The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 8 September 2026 to discuss significant expansions to Additional Learner Needs (ALN) provision across Cardiff, a refresh of the Home to School Transport Policy, and the proposed five-year Youth Strategy. Decisions were made to progress the ALN expansion plans, with further information requested on specific aspects, and to recommend the adoption of the refreshed Home to School Transport Policy. The committee also provided feedback on the Youth Strategy, highlighting areas for further development and collaboration.

Additional Learner Needs (ALN) Phase 1 Determination

The committee reviewed proposals for the expansion and realignment of Additional Learner Needs (ALN) provision across Cardiff, which aims to create an additional 334 specialist places. While the proposals were largely supported, three objections were received, all relating to Greenhill Special School and primarily concerning parking issues. Officers confirmed that Greenhill School would continue to use the Archer Road Recreation Ground and other facilities across the city. The committee noted the significant projected shortfall of 500-600 ALN places if current data is accurate and requested an update on how this will be addressed, potentially as part of Phase 2 of the ALN expansion.

Concerns were raised about staffing capacity, but officers reported that over 100 staff had been recruited to meet the needs of the expanded Specialist Resource Bases (SRBs) and specialist schools, with comprehensive training provided. The diversity of the workforce was also discussed, with officers highlighting work with various communities and the organisation DARPL to address this.

Funding for the expansion was clarified as coming from the wider education budget, with a 75% contribution from Welsh Government for SRB places. Discussions with Welsh Government regarding funding had been positive, though the financial risk remains with the Council if funding is not secured. The committee requested to be kept updated on the financial position due to the ambitious nature of the programme.

The committee welcomed the scale and pace of recruitment and the benefits of SRBs to mainstream provision. They also sought clarification on how the impact of additional training would be tracked, with officers explaining that monitoring and lessons learned would be used to share effective practices. A pilot project involving 17 settings over 18 months was also mentioned, and the committee requested to be kept informed of its progress.

Regarding inclusion within schools, the committee heard about the ten-year Inclusion Strategy and the establishment of an Inclusion Board to monitor progress. They requested more information on the board's membership, particularly regarding representation from youth council or younger members.

Finally, the committee noted that none of the 462 new places in Phase 1 were intended for out-of-county learners, though a three-to-five-year objective exists to bring these learners back by increasing provision. The committee also raised a point about the definition of out of county placements, which includes independent schools within the city, and requested further information on the use of the former Court School site by Greenhill School, specifically its temporary or long-term nature and any planned adaptations.

Home to School Transport Policy

The committee reviewed proposals for a refreshed Home to School Transport Policy, which had not been updated since 2017. The primary aim of the refresh is to improve accessibility and transparency for families and schools, and to align with current legislation. No substantive changes to eligibility or provision were proposed.

Key enhancements in the draft policy include an updated ALN framework, stronger safeguarding arrangements, clearer guidance for Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) learners, and a strategic shift towards promoting travel independence. The policy also introduces annual reviews of entitlements and routes, and signals an intention to introduce digital bus passes.

Members raised several questions regarding safeguarding, including how students could report concerns independently. Officers confirmed they were testing a solution called 'My Concern' for learners to self-report. The definition of a safe route and how specific community issues are addressed were also discussed, with officers confirming that risk assessments are carried out and can be broken down into specific routes, with parents able to request sight of these assessments.

The committee explored the change in terminology from appeal to right to review in the appeals process, with officers assuring that this would not disadvantage parents and would simplify the process. The annual assessment of entitlements was discussed, with acknowledgement that it could cause anxiety for parents, and a commitment to address this through clear communication.

Concerns were raised about the safety of routes in certain areas and the council's liaison with the police to make streets safer. The committee agreed that this warranted further investigation in conjunction with officers. The policy's emphasis on travel independence was discussed in relation to the availability of safe routes, with the point made that not all areas may offer the same level of independence.

The committee also discussed the Travel Behaviour Code, noting that issues with behaviour on school buses were frequent. The policy's approach to discretionary powers and the use of case-by-case judgments was clarified, with officers agreeing that criteria needed to be clearer. Finally, the realism of achieving savings targets was questioned, particularly in light of increasing fuel costs and ALN pupil numbers, with officers acknowledging the challenge but highlighting concerted efforts across the directorate.

Five-Year Youth Strategy

The committee considered the proposed five-year Youth Strategy for Cardiff, which builds upon the existing strategy and aligns with new Welsh Government legislation requiring local authorities to submit a five-year strategic framework plan. The strategy focuses on key priorities identified by young people themselves, including participation, inclusion, strengthening the Welsh language, targeted support, safeguarding, workforce development, and partnership working.

Officers clarified that the strategic plan has specific requirements and is not intended to be an operational plan encompassing all youth support services. The strategy has been developed with extensive evidence, including data and consultation feedback, and officers expressed confidence that Welsh Government would be convinced of its soundness. Cardiff's unique size and diversity were highlighted as factors influencing the approach.

The committee discussed the Children's Commissioner's report and the ongoing participation review, noting that Appendix 4.1 addresses areas raised in the Commissioner's report. Concerns were raised about challenges in reaching younger children and those with disabilities, as well as a perceived drop-off in engagement as children get older. Officers acknowledged this and are addressing it within the review.

The geographical spread of consultation responses and the reasons for lower engagement in northern areas were discussed. Officers explained that participation is a choice and that while efforts are made to extend reach, young people ultimately choose to engage. The feedback loop was identified as an area for further development, with a recognition that simply counting participants or activities does not equate to demonstrating impact.

Regarding workforce development, the committee welcomed the focus on recruiting youth workers from local communities and noted successes through the Corporate Apprentice Scheme. However, challenges in filling posts due to qualification requirements were acknowledged. The committee requested more information on pathways for training and qualification in youth work.

The strategy's aim to prepare young people for employment was discussed, with officers outlining activities under the Youth Engagement and Progression Framework, including targeted support for those at risk of becoming Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), summer transition support, and collaboration with Careers Wales.

The committee also raised the issue of support for care-experienced children and whether this could be extended to other marginalised groups. It was clarified that while care-experienced children are prioritised due to the council's corporate parent responsibility, there is scope for advocacy on behalf of other vulnerable groups.

Finally, the committee discussed the provision for young people with hearing loss and the lack of BSL interpreters, noting that Level 1 and 2 BSL training may not be sufficient for those with significant hearing loss. The need for more comprehensive communication support was highlighted. The committee also noted that ethnicity data was not explicitly collected in the 2025 consultation, and officers agreed to provide this information at a later point.

The committee agreed to send comments and observations to the Cabinet Member for further consideration. The next committee meeting was scheduled for 6 October at 4:30 pm.

Decisions Made

Additional Learner Needs (ALN) Phase 1 Determination: The committee agreed to support the recommendations to Cabinet regarding the ALN Phase 1 determination, with specific requests for further information and updates to be included in a letter to the Cabinet Member.

Home to School Transport Policy: The committee agreed to support the recommendations to Cabinet regarding the refreshed Home to School Transport Policy.

Five-Year Youth Strategy: The committee agreed to provide comments and observations to the Cabinet Member and officers regarding the proposed five-year Youth Strategy.

Decisions Still to Come

Additional Learner Needs (ALN) Phase 1 Determination: Cabinet will make a final decision on the ALN expansion proposals.

Home to School Transport Policy: Cabinet will consider the refreshed Home to School Transport Policy.

Five-Year Youth Strategy: Further discussions will take place between Welsh Government and the Youth Service regarding the strategy.