Powys County Council’s leader has called for an extraordinary meeting of the full council in response to a critical Estyn report on the county’s education services.

Cllr James Gibson-Watt confirmed that the meeting will take place as soon as possible to discuss the findings and outline the actions the authority will take to address the concerns raised by the education watchdog.

The Estyn report, published last week, found Powys County Council was "causing significant concern" in its delivery of education. Inspectors criticised leadership at all levels, highlighting weaknesses in school improvement teams and post-16 education provision, as well as urgent site security issues in several schools.

The report also raised concerns about the council’s ability to provide adequate support for additional learning needs (ALN) services.

The report has sparked significant fallout, with opposition groups calling for a special meeting to discuss the crisis and many calling for resignations within the council’s leadership.

Cllr James Gibson-Watt said: “Given the clear recommendations and narrative in the report and the need for strong, co-ordinated action to address those concerns, which cut across the work of many portfolio holders, I thought it essential that Council Members and the public hear first-hand about the actions that Cabinet Portfolio Holders and the council’s Corporate Leadership Team will be taking to build on the recent progress identified and address those areas where urgent progress is required.

“A full meeting of Council will allow members to understand and discuss these matters thoroughly in an open and transparent way. The meeting will take place as soon as possible at a date yet to be confirmed.”