Agenda item

To consider the Objection Report, the summary of the statutory objections received during the objection period, and the responses given to those objections, and having done that, finally confirm the proposal given through statutory notice to close Ysgol Nebo on 31 December 2026 and provide space for learners at Ysgol Llanllyfni from 1 January 2027 onwards, in accordance with Section 53 of the Schools Standards and Organisation Act (Wales) 2013 and the requirements of the School Organisation Code (011/2018).

The report was submitted by Cllr Dewi Jones

DECISION

To consider the Objection Report, the summary of the statutory objections received during the objection period, and the responses given to those objections, and having done that, finally confirm the proposal given through statutory notice to close Ysgol Nebo on 31 December 2026 and provide space for learners at Ysgol Llanllyfni from 1 January 2027 onwards, in accordance with Section 53 of the Schools Standards and Organisation Act (Wales) 2013 and the requirements of the School Organisation Code (011/2018).

DISCUSSION

The item in question was recognised as extremely difficult, and the special role of rural schools within their communities was mentioned. It was stressed that this proposal did not result from any failure in the quality of education at the School.

The change in the county's demography was explained which meant that there were now fewer primary age children in Gwynedd compared to 10 years ago. This was elaborated on noting that this challenge was prevalent across the country, with a decline in birth rates and wider economic and social factors playing a role here. Reference was made to the Council's duty to plan strategically for the needs of future generations.

The entire community of Ysgol Nebo was thanked for their contributions over the years.

The Local Member for the Clynnog Ward was welcomed to the meeting.

He understood what had led to the introduction of this item, recognising the low numbers of pupils in the school and the high cost per pupil. He expressed sadness at the fact that the pupils at Ysgol Nebo were making good progress in these small classes, and it was believed that the school should be developed as a provision to support children who needed additional support. If the proposal was accepted, it was hoped that the Council would have a plan for those children who needed provision like this, and the pressure on the existing services in this area was acknowledged. There was also concern about the increase in the numbers receiving education at home. The importance of that personal contact between the Education department and the school community was mentioned in going through this process. References were also made to O.P. Huws' contributions to the school. Everyone who had been involved with the school over the years was thanked.

Tributes were paid to the staff and the school community, and the dignity with which the department and the school had worked together through the process was noted. The authority's responsibility to review the school estate and to ensure best value for money was detailed. The processes that must be followed were mentioned, confirming that these processes would be reviewed. Once a final decision was made, it would be ensured that the department worked with the human resources team to support staff and support the children through individual plans. It was noted that the well-being and sustainability of education for the children and young people was the priority.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       In response to a question about the impact of the closure of the School on the Welsh language in the community, it was confirmed that impact assessments on the Welsh language had been drawn up for the proposal and that they considered any new evidence that had emerged throughout the process. It was recognised that there was a potential linguistic impact on the community and educationally but went on to note that the Welsh language was strong in the alternative school and that the alternative school was encouraged to expand its activities to include the Nebo community.

·       The need to rationalise the school estate was noted in order to be able to try to assist the children of the County to reach their full potential. Reference was made to provisions available at other schools to support the children, and the combination of trying to ensure fairness and consistency in provision within the County's schools and the experiences the children had.

·       Referring to the number of children who were home educated and the support available to children with different needs, it was recognised that the current provision may not reach the mark on all occasions. It was noted that national discussions were underway around this fragile system and the need for funding, for example. The responsibility to build a fair system across the County, and for the future, was also mentioned.