Agenda item

Papers to follow

(a)

Councillor Sarah Merry, Deputy Leader, Education, Employment & Skills, will be invited to make a statement. Nick Batchelar, Director of Education, and Michele Duddridge-Hossain, Operational Manager- Planning and Provision, will be available to present the report and answer Members’ questions;

(b)

Questions by members of the Committee;

(c)

The way forward will be considered at the end of the meeting

The wellbeing of children is paramount; at the end of the consultation period it may show that there are other better schools with better conditions;

There is capacity is other schools in the area and the team will be working closed with parents to finalise places;

Every effort will be made to accommodate siblings in one school – the nearest schools are Bryn Hafod, Pen Y Bryn and St Cadoc’s.  There would not be a requirement to attend a Catholic school. 

Evidence has been obtained through the admissions process that show that of 478 primary aged children resident in the catchment area in January 2017, 133 attended the school.

The school is in one of the deprived areas that the undersubscription at the school needs to be addressed.  Children deserve to have the best possible education, there is a deficit budget and little money for repairs.  The aim is to cause as little disruption as possible.  A deficit repayment plan has been agreed but with the school numbers it is difficult for them to get on top of the deficit, it will just escalate.

There has been some investment at the school recently, repairs on the roof.  Significant investment is however needed. 

The cost of relocating Flying Start provision would very much depend on where it went, the intention would be for that provision to remain local.  As no decision have yet been made, details of any costs cannot be provided. 

Members noted that there had been a significant surplus of places at the school for some time, the consultation will ascertain the parents’ view of the school but currently it would appear that parents believe that other schools offer better provision.

Members noted that there was not a great distance between the schools, and clearly parents are already travelling to other schools in the area in any event.

The Director advised Members that the currently St Cadoc’s has a 1.5 form entry but it is understood that the building could accommodate a 2 form entry and that is being considered.

Members sought clarification in relation to the accuracy of projections about capacity and the level of capital investment required.  Members were advised that school projections were always difficult; there has been consideration of the various housing developments.  It is something that should be consulted upon.  The Cabinet Members advised that St Cadoc’s could accommodate a 2 form entry.  A huge school building programme is not required.  It is necessary to consolidate sites, to increase pupils numbers and therefore increase budgets.

Members noted that if 99% of from Glan yr Afon wanted to go to the same school the normal admission arrangements would apply and that in the unlikely event that that was the case it may mean that the consideration would have to be given to changes to the catchment area which would require consultation.

Members expressed concern that the total yield of pupils from the new housing developments in Braunton Crescent and Clevedon Road is low and whilst accepting that pupil projections is not an exact science it was important that the information was as robust as possible.

For the sake of clarity Patricia Arlotte advised the Committee that whilst pupils will not be forced to attend St Cadoc’s, a Roman Catholic School, if they did attend they would be expected want to enter into that kind of environment.  Staff Members have to sign a Catholic Education Service Contract, so those attending school there would also be expected.

Members were advised that there would be a cost issue in not using a school and retaining the building.  Significant capital investment would be required, and the site could be better used for the community. 

Members sought clarification about the relocation of ALN provision and were advised whilst there was not yet a clear proposal, there a clear commitment to relocate.