Agenda item

The content of the report on the outcome of the statutory consultation (Consultation Report) on the proposal to close Ysgol Baladeulyn on 31 December 2026 and provide a place for learners at Ysgol Talysarn 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 Baladeulyn on 31 December 2026 and provide a place for learners at Ysgol Talysarn 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 whole community was thanked for their contribution to the consultation process.

It was noted that the Cabinet respected and recognised how much the School meant to the people of the area.  

The change in the County's demography was reported with the number of births having dropped significantly in recent years. This meant that fewer children now lived in Gwynedd. It was recognised that this would have a direct impact on the sustainability of the County's schools, and reference was made to the need to re-examine the organisation of education to ensure sustainable provision. It was emphasised that small schools were often strong schools with very passionate communities around them, but it was noted that there were educational, financial and operational challenges in maintaining a school with very low numbers for a long time. It was accepted that the decision in question was difficult, but that the future of education for the whole County had to be considered.

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 make the transfer supportive and respectful for the children, and the wider School community.

The Local Member for the Llanllyfni Ward was welcomed to the meeting. Officers from the Education Department, the Cabinet Member, and the school community in Nantlle were thanked. It was recognised that the number of children attending Ysgol Baladeulyn was not sustainable, but it was believed that the way forward would be to federate the School with Ysgol Talysarn and add a specialist area for children with specialist learning needs. There was concern about the impact of closing Ysgol Baladeulyn on the social use of the Welsh language in the community, and the potential impact of this on the housing market in the village.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       It was asked whether the community and the children had been given sufficient opportunity to voice their opinions. It was confirmed that the Department had visited the School three times, and held sessions to discuss the challenges, the preferred options, and then to look at the Department's findings. It was highlighted that a drop-in session had also been held, which had given the community the opportunity to ask any questions and receive more information. It was added that the children's views had also been received.

·       In response to a question about mitigating any negative impact on the children as a result of the decision in question, it was noted that discussions had taken place with the learners, families and both schools to be able to put support in place to assist with arising concerns.

·       It was enquired how the authority supported the County's small schools. It was stated that there was support for all aspects of school life in different ways. It was explained that the Protection Scheme was in place to support smaller schools, and that it ensured minimum staffing levels within those schools.

·       It was proposed that a discussion should be initiated with the Welsh Government about a future Education Strategy in rural areas.

·       It was explained that a decrease in births was an international trend, but it was recognised that the effect of this may have been seen earlier in Gwynedd as many schools in the County were small schools anyway. It was proposed that there was a need for a nationwide strategic direction in terms of how to respond to these challenges.

·       There was concern about transport arrangements to take children to the alternative school. It was noted that the Council provided transport in accordance with the statutory requirement and the Education Transport Policy. It was added that transport would also be provided if the road was unsuitable for walking. It was suggested that anyone with a concern about school transport should contact the Department.

·       In response to a question about the consideration given to the option of federalisation, it was stated that a detailed assessment of the benefits had been drawn up but it was believed that federalisation alone would not change the fundamental challenges at hand here. It was explained that this option might be more suitable for larger schools, and for two schools more similar than the ones in question.

·       Reference was made to the linguistic impact assessment carried out, and it was reiterated that no impact on Welsh language educational provision was foreseen as a result of the proposal. Commenting on the potential impact on the social use of Welsh, it was stated that a higher percentage of children were fluent at Ysgol Talysarn compared to Ysgol Baladeulyn. It was therefore hoped that the Welsh language would be reinforced outside of school and socially as a result. The mitigation measures identified within the impact assessment were also mentioned.