The Education, Young People and the Welsh Language Scrutiny Committee of Carmarthenshire Council met on Friday 17 May 2024 to discuss the work of the Carmarthenshire Youth Council and the progress of Universal Primary Free School Meals. The committee unanimously resolved to receive the report on the Carmarthenshire Youth Council and also resolved to receive the report on Universal Primary Free School Meals, with further actions to circulate costings and nutritional data.

Update on the Work of the Carmarthenshire Youth Council

The committee received an update on the significant work undertaken by the Carmarthenshire Youth Council (CYC). The CYC, which celebrated its 20th anniversary, acts as a voice for young people in the county, engaging them in local and national decision-making processes. The report highlighted various successful projects and campaigns, including Never Silence the Violence, a docudrama on domestic abuse, and Period Poverty Sir Gar, an initiative to address period poverty. The CYC's Our Voice, Our Vote, Our Future consultation garnered over 5,000 responses, with young people identifying Teach real life lessons as their top priority. The committee commended the CYC for its extensive project work, its role in championing issues such as bullying, children's rights, mental health, period dignity, and domestic violence, and the numerous awards it has received. The structure and selection process of the CYC were explained, with representatives confirming they receive robust support from officers. The committee also noted opportunities for the CYC to share best practices with other youth councils nationally.

The committee unanimously resolved to receive the report.

Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM) Progress Update

A report detailing the progress of the Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM) provision across Carmarthenshire was considered by the committee. The UPFSM offer has been successfully implemented across all 97 of the county's educational settings within the Welsh Government's target dates. A total of £3.8 million in funding has been allocated to facilitate this rollout, which has involved significant work to increase capacity and improve school kitchen infrastructure. A new kitchen facility has also been constructed at the old Ysgol Gorslas school site to future-proof the service.

The Senior Catering Manager clarified that while grant funding covered infrastructure and capacity, an additional £300,000 would be required to meet all associated costs. The cost per meal allocation from the Welsh Government is currently under review, and the authority's costings will be circulated to the committee. Assurances were given that the authority is compliant with the 'Welsh Government Healthy Eating in Schools' guidelines, and nutritional data for school meals will also be provided.

Concerns were raised that the UPFSM rollout might adversely impact Pupil Development Grant (PDG) funding, as parents no longer need to apply for free school meals. The Head of Education Services and Inclusion explained that the Welsh Government is reviewing its grant funding mechanisms to ensure deprivation figures accurately reflect school challenges. In the interim, parents are encouraged to declare their eligibility for free school meals to enable schools to access appropriate PDG funding.

The committee reviewed ongoing staffing pressures within the service, exacerbated by the UPFSM rollout, and acknowledged that the current workforce's demographic and skill set presents a significant risk. Contingency arrangements are in place to ensure meal delivery. The committee welcomed the introduction of the new Local Authority Recruitment System, 'Oleeo', which has improved recruitment speed and transparency. Initiatives to facilitate staff retention, including development opportunities and input into menu development, were also noted.

A discussion on the use of local produce for school meals highlighted a pilot project involving a local farm and initiatives supporting British Food Fortnight. The 'Cook 24' scheme has been introduced to develop food leaders and increase the utilisation of local food production. The committee also noted the on-site allotment at Llandeilo school where children can grow vegetables for cooking lessons.

The committee resolved to receive the report, consider receiving an update on Welsh Government funding streams, and have the authority's costings and nutritional data for school meals circulated.

Explanation for Non-Submission of Scrutiny Report

The committee received an explanation for the non-submission of a scrutiny report pertaining to the Gwenllian School proposal. The explanation indicated that the report was delayed due to the need for further information and rescheduling of pre-cabinet meetings.

The committee resolved to note the explanation for the non-submission.

Forthcoming Items

The committee reviewed the list of forthcoming items for its next meeting on 26 June 2024, which had been derived from the committee's draft Forward Work Plan for 2024/25.

The committee resolved to note the list of forthcoming items.

To Sign as a Correct Record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee Held on 31 January 2024

The minutes of the meeting held on 31 January 2024 were signed as a correct record.