Agenda item

The content of the report on the outcome of the statutory consultation (Consultation Report) on the proposal to close Ysgol Nebo on 31 December 2026 and provide a place for learners at Ysgol Llanllyfni from 1 January 2027 was considered, and the publication of a statutory notice on the proposal was approved, in accordance with the requirements of Section 48 of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013.

The report was submitted by Cllr Dewi Jones.

DECISION

The content of the report on the outcome of the statutory consultation (Consultation Report) on the proposal to close Ysgol Nebo on 31 December 2026 and provide a place for learners at Ysgol Llanllyfni from 1 January 2027 was considered, and the publication of a statutory notice on the proposal was approved, in accordance with the requirements of Section 48 of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013.

DISCUSSION

The report was presented stating that it was the result of a very long, thorough and emotional process. Those who participated in the consultation were thanked.

Reference was made to the importance of rural schools to the communities of Gwynedd, but it was noted that there was also a responsibility to consider the reality of the situation honestly. Attention was then drawn to the significant reduction in the number of children in Gwynedd, highlighting that this reduction was also true across the country. The impact this would have on the sustainability of schools within the County was reiterated. It was explained that there were several reasons for the decline in births, citing matters related to second homes, a lack of good jobs in rural areas and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

When referring to Ysgol Nebo in particular, the educational, financial and operational challenges arising from the low numbers of pupils were acknowledged. It was stressed that this was not a reflection of the quality of work of the staff or the commitment of the community. The contentious and difficult nature of a decision of this nature was highlighted, but the need to ensure the best possible educational opportunities for the children of Gwynedd and to safeguard the future of education in the county was stated.

Should the Cabinet agree to move forward with the process, there would be a formal objection period of 28 days before the matter was brought back to the Cabinet. It was assured that steps would be taken to undertake the transition carefully and supportively for the children, and the wider School community.

The Local Member for the Clynnog Ward was welcomed to the meeting. The community, staff and the Governing Body were thanked for the constructive and respectful way they had dealt with this difficult situation. The low numbers in the School and the high costs facing the Council were acknowledged, but there was concern that the discussion about the School's future had been narrow and focused solely on numbers. It was believed that the proposal put forward by the Governing Body, namely the development of Nebo as a more nurturing provision for children with social, emotional and well-being needs, had deserved more consideration. In light of the increasing pressure on children and adult services, it was proposed by the Local Member that schools such as Nebo should be considered as part of early intervention and prevention. In addition, there was concern about the impact of closing the School on the Welsh language in the community.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       It was enquired whether a consultation had taken place with the children of the School and if the voice of the child had been considered here. It was ensured that the voice of the child must be heard as part of the statutory process and it was stated that an independent facilitator had been commissioned to complete this work. It was noted that the views shared by children had to be weighed against the wider picture before the Cabinet.

·       In response to a question about the plans to prepare and support children for any change of this kind, it was highlighted that the Department had been working with children and families to plan for the change and discuss any support that may be required.

·       Sadness was expressed about the matter at hand, and assurances were sought in terms of plans to support the community should the decision be approved. It was confirmed that the impact assessments were part of the consultation documentation, and it was added that the Department had revisited these impact assessments following the comments received in the consultation and had addressed some concerns. The importance of the School building as a community resource in Nebo was reiterated, noting that the After-use Policy would now be in place and support would be given to the community if approved by the Cabinet.

·       Reference was made to the praise for the additional learning needs provision within Ysgol Nebo, and assurances were sought that this provision would continue in the alternative school. It was noted that the Council was looking at its structures in terms of additional learning needs and inclusion and was looking to strengthen support for all schools. It was highlighted that there were financial and structural challenges in this area, but that the aim was to ensure that all schools were inclusive. 

·       It was confirmed that Ysgol Llanllyfni had sufficient capacity to welcome the number of pupils who would join from Ysgol Nebo. Attention was drawn to the fact that parents had the right to send their children to any school, so pupils from Ysgol Nebo were not obliged to join Ysgol Llanllyfni if the proposal was implemented.

·       It was noted that there were 9 children in the catchment area of Ysgol Nebo, and that several social factors affected parents' choice of which school to send their children. In response to a question about children's concern about being bullied at a larger school, it was confirmed that there were plans in terms of integrating children into other schools. It was added that discussions with the schools receiving the children were ongoing, to ensure they received the necessary support.