[1]

CABINET REPORT 27 February 2013

Cabinet Member: Councillor Sian Gwenllian

Subject: The future of Ysgol Llidiardau

Contact Officers: Iwan T Jones – Corporate Director / Tony Bate – Primary Schools Organisation Lead Manager

The resolution requested / purpose of the report

The purpose of this report is to ask permission from the Council Cabinet to commence a period of statutory consultation on the proposal to close Ysgol Llidiardau, Rhoshirwaun on 31 August 2013 and to provide places for the pupils at Ysgol Crud y Werin, from 1 September 2013.

Views of the local member

Any comments by the Local Member will be presented in the meeting.

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 The purpose of this report is to ask permission from the Council Cabinet to commence a period of statutory consultation on the proposal to close Ysgol Llidiardau, Rhoshirwaun on 31 August 2013 and to provide places for the pupils at Ysgol Crud y Werin, Aberdaron from 1 September 2013.

1.2 The Council has been implementing the Strategy ‘Primary Education of the Best Quality for the Children of ’ since it was adopted in April 2009. At its meeting of 9 October 2012, the Cabinet agreed upon a ‘Priorities Plan for Education Organisation’ which is based on this strategy.

1.3 The Strategy notes the need to ensure means of responding to the vulnerable situation found at some schools: “Relevant professional information should be considered in order to draw attention to crisis situations within the County which directly affect the quality of education and the experiences of pupils (e.g. very low pupil numbers at a school, the condition of the school buildings, failure to recruit a head teacher)”.

1.4 As part of the Cabinet’s Priorities Plan, it was resolved to take appropriate steps in situations if the schools are vulnerable. [2]

2. SITUATION AT YSGOL LLIDIARDAU

2.1 Ysgol Llidiardau is located in the Rhoshirwaun area on the Lleyn Peninsula, which is approximately 2.5 miles from Aberdaron, 5.5. miles from and 6.6 miles from . The school offers places for pupils from its own natural catchment area and from the catchment areas of the former schools at and Rhiw. The number of pupils attending the school has diminished in the last few years and the school has been in a vulnerable situation for some time.

2.2 Over a period of time (at least 3 years), discussions have taken place between the Governing Body of Ysgol Llidiardau and the Education Department regarding the future of the school and even recently discussions have taken place on this matter.

2.3 At a recent meeting (January 2013) parents of Ysgol Llidiardau pupils have supported the governors’ decision to close the school voluntarily, for the benefit of the children.

2.4 It was noted that the discussion should be moved forward since the position at the school is vulnerable:

• The numbers at the school are a cause for concern. In September 2012 only 14 pupils had been registered at the school.

• Predicted numbers – Predictions reveal 14 pupils in 2013, 15 pupils in 2014 and 16 pupils in 2015 and 2016

• Number of surplus places - 75% surplus places (43 in number) at Ysgol Llidiardau.

• Ysgol Llidiardau receives an additional sum to the customary allocation through the minimum staffing protection policy. During the financial year of 2012/2013 this additional sum totals £17,534. There is only enough funding to employ a head teacher and an assistant.

• Cost per pupil at Ysgol Llidiardau is £8,544 (2012/2013), in comparison with the County average of £3,838 per pupil for the same period.

2.5 For historical reasons, Ysgol Llidiardau and Ysgol Pont y Gof catchment areas overlap in the catchment area of former Ysgol Bryncroes (which was closed in the 70’s). This means that pupils who live within the old Ysgol Bryncroes catchment area can choose to attend either Ysgol Llidiardau or Ysgol Pont y Gof, Botwnnog. [3]

2.6 Also, Ysgol Llidiardau and Ysgol Crud y Werin catchment areas overlap in the old Ysgol Rhiw catchment area and pupils from that area can attend either Ysgol Llidiardau or Ysgol Crud y Werin, Aberdaron.

2.7 It is worth pointing out that only 2 pupils from the above historical elective catchment areas have chosen to attend Ysgol Llidiardau. All the pupils from the former Ysgol Rhiw catchment area already attend Ysgol Crud y Werin and none attend Ysgol Llidiardau. The matter of overlaps between catchment areas will be discussed further at another point in this report.

3. RELEVANT CONSIDERATIONS

3.0.1. In accordance with the strategy ‘Primary Education of the Best Quality for the Children of Gwynedd’ a number of factors were considered when developing options for dealing with the situation, and these include:  Class sizes  Population and pupil numbers  Quality of the education  Leadership  Financial resources and buildings  Linguistic, and equality impacts  Geographical factors and transport

3.0.2. The following models were considered:  Retain the status quo (no change)  Collaboration/ Federal Model  Close Ysgol Llidiardau and offer education for the pupils at Ysgol Crud y Werin, Aberdaron

3.1 Retain the status quo

3.1.1. This model would mean that there would be no change to the structure of education provision in the area.

3.1.2. It would not solve the problem of diminishing numbers or the high level of surplus places in Ysgol Llidiardau and Ysgol Crud y Werin. In addition, the cost of maintaining the same number of buildings would continue and the substantial budget necessary for upgrading each individual building cannot be maintained. The school would also continue to be financially unsustainable and would need an additional sum through the minimum staffing protection scheme. 3.1.3. This option is not regarded as practical due to the critical situation in terms of low pupil numbers at Ysgol Llidiardau. [4]

3.2 Collaboration/ Federal Model

3.2.1. A model of informal collaboration between schools could be developed. This model would ensure that education provision would continue on each site where education is provided at the present time. It would be an opportunity to share staff expertise and to share good practice.

3.2.2. Under the more formal arrangement of a federal model, Ysgol Llidiardau would collaborate with a local school (or schools) under one head teacher and one governing body. The governing body of each individual school would be abolished and a new governing body appointed. The identity of the schools in question (including name, ethos, and school uniform) could be retained or changed to reflect the new federation. The federal model would make it possible to share staff, resources, IT equipment, buildings and expertise.

3.2.3. This model can work well when the situation at various establishments is similar in terms of pupil numbers and budgets. Also, it can offer a solution where geographical distances are a key factor. It is uncertain whether the model would succeed where the situation at one unit of the federation is more vulnerable than at the other. It also has to be taken into consideration which model would ensure sustainability in terms of providing education within the area for the future. For this reason, the above model is not the best option for this situation.

3.3 Close Ysgol Llidiardau and offer education for the pupils at Ysgol Crud y Werin, Aberdaron

3.3.1. This model entails the closure of Ysgol Llidiardau and moving the pupils to be educated at Ysgol Crud y Werin, Aberdaron. This proposal will be further discussed at a later point in this report. Consideration will also be given in this report to the reasons why the catchment area of Ysgol Crud y Werin should be extended to include Ysgol Llidiardau catchment area.

3.3.2. In the table in Appendix 1, the features of the models are compared against some key factors of the Strategy ‘Primary Education of the Best Quality for the Children of Gwynedd’

3.3.3. These proposals were formed with regard given to the guidance in Circular 021/2009 ‘Schools Organisation Proposals’. We now have to decide on a model on which to hold further consultation, in accordance with the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. [5]

4. THE PROPOSAL

4.0.1. Of the models considered, the model involving the closure of Ysgol Llidiardau and the transfer of its pupils to Ysgol Crud y Werin in Aberdaron is the model favoured as the one upon which to hold statutory consultation, and the reasons are as follows:

4.1 Size of Classes

4.1.1. There are only two classes at Ysgol Llidiardau, one class with 8 pupils between 3 and 7 years of age, and one class with 6 pupils between 7 and 11 years of age. The average size of the classes at Ysgol Crud y Werin is 19.

4.1.2. We note that Ysgol Llidiardau has 43 (75%) surplus places. There are 27 (32%) surplus places at Ysgol Crud y Werin, Aberdaron. If the proposal is implemented the size and the age range within the classes will correspond better with the aims of the strategy ‘Primary Education of the Best Quality for the Children of Gwynedd’’, and there is also an opportunity to substantially reduce the existing number of surplus places. In comparison, the number of surplus places is not ‘substantial’ in other neighbouring schools, Ysgol Pont y Gof (18 – 15%) and Ysgol Tudweiliog (8 – 14%).

4.2 Pupil Numbers

4.2.1. Primary pupil numbers in this part of the catchment area has varied over a period of time. In table 1, we show the change in numbers since September 2009 up to the predicted numbers for September 2016. It appears that pupil numbers at Ysgol Llidiardau are likely to remain low and under 20 in number. In comparison, the pupil numbers predicted for Ysgol Crud y Werin remain strong.

True Numbers True Numbers True Numbers True Numbers Prediction Prediction Prediction Prediction School Sept 2009 Sept 2010 Sept 2011 Sept 2012 Sept 2013 Sept 2014 Sept 2015 Sept 2016 Llidiardau 21 17 16 14 14 15 16 16 Crud y Werin 54 55 59 58 56 61 65 64 Table: True numbers and Predictions up to Sept 2016 Source: Data based on true numbers according to the annual school census, September 2012

4.3 Quality of the Education

4.3.1. Recent Estyn inspection reports note that the schools in question provide an education of quality without important deficits. No concerns or suspicions were expressed regarding the standard of the education. But implementing this proposal would strengthen the provision in the area and create a much more stable and sustainable establishment for the future. [6]

4.3.2. There will be an opportunity for pupils to be educated in peer groups with a much smaller age range and an opportunity to improve pupils’ educational and social experience. It will also be possible to allow the head teacher non contact time in order to strengthen and develop the leadership and management role at the school.

4.4 Leadership and Staffing

4.4.1. Ysgol Llidiardau employs one full time primary teacher who is also the temporary head teacher until the end of the academic year, and a full time assistant, also temporary. There are also three ancillary staff members on permanent contract and one additional member on occasional agreement with various responsibilities – catering, cleaning, secretarial etc.

4.4.2. A detailed staffing policy was developed by Gwynedd Council in conjunction with the Trade Unions and head teachers. The policy will be the basis for any redundancies which result from this proposal. Clear and open communication is of core importance to the successful implementation of any proposals.

4.5 Assessment of the Linguistic, Community and Equality Impacts

4.5.1. The Welsh Government guidelines (Circular 021/2009 Schools Organisation Proposals) on schools reorganisation note factors which need to be considered when forming proposals for the reorganisation of schools.

4.5.2. Assessments of the linguistic, community and equality impacts have been undertaken (copies in Appendix 2):

4.5.3. In terms of the linguistic impact – it notes that the situation regarding the Welsh language is very strong at Ysgol Crud y Werin – with 85% of the pupils coming from homes where Welsh is the first language. In comparison, 25% of Ysgol Llidiardau pupils come from homes where Welsh is the first language. Ysgol Llidiardau has worked hard to develop the skills of the children and promote the importance of Welsh culture. It is therefore important that the proposal recognizes the need to support and continue this work. If the proposal is implemented, there are opportunities for strengthening the Welsh language and ensuring that pupils have an opportunity to attend a school which is Welsh in language and in nature.

4.5.4. The Community Impact Report notes that the school in Rhoshirwaun is very involved with the community. The school makes use of the community hall for physical training lessons and for concerts. The report [7]

notes that there would be some negative effects if the school was closed. But it also notes that at present around half the pupils who live within Ysgol Llidiardau catchment area attend Ysgol Crud y Werin, and therefore there is already contact between the latter school and the wider area. It notes opportunities for the ensuring that the community at Rhoshirwaun is aware of school activities and that appropriate discussions should be held regarding after use of the school building at Ysgol Llidiardau. Consideration also needs to be given to any suggestions made regarding possible steps to alleviate any possible negative effects which might develop as a result of the proposal.

4.5.5. An equality impact assessment of the proposal was conducted. The equality assessment identifies the current situation and shows that policies and procedures are in place that would ensure that the proposal considered is compatible with and equal rights. Having weighed the relevant factors is concluded that guarantee equal opportunities are promoted positively as a result of the proposal and that measures are in place to ensure that no unlawful discrimination or harassment. Arrangements are in place to monitor and review the situation.

4.6 Financial Resources

4.6.1. A total of £333,207 has been allocated to the two schools in the financial year 2012/2013. The cost per pupil varies from school to school: £8,544 in Ysgol Llidiardau and £3,859 in Ysgol Crud y Werin. The average cost per pupil for the County for this period is £3,838. School 2012/13 Allocation £ per pupil Section 52 Part 1 Total Protection Llidiardau £127,140 £8,544 £17,534 Crud y Werin £206,067 £3,859 - Table 2: Primary Schools Allocation 2012/13

4.6.2. In terms of revenue costs, establishing the new organisation would lead to a saving of £75,968 less additional transport requirements (estimated at present at around £20,000), which means an annual saving of around £55,968.

4.6.3. There are spending requirements (in excess of £100k) on the building at Ysgol Llidiardau in relation to maintenance and repair works, asbestos and fire preventative measures. Ysgol Crud y Werin building is in good condition, and high priority maintenance and repair works is programmed within Council’s Assets Management Plan for this year. [8]

4.7 Geographical Factors

4.7.1. We aim to restrict travelling wherever possible. The proposal put forward meets with the guidelines of Welsh Government Circular 021/2009, which notes that proposals should not expect primary age pupils to travel more than 45 minutes each way to school. The travelling requirements of Gwynedd Council’s strategy ‘Primary Education of the Best Quality for the Children of Gwynedd’ is to restrict travelling time to no more than 30 minutes each way. This proposal meets these requirements.

4.7.2. We can summarise the reasons for choosing Ysgol Crud y Werin as the catchment area school if Ysgol Llidiardau closes, having chosen this school in preference to any of the others, for the following reasons:

 Ysgol Crud y Werin is approximately 2.5 miles from the present site of Ysgol Llidiardau, and therefore the closest in distance,  This would be the school involving the least travelling for the vast majority of Llidiardau pupils,  Around 50% of the pupils who live within the Ysgol Llidiardau catchment area already attend Ysgol Crud y Werin, which demonstrates that a tradition of pupil flow has already been established in the area,  All the pupils who live in the elective Rhiw catchment area attend Ysgol Crud y Werin,  There are more surplus places at Ysgol Crud y Werin than at any neighbouring school (27 surplus places or 32%), and therefore this is an opportunity to rationalise that number of surplus places.

5. IMPLICATIONS OF THE PROPOSAL

5.0.1. This proposal means that Ysgol Llidiardau will close and that education for the pupils will be offered at Ysgol Crud y Werin, Aberdaron.

5.1 Transport and catchment area access to schools

5.1.1. It has already been explained in the report that there is a unique historic situation in the area regarding the fact that school catchment areas overlap. (see Map1).

 Ysgol Llidiardau and Ysgol Pont y Gof catchment areas overlap in the catchment area of the former Ysgol Bryncroes,  Ysgol Llidiardau and Ysgol Crud y Werin catchment areas overlap in the catchment area of the former Ysgol Rhiw. [9]

5.1.2. In short, this means that Ysgol Llidiardau could attract pupils from three catchment areas. We note that very few (only 2 in number) of all the pupils living within the historical elective catchment areas decide to attend Ysgol Llidiardau – they choose to attend the other schools - namely Ysgol Pont y Gof and Ysgol Crud y Werin. All the pupils who live within the former Ysgol Rhiw catchment area choose to attend Ysgol Crud y Werin.

5.1.3. In keeping with this proposal to close Ysgol Llidiardau – it will also involve the following: (see also Map 2);  The catchment area of Ysgol Crud y Werin will include the existing catchment area (the Aberdaron area), the catchment area of Ysgol Llidiardau (the Rhoshirwaun area) and the catchment area of the former Ysgol Rhiw (Rhiw area) .  Ysgol Pont y Gof catchment area will continue to include the catchment area of the former Ysgol Bryncroes, with no change.

Map 1 – Situation at present regarding catchment areas

Map 2 – Catchment areas if changes are implemented [10]

5.1.4. If the proposal is implemented the pupils who live within the Ysgol Llidiardau and former Ysgol Rhiw catchment areas (which will then be identified as Ysgol Crud y Werin catchment area) will receive transport to Ysgol Crud y Werin in accordance with the Local Authority Transport Policy. This will also be the case for pupils from the catchment area of the former Ysgol Bryncroes who will attend Ysgol Pont y Gof, an arrangement which is already operational.

5.1.5. During the initial discussions a suggestion was made that special arrangements would be needed during the transition period in order to facilitate the change. Transport arrangements for the transition period have been made in other catchment areas in the past. Due to the fact that historically the catchment areas have overlapped in this area, it seems that it will be necessary to consider special transport arrangements to specific schools during the transition period. This will have to be discussed further during the course of the consultation and subsequently a report submitted to the Cabinet.

5.2 Staffing Implications

5.2.1. If the proposal was approved, there would be staffing implications which could lead to uncertainty and redundancies. As part of the statutory consultation period, specific discussions with staff and Trade Unions will be held. Gwynedd Council has developed a staffing policy in conjunction with the Trade Unions and Head Teachers. Any redundancies which result from this proposal will have to conform with that policy. Clear and open communication will play a key part in implementing any proposal.

5.3 After use of sites and support for the communities

5.3.1. As part of the steps to alleviate any effects which might arise from the closure of a school in an area, the Council will - if the local residents wish - ask its Regeneration Officer to support the community when it is considering after use of any land or buildings released as a result of reorganisation. This will be carried out in accordance with the implementation policies and protocols which the Council has already adopted back in 2010.

5.3.2. The community impact report notes some concerns regarding the effect that the closure of Ysgol Llidiardau might have on the community. We must ensure that consideration is given to the measures put forward in the assessment in order to alleviate those effects. [11]

6. NEXT STEPS

6.0 If the Cabinet decides to move ahead with the recommendations in this report a statutory consultation period will be needed, in accordance with the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 and the guidance in Circular 021/2009 Schools Organisation Proposals. We foresee that this period will be held in the coming weeks.

6.1 A further report will be submitted to the Cabinet following the results of the statutory consultation period. Subject to the views of the Cabinet, a Statutory Notice will then be issued – there will be a period of one month during which any objections to that notice may be submitted. If an objection is received, the matter will be transferred to the Welsh Government for a final decision. On the other hand, if no objection is received, the matter can be finally resolved by the Cabinet.

7. RECOMMENDATION

7.1 Therefore the recommendation is to undertake the process of statutory consultation in accordance with the requirements of Section 29, School Standards and Framework Act 1998 for the closure of Ysgol Llidiardau, Rhoshirwaun on August 31, 2013 and for the provision of education for the pupils at Ysgol Crud y Werin, Aberdaron from 1 September 2013. [12]

VIEWS OF THE STATUTORY OFFICERS

The Chief Executive:

“I recommend this sensible recommendation.”

The Monitoring Officer:

“The report gives attention to all the relevant considerations and statutory requirements, I do not have anything to add regarding propriety.”

Head of Finance:

“There are obvious reasons (including some financial) supporting the proposal before. I can confirm the accuracy of the revenue financial figures in paragraph 4.6.2 of the report. Establishing the new arrangement (close Ysgol Llidiardau, Rhoshirwaun and provide places for pupils at Ysgol Crud y Werin, Aberdaron) will save £75,965 less the additional transport requirements (estimated at present at around £20,000), which means net annual saving of approximately £55,968. Any other comments, as required, will be presented at the Cabinet meeting.”

Appendices

Comparing the features of the models against some key factors from Appendix 1 the strategy Appendix 2 Linguistic, Community and Equality Impact reports