Agenda item

To consider a report by Councillor Eryl Williams, Lead Member for Education (copy enclosed) which details the findings from the recent review of primary school provision in the Ruthin area and proposes recommendations to be considered by Cabinet for changes to the current provision.

RESOLVED - that Cabinet:-

 

(i)            note the findings of the consultation.

(ii)        approve formal consultation for proposals to close Ysgol Clocaenog and Ysgol Cyffylliog on the 31^st August 2014, merging the two schools as a new area school to be opened on the 1^st September 2014 on the existing sites.

(iii)       approve formal consultation for proposals to close Ysgol Llanbedr on the 31^st August 2014 with existing pupils transferring to Ysgol Borthyn, subject to parental preference.

(iv) recommend to the Governing Bodies of Ysgol Pentrecelyn and Ysgol Llanfair DC that they form a federation to be in place no later than 1^st September 2014, and

(v)     note the findings of the initial feasibility study to identify potential sites for the provision of primary schools in the Ruthin area and recommend that further detailed feasibility works be undertaken prior to the confirmation of any formal recommendations for Rhos Street School, Ysgol Borthyn, Ysgol Penbarras and Ysgol Rhewl.

Councillor Eryl Williams presented the report, circulated previously, which detailed the findings from the recent review of primary school provision in the Ruthin area and proposed recommendations to be considered for changes to the current provision.

 

Councillor Eryl Williams outlined the funding framework and structured process adopted by the Council and the relevance of national policies in the decision making process for funding for the improvement of education buildings throughout the County.  Reference was made to Denbighshire’s considerable investment programme, its bid for 21^st Century Schools and the importance of the quality of education buildings in the learning process.  He explained that bids made to Welsh Government (WG) for significant capital investment would be influenced by Denbighshire indicating its intention of addressing the issue of surplus places in schools, and he emphasised that this funding could be threatened if they did not address the surplus places issue.

 

Councillor Williams stressed that he would endeavour to ensure continued improvements in Denbighshire with the provision of improved education facilities, which would create sustainability while maintaining an indigenous core.  He made reference to the high number of surplus places in the Ruthin area and the proposals before Cabinet to address the issue.  It was explained that the Council had undertaken informal consultation on the future of primary provision in the Ruthin area.  Extensive consultation had taken place with the 11 schools in the review, including meetings with parents, staff and governors.  A number of issues needed to be addressed which included the reliance on mobile accommodation, poor condition of school sites and above average surplus places in the area.

 

The findings from the Informal Consultation period had been included in Appendix 1 and the current School capacity and pupil number (PLASC January, 2013) had been included in the report, together with, details of the informal consultation findings and the way forward which included the following proposals:-

 

Recommendations had been proposed and grouped together, dependent upon their impact on other schools within the area, to enable a more long term sustainable provision in the Ruthin area dependant on financial resources.  The Head of Customers and Education Support summarised the proposals which had been included in the report, and the following issues were raised and responses provided:-

 

Proposal 1 – Creation of new Area School to serve the communities of Clocaenog and Cyffylliog (Appendix 2)

 

The review process identified a strong desire to retain education provision in the rural areas to the West of Ruthin.  Currently 55 full time pupils attend the two schools, Ysgol Clocaenog experiencing a high demand at present, with a drop in numbers at Ysgol Cyffylliog.   As neither site was suitable for extending it had been recommended that initially a new area school be created to serve the communities on the existing sites.  This would be a two phased approach with a longer term commitment to create a single site school potentially linked to community facilities.  It had been suggested the first phase of change should occur for the start of September, 2014.

 

A number of concerns were raised by Councillor Huw Jones and the following responses were provided:-

 

-               Appendix 2, 15.5. - The HCES referred to the Council’s Transport Policy and explained that as part of any school reorganisation the scope of transport arrangements for the existing pupils would be examined.

-               In response to concerns expressed regarding the condition of the road between Ysgol Clocaenog and Ysgol Cyffylliog, Councillor Williams explained that the road from Clocaenog to Bontuchel formed part of the main gritting route.

-               The HCES confirmed that Denbighshire would consult with neighbouring Authorities in respect of the proposals.   (JW to Action)

-               With regard to the number of surplus places and future provision in the area, it was explained there would be a 2 phase approach, firstly to create a school on 2 sites and secondly to consider the best site for a new school, subject to the availability of funding.  Details of the future provision of Key Stage 1 and 2 education were outlined by the HCES.         

 

Proposal 2 – Closure of Ysgol Llanbedr with the transfer of pupils to Ysgol Borthyn, Ruthin subject to parental preference (Appendix 3)

 

The Governing Body and others expressed concern that the decline in pupil numbers at Ysgol Llanbedr should not be considered in isolation when considering the future of the school.   In considering provision within Ruthin and its close environment, there appeared to be significant over provision of English medium places.  Ysgol Llanbedr and Ysgol Borthyn were English Medium Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled Schools.  An analysis of parental demand had identified only 20 pupils within the natural catchment area for the school opting for English medium education.  At present within close proximity there would be an alternative English medium church school at Ysgol Borthyn, and non –faith provision at Ysgol Gellifor and Rhos Street.  In view of the need to reduce the overall supply for such provision, it had been recommended that consultation should commence regarding the recommendation that Ysgol Llanbedr should close at the end of the 2013/2014 academic year.

 

The Leader provided an assurance that correspondence he had received from parents and teachers at Ysgol Llanbedr highlighting issues and concerns would be considered if the proposals were agreed for consultation.  The HCES confirmed that there would be capacity at other schools in the area, such as Ysgol Borthyn, Ruthin, to provide faith based education.  It was felt that increased provision at Ysgol Borthyn would maintain choice and strengthen the faith provision making it more sustainable.  The officer explained that further work and consultation would be undertaken which would take into consideration projected figures for possible future demand.

 

The following issues were raised by Councillor Huw Williams and responses provided:-

 

-               It was agreed that the accuracy of the projected figures pertaining to Ysgol Llanbedr and Ysgol Borthyn be reviewed, together with the figures for pre-school provision, be confirmed prior to any further decisions being taken.   (JW to Action)

-               The school had improved and recovered following problems previously experienced, and the excellent location and facilities at the school site were highlighted.

-               Councillor Williams referred to parental preference and the possible loss of faith based provision in the area.  He suggested that consideration be afforded to retaining Ysgol Llanbedr for the provision of faith based education in the Ruthin area.

-               The requirement for education provision to meet the needs of the 71 additional homes predicted in the LDP for the Llanbedr area.

 

Proposal 3 – Ruthin Town Area (see Appendix 4)

 

The HCES explained that there had been strong support for the continued provision from all three town schools, whilst acknowledging long term difficulties associated with the Rhos Street and Ysgol Pen Barras site.  The site had significant access problems leading to safety issues and the site relied heavily on mobile provision.  The review and an assessment of the suitability of the site had suggested that as an immediate priority, the Council identify the suitability for potentially building a new school campus at the Glasdir site.  Initial feasibility had suggested that land currently allocated in the LDP for a new school may be able to accommodate the needs of both Rhos Street & Ysgol Pen Barras, and further consideration of the option had been suggested prior to any decisions being made.   (JW to Action)

 

The future of Ysgol Borthyn and Ysgol Rhewl had been linked to the proposal.  The need to ensure diversity of choice through continued faith provision, should the recommendation to close Ysgol Llanbedr be progressed, had led to the recommendation that Ysgol Borthyn be retained.  The study of the Ysgol Rhewl site identified scope to expand the current provision.  However, the need for investment in the current buildings would need to be considered. 

 

As it would be difficult to justify significant investment in the Ysgol Rhewl site, should new provision be built on the Glasdir site, it had been suggested that the future of the school be considered in conjunction with the Glasdir development.   This would include the option for the closure of Ysgol Rhewl upon completion of the works for the new school(s).  Any proposal that may arise to close Ysgol Rhewl, would require formal consultation and the publication of a statutory notice.  If either or both Rhos Street and Ysgol Pen Barras moved to the Glasdir site and they did not change significantly in size, there would be no need to publish statutory proposals as the school would transfer sites by less than a mile.  Confirmation was provided that there were proposals to provide two new schools each with their own respective Headteacher and they would, with the Chairs of Governors, be involved in the design process. 

 

Councillor David Smith raised the following issues:-

 

-               He expressed his support for the provision of a new school to address problems experienced over the years.  However, he requested an assurance that any possible traffic related problems associated with the provision of a new school, including parking provision, were considered and addressed at the outset.   (JW to Action)

-               Councillor Smith supported the proposal that Ysgol Borthyn be retained as a faith school.

-               The need to ensure that any site utilised for the provision of a new school at Glasdir would not be subject to flooding in the future, and to ascertain the parental preference of children in the Ysgol Rhewl catchment area if a new school was provided at Glasdir.  The Head of Education confirmed that any potential site would be assessed and a flood report provided.   (JW to Action)

 

Councillor Merfyn Parry conveyed the concerns expressed by the Governing Body of Ysgol Rhewl that the uncertainty of the future of the school could have a detrimental impact on its future, particularly in terms of prospective pupil numbers.  The officers explained that it would incorrect to omit Ysgol Rhewl from the feasibility study as the proposals could impact on the school, and the importance of being open and transparent about the ultimate objective was emphasised.  It was confirmed that the school did not at present form part of the formal proposal.  However, officers would be working in conjunction with the school to ensure the education provision for pupils was not placed at risk.  In response to concerns expressed by Councillor Parry pertaining to the bilingual categorisation of the school, the Head of Education confirmed that further formal consultation, which would include parent participation, would be undertaken to examine the schools bilingual demands and requirements.   The Corporate Director: Customers referred to the recommendation that “further detailed feasibility works be undertaken prior to the confirmation of any formal recommendations for Rhos Street School, Ysgol Borthyn, Ysgol Pen Barras and Ysgol Rhewl” and emphasised that the suggested process was not a formal consultation.

 

Coucillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts declared a personal interest in this item as the Chair of Governors at Ysgol Pen Barras.  He welcomed the proposals pertaining to Ysgol Pen Barras, Ysgol Rhos Street and Ysgol Borthyn and highlighted the importance the involvement and participation of the Governing Bodies and senior teams of the respective schools in the planning process for the development of the proposed new schools site.   He highlighted the need to examine closely and transparently the impact of any new school on Ysgol Borthyn and Ysgol Rhewl and to ensure that the standard of the facilities at Ysgol Borthyn were maintained.  The HCES confirmed that equality of provision would be paramount when undertaking the feasibly study

 

Proposal 4 – Proposed Federation of Ysgol Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd and Ysgol Pentrecelyn (Appendix 5)

 

Strong support for the retention of educational provision in the communities around Llanfair DC and Pentrecelyn had been identified.  A clear case for investment in facilities had been identified at Ysgol Llanfair D.C and it had been accepted by many that the existing school was not fit for purpose.  The importance of the school in the community had been emphasised at Ysgol Pentrecelyn, alongside the difference between providing Welsh medium and dual stream provision.  In considering the needs of the wider area and for significant investment, a phased approach had been suggested.

 

The first phase to involve retaining both schools and recommending that the Governing Bodies discuss the formation of a federation.  Denbighshire would seek an agreement in principal to progress this, by January 2014 with a view to the new federation commencing in September 2014.  Long term plans, forming part of Band B proposals for 21^st Century Schools, would see progression towards a new area school serving the communities of Pentrecelyn and Llanfair DC.  Moves towards a new area school would require formal consultation to be progressed at the appropriate time.

 

The Leader confirmed that he would support for the option which would provide the maximum benefit to the pupils in the area.  With regard to the federation of the two schools, with regard to Ysgol Llanfair being a faith based school, the Head of Education explained that the Leadership Team and Governing Body would examine the ethos and moral values of the respective schools, which she explained were very similar in terms of their outlook.  The Head of Education responded to questions from Members and explained the future delivery of education through Key Stages 1 and 2, and outlined the reasons for the differing approaches adopted in other areas.  The Corporate Director: Customers explained that the proposal for Clocaenog and Cyffylliog single area school could be delivered earlier due to the scale of the development.

 

Proposal 5 – Support for Federation of Ysgol Bryn Clwyd & Ysgol Gellifor (Appendix 5)

 

It had been suggested that Ysgol Bryn Clwyd be included within the Ruthin review because of the implications for any change at Ysgol Gellifor as the schools had combined leadership and management arrangements following their federation in 2011.

 

Ysgol Gellifor was a popular school, at capacity, which drew pupils from outside its natural area.  In terms of the federation arrangements Ysgol Gellifor had 4% of surplus places whereas Ysgol Bryn Clwyd had a surplus of 67.6% and this had implications for the long term sustainability of the federation arrangements.

 

The language categories of both schools had been questioned, both schools being identified as Category 5, the Welsh language continuum would see the amount of Welsh taught in the schools increase as a response to the views of stakeholders.

 

The Governors had sought assurances regarding the future of Ysgol Bryn Clwyd as a consequence of the review and a desire that the long term future of the school be linked to any proposals emerging from the Ruthin review.  The Council had acknowledged this to prevent any further uncertainty regarding the federation.  It had been recommended that the status quo remain, subject to agreement to explore the future language category of Ysgol Bryn Clwyd.  The balance of pupils at the schools would need to be addressed through the admissions arrangements.

 

Councillor Huw Jones referred to the proposal pertaining to Ysgol Llanbedr and highlighted the need for transparency and fairness when considering the proposal in relation to Ysgol Bryn Clwyd.  Councillor Merfyn Parry referred to positive work undertaken by the respective schools, and their Governing Bodies, in succeeding with the successful federation of the schools.  Councillor Huw Williams referred to the need to undertake building maintenance work at the Ysgol Gellifor site.

 

Proposal 6 – Retention of Ysgol Bro Famau (Appendix 5)

 

The school served predominately its local area but there were significant surplus places.  Both sites were in good condition and it was recommended that the status quo should remain with the Authority and Governing Body reviewing the current use of space.

 

Councillor Martyn Holland raised issues relating to the provision of funding from Welsh Government, the need to protect rural schools and the impact of the LDP on schools in rural areas.  The HCES explained that education and planning officers had worked together to ensure the inclusion of pupil projections in the forward planning process.  She referred to the lack of capital and funds available and highlighted the need to rationalise to allow for future investment in schools.

 

During the ensuing discussion, it was explained that it had been recommended that any formal consultation should commence in September, 2013 to allow the discussions to commence at the start of the school term with consultation taking place for at least six weeks.  The consultation process would enable parents, pupils, governors and staff the opportunity to comment upon the proposals before a decision was made by Cabinet whether to proceed and formally publish proposals for change.  It was confirmed that only proposals 1 and 2 would require formal consultation at this stage

 

The feasibility works for proposal 3 would commence over the summer months, with a view to a preferred option being presented to Cabinet in the late autumn.  This work would lead to clarification regarding the variety of options for securing the necessary improvements for the town.  This information would enable Cabinet to consider the business case for investment.  With regard to proposals 4, 5 and 6, the Head of Education and the Head of Customers and Education Support, subject to approval, would commence discussions with the respective Governing Bodies to secure the necessary agreements to undertake the changes highlighted.  Should approval not occur then alternative proposals may be presented to Cabinet in the spring of 2014.

 

RESOLVED - that Cabinet:-

 

(a)  note the findings of the consultation.

(b)  approve formal consultation for proposals to close Ysgol Clocaenog and Ysgol Cyffylliog on the 31^st August 2014, merging the two schools as a new area school to be opened on the 1^st September 2014 on the existing sites.

(c)  approve formal consultation for proposals to close Ysgol Llanbedr on the 31^st August 2014 with existing pupils transferring to Ysgol Borthyn, subject to parental preference.

(d)  recommend to the Governing Bodies of Ysgol Pentrecelyn and Ysgol Llanfair DC that they form a federation to be in place no later than 1^st September 2014, and

(e)  note the findings of the initial feasibility study to identify potential sites for the provision of primary schools in the Ruthin area and recommend that further detailed feasibility works be undertaken prior to the confirmation of any formal recommendations for Rhos Street School, Ysgol Borthyn, Ysgol Pen Barras and Ysgol Rhewl.

(JW to Action)