Presentation by the Eduducation Department
Minutes:
The Head of
Education Department submitted information on the re-structuring of the
Language Centres in Gwynedd. In
accordance with correct procedure, the Head of Education emphasised that we would
only be briefing today. It was noted that four options for consideration had
been discussed following consultative processes between the Human Resources
Department, Education staff, direct staff and the Union in October 2018.
It was noted that a
consultative discussion had taken place in October 2018 to respond to the
department's financial position for 2019/20 which anticipated a deficit of
£96,000. It was noted that the Education
service could not justify the cost of providing match funding.
It was noted that
the best way forward, without causing a defective cut to teaching standards and
to protect the workplace, was to employ two people for every centre. The
current framework and employment structure of the Language Centres was examined
questioning the best way to proceed.
With inflation in the salaries and pensions of employed workers already,
it was stated that cost effectiveness would be considered prior to implementing
any cuts; the four options by the department were expanded upon.
Before submitting
the options, it was emphasised that the service had examined the budgetary
aspect, the impact on the standard of teaching Welsh, and ensuring safety
within the centres (i.e. a minimum of two people for every centre).
The following
options were outlined:
Option 1:
·
Close
one Primary Language Centre.
·
Increase
the capacity of every Language Centre to 19 learners.
·
A
staffing structure of a Leader and a Teacher at every Language Centre.
Option 2:
·
Every
Language Centre to remain open.
·
The
capacity of the Dolgellau Language Centre increased to 16. The capacity of
every other Language Centre to remain the same.
·
A
staffing structure of a Leader and a Teacher at every Language Centre.
Option 3:
·
Every
Language Centre to remain open.
·
The
capacity of the Dolgellau Language Centre increased to 16. The capacity of
every other Language Centre to remain the same.
·
One
Leader for all Primary Language Centres, a staffing structure of a Teacher and
an Assistant at every Language Centre (where the Leader is not based).
·
A
staffing structure of a Leader and an Assistant at the Secondary Language
Centre
Option 4:
·
Every
Language Centre to remain open.
·
The
capacity of the Dolgellau Language Centre increased to 16. The capacity of
every other Language Centre to remain the same.
·
One
Leader for all Primary and Secondary Language Centres, a staffing structure of
a Teacher and an Assistant at every Language Centre (where the Leader is not
based).
Observations were
received from Members and a reference was made to the objection to the options
provided by the Education service.
Concern was noted about the quality of the education if one of the above
options would have to be chosen. Members
felt that they would prefer to hold a further discussion with teachers
regarding the options. In response, the
Head of Education Department noted that legal discussions had been held with
teachers in accordance with requirements.
It was explained
that the item would be put before the Education and Economy Scrutiny Committee
on 24 January 2019.
DECISION
The report was accepted.