Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendation.

The Cabinet Member for Education introduced the updated ‘Strategy for the Modernisation of Flintshire Schools’.

Details of a number of school organisation projects which had been undertaken since the original Strategy was introduced, which increased efficiency and effectiveness within the school system, were outlined in the report. 

Work had also progressed well on the 21^st Century Schools Band A projects at Holywell and Connah’s Quay.  The John Summers project was subject to current pause and review.

He explained that it was the responsibility of local authorities to manage the supply of school places and whilst the level of surplus places in Flintshire was similar to the Welsh average, it was significantly higher than the advice from the Wales Audit Office (WAO) and the Welsh Government (WG) target, both of which were 10%.  A target of 10% meant that resources could be focused on teaching and learning instead of the upkeep of buildings and leadership and administrative costs that were inefficient.

The Chief Officer (Education and Youth) added that the key drivers for school modernisation and reorganisation included the need to address:

·         Educational improvement

·         Resilient school leadership

·         Securing suitable learning and working environments

·         Addressing unfilled places

·         Addressing diminishing revenue resources

The Cabinet Member for Education explained that strategies would continue to be developed to ensure that the authority was providing school places that were fit for purpose in the 21^st century. 

            RESOLVED:

That the updated School Modernisation Strategy be approved.