Pembrokeshire Learning Centre: Building on strengths and driving rapid improvement

The Council is fully committed to addressing the recommendations and driving improvement at pace.

The Local Authority and the school is required to submit a detailed action plan to Estyn by 5th February 2026, setting out how each recommendation will be met.

Work on this plan is well underway, and a number of significant actions have already been implemented, including:

• Additional staffing at all levels across the Pembrokeshire Learning Centre to strengthen leadership and classroom support.
• Rapid planning to address site condition issues highlighted in the report, ensuring safe and fit-for-purpose learning environments.
• Strengthening governance through the appointment of additional members to the Management Committee, bringing expertise and challenge to support improvement.

These immediate steps reflect the determination to provide pupils with a safe, nurturing environment and high-quality teaching that meets their needs.

The Council is confident that the necessary improvements can be made quickly and effectively, and look forward to demonstrating this progress to Estyn during their monitoring visits.

Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language, Cllr Guy Woodham, said: “Our priority is the wellbeing and success of every pupil.

“We have acted swiftly to strengthen leadership, improve facilities, and enhance governance. We are committed to working closely with Estyn and our partners to ensure that Pembrokeshire Learning Centre delivers the high standards our learners deserve.”

Despite the challenges identified, Estyn recognised several important strengths at Pembrokeshire Learning Centre:

• Leaders articulate a clear vision prioritising pupils’ wellbeing, underpinned by a trauma-informed approach.
• Many pupils who attend regularly report feeling safe due to strong staff-pupil relationships.
• The management committee brings a broad range of relevant expertise and skills.
• The qualifications offer for older pupils has strengthened since the last inspection, supporting pupils effectively in moving to suitable next steps in education, training or employment.

These strengths provide a solid foundation for improvement and demonstrate the commitment of staff and leaders to supporting pupils’ wellbeing and future success.

The Council will continue to keep parents, carers, and the wider community informed through regular updates and engagement events.

Further details of the post inspection action plan will be published on the Pembrokeshire Learning Centre website in the coming weeks.