The Education, Young People and the Welsh Language Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 13 October 2026 to discuss the Modernising Education Programme, review the Council's Annual Report, and evaluate Estyn inspections. Key recommendations included recommending formal consultation on the potential closure of Ysgol Bancffosfelen and Ysgol Carwe, and noting the explanation for the non-submission of a scrutiny report on school survey results.

Modernising Education Programme

The committee considered consultation documents regarding the future of several primary schools as part of the Modernising Education Programme (MEP). For Ysgol Bancffosfelen, the preferred option was discontinuation, with pupils transferring to Ysgol Pontyberem. This recommendation was made due to low pupil numbers, high surplus places, a significant budget deficit, and poor building condition and suitability. The committee resolved to recommend that the Cabinet proceed with formal consultation on this proposal, pending agreed amendments to the consultation document.

Similarly, for Ysgol Carwe, the preferred option was discontinuation, with pupils transferring to Ysgol Gwynfryn. This recommendation was driven by significant structural and health and safety concerns at the Ysgol Carwe building, necessitating substantial capital investment, alongside the fact that pupils had already been temporarily relocated to Ysgol Gwynfryn since September 2025. The committee resolved to recommend that the Cabinet proceed with formal consultation on this proposal.

Regarding Ysgol Pontiets, the committee also recommended proceeding with formal consultation on its potential discontinuation, with pupils transferring to Ysgol Ponthenri. This recommendation was based on low pupil numbers, high surplus places, a projected budget deficit, and the school's financial position, which officers deemed unsustainable.

For Ysgol Blaenau, the committee resolved to recommend that the Cabinet proceed with formal consultation on its potential closure, with pupils transferring to Ysgol Gymraeg Penygroes or Ysgol Llandybie. This recommendation was made due to persistently low pupil numbers, high surplus capacity, and a significant and increasing budget deficit.

Council's Annual Report 2025/26

The committee reviewed the draft Council Annual Report for 2025/26. Councillor Russell Sparks proposed, and Councillor Edward Skinner seconded, that the draft report be endorsed to the Cabinet. The committee noted the report's focus on the Council's four Well-being Objectives and the inclusion of various appendices detailing performance data, self-assessments, and governance statements. Councillor Glynog Davies, Cabinet Member for Education, highlighted the section on education, while Councillor Carys Jones, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Communities, and the Welsh Language, noted the section on language and culture. Councillor Martin Palfreman requested a future discussion on the rebalancing of ALN investment. Councillor Lewis Davies inquired about updates on the free swimming initiative for under 16s, and it was confirmed that leisure colleagues would provide a written update. Councillor Kim Broom asked if transport was included in the free swimming initiative, and it was confirmed that the pilot for years four and five does include significant transport costs. The committee resolved to recommend to the Cabinet that the draft annual report be endorsed.

Evaluation of Estyn Inspections

The committee received an evaluation of Estyn inspections across Carmarthenshire schools, pupil referral units, and specialist settings. The report indicated positive outcomes, with most inspected settings requiring no follow-up activity. Strengths were noted in primary schools, specialist settings, and pupil referral units, while secondary schools showed mixed results with some requiring significant improvement. The committee resolved to receive the report.

Explanation for Non-Submission of Scrutiny Report

The committee noted the explanation for the non-submission of the School Survey Questionnaire results, which was due to officers reviewing existing surveys and considering the best way forward.

Forthcoming Items

The committee resolved to note the list of forthcoming items for its next meeting on 8 December 2026. A development session on school delegated budgets was also agreed for the committee's forward work plan.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 September 2026 were signed as a correct record.

The meeting concluded with the Chair thanking members for their contributions and cooperation.