Issue - meetings

As detailed in the report.

The Cabinet Member for Education presented the responses to consultations in each of the three designated areas of Holywell, Connah’s Quay/Queensferry and Buckley/Mynydd Isa/Mold.

The consultation process began in November 2012, and remained open until the end of term on 21 December 2012.

The preferred options that were the subject of consultations were:

1 – Holywell High School, Ysgol Perth y Terfyn and Ysgol y Fron

Preferred Option – Build a new High School for pupils aged 11-16, together with a new primary school to replace Ysgol Perth y Terfyn and Ysgol y Fron.

2 – Queensferry, Shotton & Connah’s Quay

Preferred Option – Develop 3-16 facility at John Summers High School with a Post-16 hub at Connah’s Quay High School

3 – Buckley, Mynydd Isa & Mold

Preferred Option – To retain 11-16 provision at Elfed High School.  Rationalise to 600 places, to include Additional Learning Needs and other education, leisure and cultural uses

In all of the consultation exercises, the overall number of responses had to be taken in context with the overall number of potential consultees.  All responses to the consultations had been considered.  It was acknowledged that there was some opinion against some of the options put forward, however, it was noted that a significant number of respondents were positive about the proposals.

In considering those objections to the re-organisation of post-16 provision, it was necessary to balance them against the need for the authority to respond to National Policies in relation to the transformation of sixth-form provision, making a reduction in surplus places and the need for modern comprehensive centres of education which could offer a wide curriculum.

Under the proposals to transfer the nursery provision from the Croft Nursery to neighbouring Primary schools, provision would be increased for children and families in the community.  The issues raised about ‘segregation’ of young children in a 3-16 age range had been acknowledged and the practical arrangements at existing schools demonstrated the effectiveness of the segregation of learner age groups.

The Director of Lifelong Learning added that in 2009 and 2011, Estyn had reminded the Council of the importance of taking key decisions on school modernisation and they recognised Flintshire’s progress on this. 

On post-16 education, discussions had taken place on the available data including the views of students.  That data showed that Flintshire had some of largest and most resilient sixth forms in the country but it also showed Flintshire had some of the smallest sixth forms in the country where outcomes could be better with an increasing number of students opting out of the smaller sixth form provisions.

The Chief Executive added that County Council had selected the options before Members and that they needed to determine two things: 1 – were they workable and deliverable and 2 – were the risks raised manageable.

The Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance said the lengthy consultation process had spanned the life of two councils and a great deal of concern had been expressed at the initial proposals which  ...  view the full minutes text for item 196