Agenda item

To authorise further work to be done with the stakeholders who make up the Gwynedd and Anglesey Post-16 Education Consortium in order to develop possible models for post-16 education in Arfon which derives from the informal engagement undertaken on post-16 education in Arfon in the Autumn term 2020.

The report was submitted by Cllr Beca Brown.

DECISION

To authorise further work to be done with the stakeholders who make up the Gwynedd and Anglesey Post-16 Education Consortium in order to develop possible models for post-16 education in Arfon which derives from the informal engagement undertaken on post-16 education in Arfon in the Autumn term 2020.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted, which requested Cabinet approval to carry out further work with stakeholders which form the Gwynedd and Anglesey Post-16 Education Consortium in order to develop potential models for post-16 education in Arfon.

A request was made to revisit the discussions held in the Autumn term 2020, and to encompass them into themes. It was noted that the experiences of the pandemic were likely to steer some consultations and now there were new considerations, bearing in mind that some time had passed since the original discussions. It was proposed to revisit the work in order to come to a conclusion in order to be able to offer the best education and experiences for the young people in the County.

It was added that this matter had been under consideration for some time. It was reported that good consultation had happened with the Schools before the pandemic, but that the pandemic period had changed things, e.g. by finding different ways of teaching. Therefore, it was felt that it was timely to revisit the discussions and give a direction to the Schools in the County.

Observations arising from the discussion

¾   Reference was made to the observations that had been received from the consultation which noted that travelling far had a negative impact on the education of post-16 learners as well as on the environment. It was asked whether things had changed since the Covid period and whether every option was still on the table.

¾   In response, it was noted that the picture had changed since the pandemic, e.g. the distance learning that had happened during this period had expanded the possibilities. It was confirmed that every option would be considered but it was assumed that people would wish to see something in between, which strengthened the procedure.

¾   It was expressed that the Cabinet had rectified one issue by abolishing the post-16 travel pass. Now, it was believed that the choice had been expanded to the children and young people by enabling them to give consideration to provisions that are more appropriate to their needs, instead of restricting them to a specific location.

¾   It was asked whether there were plans to look at the post-16 Education in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd. It was reported that no sixth form provision existed in these parts of the County and that many as a result travelled from Dwyfor to the Arfon area. It was believed that there was a need to look at the provision across the County.

¾   In response, it was noted that the first step was to look at the Arfon area as this was where the sixth form existed. It was reported that it was proposed in the future to look more extensively across the County in order to reach the aim of rationalising the procedure across Gwynedd. 

¾   The proposal to revisit the provision was welcomed and it was believed that it was relevant to look at all ideas. It was asked whether demography would be considered as there was less funding for the primary schools. It was believed that it was important to look at the impact in the future.

¾   In response, it was noted that it could take years for pupils to settle in secondary education and that small primary education establishments were at a disadvantage in terms of funding. It was confirmed that the Education Department was looking at this carefully and was seeking to make more efficient use when funding.