Cyflwynwyd gan:Cyng/Cllr Cemlyn Williams
Decision:
It
was resolved to accept the observations received during the statutory
consultation period as well as agreeing to:
i.
Approve the proposal to close Ysgol Llanaelhaearn on 31 August 2020, and
provide a place for the pupils at Ysgol Bro Plenydd, Y Ffôr from 1 September
2020.
ii.
Approve the publication of statutory notices on the proposal in (i)
above in accordance with the requirements of Section 48 of the Schools
Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013.
iii.
Approve the transport arrangements for the transition period only, when
free transport will be available for those pupils enrolled at Ysgol
Llanaelhaearn currently, to Ysgol Bro Plenydd, Y Ffôr or Ysgol Chwilog
specifically, if they live over two miles from the chosen school, or that they
receive free transport because of the nature of the roads in accordance with
Gwynedd Council's current transport policy.
Minutes:
Submitted by Cllr Cemlyn Williams
DECISION
It was resolved to accept
the observations received during the statutory consultation period as well as
agreeing to:
i.
Approve the proposal
to close Ysgol Llanaelhaearn on 31 August 2020, and provide a place for the
pupils at Ysgol Bro Plenydd, Y Ffôr from 1 September 2020.
ii.
Approve the publication of statutory notices on the proposal in (i)
above in accordance with the requirements of Section 48 of the Schools
Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013.
iii.
Approve the transport
arrangements for the transition period only, when free transport will be
available for those pupils enrolled at Ysgol Llanaelhaearn currently, to Ysgol
Bro Plenydd, Y Ffôr or Ysgol Chwilog specifically, if they live over two miles
from the chosen school, or that they receive free transport because of the
nature of the roads in accordance with Gwynedd Council's current transport
policy.
DISCUSSION
The report was submitted and it was noted that the Cabinet
had approved a request in December to commence a statutory consultation period
on the proposal to close Ysgol Llanaelhaearn in accordance with the Schools
Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013. It was emphasised that the number
of pupils had reduced to eight in recent years and that projections were
highlighting the probability that numbers would reduce further over the next
five years and that this, inevitably, was a prominent factor.
The Head of Education Department noted that seven responses
had been received during the consultation period, along with a response from
Estyn and that sessions had been arranged with pupils. The Area Officer noted
the observations raised by pupils which emphasised that they were saddened that
closing the school was an option and that they were eager to attend Ysgol
Chwilog rather than Ysgol Bro Plenydd as a result of existing connections with
the school. It was reiterated that Ysgol Chwilog and Ysgol Llanaelhaearn had
been working closely but that Ysgol Bro Plenydd had been selected as an
alternative school as it was geographically closer. It was added that it was
possible for Ysgol Bro Plenydd to cope with the additional number of pupils and
the school catchment area would be extended as a result. As the pupils were
eager to attend Ysgol Chwilog, it was also elaborated that the Department would
be willing to pay transport costs for the school's current pupils to attend the
school if that was the wish of their parents and whether it would be possible
to register them at the school. In that regard, it was underlined that this
would depend on place availability in Ysgol Chwilog, bearing in mind that
children from the catchment area would be given priority. Based on the
situation as it currently stood, and unless things would change substantially
in September, this should not be problematic.
The local member expressed his disappointment and sadness at
closing the school. He thanked and praised the staff for providing education to
the remaining pupils and to the Governors for attempting to get pupils back to
the school. The Education Department was also thanked for the offer to attend
Ysgol Chwilog.
Observations arising from the discussion
¾
It was stated that statistics in the report
highlighted the challenges that faced the school. The Department was thanked
for its engagement work and it was enquired whether the Department would
provide transport to both schools. It was explained that transport would be
available and that school selection, therefore, depended on the wishes of
parents.
¾
In terms of timetable, it was enquired whether
it would be possible for parents to register their children at one of the two
schools. It was highlighted that pupils would automatically transfer to Ysgol
Bro Plenydd and that it would be up to parents to apply for registration at
Ysgol Chwilog.
¾
Support was expressed for the offer to attend
either school so that children could select their school.
¾
Sadness was noted with regards to closing the
school and the School Governors were thanked.
Awdur:Gwern ap Rhisiart
Supporting documents: