Agenda item

That the Committee note the progress of the School Modernisation Programme and appreciate the work carried out.

In presenting the report the Senior Manager (School Planning & Provision) firstly referred to the Lixwm and Ysgol yr Esgob in Caerwys schools formally becoming federated on the 7^th of June.  He referred to the Childcare Programme, the operational management of which had been moved from Social Services to the Education portfolio and outlined how the programme was funded and put out to tender to get the best value for money and grant funding from Welsh Government (WG).  

The Senior Manager (School Planning & Provision) reported on the new Mynydd Isa Campus confirming that planning permission had been granted in January.  A design and build contract had been selected through Welsh Education Partnership Company (WEPCO) which had been established by WG to deliver the MIM projects in Wales.  The business case would be submitted to WG by March and if it received ministerial approval then a paper would be presented to Cabinet in June for approval to enter the construction phase.  The projected completion date was scheduled for July 2024 and occupation on site in September 2024.

Councillor Tudor Jones thanked the Senior Manager for a thorough report.  Referring to the federation of Lixwm and Ysgol yr Esgob Schools he felt the benefits for the pupils and staff were tremendous.  The two schools shared staff and workload and they felt it improved the quality of what they delivered, together with the wraparound care service, which was great for the area.  He congratulated everyone who had supported this.  Referring to the investment into Welsh language schools, Councillor Jones said this proved that the council was taking steps to deliver both languages across the county.  He applauded the Senior Manager, and everyone involved.

Councillor Ian Smith referred to the excellent 21^st Century Schools projects which had benefited the whole of Flintshire.   He asked if this was similar to the PFI scheme and were the costs known for MIM compared to borrowing for over 25 years in the normal way.  In response the Senior Manager (School Planning & Provision) explained that there were costs involved when the business case was submitted, and that this had been included in the Council’s financial planning and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). 

            Councillor Sean Bibby welcomed the investment at Ysgol Croes Atti, Glannau Dyfrdwy saying that 10 pupils were able to attend Ysgol Maes Garmon in September.  The paid tribute to the Head, Teachers, Governors, and pupils for this fantastic achievement having a Welsh medium school in the heart of Deeside.  He asked if there were any proposals for this in the Buckley and Mynydd Isa areas to hopefully emulate the success of Shotton in that part of the County also.  The Leader hoped that a Welsh medium school in the Buckley and Mynydd Isa area could be established where there was demand. 

            The Senior Manager (School Planning & Provision) referred to the federation comments made by Councillor Tudor Jones and said that this was open to any governing body to promote and would be supported by the Council.  He felt that Lixwm and Ysgol Yr Esgob could be championing this because of the benefits in involved for teachers, learners, and the community.

The recommendation, as outlined within the report, was moved by Councillor Sean Bibby, and seconded by Councillor Ian Smith.

RESOLVED:

That the Committee note the progress of the School Modernisation Programme and appreciate the work carried out.