yr-Ywen Primary School
Heath
28/01/2026
Willows High School
Splott
31/01/2026
Cllr Edward Stubbs
Ysgol Y Wern
Llanishen
28/01/2026
Cllr Bethan Proctor
RESOLVED – That the following matters be dealt with as indicated:
(1)
Application 1
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that a complaint had been received alleging that he refused to engage his meter or accept a card payment.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver acknowledged that he was working on the night of the alleged incident but stressed that he never refused to use the meter as he knew it was the law.
He acknowledged that the vehicle in the picture provided was his, but felt it showed that he wasn’t at the front of the rank. He did not recognise the witness as he took many fares every night. It was clarified that the witness’ statement said that the photo was of the driver leaving the rank rather than being parked there.
The driver added that he had been a taxi driver for nearly thirty years and was now a senior citizen, and followed the rules of the taxi rank. He had been a community leader for many years too. He rejected the suggestion in the witness’ statement that he had demanded £10 up front for a short fare, and refused payment by card. He emphasised that he had been driving taxis for a long time and wouldn’t risk his livelihood for a couple of pounds.
Responding to questions from the Sub Committee, the driver explained that he preferred to take payment up front when people wanted to pay by card, and refunded them at the destination if the final total was less. This was in case the card was declined at the end of the journey, and he asked politely rather than demanding it. Members suggested that while asking for a small deposit was reasonable, taking the whole fare in advance was not.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the witness explained that he caught taxis regularly because he worked in town. He often had issues with taxi drivers who either didn’t let him pay by card or tried to charge him to take his suitcase, but things had gotten better since the taxi wardens came in. On the night in question, he was directed to the vehicle by the warden and asked to go to Grangetown. After he had put his bags in the boot, the driver told him it would be £10.
The witness added that he immediately asked to use the meter instead because the normal fare was about £8, and the driver refused. He also said that he’d be paying by card, and the driver said ‘no card or no journey’. The witness decided that it wasn’t worth it and said he’d report him, got his bags out of the boot and took a photo of the taxi licence plate. He explained this to the taxi warden too, and they went to speak to the driver, who then left the rank.
Responding to questions from the Sub Committee, the witness explained that he normally had a glass of wine after work, but only one. He also clarified that he had only added that he wanted to pay by card after the driver had refused to use the meter.
The driver denied the witness’ statement entirely and suggested that he didn’t allow passengers to put their bags in the boot before they had spoken at the window and agreed a fare. He was sure that he had not refused to use the meter or take a card payment, and did not recall the taxi warden speaking to him. Members asked how he could be sure of any of this if he didn’t remember the incident.
RESOLVED – that the Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence be suspended for 14 days.
(2)
Application 2
This item was deferred to the next meeting.
(3)
Application 3
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that he had declared nine penalty points on his driving licence.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that he had committed three speeding offences in 2023, which he had declared on his renewal application. Two of the offences had happened on the same day in February 2023, the day after he had received some bad personal news which had distracted him from his driving.
Members asked why he had only declared the offences upon renewal in August 2025. The driver responded that he wasn’t aware that was part of the conditions of his licence, but knew now.
Members asked if he had received any support during the difficult time in his personal life, and how he would react to similar circumstances now. The driver explained that it was hard to stop working for more than a day or two, but he would go and see his doctor if it was really affecting him.
RESOLVED – that the driver receive a written warning.
(4)
Application 4
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that he had declared nine penalty points on his driving licence.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver stated that he had been a taxi driver since 2008 and took the responsibilities of his role seriously, and treated the public with respect. He understood the authority’s concern over his fitness due to his speeding offences but felt he was a fit and proper person to drive a taxi.
The driver explained that two of the offences were at the same location, when the speed limit on a road near him had changed from 40mph to 30mph. He acknowledged that it was his responsibility to ensure he was aware of all speed limits, and added that he had been driving privately rather than with a passenger in his taxi on all three occasions. He also added that he had received a previous complaint about parking, when he was in a rush to get to his mosque and parked on private property nearby.
He understood the council’s policy on taxi licensing and hoped that it could be taken into account that all three offences had occurred in a short period of time, between December 2024 and April 2025. He didn’t want to make excuses but had been going through a particularly stressful time. He was familiar with the roads in Cardiff and felt he was a safe driver who treated his customers well and undertook school run contracts. He was working to support his wife and children, and asked that the Sub Committee give him another chance.
Members asked whether the driver had notified his insurance company about the points, and heard that he had.
The driver’s solicitor added that he believed his client had addressed the licensing authority’s concerns, and that on balance he was a fit and proper person to continue driving a taxi. Two of the speeding offences had occurred in the same area within a week of each other, which he felt offered some mitigation as the driver might not have been aware of the first offence when the second happened. He had driven taxis for 17 years, and there had been no further issues of any kind since the third speeding offence.
RESOLVED – that the driver receive a written warning.
(5)
Application 5
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that he had declared ten penalty points on his driving licence.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that one of the speeding offences had been in Pontypridd in in December last year, when the weather was very bad. He had only recently started driving taxis again after renting them out for some time.
Members queried why one of the offences had resulted in four penalty points rather than the usual three. The driver was not sure, adding that he only became aware of it when he came to renew. He didn’t go to court and had not yet paid the fine, but would do so because he accepted that he was speeding.
Members asked if he had paid the previous fine as well. The Legal Officer clarified that both convictions were on the same day, so he would have received the fines at the same time.
Members queried the previous complaints the driver had received regarding the condition of vehicles for which he was the proprietor. The Legal Officer clarified that previous complaints were not relevant to this hearing.
RESOLVED – that the driver receive a written warning.
(6)
Application 6
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that he had declared six penalty points on his driving licence.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver stated that he had unintentionally driven a car without insurance, not realising that he was not covered to do so. He had two different types of insurance from the same company, one of which was fine to drive the vehicle and the other one that wasn’t. It was a stupid mistake and one that wouldn’t happen again. He had been driving since 2017 and this was the first issue he’d had.
The Chair clarified that due to a recent change in the law he would not be able to drive any car regardless of comprehensive insurance, only the named vehicle.
RESOLVED – that the driver receive a written warning.
(7)
Application 7
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that he had declared nine penalty points on his driving licence.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver clarified that he now had six points as three had expired in August. The offences had occurred in 2022 and 2023, and two of them were in 20mph zones when he had been going under 30mph. He had since upgraded his car to one with a speed limiter that was easier to keep within the limit.
He didn’t feel he was a reckless driver and had not had any other incidents in the last two years, and had declared the offences on his renewal application. He understood that it was his responsibility to stick to the rules and ensure he was aware when they changed.
Members asked why he didn’t declare the convictions until 2024. The driver responded that he didn’t realise he had to at the time.
The driver clarified that he did have a BTEC qualification, contrary to the papers provided, and was first issued a taxi licence in 1999 rather than 1980.
RESOLVED – that the driver receive a written warning.
(8)
Application 8
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that he had declared six penalty points on his driving licence.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that he used to buy and re-sell cars, and was in Caerphilly at the time. His car was slightly damaged so he used a different one for the journey, and made sure to get himself insured on it. He forgot to take himself off the insurance, and the car was later used by someone else who was caught speeding. He was advised that he was unlikely to win the case in court as he didn’t know who the driver was, so he accepted the punishment. However, he was able to show that he was in Wolverhampton and not where the offence was committed.
Members explained that the Sub Committee was only able to go on what the court had said. Members asked if the offence had taken place in his taxi, and heard that it hadn’t.
RESOLVED – that the driver receive a written warning.
(9)
Application 9
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that he had declared nine penalty points on his driving licence.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that he had had a clean licence for many years but had received nine points in the last six months. He worked for Uber and got a job through on the app, taking a fare to town via Cathedral Road. He was then offered a job on Westgate Street and did a U-turn, and his phone fell on the floor of his vehicle because the holder was broken. When his car was stopped at a red light, he leant down and picked up the phone to put it back in the holder. A cyclist next to him recorded this on a camera on their helmet, and reported him for using his phone while driving.
He had tried to fight the decision but the authorities told him that he should have known better as a professional driver. He emphasised that he never used his phone while driving, and didn’t even answer it over Bluetooth when he had a passenger. He felt it would have been much riskier to leave the phone on the floor as it was connected to a charger and the cable was next to the pedals. The court had made their judgement and fined him more than £700. He went to a solicitor who advised that he was unlikely to win on appeal, so he took the points and the fine.
Members queried the second offence, which the driver clarified was for doing 26mph in a 20mph zone in Coryton. Members asked what he would do if the same thing happened again, and heard that he would pull over and turn the engine off before touching his phone.
RESOLVED – that the driver receive a written warning.
(10)
Application 10
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that he had declared 24 points on his driving licence.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver apologised for the number of points and explained that he wasn’t working as a taxi driver since 2017. He had a job in Cwmbran and his daily commute was on the M4, and at the time he didn’t realise that the limit had changed to 50mph. He tended to rush home at 8pm each day to see his child before bed, and was clocked numerous times going between 50mph and 70mph in the 50mph zone.
He added that the letters making him aware of this went to the transport manager of the company he worked for, because the vehicle was registered to the company, and he wasn’t told. He argued his case in court and was given a total of 31 points, seven of which had since expired. He apologised for the offences and noted that in court the judge had not deemed him to be a dangerous driver. His insurance costs had gone up hugely since.
Responding to questions from the Sub Committee, the driver explained that all the offences were caught by the same camera on the M4. He had renewed his licence several times since 2017 as a backup in case he lost his job. He had not declared the offences when they happened because he wasn’t driving his taxi at the time, so it didn’t occur to him to inform the licensing authority. He added that he had not received any complaints from members of the public when he was driving taxis between 2011 and 2017, and felt he was a fit and proper person.
RESOLVED – that the Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence be revoked.
(11)
Application 11
This item was deferred to the next meeting.
RESOLVED: that
(i) Cardiff Inclusion Strategy be approved and adopted
(ii) responsibility be delegated to the Director of Education and Lifelong Learning, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, for the development and implementation of operational plans to deliver the commitments set out in the strategy.
RESOLVED that the Committee:
· Noted the contents of the report, appendices and information provided and provided comments, observations and recommendations to be shared with the Cabinet prior to its consideration of the report.
· That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
RESOLVED: Council AGREED:
1.
To approve the new appointments of Local Authority governors to the school governing bodies as set out in Appendix 1, each for a term of 4 years from the date of the appointment, in accordance with the recommendations of the Local Authority Governor Panel.
RESOLVED: that
• officers be authorised to proceed to publish proposals in accordance with section 48 of The Schools Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 to extend the age range of Ysgol Gymraeg Coed-Y-Gof from 4-11 to 3-11 by establishing a nursery unit as part of the school from September 2026.
• It be noted that prior to implementation of the proposals a further report will be provided to Cabinet providing details of any objections received, the response to those objections, and recommendations for implementation or otherwise of the proposals.
RESOLVED: that
• the update on project progress as detailed in paragraphs 15-17 of the report be noted.
• It be noted that the procurement process to appoint a replacement main contractor to complete the works at Fairwater Community Campus, as set out in the report, has ceased.
• It be note and agreed that the current arrangements continue with the existing contractor, as set out in the report, to minimise disruption and provide increased capacity for both mainstream and ALN pupils.
• an uplifted budget for project risk allowance in line with the Confidential Appendix 1 be agreed and it be noted that Welsh Government will support any risk allowance spend in line with existing intervention rates retrospectively in line with its processes and procedures.
• the Single Impact Assessment and Child’s Rights Impact Assessment outlined in Appendices 7 and 8 be noted.
RESOLVED – That the Council be recommended to approve the recommendations of the Panel to appoint the following persons to current Local Authority Governing Body vacancies as follows:
SchoolName
Ward
Start of Vacancy
Applicant
BadenPowell Primary School
Splott
03/02/2025
BrynDeri PrimarySchool
Radyr & Morganstown
01/10/2024
CardiffWest CommunityHigh School
Caerau
31/12/2024
Ffederasiwn yDdraig (YsgolBro Eirwg& Ysgol Pen y Pil)
Llanrumney& Trowbridge
26/06/2025
GreenhillSchool
Rhiwbina
02/07/2025
HywelDda PrimarySchool X 2 vacancies
Ely
30/06/2025
03/09/2025
LakesidePrimary School
Cyncoed
01/09/2021
LansdownePrimary School
Canton
01/09/2025
MeadowlanePrimary School
Trowbridge
11/02/2025
TaraLloyd
PentyrchPrimary School
Pentyrch& St Fagans
23/10/2024
RumneyPrimary School
Rumney
01/05/2025
CathrynGiles
SpringwoodPrimary School
Pentwyn
16/05/2025
StFrancis RCPrimary School
Ely
07/03/2025
StaceyPrimary School
Adamsdown
26/02/2025
TredegarvilleC.I.W PrimarySchool
Adamsdown
03/07/2025
David Griffiths
WhitchurchPrimary School
Whitchurch& Tongwynlais
01/05/2025
Rosemary Stockman
YsgolGlan Ceubal
Llandaff North
01/07/2025
YsgolGyfun GymraegBro Edern
Penylan
01/05/2025
YsgolGyfun GymraegGlantaf
LlandaffNorth
01/05/2025
YsgolGymraeg PwllCoch X 2 vacancies
Canton
11/03/2025
25/06/2025
YsgolGynradd Groes-WenPrimary School
Pentyrch& St Fagans
31/01/2025
YsgolGynradd GymraegHamadryad
Butetown
01/05/2025
YsgolPencae
Llandaff
12/09/2024
YsgolY Wern
Llanishen
01/08/2025
The Committee received and considered applications to future vacancies against criteria, matching skills to vacancies. RESOLVED – That the Council be recommended to approve the recommendations of the Panel to appoint the following:
SchoolName
Ward
Start of Vacancy
Re-appointment
NewApplication
CardiffWest CommunityHigh School
Caerau
23/10/2025
CreigiauPrimary School
Pentyrch& St Fagans
26/11/2025
PaulineDorrington
Elyand CaerauChildren's Centre
Ely
26/11/2025
FairoakPrimary School
Cathays
03/11/2025
03/11/2025
03/11/2025
03/11/2025
Sarah Crosbie
Cllr NormaMackie Jane Setchfield Cllr Chris Weaver
GrangetownPrimary School
Grangetown
26/11/2025
LlanishenHigh School
Llanishen
20/11/2025
JohnCaddick
PeterLea Primary School
Fairwater
01/10/2025
SarahMackay
RadnorPrimary School
Canton
26/11/2025
RhiwbeinaPrimary School
Rhiwbina
22/11/2025
AlanWilson
StAlban's R.C Primary School
Splott
26/11/2025
AlisonJenner
StIlltyd's CatholicHigh School
Rumney
01/12/2025
LisaGerson
St Mellons C.I.W Primary School
Pontprennau& Old St Mellons
02/11/2025
StPhilip EvansR.C Primary School
Pentwyn
01/12/2025
CllrJoseph Carter
WillowbrookPrimary School
Trowbridge
01/12/2025
JohnNoaks
WillowsHigh School
Splott
29/09/2025
YsgolGynradd GymraegPen-y-Groes
Pentwyn
26/11/2025
Amy Pope
RESOLVED – That the following matters be dealt with as indicated:
(1)
Application 1
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that a complaint had been received stating that the driver accessed his emails on a tablet while driving with a passenger present.
The witness did not attend the Sub Committee.
RESOLVED – that no further action be taken.
(2)
Application 2
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that the driver had nine penalty points on his driving licence but did not disclose them until three had expired.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that upon renewal of his licence it had flagged up that he had nine points at one point during the triannual renewal period. He apologised for this and emphasised that it was an error rather than an attempt to hide it from the licensing authority. He ran his own business which was very busy and had made an oversight.
He added that he drove around 80,000 miles a year and never drove dangerously, but had been caught out on a few occasions by speed cameras in unfamiliar areas. Since the offences he had taken every precaution to ensure it didn’t happen again.
The driver also clarified that he had undertaken the NVQ qualification, which the report stated he had not.
RESOLVED – that the driver receive a written warning.
(3)
Application 3
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that the driver had a conviction for harassment.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that he accepted responsibility for the mistakes he made which led to him being convicted of harassment in 2019. He did not want to make excuses but clarified that it was online harassment that had taken place over Facebook rather than face-to-face, and he regretted his actions.
He added that he saw the conviction as a turning point and had had no issues whatsoever since. He had worked hard to turn his life around and now had a stable family life with a wife and a child. He had been doing school transport for a decade now with no complaints, and understood the importance of trust, professionalism and safeguarding.
Members asked whether he had declared the conviction on his previous renewal, which the driver confirmed he had.
RESOLVED – that no further action be taken.
(4)
Application 4
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that the driver had declared nine penalty points on his driving licence.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that he had accrued the points due to three speeding offences, two of which happened on the same day on Western Avenue when he didn’t realise the limit had changed from 40mph to 30mph. He had been driving taxis for many years and had a clean record until the speeding offences in 2023 and 2024.
RESOLVED – that the driver receive a written warning.
(5)
Application 5
This item was deferred to the next meeting.
(6)
Application 6
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that the driver had a caution for importing a controlled Class C drug with intent to evade prohibition and restriction.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver’s solicitor explained that his client had brought bags of khat into the UK in 2021, which had led to a caution in 2022 for a drug-related offence. He suggested that the investigating authorities must have been satisfied that there was no commercial or distribution aspect to the importation, or he would have received more than a caution.
The driver’s solicitor emphasised that the driver had an exemplary record otherwise and was of good character. He was a family man who was working to support his children, and there had been no other substantial issues across 14 years of driving taxis, so they considered him to be a fit and proper person.
Members asked why the driver had not informed the licensing authority of the caution as soon as possible. The driver explained that he had not fully understood the process as his English wasn’t perfect. He had declared it on his most recent renewal, which was the first one since the caution. He had submitted the renewal application in July 2022, which was before the caution was finalised in August. The driver accepted that he should have informed the authority at the earliest opportunity.
RESOLVED – that the Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence be suspended for 7 days, and that the driver receive a written warning.
(7)
Application 7
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that the driver had six penalty points on her driving licence.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver accepted that she had failed to give information as to the identity of the driver, and explained that she hadn’t been driving the car at the time. After dropping off a customer, they had asked to drive her vehicle because she had mentioned she was selling it. She explained that they wouldn’t be able to drive it as they weren’t a taxi driver, which they said they were and showed a badge. They only drove it about 100 yards but went at 27mph in a 20 zone.
She added that when the ticket came, she was unable to provide any details of the driver’s identity, only their name and a phone number which they never responded on. She appealed the decision but the authorities were unable to track the individual down. She noted that she didn’t attend the court hearing, though the report said she did, as she accepted she was guilty of letting another person drive her car.
Responding to questions from the Sub Committee, the driver explained that she didn’t have CCTV in her car at the time as she was planning on selling it.
RESOLVED – that the driver receive a written warning.
(8)
Application 8
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that a complaint had been received stating that he collided with a cyclist while driving on the wrong side of the road.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver recalled that he was travelling on East Tyndall Street with a passenger on board and turned right up the hill onto Sanquhar Street. The road markings were not clear and he misjudged the turning, and collided with a cyclist who was knocked over. He emphasised that he had been following the speed limit and travelling at about 10mph.
He added that after pulling over, he stayed with the cyclist and provided his details. He asked whether the cyclist wanted to call the police, which he did not. He then carried on to drop the passenger off. Six weeks later he was contacted by the licensing authority and the police about the incident.
Responding to questions from the Sub Committee, the driver explained that he had not stopped before making the turn because there were no cars coming the other way. He also explained that the passenger had not said anything, and they just wanted to get home as he’d picked them up from a night shift. He apologised for the accident.
Members viewed a CCTV video of the incident.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the witness disputed the driver’s version of events. He suggested that the driver had cut the corner and had been travelling faster than he had claimed. The Sanquhar Road corner was known for being a dangerous place for cyclists because cars sped up as they went up the hill before turning.
He also suggested that he had suggested contacting the police, not the driver, and that the driver had given him an incorrect phone number. The driver had stated that the road markings were faded, but he had provided pictures which showed they were reasonably clear.
The Sub Committee asked the driver how he responded to this. The driver acknowledged that he had cut the corner slightly but stressed that he had done so slowly and had misjudged his line due to the lack of road markings.
The driver’s representative noted that there was a dispute over the car’s speed, which he suggested did not look overly fast from the video but may well have seemed faster from the cyclist’s perspective. He suggested that it was a problem corner which the council needed to address. It was a genuine accident and the driver had accepted that he misjudged the corner, and it would never happen again. The driver had a clean record and had never been required to attend the Sub Committee before.
The witness emphasised that while he had slowed down as he approached the junction, the driver had not. He added that he had found it difficult to cycle on that road since it happened. A lot of roads in Cardiff were dangerous to cycle on, and the conduct of many drivers made this worse. He felt that the driver had recklessly cut the corner and caused an accident that could have been much worse.
RESOLVED – that the driver receive a written warning.
(9)
Application 9
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that a complaint had been received alleging that he had taken fares without bookings.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that a lot of Veezu drivers had recurring issues with registering fares and trips when they were in areas with poor signal. Sometimes they were called during the trip by an operator to see if they had picked up a passenger, but sometimes they had to call the operator themselves, which meant they had to wait until the journey complete.
He added that he worked for Uber too and didn’t have the same problem with them. He felt that the examples provided where he was accused of plying for hire could be explained by these technical issues, where he had pressed ‘no show’ but the system didn’t register it, so it thought he had refused to pick them up.
Responding to questions from the Sub Committee, the driver explained that he had been working for Veezu since around 2014, when it was still Dragon.
Addressing the Sub Committee on behalf of Veezu, the witness explained that the four bookings had been flagged up in their system because it was unusual to have so many ‘no shows’ in quick succession. Veezu had looked into the individual bookings and the corresponding GPS data and found that on each occasion, after pressing the ‘no show’ button, the driver had then travelled to each of the requested destinations without booking it as a journey. On three of the occasions the driver had also made a call to the passenger to confirm they were there. As far as the witness was concerned, this would only have been done for financial gain.
RESOLVED – that the Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence be suspended for 28 days.
(10)
Application 10
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that a complaint had been received stating that the driver had allowed three schoolchildren to exit his vehicle in the middle of a busy intersection without consideration for their safety.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that he was on Leckwith Road in stationary traffic on a school run. His three passengers, who were aged around 15, wanted to get out as the car had stopped. He tried to explain that they shouldn’t as they were in traffic, but they jumped out and went.
Members asked whether there was an automatic locking system in the car. The driver responded that he drove a Seat Alhambra and wasn’t sure whether the back doors could be permanently locked from the front, as it was never usually necessary.
The driver clarified that the journey was not part of a contracted school run, but rather a single booked journey that morning.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the witness recounted her statement explaining what she had seen. It was on a very busy road connecting Leckwith to Canton, made up of two lanes of traffic that then turned into four by Asda. The taxi was less than a car length ahead of her and the sliding doors opened to let the passengers out. The vehicle was stationary at a red light but all the other lanes around it were moving.
The passengers got out onto the hatched road markings and made their way to the traffic island, before picking their way through the cars waiting to move. As the traffic moved off, she became aware of the taxi going around her and wrote down the taxi plate number and registration. The witness felt it was an extremely dangerous thing to do and was particularly worried that a contracted school run driver could have been responsible for it.
The driver’s representative asked what time this would have occurred, which the witness estimated was about 8:15am. The driver’s representative suggested that while it was a busy road, it would have been moving very slowly at this time. The witness disagreed and suggested it was a hectic road.
The driver’s representative sympathised with the witness and reiterated the driver’s recollection that he had asked the passengers not to get out in the wrong place, but had been unable to stop them due to the lack of automatic locking. He suggested that ensuring the locking was always on would prevent anything like this happening again.
RESOLVED – that the driver receive a written warning.
(11)
Application 11
The Sub Committee was asked to determine if a driver remained a fit and proper person to continue to hold a Hackney Carriage / Private Hire Driver’s Licence given that the driver had declared nine penalty points on his driving licence.
Addressing the Sub Committee, the driver explained that he had acquired six points for failing to fill in a Section 172 notice, which he had accepted responsibility for. The other three points were for exceeding the speed limit just off Newport Road near Fitzalan, which he had reported when he applied to renew his taxi licence.
He had been driving since 2005 and had never been required to attend the Sub Committee before. He depended on his licence to support his family. He provided Members with a number of references in support of his character and record.
The driver’s solicitor summed up that his client had been driving taxis for more than 20 years without any disciplinary matters. He had made two mistakes, one being an administrative matter and the other being a failure to notice that a speed limit had changed. He was now on nine points and would have to drive very carefully to ensure he didn’t lose his licence.
RESOLVED – that the driver receive a written warning.
(12)
Application 12
This item was deferred to the next meeting.
RESOLVED: That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations captured during the way forward.
RESOLVED: Council AGREED:
1.
To approve the new appointments of Local Authority governors to the school governing bodies as set out in Appendix 1, each for a term of 4 years from the date of the appointment, in accordance with the recommendations of the Local Authority Governor Panel.
RESOLVED: that
(i) officers be authorised to consult on proposals to federate The Saints Federation and St Mellons CW Primary School to secure long term leadership arrangements as recommended by Estyn, His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales, ensuring the improvement plans put in place prior to the inspection and acknowledged by Estyn are sustained with continuity.
(ii) responsibility be delegated to the Director of Education and Lifelong Learning in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education to determine, following consultation, whether to proceed with the proposals, with or without modification and implement them or withdraw them in accordance with The Federation of Maintained Schools (Wales) Regulations 2014.