Issue - meetings
REVIEW OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PROVISION IN THE RUTHIN AREA
Meeting: 20/11/2012 - Cabinet (Item 6)
6 REVIEW OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PROVISION IN THE RUTHIN AREA PDF 68 KB
To consider a report by Councillor Eryl Williams, Lead Member for Education (copy enclosed) seeking Cabinet’s approval of the review of primary school provision in the Ruthin area and the commencement of informal public consultation.
Additional documents:
Decision:
RESOLVED that the
review of primary school provision in the Ruthin area
and the commencement of informal public consultation in February 2013 be
approved.
Minutes:
Councillor Eryl
Williams presented the report seeking Cabinet’s approval of the review of
primary school provision in the Ruthin area and the
commencement of information consultation.
Councillor Williams reiterated his previous comments
regarding the systematic review of educational provision within the county and
the need provide the best education provision possible going forward. He elaborated upon some of the previous
reviews already undertaken and difficult decisions which had been made to
ensure quality education provision. The
context of reviewing schools and education provision was also explained and it
was highlighted that some funding elements were dependent on councils managing the
process effectively and tackling issues such as surplus places. The main issues facing primary schools in the
Ruthin area had been detailed within the report and
it was proposed that the review would initially look in detail at eleven
primary schools (listed within the report) and consider all options for future
provision. Councillor Williams was keen
to stress that no decisions or recommendations had been made at this stage
except to approve the commencement of a review and consultation process.
Ruthin Councillors David Smith and Bobby Feeley
welcomed the review to address the issues faced by Ruthin
schools and ensure quality education and facilities for pupils. Cabinet discussed the complexities involved
within the process and Councillor Williams provided examples of developments
and initiatives in other schools highlighting the reliance on match funding to
continue that work and pressure from the Welsh Government to tackle particular
issues in order to access funding provision.
Cabinet and lay members took the opportunity to raise questions and
discuss a number of issues with Councillor Williams and the officers as follows
–
·
in
response to a question from Councillor Huw Jones, the
Head of Customers and Education Support (H:C&ES) reported upon lessons
learned from previous reviews in terms of how the review was carried out;
implemented, and the outcomes for pupils
·
the
H:C&EC confirmed that her team worked closely with officers working on the
Local Development Plan in order to anticipate any growth in pupil numbers as a
result of housing developments
·
Councillor
Cefyn Williams referred to the school closure
following the Edeyrnion area review and sought
assurances that this would be the last resort in future reviews, particularly
given regard to impact on communities.
Councillor Eryl Williams provided assurances
that all options would be carefully considered and he elaborated upon the Edeyrnion review and difficult decision to close the school
which had been made in the interests of providing the best education possible
for pupils
·
Councillor
Alice Jones voiced her concerns about the detrimental impact school closures
had on rural communities and she cautioned against centralising schools in Ruthin. Instead she
suggested pupils from Ruthin could be transported to
rural schools. She suggested that a plan
was already in place involving school closures regardless of consultation. Both Councillors Hugh Evans and Eryl Williams provided assurances that no plan was in place
and the consultation responses would inform future actions. Councillor Williams added that there would be
transparency of process with every comment responded to and a balanced
judgement made. The review was not about
closing schools but ensuring the right number of schools, in the right place
with sustainability for the future. It
would not be appropriate to respond to the comment about transporting pupils
because it might prejudge a potential recommendation.
Councillor Williams moved his recommendation as
detailed within the report and it was –
RESOLVED that the review of primary school provision in the Ruthin
area and the commencement of informal public consultation in February 2013 be
approved.