Agenda item

That Ysgol Maes Edwin be closed as of 31/08/16 with pupils transferring to other schools in accordance with parental preference.

The Chief Officer (Education and Youth) introduced the report on School Modernisation – School Standards and Reorganisation Act 2013 – Ysgol Maes Edwin, Flint Mountain.

            Following consideration of the committee and consultation report at Cabinet on 19^th January 2016, a Statutory Proposal was issued for Ysgol Maes Edwin on 29^th January 2016 which ran until 26^th February 2016.

            The areas of concern during the objection period were explained as:

·         Concerns about the children’s welfare, pupils had already transferred from other schools, bullying, unable to obtain a place in schools of their preference, loss of friendship, did not want a large school, support, large class sizes

·         Concern that parental preference was being taken away

·         Concerns about the consultation process, data, new housing development, process unsettling to school community

·         Impact on the community/future use of site should the school close

·         Concerns that money already invested in the school

·         Concern the Council did not allow enough time for the Governors to consider federation

·         Transport

At the time of writing and presenting the report, the Governing Body of Ysgol Maes Edwn had not been able to identify a willing partnering school or schools with which to pursue a federation.  If Cabinet implemented the proposal for school organisational change at Ysgol Maes Edwin, the school would close on 31^st August 2016.  The Chief Officer explained that in making their decision, Cabinet Members should have an open mind and consider consistency factors such as resourcing of education.  The Council needed to ensure that there were sufficient number of school places, of the right type, in the right locations.  This proposal would reduce the number of surplus places in the area.  Estyn commented that ‘The local authority has given a clear rationale for the proposed expected benefits when compared with the status quo in relation to finance, surplus places and the continuity and progression in pupils’ learning’.

The Council would take all practicable steps to ease the transition for all pupils, particularly for vulnerable learners such as those with Additional Learning Needs (ALNs) and would work alongside pupils, their parents, and the relevant schools to make appropriate transition arrangements.

On housing developments, the Chief Officer explained that the Council had fully considered school capacity and potential housing development yield in its consultation documents.

The proposal would result in a fairer and more equal distribution of funding to all pupils in the County.  Any transport costs, which would be minimal, would be funded through the savings generated by the reorganisation. 

Councillor Bithell concurred with the comments of the Chief Officer and added that the reason for the proposal of closure was as the trigger for the number of surplus places at the school had been hit.  There was currently only 10 pupils from the local area attending the school, with 83.6% being from outside the area.  He added that all concerns raised throughout the process had been responded to in full.

There were no large scale housing developments identified in the Council’s Unitary Development Plan (UDP).

He reiterated his comments from the previous item on the agenda that this proposal was before Cabinet due to the cuts made by Central Government, which were passed on to Welsh Government (WG) and then on to local authorities.  Continued subsidy of the school was not possible or sustainable.  On concluding, he moved that Ysgol Maes Edwin be closed from 31^st August 2016 with pupils transferring to other schools in the area subject to parental preference. This was duly seconded.

Councillor Attridge said that following the Cabinet meeting in January 2016he had been hopeful that a federation proposal would be submitted however nothing had been received.  He reiterated Councillor Shotton’s comments on the previous item that had a viable federation proposal been submitted, it would have been considered by the Cabinet.

Councillor Kevin Jones asked if there were sufficient places in the area for those pupils from Ysgol Maes Edwin and any siblings.  The Chief Officer explained that there were sufficient places however he was mindful that some families and moved to Ysgol Maes Edwin from nearby schools.  They may therefore, in line with parental preference, not want to move their children to the schools with places but discussions would be undertaken with all affected families.

The Chief Executive explained that the correct process had been followed which was compliant with the policies of Welsh Government and Flintshire County Council.  The school was not sustainable in its current form.

Councillor Butler said this was another difficult decision for the Cabinet, highlighting that this was due to austerity and cuts made by Central Government.

            RESOLVED:

That Ysgol Maes Edwin be closed from 31^st August 2016 with pupils transferring to other schools in the area subject to parental preference.