Issue - meetings

(a)       That consultation processes for Saltney and Flint be subjected to pre-consultation with the school communities involved;

(b)       That further data be provided regarding the potential impact of

            Flint Secondary Schools not participating in the hub; and

(c)        That future updates on the progress of the strategy be submitted to Committee when appropriate.

The Head of Development and Resources introduced a report to update Members on the progress made in relation to the School Modernisation Strategy.  He provided background information  and advised that consultations on the proposed Area reviews of provision closed on 31 December 2012.  The outcome of the consultations and consideration of the responses were to be reported to Cabinet on 19 March 2013.   Further consultation was to be undertaken with schools in Flint and Saltney on the provision of Post 16 education. 

                                       The Head of Service commented on other initiatives being progressed concerning the amalgamations of Infant and Junior Schools into Primary Schools.  He referred to the proposed amalgamations at Shotton and Hawarden which were subject to Statutory Notice and advised that consultations on the amalgamation of Penyffordd Infant and Junior Schools had been completed.

                                       Members were advised that if the proposals were approved by Cabinet on 19 March 2013, Statutory Notices would be prepared in relation to a change in age range from 11-18 to 11-16 from 2016 at Holywell High School, Connah’s Quay High School, John Summers High School and from 2014 at Buckley Elfed High School.  Statutory Notices would also be published relating to the proposed closure of the Croft Nursery.  Additional Statutory Notices would be required for the proposed amalgamation of Ysgol Perth y Terfyn and Ysgol y Fron and Penyffordd Infant and Junior Schools.

                                       The Head of Service reported that the Minister for Education had confirmed the closure of Ysgol Rhes y Cae as of 31 August 2013, and appropriate transitional arrangements were being made with members of the school community. 

                                       During discussion the Director and Officers responded to the queries and concerns raised around the cost of new build, disposal of existing capital assets, collaborative working, the future implications of reduced numbers in 6^th form provision in existing Secondary schools, and funding for post 16 education.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That consultation processes for Saltney and Flint be subjected to pre-consultation with the school communities involved;

(b)       That further data be provided regarding the potential impact of

            Flint Secondary Schools not participating in the hub; and

(c)        That future updates on the progress of the strategy be submitted to Committee when appropriate.