The Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee met to discuss school budgets, the annual education performance report, and investment in the education estate. Key decisions included agreeing to consult on the sustainable growth of Welsh-medium secondary education and to proceed with the federation of St Mellons Church in Wales Primary School with The Saints Federation.

School Budgets Update

The committee received an update on school budgets, noting that while the overall predicted cumulative deficit for schools by the end of March 2026 is £2.2 million, this represents a £6 million improvement on previous predictions. However, schools are still collectively spending £10 million over budget annually. Factors contributing to deficits include increasing complexity of additional learning needs (ALN), decreasing pupil numbers impacting funding, and rising teacher pay scales. Officers highlighted that the ALN inclusion strategy and expansion of specialist ALN places are expected to alleviate some cost pressures on mainstream schools. The council is also reviewing the school funding formula for 2026-27 to better reflect changes in need and demand.

Annual Education Performance Report 2024-2025

The committee reviewed the annual education performance report, which indicated strong performance at Key Stage 3 and 4, with attendance rising and exclusions falling in secondary schools, though pressures are emerging in primary schools. Challenges include the persistent disadvantage gap and an unexpected decline in girls' Key Stage 4 attendance and performance. New school improvement arrangements and professional learning support are being implemented. The report noted an increase in the number of pupils being taught at home, a trend the council is working to reduce.

Annual Investment in the Education Estate

An update was provided on the annual investment in the education estate, highlighting the completion of the first net-zero carbon school buildings at Fairwater Campus and progress on replacing schools with condition D ratings. Significant investment is continuing in existing school buildings, alongside plans for accelerated ALN expansion. The report acknowledged the complexities of declining birth rates impacting school place planning and the rising demand for specialist ALN provision. The council is managing a significant programme of delivery for the year ahead, balancing investment successes with ongoing challenges.

Engagement on Sustainable Growth of Welsh Medium Secondary Education

The committee discussed proposals for engagement on the sustainable growth of Welsh-medium secondary education. This engagement aims to explore options for both temporary measures to address a projected shortfall in places for the 2027/28 intake and long-term strategic changes to expand Welsh-medium provision. The council is committed to ensuring equitable access across the city and will consult with a wide range of stakeholders, including parents, pupils, and school communities. The engagement process is intended to be open, with no decisions pre-empted, and feedback will inform future proposals.

St Mellons Church in Wales Primary School to the Saints Federation (Consultation Output Report)

The committee received a briefing on the consultation process regarding the proposal to add St Mellons Church in Wales Primary School to The Saints Federation. The consultation, which ran from October to December 2025, involved various engagement methods, including surveys, meetings with staff, governors, pupils, and the public. Of the 49 responses received, 59.2% were supportive of the proposal, citing benefits such as improved leadership, teaching and learning, and school-to-school support. Concerns raised included the need for a full-time headteacher at St Mellons, communication issues, potential changes to school ethos, and the size of the proposed federation. The council noted that the proposal aims to secure long-term leadership arrangements and improve leadership capacity, as recommended by Estyn.

Way Forward

The committee discussed the Way Forward for future scrutiny, identifying several key areas for further investigation. These included a request for a report on the authority's plans for addressing surplus school places and their associated costs, and reassurance that the delegated schools budget settlement will not exacerbate efficiency requirements for mainstream schools. The committee also requested further details on the inclusion strategy, a briefing from the virtual headteacher, and a geographical breakdown of attendance and exclusion data. Concerns were raised about the monitoring of electively home-educated children and the need for more comprehensive data presentation. The committee also agreed to request further information on the cost of vocational versus academic study and to express concerns to the Welsh Government regarding the monitoring of electively home-educated children. The council's approach to workforce development, particularly regarding Welsh-medium representation, was also noted.