Agenda item

The responses received to the consultation on reviewing the Ysgol Felinwnda catchment area were considered, as well as the evaluation of the options presented in the report. It was resolved to approve the preferred option, namely: ‘Option 2: Transfer the entire Felinwnda catchment area to the catchment area of Ysgol Bontnewydd'

The report was submitted by Councillor Dewi Jones ⁠

DECISION

The responses received to the consultation on reviewing the Ysgol Felinwnda catchment area were considered, as well as the evaluation of the options presented in the report. It was resolved to approve the preferred option, namely: 'Option 2: Transfer the entire Felinwnda catchment area to the catchment area of Ysgol Bontnewydd' ⁠ ⁠

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted highlighting Appendix 5, namely the Local Member's comments. It was noted that the Local Member had apologised that he could not attend but was very keen to convey his comments. Cabinet Members were reminded that these comments would need to be taken into account when making today's decision.

It was noted that this report was part of the forward planning and noted that a consultation and evaluation of all options had taken place. Following this Option 2 was suggested as the preferred option, noting that Officers from the Education Department and the Cabinet Member for Education were of the opinion that this was the most suitable option.

It was noted that this option would enable all Ysgol Felinwnda catchment area learners to stay together and the option aligned with the current choice of the majority of catchment learners with 57% already choosing to attend Ysgol Bontnewydd. It was anticipated that this option would offer lower transportation costs than all other options except for option 3. It was expressed that due consideration had been given to the financial element although the financial element was not the main consideration in making the decision.

It was confirmed that, in accordance with Council Policy, parents had the right to enrol their children in any school with empty places. It was noted that establishing a catchment area did not mean that the Council required any child to go to a particular school. It was commented that the promise that the Council would provide transport for former Ysgol Felinwnda pupils to the school of their choice for the duration of their primary school remained.

Observations arising from the discussion:

•           It was recognised that this decision was difficult, and it was hard to please everyone.

•           Assurances were sought that parents would be given the choice of which school to send their children to if the school of their choice was in another catchment area.

o          It was confirmed that this was correct and that parents were entitled to enrol their children in any school provided there were empty places in the school in question.

•           Disappointment was expressed that transferring the Felinwnda catchment area to Ysgol Llandwrog was not the recommendation and strong disagreement was expressed with the option before the Cabinet. Reference was made to the link that had existed between Ysgol Felinwnda and Ysgol Llandwrog for years and the points of the Local Member were echoed who also disagreed with the recommendation. There was concern that this recommendation would result in a negative impact on Cylch Meithrin Dinas and Llanwnda. It was confirmed that the Cabinet Member would vote against the decision today based on these reasons.

•           The Council's vow on page 59 of the report to continue to offer transport to children in the area was welcomed.

o          It was stressed that any former pupil would continue to receive transport while they remained in primary school.

•           It was expressed that the Education Department continued to support Ysgol Llandwrog.

•           It was noted that education and children must be put ahead of the future of any school.

•           It was believed that there would be no negative impact on the Cylch Meithrin adding that the Education Department was very supportive of the Cylch Meithrin and wished to see it continue to succeed and for the close relationship between Cylch Meithrin Llanwnda and Ysgol Llandwrog to continue.