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Final decision on local schools
Published: 14/04/2016
天涯社区s Cabinet will determine the proposals to close Ysgol
Maes Edwin, Flint Mountain and Ysgol Llanfynydd when it meets on 19 April.
In accordance with the statutory School Organisation Code, a formal
consultation period started on 21 October and ended on 2 December 2015. The
reports for both Ysgol Maes Edwin and Ysgol Llanfynydd included a summary of
the issues raised by consultees, a response to each of the issues raised, and
Estyn鈥檚 view in full (as it is provided in its consultation responses) of the
overall merits of the proposals.
Cabinet previously determined that Statutory Proposals be issued for both
schools, these were published 29 January and ran to 26 February 2016.
Under the School Organisational Code the proposals for both schools are
determined by the Council鈥檚 Cabinet, rather than Welsh Ministers.
天涯社区鈥檚 Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Chris
Bithell, said:
We understand that reviewing the future of any school is controversial and
emotive. Pupils, parents, carers and teachers, past and present, have strong
ties to local schools as part of their own life-stories. However in these
difficult times, we are challenged with balancing the sensitivities of
community feeling on the one hand, with providing a high quality primary
education offer which can be afforded and sustained. The Council cannot avoid
making decisions for the future which are in the best interests of pupils and
students.
鈥淒uring the consultation, the avenue of federation was explored, but,
unfortunately, neither school was able to identify a willing partnering school
or schools with which to pursue a federation.
鈥淲e will ensure as smooth a transition as possible for all pupils, especially
for vulnerable learners such as those with Additional Learning Needs. We will
be working alongside pupils, their parents and teachers to make appropriate
transition arrangements for pupils to familiarise themselves with their new
environments.鈥�
The Council has demonstrated that there is sufficient capacity in the local
school network to accommodate pupils from Ysgol Llanfynydd should it close.
This view is upheld by Estyn in its response. However, additional places if
required can be established at Ysgol Parc Y Llan, Treuddyn, at either no cost
or minimal cost for that school to be available to all current pupils at Ysgol
Llanfynydd.
There is also sufficient capacity in the local school network to accommodate
pupils from Ysgol Maes Edwin should it close. Estyn commented, 鈥淭he local
authority has given a clear rationale for the proposed expected benefits when
compared with the status quo in relation to finance, surplus places and the
continuity and progression in pupils鈥� learning.鈥�
天涯社区s Chief Officer for Education, Ian Budd, said:
The percentage of surplus places in 天涯社区 schools continues to remain
above the Welsh Government target of 10%. Since funding for schools is largely
driven by pupil numbers, surplus capacity means a disproportionate amount of
funding is spent on infrastructure (such as buildings) and the 鈥渇ixed costs鈥� of
running a school (such as leadership and administration).
鈥淲e need to ensure that education revenue funding is used to ensure that pupil
teacher ratios are kept at an appropriate level to make a direct difference to
learners. As public service funding reduces and school cost pressures continue
to rise, such as through changes to national insurance and teacher pensions,
the need for reprioritisation and change becomes even more pressing.
We fully recognise that school communities and the local authority need to
work together to support learners through a challenging period of change.鈥�
Estyn鈥檚 formal response to the consultation confirms the independent
inspectorate鈥檚 view that this proposal is likely to at least maintain the
present standards of education provision in the area.