Eitem Agenda

Papurau i ddilyn

(a)  Bydd y Cynghorydd Sarah Merry (Dirprwy Arweinydd ac Aelod Cabinet dros Addysg, Cyflogaeth a Sgiliau) yn bresennol ac mae’n bosibl y bydd hi am wneud datganiad;

(b)  Bydd Nick Batchelar (Cyfarwyddwr Addysg a Dysgu Gydol Oes) a’i swyddogion yn cyflwyno’r adroddiad ac ateb cwestiynau Aelodau;

(c)  Cwestiynau gan Aelodau’r Pwyllgor;

(d)  Ystyrir camau i’w cymryd ar gyfer yr eitem hon ar ddiwedd y cyfarfod.

The Chair welcomed Councillor Sarah Merry (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills), Nick Batchelar (Direction of Education and Lifelong Learning) and Jennie Hughes (Senior Achievement Leader – Inclusion) to the meeting to present the Cabinet Report.

The report outlines the three priorities:

• successful implementation of the ALN  and Educational Tribunal Act;
• strengthening the Councils collective capacity to meet all needs; and
• ensuring sufficiency, high quality additional needs provision.

It also sets out the proposals in respect of 8 schools; Ty Gwyn Special School, The Hollies Special School, Greenhill School, Meadowbank Special School, Allensbank Primary School, St Mary the Virgin Church in Wales Primary School, Ysgol Pwll Coch and Ysgol Glantaf.

Cabinet will be asked to authorise officers to consult on the proposals, the outcome of the consultation will be reported where authorisation will be sought to publish the statutory notices. 

Whilst Members did not have any questions of the Cabinet Member and Officers, a number of questions had been provided in writing from Members of the public.

• In relation to Meadowbank Special School officers confirmed that the proposal is to change the designation from specific language impairments, a term or diagnosis no longer used, to speech language and communication needs and complex learning disabilities.  The change in terminology does not mean a change in the type of need.

• It is anticipated that here will be additional places for complex learning disabilities, it is anticipated that those places would be filled and would therefore ensure continued financial viability for the school.

• The proposal to phase out the SRB at Allensbank School and to open an 8-place early intervention class for children with speech and language needs is not to the detriment of Meadowbank School, it is a different type of need. 

• Members sought clarification in relation to the revenue and capital investment needed for learners with additional needs, and referred specifically to in the increased demand anticipated for learners with emotional health and wellbeing needs; complex learning disabilities; and autism spectrum conditions.  Officers advised that these are seen as very distinct areas of additional needs, but that they might be in the same school.  It is important to make the most effective use of the resources available.

AGREED:  That the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, writes to the Cabinet Member conveying the observations of the Committee when discussing the Way Forward.