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Updates have been given to members of Bridgend County Borough Council after concerns were raised over two local primary schools in the authority’s internal audit report for 2024-25. The report given to the governance and audit committee earlier in 2025 revealed issues at Maesteg School and Penybont Primary which required a number of follow-up actions to be carried out. These included records that were “not fully maintained” as well as there being “no breakdown of expected miscellaneous income”. A section on Penybont Primary School said the “level of expenditure, using a council purchasing card, was extremely high when compared to other Bridgend schools”. At Maesteg School it said the private fund had not undergone an independent audit for at least two years and records of cash received were not available for the two years up to September 2024. Additional concerns in Maesteg noted there being no breakdown of expected miscellaneous income with some new starters beginning roles without DBS clearance or risk assessments in place. As a result of the audit councillors requested the director of education give an overview of what was being done at the schools to sort the problems out. It led to a follow-up report which highlighted how Penybont Primary had already implemented 11 of 14 medium-priority recommendations given after the audit, which included implementing safeguarding training. Officers noted that when it came to the high levels of spend on a council purchasing card although the card had been used differently to other schools it had still been used within council rules with no signs of fraud. They added that after discussions with the school practices had since been changed to reflect better and more economical ways of purchasing. Maesteg school was also said to have implemented 10 of 12 medium-priority recommendations from the audit in addition to producing a financial procedure guide which is expected to be approved in October 2025. Speaking at the meeting Councillor Ross Penhale-Thomas said he thought it was a positive outcome with both head teachers welcoming revisits by the internal audit team and good work being done. Internal audit will now revisit Maesteg School by October 31, and Penybont Primary School by December 31, 2025, to further monitor each school’s approach. Another report on the work will also be brought back to the committee at a later date. Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice
