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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
AGREED - That the work programme be agreed.
AGREED - (i) That school policies be strengthened to include a ready reference section of examples indicating which behaviours may cause concern. (ii) That data on training be circulated to the Committee when available. (iii) That issues be raised with Welsh Government regarding gaps in Safeguarding training and process.
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Dana Davies, Ross Shepherd, Alision Tynan and Debbie Wallace and Parent Governor Representative Sam Regan.
AGREED- That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 26 February 2026 be signed as a correct record.
Decision as recorded
AGREED - That the work programme be agreed.
The Chief Officer for Governance and Customer submitted a report (COGC/25/2026) to consider the work programme of the Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee attached at Appendix 1. The Scrutiny Facilitator presented the report and provided an update on the Committee membership and the Work Programme. · Sian Hatton‑Jones, the Church in Wales co‑optee, had stepped down and discussions with the Church in Wales regarding a replacement were underway. · The capital expenditure item had been moved to June to align with forthcoming budget discussions. · The Neurodiversity item will likely be delivered in a workshop format. · The items on Trochi and WESP have been brought forward to May with the item on Capital Expenditure being moved to June to align with the budget item. · Clarification from Finance on the budget timetable was awaited. AGREED - That the work programme be agreed.
Decision as recorded
AGREED - (i) That school policies be strengthened to include a ready reference section of examples indicating which behaviours may cause concern. (ii) That data on training be circulated to the Committee when available. (iii) That issues be raised with Welsh Government regarding gaps in Safeguarding training and process.
The Lead Member for Education submitted a report (COEEI/06/26s), which set out the purpose of presenting the Model Schools Safeguarding Policy for 2025–2026. Members were asked to consider how the policy aligned with the WCBC Corporate Safeguarding Policy v1.7, complied with statutory guidance such as Keeping Learners Safe, and reflected the Wales Safeguarding Procedures (2019). It was noted that the policy had been developed and quality assured within the department, with input from trade union representatives, and that it supported the wider council safeguarding framework whilst not replacing the statutory duties placed on schools. The Lead Member for Education introduced the report, supported by the School Improvement Officer for Safeguarding and the Single Point of Access (SPOA) education representative. The importance of safeguarding across all schools was emphasised, along with the ongoing role of the Safeguarding Officer. It was highlighted that the report outlined referral activity from schools to SPOA, noting that numbers reflected the large pupil population, that some cases were repeat referrals, and that recent regional work, including the Bravery Brought Justice report, continued to inform scrutiny. National and regional work was also underway to address concerns around predatory behaviour by staff. Safeguarding officers explained how local policies aligned with national frameworks, how concerns were identified and escalated, and the training available to staff and schools. They continued to support schools through advice, policy development and training, whilst the SPOA representative managed referrals and data. It was explained that safeguarding activity was also monitored through Children’s Services. Referrals were triaged so that cases meeting statutory thresholds progressed, those below threshold were closed, and others were directed to voluntary or early help support. Schools were encouraged to engage with families unless doing so created risk. Where significant concerns were identified, statutory procedures were followed, including potential Section 47 enquiries. A range of local support services remained available to assist schools, families and Children’s Services. The following points were discussed: • Officers explained that the safeguarding policy provided the overarching framework, whilst schools received training on recognising behavioural indicators, including adverse childhood experiences and trauma‑informed practice. • Safeguarding officers agreed to strengthen the policy by adding clearer guidance on behaviours that may indicate abuse. • Members questioned the effectiveness of professional bodies, citing a past case where no action was taken after a staff member resigned despite safeguarding concerns. • Strengthened processes were outlined, including more robust DBS and reference checks, clearer information‑sharing expectations, improved cross‑organisation safeguarding work and established data‑sharing protocols, with further developments planned. • Cross‑border information sharing remained an important issue, and the Chief Officer for Education and Early Intervention was committed to raising this with Welsh Government and will report back to Members. • Officers explained that education staff identified concerns and made referrals through SPOA, working closely with Children’s Services. • The SPOA representative gave an overview of their role, explaining that they act as the main education contact, maintain strong links with Designated Safeguarding Leads, they emphasised safeguarding as a shared multi‑agency responsibility, and relied on schools to continue monitoring whilst Children’s Services worked directly with families. • Officers confirmed that safeguarding was a shared responsibility designed to prevent children from slipping between services. • Officers highlighted key steps taken to strengthen safeguarding capacity, including appointing a dedicated Education Safeguarding Lead, creating an education post within SPOA, introducing the MyConcern reporting system and participating in the North Wales Designated Leads Forum. • Officers confirmed that a comprehensive regional training programme was in place, with strong staff participation and ongoing work to strengthen governor training. Additional training data will be provided. • Officers confirmed that agencies were expected to complete all required checks and that any variability in safeguarding training would be followed up. • All staff working in schools were subject to the same safeguarding expectations. • A member enquired about procedures and timescales when allegations were made against teaching staff. • Officers clarified the difference between adult‑related safeguarding referrals and HR matters. The SPOA representative summarised the referral process, including submission by the headteacher, collecting statements, liaising with HR and the Education Safeguarding Lead, holding strategy discussions with police, considering Section 47 enquiries and escalating to the Safeguarding Board when required. • Safeguarding investigations were expected to progress within a short timeframe, typically around two months, with HR processes varying depending on the case. • Officers confirmed that safeguarding concerns should be referred within 24 hours, and child protection concerns within 3 to 4 hours or as soon as possible. • Support for staff working within SPOA was also discussed, including access to supervision and employee assistance services. • Officers confirmed that referrals to the Education Workforce Council were managed through HR processes. AGREED - (i) That school policies be strengthened to include a ready reference section of examples indicating which behaviours may cause concern. (ii) That data on training be circulated to the Committee when available. (iii) That issues be raised with Welsh Government regarding gaps in Safeguarding training and process.
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