Agenda item

To consider a report by Councillor Eryl Williams, Lead Member for Education (copy enclosed) providing an update on the Modernising Education Programme and seeking Cabinet approval for projects within the Programme.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       authorise the commencement of feasibility studies in respect of the projects set out in Appendix 2 to the report, the completion of which will be subject of future budget decisions;

(b)       note the authority will continue to maintain provision at Ysgol Borthyn;

(c)        note the requirement to consult on the future of Ysgol Rhewl following the feasibility study of the Glasdir site, and

(d)       approve proceeding to formal consultation for the proposed change to a school with religious designation for Ysgol Esgob Morgan by closing it as a community school and re-opening it as a Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled school as of the 1st September 2015.

[Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts declared a personal interest in this item.]

Councillor Eryl Williams presented the report providing an update on the Modernising Education Programme and seeking Cabinet approval for projects within the Programme.

The Council’s success in progressing projects under the 21st Century Schools Programme was highlighted and members’ attention was drawn to the current financial commitments and status of those projects.  An overview of potential projects to be funded as part of the Corporate Plan had also been provided and approval sought for feasibility funding to develop the main options for capital investment arising from the Ruthin area review.  Reference was also made to future area reviews in Denbigh, St. Asaph, Rhyl and Bodelwyddan and the proposal to change the designation of Ysgol Esgob Morgan to a Church in Wales school.

Cabinet discussed the ambitious programme for investment in schools in light of the significant budget cuts facing the authority and Councillor Eryl Williams urged Cabinet not to deviate from the planned approach to ensure quality provision in schools across Denbighshire.  Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill elaborated upon the funding required and provisional allocations and was confident that the programme could be delivered.  The projects had been subject to detailed analysis by the Strategic Investment Group and further assurance would be gained through the feasibility work.  Councillor Hugh Evans agreed it was important to continue with the capital programme but to be aware of other dynamics which may affect the availability of Welsh Government funding such as the planned M4 relief road. 

Cabinet carefully considered the proposals as part of the Ruthin area review including the merits of those proposals and potential outcomes for those involved.  Despite previous concerns regarding the review Councillor Bobby Feeley was satisfied with assurances given by the Lead Member for Education and the Head of Customers and Education Support (HCES) that the new Ruthin school would go ahead.  Main discussion points included –

·        Ysgol Llanbedr – a decision by the Minister on the closure of the school was expected in September and Councillor Eryl Williams confirmed his commitment to progressing the remaining proposals for Ruthin

·        Ysgol Rhewl – the HCES stressed that the future of Ysgol Rhewl would be subject to full consultation following the feasibility study of the Glasdir site.  Councillor Merfyn Parry advised that staff and governors at Ysgol Rhewl were enthusiastic about being engaged within the review process and welcomed an input into future options.  The timing of the report during school holidays was unfortunate and the HCES gave assurances that parents who contacted the Admissions Team would be provided with an explanation of the review situation

·        Ruthin Town Schools & Glasdir Site – the anticipated timescales for the development of proposals was provided.  If approved it was expected that the feasibility study on the potential location and number of schools would be completed in the autumn following which the impact on Ysgol Rhewl could be assessed.  The next phase would involve consultation on the future of Ysgol Rhewl which would be carried out at the same time as work on the detailed design of the new town school.

Members noted areas of primary provision to be reviewed in the future and the issues to be addressed.  Councillor Meirick Davies felt the proposal to change the designation of Ysgol Esgob Morgan was an issue for scrutiny.  The HCES reported that the Modernising Education Programme had been through the scrutiny process and she was willing to bring reports on individual projects if requested.  Councillor Davies also reported upon a meeting of the St. Asaph Business Forum at which the employability of Denbighshire’s young people had been questioned.  The Head of Education provided assurances regarding attainment levels for pupils in Denbighshire and advised that there was a national issue in terms of employability skills.  She agreed to meet with Councillor Davies outside the meeting to discuss the issue further.  Councillor Eryl Williams added that schools were required to follow the 14 – 19 learning pathways agenda as set by the Welsh Government.

Cabinet reaffirmed their commitment to the corporate priority of improving performance in education and the quality of school buildings across the county.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       authorise the commencement of feasibility studies in respect of the projects set out in Appendix 2 to the report, the completion of which will be subject of future budget decisions;

(b)       note the authority will continue to maintain provision at Ysgol Borthyn;

(c)        note the requirement to consult on the future of Ysgol Rhewl following the feasibility study of the Glasdir site, and

(d)       approve proceeding to formal consultation for the proposed change to a school with religious designation for Ysgol Esgob Morgan by closing it as a community school and re-opening it as a Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled school as of the 1st September 2015.