Agenda item

To consider a report by Councillor Gill German, Lead Member for Education, Children and Families (copy enclosed) on the findings from the review by the Modernising Education Programme Board of the prioritisation process for Band B of Sustainable Communities for Learning, as requested by Council in January 2022.

RESOLVED that Cabinet confirms the view of the Modernising Education Programme Board that no significant change had occurred in respect of the condition of school buildings and that the current policy order of schools is still current and correct.

Councillor Gill German presented the report on the findings from the review by the Modernising Education Programme Board of the prioritisation process for Band B of Sustainable Communities for Learning, as requested by Council in January 2022.

Following a notice of motion in January 2022, which had originated from concerns over the condition of Prestatyn High School, Council had requested that the condition surveys of all schools be reviewed to see whether they had changed to such an extent as to call into question the current priority order of schools.  The Head of Education elaborated upon the review process undertaken by the Modernising Education Programme Board in April 2022 and re-assessment of the condition of school buildings to ensure they were a true reflection of the education estate.  The review found no significant change in respect of the condition of schools since 2016 which would impact on the chosen priorities, concluding that the prioritisation was correct and that schools earmarked for Band B investment represented those with the greatest need.  With specific regard to Prestatyn High School, the Board noted that work had been undertaken with the school to make the best use of capital investment from the Building Maintenance scheme.

The following points were made during the ensuing debate –

·       whilst there was no guarantee that there would be a further tranche of funding for schools following Band B, there was an expectation in that regard, but the nature of any future funding priorities and what form it would take was unknown

·       Councillor Emrys Wynne had declared an interest as a school governor of Ysgol Brynhyfryd and expressed his disappointment that it had not been possible to include that school and other schools requiring investment as part of the Band B process, and he hoped there would be further opportunities to invest in those schools as part of future funding tranches.  Officers acknowledged that other schools also required investment and that there was insufficient funding to invest in all those schools.  However, other funding streams in addition to Band B, such as the Building Maintenance scheme, were used to respond to the needs of other schools not currently subject to the major investment via Band B

·       the rollout of free school meals in primary schools was subject to separate funding, with a capital scheme for some of the initial works to enable provision for Reception in September and Years 1 and 2 around Easter, with dialogue between local authorities and the Welsh Government regarding future requirements for the rollout through to Year 6.  There would be revenue implications as a result of the change but the free school meals provision was being heavily promoted with a view to ensuring a strong take up going forward.

Councillor Gill German had declared a personal interest in the item given that she had children who attended Prestatyn High School and she was also a former pupil.  Along with fellow Prestatyn member Councillor Jason McLellan, she had undertaken a tour of the school and discussed with the Head teacher and Chair of Governors the issues relating to the notice of motion.  Reference was made to the appendix to the report detailing the 5-year programme of investment to address the school’s priorities and progress made in that regard, and she was pleased to provide an update on further progress relating to the car park and walkway access corridor.  She also provided assurances that she would ensure timely progress to address the school’s leading priorities in line with the 5-year programme and to secure the best possible environment for pupils going forward.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts had been pleased to note that the position with Prestatyn High School had been accurately reflected following the notice of motion and was keen to ensure that process was not used by councillors as a means of lobbying for school investment in their ward areas.  He had also been pleased to note that the findings of the Modernising Education Programme Board provided confidence in the prioritisation process for schools.  Councillor German agreed, clarifying that her comments regarding investment in Prestatyn High School related to previously agreed works, and the negative press that had surrounded the notice of motion had not represented the school’s views on the matter.  She reiterated the need for a fair and transparent prioritisation process for schools and the review findings had demonstrated that process had been carried out appropriately and correctly.  As lead member she represented every child in Denbighshire, every child mattered, and she would ensure that every school had due attention.

RESOLVED that Cabinet confirms the view of the Modernising Education Programme Board that no significant change had occurred in respect of the condition of school buildings and that the current policy order of schools is still current and correct.