Issue - meetings

It was agreed to commence formal discussions with the Governing Body and relevant stakeholders of Ysgol Gynradd Nebo, discussing the potential options relating to the school's future as a result of a low number of learners and the concerns about the school's sustainability.

It was agreed to commence formal discussions with the Governing Body and relevant stakeholders of Ysgol Baladeulyn, discussing the potential options relating to the school's future as a result of a low number of learners and the concerns about the school's sustainability.

The report was submitted by Councillor Dewi Jones ⁠

DECISION

It was agreed to commence formal discussions with the Governing Body and relevant stakeholders of Ysgol Gynradd Nebo, discussing the potential options relating to the school's future as a result of a low number of learners and the concerns about the school's sustainability.

It was agreed to commence formal discussions with the Governing Body and relevant stakeholders of Ysgol Baladeulyn, discussing the potential options relating to the school's future because of a low number of learners and the concerns about the school's sustainability.

DISCUSSION

Reference was made to the severity of the County's demographic shifts with the ageing population and the number of children in the County decreasing annually. It was acknowledged that there had been successful efforts by the Council to attract young people back to Gwynedd to live but the problem of the reduction in the number of children in the County remained.

The report was submitted asking the Cabinet to initiate formal discussions relating to the future of Ysgol Nebo and Ysgol Baladeulyn due to low numbers of learners and concerns about the sustainability of both schools. It was confirmed that the Education Department would look at the two schools separately.

Reference was made to the background and what had led to the initiation of these discussions as noted in the report. It was stated that 10 full-time learners currently attended Ysgol Gynradd Nebo with one child in the nursery class.  This meant that there was 80% empty places at the school. A similar situation was reported at Ysgol Baladeulyn with 13 full-time learners currently attending school and only one child in the nursery class. It was noted that this corresponded to 76% of empty places at the school when looking at the school's capacity.

Reference was made to the per capita cost per learner for both schools, which was significantly higher than the County average; almost three times the cost.

The Head of Education added that if the Cabinet approved the decision sought today, then discussions would take place with the schools over the coming months. He noted that an impact assessment would be conducted following those discussions on each of the possible options. It was explained that the items would come back before the Cabinet in June with the local feedback and the outcome of the discussions in order to discuss next steps.

There were no observations or questions.