Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Committee notes the contents of the report and progress of the School Modernisation programme; and

(b)       That the Committee notes the requests for further information and relevant investment outlined by Members.

The Senior Manager, School Planning and Provision, presented an update report on progress with the School Modernisation programme and emerging additional Capital Grant funding streams available through Welsh Government (WG).

Following an overview of progress on the 21^st Century Schools programme, he advised that decisions were still awaited from WG on the Infants Class Size Grant bid for Ysgol Glan Aber and the Welsh Medium capital grant bid for Ysgol Glanrafon.  Confirmation of the Early Years’ Capital Grant was also outstanding along with the qualifying criteria.

Councillor Heesom commented on the need for schools across the County to be given equal consideration for building improvements, in particular Bryn Pennant in Mostyn which was expanding and required roof repairs.  This was noted by the Senior Manager who advised that schools with condition issues were retained on a list and brought forward when funding was available.  Councillor Heesom also sought an update on Ysgol Mornant in Picton.

Councillor Williams referred to investment at Deeside Sixth and requested a future item on available courses, entry qualifications, student numbers and those dropping out.  He asked about future extension of capacity at Castell Alun High School due to the number of housing developments in surrounding areas.  He was told that the programme was fluid to allow for additional capacity and that a snapshot of the process would be included in the School Admissions item scheduled for later in the year.  The Senior Manager provided Councillor Williams with an update on work at Penyffordd School and advised that traffic issues raised by the school would be picked up through the regular meetings.

In commending the Cabinet decision on Lixwm and Brynford Schools, Councillor Tudor Jones suggested that options could be explored for Brynford to expand the school with joint use as a community village hall, which could attract WG grant funding.  He spoke about the need to support Ysgol Mornant where the community was investing in the Welsh language and said that engaging with communities could identify a means of both parties achieving their objectives.

Councillor Roberts explained that the basis of the Cabinet decision was due to the scale of support to retain education in those communities.  It was hoped that the Council could work with those communities to achieve a successful federation.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Committee notes the contents of the report and progress of the School Modernisation programme; and

(b)       That the Committee notes the requests for further information and relevant investment outlined by Members.