Agenda item

To consider a report by the Principal Manager - School Support (copy attached) which seeks the Committee to assess the impact of the Ruthin area primary education review against the well-being goals of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

10.10am – 10.45am

Vote taken: 10 in favour, 0 against, 1 abstention.

The Committee:

Resolved: having considered the findings in the report and presented during the discussion –

(i)           to receive the information on the impact of the Ruthin Primary Area Review as assessed against the seven well-being goals of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015;

(ii)          to confirm that, as part of its consideration, it had read, understood and taken account of the Well-being Impact Assessment (Appendix 1);

(iii)        that an information report be prepared for circulation to members on the economic impact on Rhewl following the closure of the school as part of the Ruthin primary area review;

(iv)        that information be provided to members detailing the statistics of the Welsh Language Survey undertaken across Denbighshire recently; and

(v)          that members’ gratitude be conveyed to all school based, Education Service, and other Council Services’ staff for their efforts and commitment in securing the delivery of education and support to the county’s pupils throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interim Head of Education, Geraint Davies (GD), Principal Manager – School Support, James Curran (JC) were in attendance for the item.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts introduced the report providing information regarding the impact of the Ruthin Primary review against the seven well-being goals of the Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015. Denbighshire’s Cabinet agreed in November 2012 to commence informal consultation regarding a review of Primary Provision in the Ruthin area. It was agreed that the area review would focus on the following objectives; Ensuring the sustainability of high quality education provision; improving the quality of school buildings and facilities and providing the right number of places, of the right type in the right location. Cabinet reviewed the findings of the informal consultation and made six recommendations which would impact on school provision in the area.

In essence of the report the majority was a good one, the area had intensive investment, and there were matters such as Ysgol Pentrecelyn and Ysgol Llanbedr and the consultation. The experience gained from the consultation had been beneficial. Children were being educated in good environments and there had been good investment in the Ruthin area. There has also been a healthy increase with Welsh speakers in the area.

GD agreed with Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, it was also added that the investment made to the schools made the whole process of education easier for teachers and pupils. It was also stated that there had been an unforeseen circumstance of the investment as the larger builds had made keeping COVID compliant much easier.

During the debate the following points were raised:

·         The chair informed the committee that following the case to keep Ysgol Llanbedr open, the number of pupils had been increasing.

·         Members queried whether there was a follow up impact meant to be carried out since the school was closed to see the impact on the community and the economy, and if anything had been carried out. Officers responded an information report was meant to be circulated which was an exercise to see the impact of what happened with the school, they informed the member that can get the discover the report and resend to the local member. The local member there had been a report promised which would assess the community and economic impact in the Rhyl area. Officer responded stating they would review past minutes to see what was discussed and carry out the work.

·         Members highlighted the impact on the Welsh language in the area, had there been an increase with the Welsh language. There had been an increase with children attending Welsh schools and also the Welsh language offer had increased.

·         The committee enquired whether the new builds were economically viable and green as all the new schools were built with large open spaces. There were also concerns with safety of the new schools. The wide open spaces has made it easier with the current perspective. It’s easier to manage the movement of children in an open space, there were no negative comments received from school Governors with large spaces. The wellbeing aspect can be looked at, schools felt more secure with fobs to gain access to the schools and having fencing surrounding schools.

·         The new Ysgol Pen Barras and Rhos Street School were mentioned, the outside space needed to be fair and balanced between two schools, the professionals involved did not work it out correctly and after substantial lobbying from governors and parents the change would be implemented.

Proposed by Councillor Graham Timms, seconded by Councillor Merfyn Parry.

Vote taken: 10 in favour, 0 against, 1 abstention.

The Committee:

Resolved: having considered the findings in the report and presented during the discussion –

(i)           to receive the information on the impact of the Ruthin Primary Area Review as assessed against the seven well-being goals of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015;

(ii)          to confirm that, as part of its consideration, it had read, understood and taken account of the Well-being Impact Assessment (Appendix 1);

(iii)         that an information report be prepared for circulation to members on the economic impact on Rhewl following the closure of the school as part of the Ruthin primary area review;

(iv)        that information be provided to members detailing the statistics of the Welsh Language Survey undertaken across Denbighshire recently; and

(v)          that members’ gratitude be conveyed to all school based, Education Service, and other Council Services’ staff for their efforts and commitment in securing the delivery of education and support to the county’s pupils throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.