Agenda, decisions and minutes

This week was recognised as being National Carers' Week. It was explained that this week was an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, to highlight the challenges faced by unpaid carers and to recognise their vital contribution. On behalf of the Cabinet, a sincere thank you was given to the thousands of unpaid carers in Gwynedd who looked after family members, friends and neighbours day in day out. It was emphasised that their work made an enormous difference to people's lives and to our communities, and that this work very often happened behind the scenes. Staff and partners working alongside carers to support them were thanked.

It was noted that the Council was hosting events across the county throughout the week to discuss the support available to unpaid carers, and that these events were open to everyone.

No apologies were received. 

A declaration of personal interest was received from Cllr June Jones in relation to item 6 as she was a Governor at the School.

There were no urgent matters.

There were no matters arising from overview and scrutiny.

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 May 2026 were accepted as a true record. 

To formally confirm the proposal given by statutory notice, to close Ysgol Y Garreg on 31 August 2026, and denote Ysgol Cefn Coch as the alternative school from 1 September 2026, in accordance with Section 53 of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 and the requirements of the Schools Organisation Code 11/2018. 

The report was presented by Cllr Dewi Jones.

DECISION

Final confirmation was given of the proposal given by means of a statutory notice, namely - “To close Ysgol Y Garreg on 31 August 2026, and denote Ysgol Cefn Coch as the alternative school from 1 September 2026”, in accordance with Section 53 of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 and the requirements of the School Organisation Code 11/2018. 

DISCUSSION

It was noted that the purpose of the report was to report on the outcome of the 28-day statutory objection period on the proposal to close Ysgol y Garreg.

It was noted that the decision regarding Ysgol y Garreg was one of the most difficult decisions that he had considered as a Cabinet Member for Education. He noted that nobody went into education with the intention of closing schools, noting his desire to see schools thriving, children succeeding and communities being resilient. The strong emotions that had surfaced during this process and the sadness felt by many were acknowledged.

It was noted that Ysgol y Garreg had served its community faithfully for many years. Tribute was paid to the staff, governors, parents and the community for their hard work for the school for over a century. However, it was noted that there was a responsibility to be looking at the current situation rather than a desired situation.

It was noted that the demographic challenges facing some of our rural communities were real and profound. Although painful, the need to acknowledge the facts in hand was noted, especially the grave situation of Ysgol y Garreg. It was noted that the well-being of and opportunities for children were central when making educational decisions, which had been the guiding principle throughout this process. The need to ensure that children could access sustainable education, a wide range of experiences and a learning environment that could meet the needs of the present and the future was underlined.

It was noted that the decision regarding Ysgol y Garreg was not one that the Cabinet wanted to make, but one that had been brought about by circumstances. It was noted that, should the situation, numbers and projections be different, the decision would not have been considered. It was emphasised that Gwynedd had seen a significant fall in the number of children over the last decade, and that there was a duty to make responsible decisions for the long term, even when that decision proved difficult and unpopular.

The decision to close Ysgol y Garreg was therefore recommended, recognising the contribution of many people to the school over the years, and the need to take action to ensure the best and most sustainable school provision for the future children of Gwynedd.

The sadness of the situation was echoed by the Glaslyn Ward Local Member, who noted that the school had been serving the community for approximately 143 years. This change in demographics and the fall in the number of children in our society was highlighted,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The Gwynedd Education Language Policy was approved and adopted for its introduction as a Model Education Language Policy for schools to consider its adoption and implementation.

The report was presented by Cllr Dewi Jones. ⁠

DECISION

The Gwynedd Education Language Policy was accepted and adopted to be introduced as a Model Education Language Policy for schools to consider its adoption and implementation. ⁠

DISCUSSION

Pride was expressed at the opportunity to present the new Model Education Language Policy for schools to Cabinet. It was noted that the policy had been before the Education and Economy Scrutiny Committee on more than one occasion, and previously before Cabinet for permission to engage. It was further noted that the policy before Cabinet followed that public stakeholder engagement process. It was noted that discussions had been held with individual members of the Council, language organisations, Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and several other organisations in order to obtain different perspectives, listen to concerns and consider ideas before moving forward.

It was noted that this was a policy for Gwynedd, which reflected Gwynedd, its values, ambition, needs and the needs of the children and young people of the county. He thanked his predecessor on the Cabinet, Meirion Prys Jones, and the officers for their work on producing the policy. The importance of openness during the process, being open to ideas, challenge and collaboration with stakeholders to formulate the best possible policy was noted.

The importance of persuading and convincing, rather than insisting or enforcing was emphasised. The need to convince people of the value of the Welsh language, to win their hearts and show the value of Welsh education and the way in which the Welsh language opened rather than closed doors was noted.

It was underlined that incredible work had been done over the last few decades in this respect. It was noted that generations had worked tirelessly to strengthen the language, to build the Welsh education system we had today, and to ensure that more children and young people had the opportunity to live and work through the medium of Welsh. It was emphasised that these achievements were something to celebrate. It was noted that this new policy would hopefully build on that work, on the success, on what was already working, on opportunities, on confidence, and on building a stronger future for the Welsh language.

It was emphasised that the Welsh language belonged to all of us, those who were fluent speakers, those who were learning the language, and those who had not yet had the opportunity. It was noted that there was a place for everyone in the story of the Welsh language. Everyone was asked to unite behind the Welsh language and give every child in Gwynedd the opportunity to experience the benefits of having the language, ensuring that it continued to be a living, thriving and confident language. Everyone was urged to open doors to a world of opportunities, experiences and benefits that would stay with our young people for the rest of their lives.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       The need for the Cabinet and the Council to support the journey was noted to ensure that adequate resources  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.