Issue - meetings

That the recommendation:  to report to Cabinet “That the consultations in relation to the preferred options, to be scheduled to take place early in the new academic year in accordance with the timetable for Area Reviews be agreed.” be endorsed by the Committee

The Chairman invited the Leader of the Council to comment on the  issue of School Modernisation.  The Leader referred to the need for quick and decisive action on the issue to bring certainty for schools prior to the Summer recess.   He referred to the importance of listening to the outcomes of consultations and the need for further consultation of the preferred options alongside business case planning for capital projects.

Copies of a report which was to be considered at the Cabinet on 17 July were circulated.

The Director of Lifelong Learning introduced the report on the selection of preferred options for further consultations in each of the three designated areas of Holywell, Connah’s Quay/Queensferry/ Shotton, and Buckley/Mynydd Isa/Mold.  He provided background information and gave an overview of the options for the areas as detailed in the report.  

The Director advised that the report on School Modernisation, Area Reviews, would be submitted to a meeting of Cabinet to be held on 17 July 2012.  Regular update reports would also continue to be submitted to the Committee to inform members of the progress relating to the School Modernisation Strategy.  He commented on the careful consideration of the dynamics and needs of communities in area reviews as well as the prospects for educational improvement and sustainability. 

The Director paid tribute to the Members, Officers, and school staff who had contributed to the consultation exercise which provided a positive platform to take discussion forward. 

The Chief Executive emphasised that the special meeting on the 17th July had been called to enable the preferred options to be agreed prior to schools

closing for the summer holidays.  He advised that there was further important work to be undertaken in terms of practical determinations, academic performance and long term sustainability.  The Chief Executive commented on the importance of trust and confidence in a fair and transparent consultation process to progress the work. 

During discussion Members expressed their views concerning the options as detailed in the report for the three areas.   In response to a query raised by Councillor C.A. Thomas the Head of Development and Resources advised that a series of consultations on a single preferred option for each area would take place in the Autumn term, subject to Cabinet approval.   . 

Officers responded in further detail to the additional queries and concerns raised by Members around sixth form provision, surplus capacity in schools, and rationalisation.  In response to a request from Mrs. R. Price the Director agreed to involve Diocesan representatives in future discussions regarding School Modernisation.     

RESOLVED:

That the recommendation:  to report to Cabinet “That the consultations in relation to the preferred options, to be scheduled to take place early in the new academic year in accordance with the timetable for Area Reviews be agreed.” be endorsed by the Committee