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Agenda item

School Organisation Planning: Expansion of Pentyrch Primary School

(to follow)

 

To enable Members to undertake pre-decision scrutiny of the School Organisation Plan proposals for the expansion of Pentyrch Primary School.

Minutes:

The Chair welcomed Councillor Sarah Merry (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Employment & Skills), Melanie Godfrey (Director of Education & Lifelong Learning), Michele Duddrige-Friedl (Operational Manager, Planning & Provision), and Richard Portas (Programme Director of School Organisation Planning) to the meeting. 

 

Councillor Merry was invited to make a statement during which she referred to the draft report for Cabinet and its recommendation to go to consultation on the expansion of Pentyrch Primary School.

 

Members were advised that Section 106 funding had been allocated to the proposal and that the village school would benefit from the proposed expansion and nursery provision. 

 

Members were asked to comment or raise questions on the information received.  Those discussions are summarised as follows:

 

·       Members sought clarification as to whether the projected surplus of places in English medium provision would be taken up by the new housing developments in the wider area. Members were advised that there was confidence that the places would be required in the short term. It was difficult to predict longer term trends with certainty, although a decrease in the birth rate was expected. Nevertheless the development was a prudent one which would stabilise provision in the locality.

 

·       Members sought clarification on the accuracy of the projected figures for English and Welsh medium demand, and the difference between the catchment areas for English and Welsh medium schools. Members were advised that the numbers were not yet confirmed and would continue to be considered projected until the figures from PLASK had been verified. The catchment areas were wider for Welsh medium schools and there continued to be lower take-up for Welsh medium education. Projected figures were based on historic take-up. It was likely that catchment areas would be reviewed in the future.

 

·       Members enquired as to the plans for Welsh medium education in relation to the Plasdwr  proposals. Members were advised that engagement had commenced in relation to the Welsh Education Strategic Plan and different models of provision. The aim was to expand Welsh medium provision but that had to be balanced against declining birth rates. The Plasdwr proposal is a hybrid model with one form of entry English medium and the other 50% Welsh. The new model is intended to increase English speakers’ confidence in using Welsh. The Welsh medium classes at Creigiau and Gwaelod are not full.

 

·       Members sought clarification on whether the proposed development encompassed plans to improve the condition of the school. Members were advised that issues relating to the condition of the school would be addressed and resolved in due course and the money available be used to greatest effect.

 

·       Members sought clarification on the arrangements being sought to federate the school. Members were advised that similar arrangements are already in place. Support is being given by Llanishen Fach Primary School. No decision has yet been taken about which school would be most appropriate to federate with. The Council has supported Pentyrch over a number of years as intake and standards have fluctuated. A sustainable model for the long term is required. The governing body is bringing forward the proposal proactively. It needs to consider it beneficial. There are several federations that are already operating very successfully. It is difficult to attract and retain high quality headteachers for smaller schools. Staff in both schools have benefited from working together.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the Chairperson writes to the Cabinet Member on behalf of the Committee expressing their comments and observations during the Way Forward.

Supporting documents:

 

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