Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Cabinet Member for Education informed Members of the responses to the consultations undertaken in June 2014.

In accordance with the Welsh Government (WG) programme, consultations were undertaken in Saltney on two options.  The first related to the future of sixth form provision at St. David’s High School.  The second combined the proposals in option one with the possible amalgamation of the High School with the neighbouring Saltney Ferry Primary School.  The details of the options were:

(1)       To change the age-range of St. David’s high School from 11-18 to 11-16 from September 2016      

(2)       To amalgamate the primary provision at Saltney Ferry Primary School with the secondary provision at St. David’s High School from September 2015 and to change the age-range of the High School to 3-16 from September 2016

            The Cabinet Member provided full details of the consultation meetings that had taken place, the responses of which were contained in the appendices to the report.

            Option 1, to change the age-range to 11-16 was broadly supported.  On option 2, over 50% of parents/carers, staff and governors strongly disagreed with the proposal.  However, during consultation discussions the potential for deepening current working relationships between primary and secondary schools in the Saltney and Broughton areas were identified which provided an opportunity to fulfil the recommendations of Robert Hill’s 2013 report on “the Future of Education in Wales” on cluster working. 

The Chief Officer (Education and Youth) expressed his appreciation to the parents/carers, staff and governors on the level of engagement on the proposals which had resulted in recommendations that were representative of their views.  He reiterated that implementing option 1, whilst also developing closer partnership working arrangements between local schools, would provide the opportunity and appropriate circumstances for further consideration of the working arrangements between local primary schools for potential plans for federation.

            The Chief Executive expressed his thanks to both Schools and governors for their support through the consultation process.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the option to change the age-range of St David’s High School, Saltney from 11-18 to 11-16 be approved and that Members approve the publication of the statutory notice to this effect; and

(b)       That further work be undertaken with St David’s High School and local primary schools to promote closer collaborative working and development of potential plans for federation.