Cyflwynwyd gan:Cyng / Cllr. Cemlyn Williams
Decision:
To approve
the issue of statutory notices on the proposal to increase the capacity of
Ysgol Treferthyr to 150, relocating the school to an alternative site referred
to as the A497 site, on 1 September 2023, in accordance with the requirements
of Section 48 of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013.
Minutes:
The report was submitted by Cllr Cemlyn Williams
DECISION
To approve the issue
of statutory notices to increase the capacity of Ysgol Treferthyr to 150, relocating the
school to an alternative site referred to as the A497 site, on 1 September 2023, in accordance with
the requirements of Section
48 of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act
2013.
DISCUSSION
The report was submitted and the pleasure of being able to submit the item was noted. It was noted that this
report highlighted the responses received following a public consultation on the proposal to increase the capacity of Ysgol Treferthyr and to relocate the school to an alternative
site. It was emphasised that this scheme
was in-keeping with the priorities of the department that were highlighted
in the Gwynedd Education
Plan.
The Education Officer highlighted the results of the consultation noting the main points. It was emphasised that the majority of responses were very supportive
of the proposal and investment in Cricieth. The need for community
use of the building was highlighted and it was noted that the department would collaborate with the community to offer them the best opportunity.
It was stated that the majority of observations raised concerns about the location. It was noted that the Department had looked carefully at the location and had undertaken detailed investigations before coming to a decision. It was emphasised that many observations noted concerns as it was located on a busy
road and it was stated that the department would work to alleviate the traffic. It was elaborated on this noting
that they would do this by examining the school's access. Attention was drawn to
the lay-by near the site noting that
the Highways Department was
eager to retain this. It was emphasised that steps would
be taken to ensure that the lay-by would not be used for the school.
Concerns were also noted regarding
the trees on the site. It was stated that the department had no intention of felling any trees
unnecessarily and that the School was eager to preserve the trees and use
them in lessons
at the school.
It was emphasised that positive responses
had been received from pupils highlighting
more space to play and larger classrooms.
Nevertheless, it was noted that some pupils
had highlighted that there would be more travelling distance to school. Attention was drawn to Estyn's response, which noted that
they had no concerns and that
the plan corresponded with
the Council's Education Strategy.
Observations arising from the discussion
¾ The
report was welcomed, emphasising the importance of seeing the pupils' responses. It was asked whether any adaptations
had been considered for the building as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. It
was noted that the design of the school had followed national guidelines but Covid-19 had highlighted the need to consider the ventilation system and access to classrooms.
As a result of Covid-19, adaptations
had been undertaken to ensure hand-washing stations near every
access.
¾
It was stated that the observations received were interesting and that travelling
had been highlighted as a concern. The need to ensure a safe mode
of transport to school for children was noted and it was asked whether it would be possible to have a cycle path
to assist with the impact on traffic.
It was stated that the department was considering every possible method to ensure the safety of children on their way
to school and that they would
collaborate with the community to find a design that would
be effective.
Awdur:Gwern ap Rhisiart
Supporting documents: