Agenda item

YSGOL ABERSOCH

Resolved not to amend the decision made on 28 September 2021 and to finally confirm the proposal issued through statutory notice to close Ysgol Abersoch on 31 December 2021, and to provide a place for the pupils at Ysgol Sarn Bach from 1 January 2022 in accordance with Section 53 of the School Standards and Organisation Act (Wales) 2013 and the requirements of the School Organisation Code 011/2018.

YSGOL ABERSOCH

The item was presented by Cllr. Bethan Lawton - Chair of the Education and Economy Scrutiny Committee.

DECISION

Resolved not to amend the decision made on 28 September 2021 and to finally confirm the proposal issued through statutory notice to close Ysgol Abersoch on 31 December 2021, and to provide a place for the pupils at Ysgol Sarn Bach from 1 January 2022 in accordance with Section 53 of the School Standards and Organisation Act (Wales) 2013 and the requirements of the School Organisation Code 011/2018.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted and it was noted that the matter had been called in to the Scrutiny Committee as they did not feel that the Cabinet had given adequate attention to five specific aspects when considering the matter formally after the statutory objection period.

It was explained that the Scrutiny Committee had discussed the item at its meeting on 21 October, where a discussion was held and an opportunity to scrutinise further. It was noted that many of those aspects had been answered during the meeting and the Committee resolved to refer the matter back to the Cabinet for reconsideration on the grounds that a sufficient response had not been received to the second reason for calling in, namely that the report did not take into account future Housing and Employment which will come into the village.  It was stressed that the Scrutiny members were concerned that full consideration had not been given to the possible effect of the proposed developments on the projection figures for Ysgol Abersoch before any decision is made. The Cabinet was asked to reconsider its decision as a result of their concerns.

The Local Member added that the discussion in relation to Ysgol Abersoch had been a very lengthy process and that the Cabinet members needed to give specific attention to the Housing matters underway in the village. It was explained that there was mention of housing developments in the ward and beyond and, consequently, education provision will be needed for children and families moving into the area. Attention was also drawn to the fact that Ysgol Llanbedrog was over-subscribed. It was expressed that these developments and the new Hotel were good news for the area but it was stressed that there was no mention of these developments in the reports and it was also noted that there was a feeling locally that the reports were misleading and did not comply with the Well-being Act. 

Members were urged not to close the School for the reasons noted today and in the past and not to close the school mid-way through the school term, and to prioritise the education of children in the area.

The Cabinet Member responded to the report, giving the background of the item. He explained that, in June, the Council had issued the statutory notice to close Ysgol Abersoch on 31 December 2021 and offer a place to pupils at Ysgol Sarn Bach. It was noted that the Cabinet, following consideration of the objections, had confirmed the decision to close the School. It was stressed that the report submitted had dealt with observations about the possible likely effect on the area and that the Cabinet had considered them prior to reaching its decision.

He noted that the proposal to the Cabinet was not to amend the decision as closing the school responded to the challenges facing the school and would lead to more consistent opportunities for the children in the catchment area, offering a good quality education, experiences, skills and confidence to be successful bilingual citizens.

The Monitoring Officer noted the constitutional procedure in accordance with the calling-in procedure and noted that the decision made today would be final and that it would not be possible to call this decision in to scrutiny.

Observations arising from the discussion

¾    It was noted that the possibilities of opening a hotel need not be discussed as the company, hopefully, would appoint local individuals and therefore people would not need to move into the area. It was asked if the housing developments are realised, whether Ysgol Sarn Bach would have the capacity to take more children. It was explained that there would be capacity in the school.

¾    It was noted that initial discussions had been held to discuss and respond to the need for housing in the area but that no decision had been confirmed and, consequently there was a desire not to raise expectations in the area.

¾    It was stressed that much of the analysis had already been done, and it was noted that if houses would be built, they would be houses for local people in the area and not for people outside the area, and therefore would not increase the number of children. It was noted in terms of the Penrhos site that the priority would be for care provision, with a small number available for families. It was noted that these would not lead to much change in the school's projections.

¾    It was explained that, even if there is development, there would be capacity at Ysgol Sarn Bach for the number of pupils.