Agenda item

To consider a report by Councillor Eryl Williams, Lead Member for Education (copy enclosed) detailing discussions with the Church in Wales Diocesan Authority regarding the future of Ysgol Llanbedr and seeking Cabinet approval to proceed to formal consultation on the proposal to close Ysgol Llanbedr VC on 31 August 2016 with existing pupils transferring to Ysgol Borthyn VC, subject to parental preference.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approve formal consultation for proposals to close Ysgol Llanbedr VC on 31 August 2016 with existing pupils transferring to Ysgol Borthyn VC, subject to parental preference.

Councillor Eryl Williams presented the report detailing discussions with the Church in Wales Diocesan Authority regarding the future of Ysgol Llanbedr and seeking Cabinet approval to proceed to formal consultation on the proposal to close Ysgol Llanbedr VC on 31 August 2016 with existing pupils transferring to Ysgol Borthyn VC, subject to parental preference.

Councillor Williams reiterated the rationale behind the review of primary schools in the county and the context of Ysgol Llanbedr as part of the wider Ruthin area review.  The case for change had been set out in the report highlighting projections in terms of surplus places and issues over the sustainability and viability of the school and standards of education and attainment in the future.  Following rejection of the initial proposal by the Welsh Government, officers had consulted with the Church in Wales regarding the school’s future.  The Diocese had submitted an alternative proposal which included suspending the proposed consultation to close the school to allow a federation partner to be secured and change of status to Voluntary Aided, with a commitment to review the school’s future in May 2018.  They believed this proposal would address the Council’s aims of reducing costs and addressing surplus places.  Councillor Williams advised that more detailed proposals could be submitted during the formal consultation period and officers would work with the Diocese in that regard.

Cabinet considered the report and reflected on their recent meeting with the Diocese regarding their proposal.  Due to the lack of detail and robust business case no evaluation of the viability of the proposal could be made.  It was clarified that any development of the proposal would need to be undertaken by the Diocese but officers would be willing to work with them and provide any relevant information.

Councillor Huw Williams expressed his disappointment that the issue of closure was still being considered and asked that the consultation be suspended to allow time for the federation proposal to be developed – he felt that future talks with potential federation partners may be compromised if the consultation for closure went ahead.  He also reminded Cabinet that funding to progress the Ruthin area review proposals had been secured and was not reliant on the school’s closure.  Councillor Dewi Owens also felt strongly that the consultation should be suspended and the Diocese and Council should work together to develop the federation proposal.  Councillor Martyn Holland highlighted the merits of federation as a real alternative to closure and referred to the potential implications on pupil numbers arising from new housing developments.  Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts sought clarification on the pupil numbers and stressed the need for some thought to be given to the children affected.  Responses were provided as follows –

·         it was clarified that the proposal to close the school was subject to a fresh consultation and members would remain open minded and consider all responses received, including any alternative proposal submitted

·         assurances were given that the viability of any alternative proposals would be assessed and presented to Cabinet together with the full consultation responses for consideration

·         the pupil projection figure was 53 by 2020 – capacity had been reviewed at the request of the Governing Body and would be increased to 77 from September 2016, again at the request of the Governing Body

·         some discussion took place on the issue of federation and when it had first been raised, this included why federation with Ysgol Borthyn had been discounted, the failure of the Diocese to put forward an alternative proposition for federation at an earlier stage, and the need for willing federation partners was emphasised

Cabinet felt the uncertainty over the school’s future should be resolved as soon as possible and that sufficient information had not been provided by the Diocese to justify suspending formal consultation on the school’s closure.  Cabinet was satisfied that the Diocese would have sufficient time during the consultation period to develop a detailed alternative proposal and they welcomed that approach.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approve formal consultation for proposals to close Ysgol Llanbedr VC on 31 August 2016 with existing pupils transferring to Ysgol Borthyn VC, subject to parental preference.