Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee

The Chief Officer Governance and Customer submitted a report (COGC/61/26) to consider the work programme of the Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee attached at Appendix 1. During consideration of the report the following items were suggested to be included on the work programme: · the impact of the Curriculum for Wales on GCSE outcomes · feedback on the sharing of best practice through the work of the school improvement group The Committee supported holding a pre-meeting to assist with future work programme planning. AGREED – That, subject to the aforementioned, the work programme be agreed.

The Lead Member for Education submitted a report (COEEI/14/26) to highlight progress against our programme of works within the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme and the backlog of building maintenance. Presenting the report the Lead Member provided an overview of progress with projects within the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. Officers supplemented the presentation by providing updates on individual capital projects, school building condition surveys, estate maintenance priorities, planning and drainage matters, and the challenges associated with construction cost inflation and future funding arrangements. During consideration of the report the following matters were highlighted: · The impact of construction cost inflation, increasing project costs and ongoing uncertainty regarding future Welsh Government funding arrangements. · Progress with major capital schemes, including St Christopher's School, St Mary's School, Ysgol Heulfan and Ysgol Morgan Llwyd. · Officers advised that planning, drainage and sustainable drainage approval requirements had contributed to delays in certain projects, although progress continued to be made across the programme. · Falling birth rates identified as a significant strategic challenge impacting on both school revenue funding and future decisions about school capacity and new-build proposals. · The condition of the school estate was considered in detail. Officers advised that priority continued to be given to health and safety, building compliance and mechanical and electrical infrastructure works, whilst also seeking to improve learning environments for pupils and staff. · Considering the number of schools categorised as Condition C Members sought assurance that schools would not deteriorate further before planned investment was delivered. · Confirmed that building condition surveys were used to prioritise investment and that schools in the poorest condition were being closely monitored. · Further information requested regarding Condition C schools, including examples of how condition assessments were applied in practice. · The impact of phosphate regulations and sustainable drainage requirements on project delivery. Requested a future update on the effect these issues were having on the capital programme. AGREED – (i) That future reports include numbers in each category to help with transparency. (ii) That a future information report be requested to include 2 school case studies. (iii) That an update on Phosphate / SAVs levels be included in any information report. (iv) That Capital Estates Investment Programme contracts showing a variance on targeted spend of + or – 10% will be highlighted back to Committee on a regular basis as required.

The Lead Member for Education submitted a report (COFI/24/26s) to update on the schools and education and early intervention department Budget outturn position as at 31 March 2026 for the 2025/26 financial year. Presenting the report the Lead Member paid tribute to the work of finance officers in supporting schools. He reported that the collective position of school balances had deteriorated, and schools were responding proactively by aligning staffing levels with pupil numbers and working closely with finance officers. In addition, additional learning needs (ALN) funding pressures remained. During the consideration of the report the following matters were highlighted: · The increasing number of schools operating with licensed deficits. · Assurances given that education and finance officers continued to work closely with governing bodies and school leaders to support financial recovery planning and budget management. Officers confirmed that all schools were subject to regular monitoring and challenge through established financial management processes. · The impact of falling pupil numbers on school funding and the implications for staffing structures and school budgets. · Noted that funding had been set aside to meet redundancy costs and that any underspend would be redistributed to schools through the funding formula. · Significant concern was expressed regarding the increasing demand for Additional Learning Needs (ALN) provision and the associated pressure on school and local authority budgets. · The rising cost of specialist provision and the importance of investing in early intervention, preventative support and local provision to meet the needs of learners more effectively. · Extensive discussion regarding Welsh Government's allocation of ALN consequential funding. · Members expressed concern that funding originally associated with ALN pressures had not been fully directed towards education and local authority services supporting vulnerable learners. · Officers outlined the ongoing representations being made through professional and political channels regarding the issue. AGREED – (i) That information reports on licensed deficit be regularly highlighted to the Executive Board on an ongoing basis to improve transparency and oversight. (ii) That a further evidence-based letter be sent to Welsh Government MS’s highlighting the evidence base and the effect in Wrexham of a potential reduction in relation to ALN consequential funding from an initial £332M for all Wales. (iii) That Committee receive a future update report on the budget position in November 2026.