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The Committee congratulated the Youth Justice Service on its pilot inspection and agreed to review how it communicates with Social Care. It was also reassured by the work of the Wrexham Music Co-operative, and it agreed the work programme for the rest of the year. The minutes record no formal decision on school transport, where Members discussed the withdrawal of concessionary seats.
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Alison Tynan and Mrs Sian Hatton-Jones.
AGREED - That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 26 November 2025 be signed as a correct record. Reference was made to the recommendation to Executive Board made by this Committee at the previous meeting. The Scrutiny Facilitator confirmed this would be followed up.
The Chair advised that an issue had arisen which would impact on the provision of concessionary seats arising from a new interpretation of PSVR legislation. It was felt that it would be beneficial to discuss the issue today to assist families affected by the change. The Interim Head of Service (Strategy) addressed the Committee providing an overview of the changes to PSVR legislation. He advised that, whilst being sympathetic to the situation, the authority was legally in a position where they were unable to continue to grant extra concessionary places. He explained that prior to notifying parents exhaustive work had been undertaken by qualified experienced officers and challenged by the Lead Member. Furthermore, independent legal advice had been sought which confirmed that concessionary seats would need to be withdrawn. Parents were aware that concessionary seats were discretionary and could be withdrawn at any time. One month’s notice had been given to the 39 pupils affected by the decision, of which 37 had now accepted the partial refund. Members questioned the Officer and the Chief Officer Education and Early Intervention. During discussion issues were raised regarding the lack of provision of public transport in some areas of the county borough, consultation, access to Welsh education, transport policy, carbon issues and the notice given to families. It was noted that: · The decision did not require consultation as it was based on legislation. · Other local authorities were also withdrawing concessionary seats. · A VIth form pupil was not eligible for school transport under the school transport policy. · Parents had been notified as soon as possible following the receipt of independent legal advice. · It was not unusual for concessionary seats to be withdrawn and this could occur for a number of reasons, such as a change in circumstances. · Local transport policy was based on national criteria and there was little room for local interpretation. · Cross departmental work was being undertaken regarding school transport. · A review of the transport policy could be undertaken, exploring all options whilst balancing statutory requirements. · The directive from the Ministry of Transport would be circulated to Members. Advice would be sought regarding the circulation of the legal advice.
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Decision as recorded
AGREED – That, subject to the aforementioned, the work programme be agreed.
The Chief Officer Governance & Customer submitted a report (COGC/101/25) to consider the work programme of the Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee. Presenting the report the Scrutiny Facilitator advised that items had now been scheduled for the remainder of the year up to July 2026 with capacity for emerging issues as required. Workshops may be considered should the topic lend itself to that style of discussion. During debate reference was made to the following matters: · The frequency of budget reports to this Committee. The Chief Officer Finance & ICT was meeting with Scrutiny Co-ordinating Group to discuss further. · Pressures on the budget arising from ALN. · Request that the January meeting to consider the budget include both school budgets and the education service budget. · School Improvement Monitoring Group meetings would be scheduled with dates confirmed by the Scrutiny Facilitator. · Topic Selection Form to be submitted in respect of an item regarding life skills. AGREED – That, subject to the aforementioned, the work programme be agreed.
Decision as recorded
AGREED – (i) That an effective communication pathway be reviewed between the Youth Justice & Social Care (ii) The Committee congratulates the service and acknowledges that the report is overwhelmingly positive with clear areas identified for further improvement and effective monitoring in place (iii) That Committee members receive the following – - a future information report subject to the outcome of any inspection - link to a management board agenda to highlight performance management and inspection outcomes
The Lead Member for Education submitted a report (COEEI/31/25s) to consider the arrangements to support the ongoing work to reduce offending and reoffending of young people, improve well-being and achieve positive outcomes for those at risk of and engaging in offending behaviour and how the Youth Justice Service works with key partners to co-ordinate this work. In addition, to help Members understanding of how Wrexham Youth Justice Service engages with young people and supports victims of crime. The Youth Justice & Prevention Manager outlined the key aspects of the report supported by the Chief Officer and Lead Member. Members were informed that a mock inspection of the service had been undertaken approximately a year ago in readiness for a planned inspection. Members noted the dual purpose of the service in supporting both vulnerable young people and those who were victims in a statutory framework with the support of partner agencies. The governance arrangements of the service were outlined. It was noted that whilst the detail of the report could not be shared, the pilot inspection had been very positive and confirmed the strength of the work of the service. Members considered the report and asked questions. During debate reference was made to the following matters: · Better communication between teams and services involved had been highlighted in the mock inspection. Noted that processes had been established to improve joint working and collaboration between services. YJS staff were required to make contact directly with Children’s Services in all appropriate cases. · Noted that offending behaviour tended to peak at age 15. Education partners were aware and group work undertaken. · The importance of a trauma informed approach to support young people. Noted that training was delivered to other services to increase knowledge and awareness. · Work undertaken to keep young people motivated and engaged to build self-esteem. · Issues highlighted in mock inspection regarding difficulties in contacting social workers. Noted that this had now been addressed. · Prevention work undertaken in order to try to prevent offending and re-offending. · Noted that the areas for improvement highlighted in the mock inspection were accepted by the department with measures established to address issues. · Clarification sought on how the committee would get assurance. Noted that the management board received information in respect of performance against agreed priorities. A copy of a management board agenda would be shared with committee members to demonstrate the type of information scrutinised by the board. · The role of the management board in ensuring consistency of approach across all partners. AGREED – (i) That an effective communication pathway be reviewed between the Youth Justice & Social Care (ii) The Committee congratulates the service and acknowledges that the report is overwhelmingly positive with clear areas identified for further improvement and effective monitoring in place (iii) That Committee members receive the following – - a future information report subject to the outcome of any inspection - link to a management board agenda to highlight performance management and inspection outcomes
Decision as recorded
AGREED – That the Committee are reassured regarding the range and level of activity and request that they be updated should any substantive issues arise.
The Lead Member for Education submitted a report (COEEI/30/25s) to provide an update and overview on Wrexham Music Co-operative, as set against the transfer of the service from the Education portfolio within the council to a co-operative, third sector model in 2017. Presenting the report the Lead Member for Education referred to changes made in 2017 to the structure of the service to move away from an internal model. The system now replicated the co-operative model set up in Denbighshire, resulting in the creation of a high-quality, sustainable provision. The Wrexham Music Co-operative had grown into a well-established, award-winning music service. The Chief Officer acknowledged the long-standing partnership with the Co-operative and the benefits that inclusive music education brought to pupils and schools. The manager of the Wrexham Music Co-operative highlighted the importance of music in terms of community cohesion and the ability to engage with vulnerable groups. He also showcased the services ability to deliver through the medium of Welsh and also to pupils at a range of musical abilities. Members welcomed the report and the work of the service for the benefit of children and young people across Wrexham. During debate reference was made to the following matters: · The level of interest in GCSE music and whether there had been any increase. This information to be shared with committee members. · Thanks to the Head of Service, Manager and staff of the Wrexham Music Co-operative for the work undertaken. · Noted that eFSM pupils were supported to access tuition. · Noted that the Wrexham Music Co-operative welcomed donations of musical instruments. AGREED – That the Committee are reassured regarding the range and level of activity and request that they be updated should any substantive issues arise.