Issue - meetings

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.

RESOLVED that the review of primary school provision in the Ruthin area and the commencement of informal public consultation in February 2013 be approved.  

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.