Agenda item

It was decided to give the department permission to hold discussions with stakeholders in order to consider the current provision and highlight the key considerations in order to co-identify the direction and opportunities to strengthen the post-16 education provision in Arfon.

The report was presented by Cllr. Dyfrig Siencyn.

DECISION

It was decided to authorise the department to hold discussions with stakeholders in order to consider the current provision and highlight the key considerations in order to co-identify the direction and opportunities to strengthen the post-16 education provision in Arfon.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted, which noted the need for a new post-16 system as a consequence of the Welsh Government's intention to introduce new legislation in 2020. It was added that this would give rise to a discussion in Gwynedd since the foundations of the current system dated back 40 years, and consequently it was a timely juncture at which to take a look at the system. It was emphasised that the focus in particular would be on the Arfon area, where provision continued in schools, although the Department would be looking at provision throughout the county.

It was noted that the report highlighted the case for change, owing to the many differences in standards and variation in specific areas. It was highlighted that the current provision in Arfon was operated through a consortium, and that as a result there would need to be a frank and constructive discussion on the creation of a system for the future. It was added that there was a need to strengthen the opportunities to study each subject through the medium of Welsh.

It was reported that Welsh Government was looking at how it funded the post-16 system, and that a decision had been made that the provision needed to be considered prior to the confirmation of any funding. It was noted that the main driver was the change in the education curriculum, and that a focus would be placed upon further learning and experiences. As a result, it was reported that there was a need to look at the provision in order to continue along this development journey. It was added that there was a need to look at employers' requirements so that specific subjects could be studied in particular fields.

Observations arising from the discussion                                                   

¾  The report was welcomed, and it was noted that it would be customary for the department to approach the Cabinet with options before a consultation was held on those options, but that in this case it intended to hold discussions first before proceeding to develop the options.

¾  It was expressed that the report noted concerns regarding the current provision, and further clarification was requested. It was explained that the system worked to the best of its ability, but that some schools provided various subjects in other schools, which resulted in pupils travelling from one place to another. It was expressed that there was a need to look into ensuring that the same support and the same courses were provided throughout the county. It was noted that it was an opportunity to create an exciting system that was fit for purpose.

¾  In terms of the timescale, it was noted that a consultation would be held over the coming months and that a report would come before Cabinet before the end of summer.