The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee of Cardiff Council met on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, to discuss the provision for children and young people with additional learning needs (ALN) and the Youth Services Strategy. Key decisions included undertaking pre-decision scrutiny on proposals to extend and realign ALN provision and to review the draft Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025/26.

Provision for Children and Young People with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) - Post-Consultation

The committee undertook pre-decision scrutiny of the results of a consultation exercise regarding proposals to extend and realign ALN provision. Councillor Sarah Merry, Deputy Leader of Cardiff Council and Cabinet Member for Education, Melanie Godfrey, Director of Education and Lifelong Learning, and Richard Portas, Programme Director for the School Organisation Programme, were present to address the committee's questions.

Councillor Merry stated that the proposals aimed to provide 462 additional specialist places, with 276 in special schools and 186 in specialist resource bases (SRBs). Four special schools and two SRBs would be expanded, and nine new SRBs would be established. The consultation had received over 150 responses, with a large majority being positive. Estyn had also provided positive feedback. The investment programme was progressing well, with new SRBs on target to admit pupils in September. Statutory notices for each proposal would be published in early June, subject to Cabinet approval.

Members raised several questions regarding the consultation process, including the choice of languages for consultation materials, specific areas of the city requiring specialist provision, and the geographical spread of responses. Concerns were also raised about the potential for economies of scale regarding the Fitzalan High School scheme and the timetable for phase two proposals.

Officers provided detailed responses, explaining that consultation materials were translated into five languages based on advice from the Cardiff Research Centre. They clarified that consultation meetings were offered to affected schools and that data analysis, including geographical spread, was conducted by the Cardiff Research Centre. Regarding Fitzalan High School, it was noted that while the scheme was relatively small, the Council was looking at local development opportunities and potential for batching schemes. The expansion of Fitzalan High School was not currently in the plan, but a new build at Willows High School was being considered. Officers also detailed the complex process of identifying and addressing gaps in specialist provision across the city, acknowledging that it was not an easy task.

Questions were also raised about the recruitment of teachers and teaching assistants, with assurances that recruitment was progressing well. The assessment of pupils for specialist provision was explained as a multidisciplinary panel process, starting from early years. Transport implications were discussed, with officers highlighting the hybrid model of special schools and co-located SRBs, and the use of new software for effective route planning. Concerns about the Greenhill Special School pavilion were addressed, with plans to continue its use as satellite provision. The methodology for assessing demand for places, particularly for secondary school learners with autism, was explained, acknowledging potential underestimates and the need for flexibility. The sharing of good practice across SRBs was confirmed, with regular forums and training in place.

Regarding future capital funding, officers stated they could not comment on political commitments of a new government but reiterated the Council's long-term programme and commitment to ALN as a priority. The financial modelling for home-to-school transport and ALN cost placements was discussed, aiming for a cost-neutral position over six to seven years. The urgency of providing sufficient places was highlighted due to increasing costs from private providers.

Councillor Lee Jones requested more detail on pupil consultation, emphasizing the importance of pupil views throughout the process. Officers confirmed that pupil views informed the proposals and would continue to do so in the design and refurbishment stages.

Youth Services Strategy

The committee also undertook pre-decision scrutiny of the Youth Services Strategy, with presentations from Councillor Peter Bradbury, Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Tackling Poverty and Supporting Young People, and James Healan, Principal Youth Officer, Cardiff Youth Service.

Councillor Bradbury stated that the strategy was a five-year plan that went beyond statutory requirements. He highlighted the six pillars of the strategy: participation and inclusion, strengthening the Welsh language offer, curriculum and targeted support, safeguarding, workforce development, and partnership working. He emphasised that the strategy was informed by consultation with young people and aimed to reflect what a modern, vibrant youth service should look like.

James Healan provided further detail, noting that the strategy aligned with changes in subordinate legislation requiring local authorities to provide a youth service. He highlighted Cardiff's sector-leading approach to online youth work and the development of an online youth club. Partnership working was stressed as crucial, with examples of collaboration with edge-of-care services and children looked after.

Members raised questions about the EE Youth Zone, noting it was an independent project, and the youth probationary service, which falls under the youth justice strategy. Concerns were raised about the diversity of youth workers, with the service acknowledging this as an area for development. The strategy's approach to motivating young people, developing a work ethic, and fostering self-belief was discussed, with officers confirming this as a driving force. The linking of youth services with places of worship and uniform groups was also discussed, with the street-based team offering expertise.

Questions were raised about the demographic and geographical spread of consultation responses, the use of Race Equality Task Force findings, and the aspiration for quality standards or accreditation for external partners. The Youth Endowment Fund and Youth Cymru were mentioned, with a desire for greater council involvement. The Online Youth Club was described as an exciting and well-used service.

Councillor Robert Hopkins raised concerns about budgetary issues and the scale of ambition, questioning if current funding would meet the strategy's approach. Officers confirmed that inclusion would be a key part of the delivery plan.

Councillor Reid-Jones highlighted the importance of inclusion and the strategy's focus on those not currently engaged or from vulnerable groups. The existence of specific provisions for deaf, neurodiverse, and physically disabled young people was noted, as well as work with those educated at home.

Scrutiny Annual Report 2025/26

Alison Jones presented the draft Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee pages for the Scrutiny Annual Report 2025/26. Members were invited to provide comments or amendments. Councillor Helen Gunter noted the absence of a specific heading for youth services and requested its inclusion, along with information on youth justice. Alison Jones confirmed these would be added and elaborated upon. The committee also discussed whether the annual report was the appropriate place for comments on late papers, with the Chair clarifying that operational issues were being addressed separately.

Way Forward

The committee reviewed the evidence and information gathered during the meeting and agreed on comments, observations, and concerns to be passed on to the relevant Cabinet Member by the Chair. This included flagging the need for more detail on pupil consultation for ALN proposals and noting the Youth Services Strategy's workforce development framework.

Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting was proposed for Tuesday, 16 June 2026, at 4:30 pm.