Agenda item

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.

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.