Agenda item

To accept and note the information in the report.

The report was submitted by Cllr. Dewi Jones.  

DECISION

·       To accept and note the information in the report.

DISCUSSION

A report was submitted detailing the performance of the Education Department, drawing attention to recent highlights, including the fact that Ysgol Treferthyr had opened its doors to 150 learners in September 2025 and that work had commenced on the old Ysgol Glanadda site.  Pride was expressed that the Youth Service had managed to recruit an Engagement Coordinator, leading to re-establishing a Young People's Services Forum to provide better support to young people.

In addition, it was reported that £1.1 million of capital investment had been received from the Welsh Government to support establishing the new immersion provision in Bangor, Ysgol Eifionydd and Tywyn.  The doors to the new unit in Ysgol Tywyn had been opened this week.  It was also reported that an evaluation of the immersion system was underway to ensure setting a firm foundation to the provision of the Welsh language in the county. 

It was reported that the Additional Learning Needs and Inclusion Service had managed to reduce the number of days to wait for counselling service from 51 days to 21 days since the beginning of the educational year.  In addition, it was noted that there was an increase in the number of school meals being served, with an average of 4851 provided on any one day since September 2024, which was progress from the 2023/24 performance.

 It was also noted that the savings schemes were on track to be realised, but an alternative scheme worth £41,000 had been presented in the Additional Learning Needs and Inclusion field.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       The excellent work achieved by the Early Years Unit was discussed regarding changing the way of thinking and discussing nappies through their podcast, which allowed an open discussion on the matter.  It was also enquired whether there was a problem in Gwynedd regarding children starting at school still in nappies.

o   In response, it was noted that there was a need to deal with the situation sensitively and offer support to families, remembering that each child was different.  At the same time, it was noted that more children in the schools were not dry and there was a need to allow the schools to focus on teaching pupils instead of changing children. 

·       The sustainable schools work was welcomed which would be raised to a very high standard, noting that there was a lot of emphasis on reusing many things, such as bricks and old furniture in other projects, reducing the Council's carbon footprint.

·       The Young People's Voice Forum was welcomed, asking whether there was suitable provision for youth across the County, especially in rural areas,

o   In response, it was noted that work had been done to identify the support that existed and to review the provision available.

·       It was enquired what were the next steps following engaging and reviewing Gwynedd's immersion policy

o   It was noted that a full report would be available for the Cabinet at the end of March, with an update report to be submitted to the Education and Economy Scrutiny Committee prior to that.