Issue - meetings

As per the recommendation.

The Cabinet Member for Education introduced a report to seek approval for officers to renew consultation with relevant groups on options for the future of Ysgol Rhes y Cae. 

            In line with the Council’s School Modernisation Strategy, approved by the Executive in October, 2009 a review of any school that had more than 25% surplus places and had fewer than 15 pupils should be reviewed.  Ysgol Rhes y Cae currently had a surplus of 80% and a total of 9 pupils.  A report seeking approval for officers to review the school and consult on options had been submitted and approved by the Executive on 21 September, 2010.  An initial three meetings had been held with staff, Governors and parents of pupils and feedback from the meetings together with written responses had been made available in the Members’ Library.  As the original consultations had been carried out in October, 2010 it was reasonable to require a new consultation process.  

            The Cabinet Member detailed the key issues for consideration as shown in the report, commenting particularly on the Educational Impact Assessment, Sustainability Assessment and Community Impact Assessment.  In response to some of the comments made during the initial consultation, the possible increase in population of the village was not backed by the Local Development Plan.  

RESOLVED:

That the consultation relating to the options outlined within the report be approved with a clear preferred option to propose the closure of the school in accordance with the statutory process.