Agenda item

To consider a report by Councillor Eryl Williams, Lead Member for Education (copy enclosed) detailing the findings of the formal consultation for the future of Ysgol Clocaenog and Ysgol Cyffylliog and seeking support to publish the required statutory proposals for the closure of both schools and create a new area school.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       notes the findings of the formal consultation for the closure of Ysgol Clocaenog and Ysgol Cyffylliog and the opening of a new area school on the two existing sites;

(b)       approves the publication of a statutory notice for the closure of Ysgol Clocaenog and Ysgol Cyffylliog on the 31 August 2014 and to open a new area school on the existing sites on the 1 September 2014, and

(c)        confirm the commitment to work towards delivering a new area school on one site subject to the availability of capital funding.

Councillor Eryl Williams presented the report detailing the findings of the formal consultation for the future of Ysgol Clocaenog and Ysgol Cyffylliog and seeking support to publish the required statutory proposals for the closure of both schools and create a new area school.

Members were provided with background to the proposal arising from the review of primary schools in the Ruthin area to allow investment to improve educational facilities whilst also reducing the overall level of surplus places.  The report related to one of the six proposals approved by Cabinet on 25 June 2013.

During debate it was clarified that due to the size of the Ruthin review it had been necessary to carry out the process in stages and this proposal had been submitted during the first stage because of the requirement for a statutory notice.  Further proposals relating to other schools would be presented at the appropriate stage within the overall review process.  Assurances were provided that no one proposal had been prioritised over another and funding requirements would be submitted to Cabinet at the same time.  Current funding commitments together with indicative projects and costs subject of the review had been appended to the report.

Members raised questions and sought assurances regarding various aspects of the proposal.  Councillor Bobby Feeley acknowledged the difficulties and extensive work involved in carrying out the Ruthin area review but questioned the viability of the proposals.  She expressed reservations regarding the justification for particular proposals, highlighting a number of areas of concern, and questioned the reasoning behind the recommendations and potential implications for a new Ruthin school.

The following responses were provided to issues raised by members –

·        funding for school transport would be provided for pupils to the new school whilst it existed on two sites

·        concerns regarding suitability of the road network had been acknowledged and efforts would be made to ensure roads were passable and a priority for gritting

·        the capacity and admission number of the new building would be determined as part of the design process to ensure significant surplus places were not created

·        the reasons behind the decision to amalgamate the two schools as opposed to federating were detailed with the vast catchment area; remoteness of the locations, and pupil numbers across both schools being pertinent factors

·        the proposed model would strengthen educational provision and ensure pupils received the best opportunities and curriculum delivery possible

·        the categorisation process for the amount of Welsh medium education delivered within schools generally was explained.

In response to questions relating to proposals for other Ruthin area schools officers provided an update on progress and clarified the reasoning behind the individual proposals based on a number of factors pertinent to those schools.  Councillor Eryl Williams reaffirmed his commitment to a new school in Ruthin and pledged to ensure the Ruthin area would receive first class quality education and facilities as a result of the review process.

Councillor David Smith highlighted the complex nature of the review and supported the proposal for the future of Ysgol Clocaenog and Ysgol Cyffylliog to ensure quality education for the area.  Councillor Hugh Irving added his support for the proposal in order to deliver the best education for future generations.  The Leader acknowledged difficult decisions needed to be made emphasising members’ responsibility to ensure sustainability and improvement in education standards.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       notes the findings of the formal consultation for the closure of Ysgol Clocaenog and Ysgol Cyffylliog and the opening of a new area school on the two existing sites;

(b)       approves the publication of a statutory notice for the closure of Ysgol Clocaenog and Ysgol Cyffylliog on the 31 August 2014 and to open a new area school on the existing sites on the 1 September 2014, and

(c)        confirm the commitment to work towards delivering a new area school on one site subject to the availability of capital funding.

Councillor Bobby Feeley abstained from voting on the above resolution.