Issue - meetings

That progress of the School Modernisation Programme be noted.

The Chief Officer (Education and Youth) gave a verbal update on progress of the School Modernisation Programme.  He provided background information and referred to the area review of Brynford CP School, Lixwm CP School and Ysgol Rhos Helyg, Rhosesmor. 

The Chief Officer advised that at the meeting of Cabinet held on 13 December 2016, it had been determined that consultation on statutory proposals for school organisation change for September 2017 be based on Option B – area school on two sites as the preferred option.  Ysgol Rhos Helyg, Rhosesmor, would remain as it is, retaining its name, category, budget, governors, and staff and would remain in its community.  Brynford CP and Lixwm CP would amalgamate onto one site.  The amalgamated school would retain its category but would have a new name, governing body, headteadcher, and budget, and would remain in one of the communities, either Brynford or Lixwm.  The Chief Officer advised that if proposals for a federation between Brynford CP and Lixwm CP were to be submitted prior to consultation on statutory proposals commencing in September 2017, these would be considered by Cabinet.   

Councillor Dave Mackie asked how the proposals would progress if Brynford CP and Lixwm CP did not put forward a proposal for federation.  The Chief Officer commented on the Council’s long standing policy that was supportive of school federation and referred to the statutory consultation process which had taken place and the options considered which included federation and amalgamation. 

Councillor David Williams asked for assurance that the Community Youth football pitch in the village of Pen-y-ffordd and the school football pitch and adult changing rooms would be retained.  The Senior Manager School Planning and Provision advised that there were no plans to remove the facilities from the school.

RESOLVED

That progress of the School Modernisation Programme be noted.