The Education, Youth & Culture Overview & Scrutiny Committee convened to discuss several key issues, including school reserves, school meal portion sizes, and updates from Theatr Clwyd. The committee approved recommendations regarding the Cultural Services Agreement with Theatr Clwyd, the allocation of additional funding to schools, and the noting of school meal portion size updates. They also approved the forward work programme with amendments.

School Reserves and Demographics

The committee reviewed a report on school reserves as of 31 March 2025, and an overview of schools' current financial positions. The report highlighted a significant decrease in overall school reserves, falling by £3.672m to £0.454m, compared to the previous year.

The report cited high levels of inflation, continued support for learners impacted by the pandemic, and legislative changes for additional learning needs as factors contributing to the reduction.

The committee also discussed demographic changes, noting a decline in pupil numbers across Flintshire schools, which led to a net reduction in funding of £1.212m. Forecasts indicate this trend will continue, potentially leading to further budget reductions.

The committee recommended that the Cabinet provide the additional £500,000 received from the Welsh Government to schools.

School Meal Portion Sizes

The committee received an update on school meal portion sizes provided by NEWydd Catering & Cleaning Limited (NEWydd), a Local Authority Trading Company wholly owned by the council, and how they meet current Welsh Government regulations. The report covered school meal provision provided by NEWydd, not external commercial catering contractors.

The report referenced the Welsh Government's consultation on Healthy Eating in Schools Regulations, which includes a proposal to introduce differentiated portion sizes for junior and infant school pupils. The committee noted that NEWydd and the council jointly submitted a consultation response supporting the proposal.

The committee noted the update regarding school meal portion sizes provided by NEWydd to pupils in Flintshire schools and how they met current Welsh Government regulations.

Theatr Clwyd Updates

The committee received two updates regarding Theatr Clwyd, one focusing on an annual review of the theatre's business plan and the other on progress related to the Cultural Services Agreement (CSA). Due to the commercially sensitive nature of the information, these items were discussed in private session, excluding the press and public.

The committee approved recommendations related to both Theatr Clwyd updates.

Forward Work Programme and Action Tracking

The committee considered and approved the forward work programme, as amended, and noted the progress made in completing outstanding actions. They authorised the facilitator, in consultation with the chair, to vary the forward work programme between meetings as needed.

Declarations of Interest

Councillors Fran Lister and Andrew Parkhurst declared a personal interest in the Theatr Clwyd items, while Councillor Dave Mackie declared a personal interest in the school meal portion size item. Councillor Carolyn Preece declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the Theatr Clwyd items and left the meeting during their consideration. The Chief Officer (Education & Youth) also declared an interest in the Theatr Clwyd update and left the meeting during its consideration.