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Agenda item

Provision of English-Medium Primary School Places in the Llanrumney area SOP: Pre-Decision Scrutiny

Draft Cabinet Report – to follow

 

To consider and review the information and recommendations contained in the draft report.

Minutes:

Councillor Bridgeman reaffirmed his interest in this item and played no further part in the discussion of this item.

 

Councillor De’Ath took the Chair for the discussion of this item.

 

The Chairperson welcomed Councillor Sarah Merry (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member, Education, Employment & Skills), Janine Nightingale (Head of Schools Organisation, Access & Planning) and Michele Duddridge-Hossain (Operational Manager, Planning & Provision) to the meeting.

 

The Chairperson invited Councillor Merry to make a statement in which she indicated that as a result of the consultation a clear majority expressed opposition to the closure of Glan-yr-Afon Primary School; there were strong feelings expressed about the distance to other schools and concerns were raised about children attending a faith school. In the circumstances the recommendation is no longer to close the school but to reduce the intake size of the school and for a further report after exploring modified proposals.

 

Members were invited to comment, seek clarification or raise questions on the presentation.  Those discussions were summarised as follows:

 

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Members noted that there is strong feeling in the area about closing the school, particularly on the basis that the High School has already gone.  Members were advised however that there is need to reduce the number of surplus papers in the area and in the circumstances the size of the school will reduced to a single form entry. 

 

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Members asked whether there was a framework in place with looks at the broader implications of closure and amenities being lost in the area.  Officers advised a Equalities Impact Assessment has to be carried out and also that as part of any proposal there has to be consideration of the any impact on the community. 

 

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Members noted that, in respect of school places in that area, all options were being considered at the present time.

 

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Members queried the current position with the budget at Glan yr Afon Primary School bearing in mind the reduction in pupil numbers and were advised that there is a deficit currently but they have avoided carrying a deficit budget.

 

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Members noted that there are still nursery places available.

 

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Members sought clarification as to how satisfied officers were about their estimation of pupil numbers in that area, particularly bearing in mind the new housing developments.  Officers confirmed they were satisfied with the calculation and the figures.  The figures reflect the information we currently have, whilst there has to be flexibility within the figures it is important that there is not a large surplus. 

 

AGREED – That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations outlined during the way forward discussion.

Supporting documents:

 

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