Issue - meetings

(a)       That the progress of the School Modernisation Programme be noted; and

(b)       That a report to enable the Committee to consider setting up a 6^th Form Education Task & Finish Group be presented to the next meeting.

The Chief Officer introduced a report to give an update on the progress of the School Modernisation Programme.  He provided background information and advised that the projects at both Holywell Learning Campus and Deeside 6^th  had been delivered on time and within budget.  He paid tribute to the work of officers, primary and secondary school staff, school governors, and external contractors  for their hard work and commitment to provide a state of the art learning environment for pupils. The Chief Officer commented on the excellent GCSE and A level results achieved at Ysgol Treffynnon and said that being co-located provided both schools the opportunity to work together on aspects of school improvement and sharing best practice which would have a positive impact on the transition of learners between the phases and would underpin even higher levels of achievement for the future.

The Chief Officer advised that the project at Deeside 6^th had been operational for the start of the new 2016 academic year and referred to the number of pupils on roll as at September 2016 and the courses currently available.   Referring to the Holywell Learning Campus he said that Phase 1 (buildings) was handed over August 2016. Pupils from Holywell High School, Ysgol y Fron Junior School and Ysgol Perth y Terfyn Infants school transferred to the new facility in September 2016.  Phase 2 of the programme, to demolish the old high school building to create outdoor play and sporting facilities for Ysgol Treffynnon, would be completed in February 2017.

The Chief Officer referred to the key considerations as detailed in the report around statutory consultations and proposals and the transition arrangements/meetings with John Summers High School following the Ministerial decision announced in August 2016. He also referred to a report to be considered at the next meeting of Cabinet on 18 October 2016 on modernisation works at Connah’s Quay High School in line with the Ministerial decision on the closure of John Summers High School. The Chief Officer advised that a report was also being  submitted to the meeting of Cabinet for  approval of the capital project to consolidate the current split site primary school buildings in Penyffordd onto one site in the village.

 The Chief Officer reported  that Cabinet had determined the statutory closure of Ysgol Maes Edwin and Ysgol Llanfynydd at its meeting on 19 April 2016.  He explained that transition arrangements have been undertaken at both schools and pupils, parents, and staff are being supported through the process.  Cabinet had also supported the commitment from the Governing Bodies of Ysgol Maes Garmon and Ysgol Mornant to develop and consult on a federation proposal.  The federation would formally commence on 10 November 2016.

The Chair thanked the Chief Officer for the update and invited members to raise questions.

Councillor Dave Mackie referred to the proposed improvements to Connah’s Quay High School and said  his understanding was that funding provided under the school modernisation strategy could only be utilised for new building projects.  The Chief  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26