Issue - meetings

To terminate the current collaboration agreement and thereby confirm that GwE, including the GwE Joint-Committee, will cease on 31 May 2025.

The report was submitted by Cllr. Dewi Jones.  

DECISION

·       To terminate the current collaboration agreement and thereby confirm that GwE, including the GwE Joint-Committee, will cease on 31 May 2025.

DISCUSSION

 A report was submitted regarding terminating the partnership between the six authorities in north Wales to provide a school effectiveness and improvement service in north Wales through GwE established in 2013. It was reported that the Welsh Government had noted their intention to move from the regional model of supporting and improving schools with the support to be provided by local authorities. It was confirmed that the support would come to an end on 31 May 2025.  

The need to formalise terminating the agreement was noted.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       It was enquired why regional collaboration was coming to an end when this was usually considered as good practice

o   In response, it was noted that the decision had been made by the Minister for Education, as a result of conclusions from detailed review work.  It was stated that the collaboration with Anglesey would continue, with Gwynedd's needs being highlighted.

·       It was noted that more work would fall on Gwynedd officers and the assurance of managing to recruit successfully in the field was questioned

o   In response, it was noted that a plan for restructuring was in place and arrangements were underway to implement this, considering appropriate support for our schools.  It was acknowledged that recruitment would be a challenge, but every effort had been made by the Education Department.