Agenda item

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 also resulted in a significant local campaign.  He referred to previous successful mergers of schools and sought clarification on segregation of the children.  The Director of Lifelong Learning gave assurance that, on the 3-16 proposals, the authority continued to work with parents, staff and governors in each of the design stages and highlighted the benefits to co-location of pupils across the age ranges, citing sharing curriculum facilities and staff planning as some examples.  All of the options would result in the children being segregated, including at break times.

The Chief Executive explained that, if approved, once the process reached the planning application stages, flexibility would be needed and consideration given to things such as staggered entry and exit times for learner age groups.

In explaining the next stage of the process, the Director of Lifelong Learning added that if approved, an outline business case would be developed on factors such as plans for the new school buildings and curriculum provision.  Statutory consultation would commence with the publication of notices specific to each change and they would be published for one month; this would be done prior to the summer.  During the month, members of public would be able to raise objections to any proposals.  If any objections were received, all of the information and consultation documents would be collated and submitted to Leighton Andrews, the Minister for Education Skills, and he would take the decision as to whether the proposals should be implemented or not, which could take up to six months.

Following the general discussion, the Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance invited Members to debate and vote on Option 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.

The Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Waste and Recycling said that the local people of Holywell welcomed the proposals outlined in option 1 and added that the figures demonstrated that there had already been a reduction in the number of sixth form pupils on the site.

The Director of Lifelong Learning said that Holywell deserved investment as a community and there was excitement in the town about the plans however there was some anxiety on Post-16 provision.  It was important that work undertaken on the plans involved all of the appropriate people which would give them a sense of ownership of the project.

It was agreed that the development of Option 1 be progressed and that Statutory Notices be prepared for publication when appropriate. 

The Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance invited Members to debate and vote on Option 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.

The Director of Lifelong Learning said the Governing Body had recognised the current challenging circumstances and had asked the local authority to undertake a review. 

It was agreed that the development of Option 3 be progressed and that Statutory Notices be prepared for publication when appropriate.

Prior to consideration of Option 2, the Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment and the Cabinet Member for Social Services, having previously declared personal and prejudicial interests in this part of the report, left the room.  The Cabinet Member for Corporate Management took the Chair.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Management invited Members to debate and vote on Option 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.

            The Director of Lifelong Learning said it was important that Post-16 education was resilient and this was an opportunity to create that, in a high quality environment with a hub at Connah’s Quay and he was confident in the development of the combined primary and secondary education facilities.

On the Croft Nursery, the Director explained that the Flying Start provision which shared the Croft site was an important programme that targeted support to families with children under four years of age in areas of high social need.  As this programme was to double the numbers of children who were supported over the next four years, additional accommodation would be required, which would be available at the Croft site if the nursery provision was transferred to the two sites.  This option would not result in a loss of provision, but would provide a positive opportunity to enhance the overall provision for children and families in the area.

            It was agreed that the development of Option 2 be progressed and that Statutory Notices be prepared for publication when appropriate.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the preferred option (1) – Holywell High School, Ysgol Perth y Terfyn and Ysgol y Fron – 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 be approved;

(b)       That the preferred option (2) – Queensferry, Shotton & Connah’s Quay – Develop 3-16 facility at John  Summers High School with a Post 16-hub at Connah’s Quay High School, be approved; and

(c)        That the preferred option (3) – Buckley, Mynydd Isa and Mold – 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, be approved.