Care, Learning and Wellbeing

Consultation Report

Report on the outcome of the consultation relating to the proposed relocation of Ayr Academy, Ayr and change to the catchment area for Belmont Academy, Ayr

January 2014

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CONTENTS

Section Page 1.0 Introduction 3 2.0 Considerations 3 3.0 Consultation 3 3.1 Overview of responses to consultation 4 3.2 Summary of the points and views expressed during the 4 consultation 3.4 Consultation with Children and Young People 10 4.0 Report by Education Scotland 11 4.1 Process 11 4.2 Education Scotland summary 11 4.3 Responses to main points raised by Education Scotland 12 5.0 Council decision making process 13

Appendices Appendix 1 Summary of responses from consultation process Appendix 2 Views expressed at public meetings Appendix 3 Views expressed during consultation with children Appendix 4 Views expressed during consultation with young people from Ayr Academy Appendix 5 Education Scotland Report

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1.0 Introduction

1.1 The Leadership Panel of South Ayrshire Council at its meeting of 25th September 2013 agreed to undertake a consultation on the proposed relocation of Ayr Academy, Ayr and change to the catchment area for Belmont Academy, Ayr

1.2 The proposal document was made available to all consultees as prescribed by the Schools (Consultation)(Scotland) Act 2010. A copy of the proposal document is available on the Council‟s website at www.south ayrshire.gov.uk/consultations/ayracademyrelocation. The consultation process ran from 2nd October 2013 to 22nd November 2013, a period of 32 school days.

1.3 As part of the consultation process, the Care, Learning and Wellbeing Directorate undertook the following activities:

Publicised the consultation exercise and public meetings through letters to parents/carers, Parent Councils, Community Councils and Associations, South Ayrshire Council‟s Web site and placed an advert in the local paper. Held a public meeting at Ayr Academy on Wednesday, 6th November 2013. Held a public meeting at Holmston Primary on Thursday, 7th November 2013. Undertook consultations with a range of children and young people at Ayr Academy, its associated primary schools and Holmston Primary School.

2.0 Considerations

The main considerations relating to the proposed relocation of Ayr Academy, Ayr and change to the catchment area for Belmont Academy, Ayr are fully explained in the proposal document and the main points are highlighted below:

2.1 The condition and suitability of the existing Ayr Academy building are considered to be poor and cannot easily be addressed within the present school building and site.

2.2 The proposed relocation of secondary provision at Ayr Academy to an area within the Craigie Estate, to be part of a learning campus, will provide all learners with state of the art facilities that can best support their learning needs and the delivery of the modern curriculum.

2.3 The proposed change to the catchment area for Belmont Academy will give parents, who live in the defined floating area of Craigie, the choice of sending their children to either Belmont Academy or the new Ayr Academy learning campus which will be closer to their home.

3.0 Consultation

The consultation was undertaken in accordance with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 and all prescribed consultees have been given an opportunity to participate in the consultation process and submit views on the proposal. In addition to this, other individuals and groups with an interest in the proposal were also given an opportunity to participate and submit their views.

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3.1 Overview of responses to consultation

3.1.1 Overall the response to the consultation proposals was very low. A total of 15 written responses were received and a summary of these responses is shown in Appendix 1.

3.1.2 22 people attended the public meeting at Ayr Academy on 6th November 2013 and a record of the points raised and views expressed are listed in Appendix 2.

3.1.3 19 people attended the public meeting at Holmston Primary School on 7th November 2013 and a record of the points raised and views expressed are listed in Appendix 2.

3.1.4 Consultation was also undertaken with a representative sample of children and young people at Ayr Academy, its associated primary schools and Holmston Primary School. The schools used the consultation guidelines “Participants not Pawns” issued by Scotland‟s Commissioner for Children and Young People and the outcomes from the consultations are listed in Appendix 3 and Appendix 4.

3.2 Summary of the points and views expressed during the consultation

Overall stakeholders are positive about the proposals and any concerns mainly related to the impact of increased traffic in and around the Craigie Estate and the lack of detailed information about the exact location of the new campus building. A summary of the main points raised and views expressed during the consultation process is listed below along with a response from the Council.

1) View expressed: Concerned about the impact of increased traffic in the Craigie area.

Response: The Council recognises that traffic and the road infrastructure improvements will play an important part if Ayr Academy is to be built in the Craigie Estate in Ayr. Initial Traffic Impact Assessments have been undertaken and the outcomes will be considered as part of the project scoping exercise which is underway. This will include identifying the best location within the site for the new campus, the subsequent traffic and road issues, the potential solutions to address these and the estimated cost of any improvement measures.

2) Question: Can more information be provided about the public transport links to and from the new campus?

Response: There is already a good range of transport links in place for the Craigie area. If the relocation proposal is successful specific arrangements will be made to publicise the travel options for staff, parents and young people including the details of train and bus services.

3) Question: What will happen to the existing Ayr Academy building?

Response: The Council recognises the historical importance of the Ayr Academy building and an Elected Member/Officer group will be established to explore the options for the future use of the building. This will include engagement and communication with stakeholders.

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4) View expressed: Sport facilities should be enhanced.

Response: The outline brief for the new Ayr Academy learning campus covers a variety of high quality sporting facilities including a games hall, gym facilities, changing areas, a fitness suite and all weather facilities that can support a range of sporting activities. The facilities at the new campus will supplement the sporting facilities at the Dam Park stadium creating a sports hub which can best serve the wider campus arrangements and the town of Ayr as a whole.

5) View expressed: Land opposite Craigie House could be used for the new build.

Response: The best location for the new campus building will be identified by the architects that have been appointed to scope the project. This will include further engagement with stakeholders who have an interest in the project and the proposed move to the Craigie Estate. The land opposite Craigie House will be considered as part of this process.

6) Question: The proposal will create pupil issues with Kyle Academy?

Response: It is not anticipated that the proposed relocation will cause any pupil issues with Kyle Academy. There is already significant interaction and movement of young people from secondary schools within the town of Ayr. Much of this is of an educational and social nature and young people conduct themselves in a very responsible and respectful way.

The River Ayr offers a natural divide between both sites and Kyle Academy is located well away from the river. The travel routes for pupils from both schools are predominantly different and therefore any cross over will be limited.

All schools have robust procedures in place to deal with incidents involving pupils from other schools which would be initiated should one arise.

7) View expressed: A different site should be sought.

Response: The proposal to relocate Ayr Academy to the Craigie Estate followed the outcome of a comprehensive options appraisal exercise which was undertaken in 2009. The options appraisal exercise highlighted the limited availability of suitable sites in the town centre area. The Craigie Estate offers the unique opportunity to develop a learning campus in partnership with the Ayrshire College and University of the West of Scotland.

8) View expressed: Concerned about Safe Routes to School?

Response: The Craigie Estate is already covered by a number of routes that allow children and young people to walk to their chosen school safely. The present safe routes to school will be reviewed again once the actual location of the campus building is known and any further improvements will be considered as part of the project. The outcome of this review will be made available to parents and young people.

9) Question: Why not build on the Old Racecourse?

Response: The Council previously rejected a proposal to build a new primary school on part of the Old Racecourse site and there is no intention to reconsider the site for a school. The Old Racecourse site is well outwith Ayr Academy’s catchment area and would create an over provision for secondary education in that area.

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10) View expressed: Concerned about the lack of details regarding the exact location of the campus building and the impact on roads and environment.

Response: The scoping exercise that is currently underway will consider any site and road infrastructure issues that are identified as part of the process. The scoping exercise will involve further stakeholder engagement, including the residents in and around the Craigie Estate area.

11) View expressed: Supports the idea of shared services with the College and University, but concerned about the lack of detail and the impact it will have on other services?

Response: Discussions are ongoing with the University of the West of Scotland and the Ayrshire College on the development of the shared services model. The development is part of the longer term creation of a learning campus and will involve discussions with services providers and the relevant trade unions and professional bodies.

12) View expressed: Concerned about the impact on the town centre?

Response: It is recognised that Ayr Academy plays an important part in the life of Ayr town centre, particularly the local businesses. Although the proposed location is outwith the immediate town centre area is remains in close proximity and within easy walking distance. Many pupils will continue to use the town centre as a route to school and for out of school leisure and social activities.

13) View expressed: A swimming pool should be included in the campus?

Response: There is no proposal to include a swimming pool as part of the proposed relocation of Ayr Academy. Any change to the present swimming provision would be considered as part of the wider sports strategy within South Ayrshire Council.

14) View expressed: Concerned that Ayr Grammar Primary School may be affected by the proposal at a later date and feels that the location would not be good for a primary school?

Response: Ayr Grammar Primary School is not affected by this proposal. Any future changes which may impact on Ayr Grammar Primary School would be subject to separate statutory consultation and would involve engagement with staff, parents, children and the wider school community.

15) View expressed: Concerned that Ayr Grammar Primary School was discussed at the public meeting held in Holmston Primary School.

Response: A question was asked at the public meeting if Ayr Grammar Primary School would be part of the new learning campus. It was explained that the Council was only consulting on the relocation of Ayr Academy and that any future changes to primary provision would require separate statutory consultation.

16) View expressed: Does not think Ayr Academy is unfit for purpose.

Response: The suitability of all school buildings is assessed using the Scottish Government’s guidelines. The suitability rating for Ayr Academy takes account of the poor layout of the school which impedes the efficient operation of the school, the lack of modern space for Physical Education and pupil support. The main reception is not

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easily accessible and is very small. Access internally is extremely poor for people with disabilities and there are no sports areas externally. Pupils and staff have to use leisure facilities outwith the school some of which are a distance away. The school timetable needs to include time for pupils and staff travelling to and from the other facilities which restricts learning and teaching. The effectiveness of ICT is poor throughout the building. The collective impact of these issues has resulted in Ayr Academy being given a C rating for suitability.

17) Question: Why has the capacity of the present school reduced from 1000 in 1960 to its present capacity of 879?

Response: The capacity of all secondary schools is calculated using the Council’s agreed formulae. This is consistent with other authorities and takes account of agreements on pupil/teacher ratios, the wider range of subjects that pupils can now choose and need for flexibility in the secondary timetable, particularly in the upper school.

18) Question: Why would you want to provide Gaelic Education?

Response: There is a number of initiatives underway funded by the Scottish Government to support the development of the Gaelic language in Scotland. The development of a diverse learning campus provides a great opportunity to include Gaelic education as an option for all learners.

19) View expressed: Concerns about the site in relation to the dam and flooding?

Response: Initial site surveys indicate that there are no significant flood risks associated with the proposal. Full site surveys will be undertaken as part of the scoping exercise and will help identify the best location for the new campus building.

20) Question: Will there be any changes to the zoning of Ayr Academy?

Response: Although the catchment area for Ayr Academy is unaffected by this proposal, South Ayrshire Council intends to undertake a strategic review of all school catchment areas at a future date. The timescale for the review is not known at the present but is unlikely to be within the next 3 years.

21) Question: Many schools are at or around capacity. Is there a plan for future proofing?

Response: Yes, the proposal is to build the new campus with initial capacity for 1000 young people but with design options to increase this to around 1300 in the future.

22) Question: Do you still teach Greek or Latin.

Response: No, there is no demand for these languages.

23) Question: Is there any intention to build a bridge over the river between Kyle Academy and the new Ayr Academy learning campus?

Response: No. There is no requirement for a bridge. A pedestrian bridge is already available a short distance away which can be used if there is a need.

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24) Question: What will be offered in terms of playing fields?

Response: The new campus will include the provision of a full size grass pitch and all weather facility. A strategic review of sports pitches is underway and the outcome will be used to decide whether or not to increase the facilities at the new campus to create a sports hub or develop facilities at other schools in Ayr.

25) View expressed: The school will not last?

Response: The new school campus building will be built to a very high standard and its future maintenance will be managed under a contract. This will ensure that the building has a long life and will be in good condition at the end of the 25 year contract period.

26) Question: What are the feeder primaries? Where will the pupils come from?

Response: No change is being made to the associated primary schools for Ayr Academy which will remain as Annbank Primary School, Coylton Primary School, Dalmilling Primary School and Newton Primary School. Parents of children who reside within the proposed floating area will have the choice of sending their child to the new campus or Belmont Academy which is their existing catchment secondary.

27) View expressed: Regeneration of the town centre is required. The town centre should not lose schooling.

Response: The regeneration of Ayr town centre is being taken forward as part of the Ayr Renaissance initiative. It is recognised that Ayr Academy plays an important part in the life of Ayr Town centre particularly the local businesses. Although the proposed location is outwith the immediate town centre area it remains in close proximity and within easy walking distance. Many young people will continue to use the town centre as a route to school and for out of school leisure and social activities.

28) Question: What is the head count at Ayr Academy?

Response: The recorded school roll at the September 2013 census date was 568.

29) Question: Holmston Primary School is being offered 2 secondary schools. What will drive the choice?

Response: Parents/Carers will decide which secondary school to send their child to.

30) Question: Can we have the Pitch and Putt course back?

Response: There is no intention to re-open the pitch and putt course. It was closed a number of years ago due to low usage and high costs. However, there are a significant number of golf facilities in South Ayrshire offering a range of golfing experiences that people can choose from.

31) View expressed: Concerned that children who stay next to Alloway Primary School will not get in.

Response: This proposal does not impact on Alloway Primary School. During the primary registration process, priority is always given to pupils who want to attend their catchment school.

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32) Question: How does Ayr Academy perform at the moment?

Response: Ayr Academy has considerably improved over the last year and is a school that its pupils are proud of. The school was the subject of an inspection by Education Scotland and copy of their report can be found on their web site at www.educationscotland.gov.uk.

33) View expressed: Assume that local community groups will have access to the facilities at Craigie and it won‟t just be the large sports groups.

Response: The facilities at the new campus will be available to everyone, although there will be some restrictions during the school day. South Ayrshire Council has an agreed policy for school lets and no preferential treatment will be given to any single group.

34) Question: Why is the Council looking to review catchment areas in the longer term?

Response: Changing a school catchment area is not easy and can be very unsettling for parents and their children. Therefore a decision to change them is not taken lightly. Most of the present school catchment areas are historical and confusing for parents, particularly those who stay near the catchment boundaries. Over the years the Council has received requests to change catchment areas but only a small number have been changed to date. The catchment area for Ayr Academy will have to be reviewed at a later date and will impact on other catchment areas within Ayr and possibly Prestwick. Any proposed changes will require statutory consultation.

35) Question: Are there other floating areas that have existed for the long term?

Response: There are a number of floating areas presently in operation and examples are Dailly Primary School where parents can choose to send their child to Girvan Academy or Carrick Academy. This arrangement has been in place for many years and mainly reflects the fact that some pupils within the Dailly catchment area are closer to Girvan Academy, while others are closer to Carrick Academy.

36) Question: Has Belmont‟s attainment increased with the new facility?

Response: Belmont Academy is a high performing school and continues to provide high quality education for its learners.

37) Question: Is the catchment school determined by birth?

Response: No, it depends on where the child stays. Under the placing request legislation, parents also have a statutory right to choose an alternative school for their child subject to certain conditions.

38) View expressed: Improvements need to be made to the Citadel.

Response: This consultation does not impact on the Citadel. However, there have been some improvements to the Citadel but it is recognised that further improvements are required.

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3.3 Consultation with Children and Young People

Over 400 children and young people took part in the consultation and overall the response to the proposals was positive. A copy of the responses from the consultations is included in Appendices 3 and 4.

1) 286 children from the upper stages of the associated primary schools for Ayr Academy and the children from the upper stages at Holmston Primary School participated in the consultation through group discussions.

2) Most of the comments received from the associated primary children related to things that they would like to see in the new school such as a library, ipads, comfy seating, bright classrooms, lockers, sports halls, BBQ‟s etc. These are considered to be positive comments and the information has been passed to the architects who are currently developing the design brief for the new campus building.

3) Overall the children from Holmston Primary School were positive about the proposed creation of a floating area but some responses raised concerns that it could result in friends being split up. Although the proposal offers parents greater choice, the Council recognises that more information about the floating area will need to be provided. This will be released as part of the primary/secondary transfer process and will help reassure parents and pupils that they can choose to remain with their close peer group.

Some of the responses from Holmston Primary School raised concerns about the impact on the Craigie area particularly relating to traffic congestion and access arrangements. This is understandably a concern that has been raised by a number of respondents and the Council recognises that a number of traffic issues will need to be addressed. The project architects that have been appointed will work with officers from education, asset management, roads and planning to develop a range of measures to address these issues. The relocation proposal will also provide the opportunity to improve the overall road infrastructure in and around the Craigie area. Once the site for the new campus is known further consultation will be undertaken with stake holders, including young people, to share with them the proposals for the new building including any proposed road infrastructure improvements.

A few concerns were raised about the general impact on the Craigie estate arising from an increase in the number of people using the estate, the potential for vandalism and the close proximity of the new campus to Kyle Academy. The Council is of the view that the Craigie estate is large enough that it is able to accommodate an increase in user numbers. The new campus building will be designed in such a way that it complements and enhances the area. Vandalism is an unfortunate part of overall society and although vandalism is not a major issue in South Ayrshire schools the Council will continue to educate children and young people to be responsible citizens and to care for the environment. With regard to concerns about the proximity to Kyle Academy it is not anticipated that the proposed relocation will cause any issues. There is already significant interaction and movement of young people from secondary schools within Ayr. Much of this is of an educational and social nature and young people conduct themselves in a very responsible and respectful way. If issues do arise then staff from both schools will work together and with other partners to address the situation.

4) 127 young people at Ayr Academy participated in a consultation survey on the proposals. The response to the proposed relocation of Ayr Academy was very positive with 64.6% of respondents in favour of the relocation, 12.6% indicated no preference and 22.8% were against it. In relation to the proposed change to the catchment area for

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Belmont Academy, 57.5% were in favour of the proposal, 30.7% indicated no preference and 15.7% were against the proposed change.

A few concerns were raised about the need to move the school and traffic implications. Most of these concerns have been covered earlier in this report however the Council will work with the young people and other stakeholders throughout the development of the project and stakeholders will have a number of opportunities to participate and influence the designs.

4.0 Report by Education Scotland

The Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 requires HM Inspectors from Education Scotland to be involved in the formal consultation process and as part of this process HM Inspectors undertook a number of activities in considering the educational aspects of the proposal. A copy of Education Scotland‟s report on the educational aspects of the proposal is attached as Appendix 5.

4.1 Process

4.1.1 Attendance at the public meeting held on 6th November 2013 in connection with the Council‟s proposals.

4.1.2 Consideration of all relevant documentation provided by the Council in relation to the proposal, specifically the educational benefits statement and related consultation documents, written and oral submissions from parents and other interested parties.

4.1.3 Consideration of further representations made directly to Education Scotland on relevant educational aspects of the proposal.

4.1.4 Consideration of further information on all schools affected.

4.1.5 Visits to Ayr Academy, Belmont Academy and Holmston Primary including discussions with relevant consultees.

4.2 HMIE summary

4.2.1 South Ayrshire Council‟s proposals are likely to result in a quality of educational experience for children and young people from Holmston Primary School, Ayr Academy and Belmont Academy across a range of aspects, which is the same as or better than what they currently experience.

4.2.2 Some stakeholders expressed concerns about the proposal, including the impact on the Craigie Estate community and environment, traffic congestion and young people‟s safety. The Council should reassure stakeholders by providing further information for them on these aspects of the proposals.

4.2.3 The Council has set out a case that the implementation of the proposals would contribute to its actions to secure best value for available resources. This argument is strong in the context of improved provision and access to academic and vocational pathways for young people through shared resources at the new learning campus.

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4.3 Responses to the main actions raised by Education Scotland

South Ayrshire Council welcomes the report by Education Scotland which highlights the benefits of the proposal. Officers from Education and Corporate Resources met to consider the content of the report and the actions highlighted in section 3. These are listed below along with the proposals to address them.

4.3.1 Paragraph 3.4: Parents and children from Holmston Primary School had mixed views on the proposal for the „floating area‟. While welcoming the choice, they felt that it would split families and children‟s friendship groups. Some parents were anxious that the Council would revoke this flexibility at some time in the future. They would welcome a specified time period for the commitment to the „floating area‟ and reassurance from the council that their children would not be disadvantaged.

Response: Any future changes to catchment areas would require further statutory consultation involving those on whom the change would impact. The Council is not able give an absolute guarantee that the floating area will not change in the future. The Council is intending to review all catchment areas at a later date but the present focus is on the modernisation of the school estate and taking forward major projects such as the new Ayr Academy and the upgrade of Marr College. It is unlikely that any full review of catchment areas will commence until the majority of the school estate is modernised. That is unlikely to be within the next 3 years

4.3.2 Paragraph 3.6: Staff in Holmston Primary School, Ayr Academy and Belmont Academy identified the need to ensure appropriate transition arrangements for children were in place to support children in moving to both Belmont Academy and Ayr Academy. The Council should ensure that appropriate support is maintained to meet effectively the needs of children transferring from Holmston Primary School to Ayr Academy should the proposal go ahead and families from the Craigie Estate choose to send their children to Ayr Academy instead of Belmont Academy.

Response: South Ayrshire Council has effective transition arrangements in place to support young people moving from primary to secondary school. Ayr Academy will begin developing stronger links with Holmston Primary School so that pupils who wish to attend the new campus are identified at the earliest opportunity. The school will then be able to involve the young people in their overall transition strategy.

4.3.3 Paragraph 3.10: The Council has indicated that free school transport will be provided for entitled children and young people in accordance with its transport policy. It should reassure parents that in further developing plans, steps will be taken to ensure safe routes to schools.

Response: The Council will undertake a review of the safe walking routes to the new campus and will make these available to all parents and pupils as part of the transition to the new building.

4.3.4 Paragraph 3.11: A number of stakeholders raised concerns about the location of the new learning campus in the Craigie Estate. They identified the need for the Council to take action in relation to flood prevention, safety around the river, and reduce the ecological impact of building on the Craigie Estate. The Council should provide them with information about the effect of the building projects on the local community and what steps will be taken to minimise these.

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Response: Work is being undertaken by the project architects to identify the best location for the new campus building. This will include further surveys relating to traffic, environment and flooding. The outcome of these surveys will play a significant part in determining the siting of the new building. Once the location has been identified further engagement with the school and wider community will be undertaken to provide them with the opportunity to comment and ask any questions.

5.0 Decision Making process

In accordance with the Schools (Consultation)(Scotland) Act 2010, this report will be published on Wednesday 22nd January 2014 and made available for further consideration for a period of 3 weeks. Copies of the report are available at County Buildings, Ayr, Customer Contact Centre, Ayr, all schools affected by the proposal and Carnegie Library. The report is also available on the Council‟s website at www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk.

The consultation report will be submitted to the meeting of South Ayrshire Council‟s Leadership Panel on Tuesday, 18th February 2014 for consideration and a decision.

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PROPOSED RELOCATION OF AYR ACADEMY AND CHANGE TO THE CATCHMENT AREA FOR BELMONT ACADEMY Appendix 1 SUMMARY OF RESPONSES

Date Method N Nos: Category: Response Of Response: Received Response 1. Staff 04/10/13 email/response Agrees with the proposal. Would more information about public form transport to and from the new school. 2. Staff 04/10/13 email/response Agrees with the proposal. Hope the history of Ayr Academy is form not lost and some features of the existing building are incorporated into the new building. 3. Community 07/10/13 email No preference. Would like to be kept informed about what happens to the existing Ayr Academy building. 4. Staff 08/10/13 response form Agrees with the proposal. Would more information about public transport to and from the new school. 5. Community 14/10/13 response form No preference. Concerned about traffic impact in the Craigie estate area and highlights present issues. 6. NHS Ayrshire and 30/10/13 response form No preference. NHS Ayrshire and Arran supports the concept of Arran a new Ayr Academy learning campus. 7. Other 01/11/13 response form Agrees with relocation but disagrees with the proposed change to Belmont Academy‟s catchment area. Land opposite Craigie House could be used for the new build. Enhance sporting facilities. 8. Community 05/11/13 response form Disagrees with proposals. Does not think the Craigie estate is a good location. Will create pupils issues with Kyle Academy. Look for a different site. 9. Community 11/11/13 response form Disagree with proposal to relocate Ayr Academy. Agrees with the proposal to change Belmont Academy‟s catchment area. Concerned about traffic impact in the Craigie area, increased traffic congestion and safe walking routes for parents. Build on the Old Racecourse. 10. Unison 14/11/13 response form Agrees with relocation. No preference regarding catchment. Concerned about lack of details regarding exact location and impact on roads and environment. Supports the idea of shared services but concerned about the lack of information regarding this and the impact it will have on existing services. Interested in the future use of the existing Ayr Academy building. Considers that local historians should be involved in the process.

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Date Method N Nos: Category: Response Of Response: Received Response 11. Community 18/11/13 response form Agrees with the proposal. Great concern about the impact on the transport infrastructure. 12. Belmont Academy 20/11/13 response form Agrees with the proposal. Parent Council 13. Community 21/11/13 response form Disagrees with the proposal. Concerned about the impact the relocation of Ayr Academy will have on the town centre, safe walking routes to school, present sports facilities are inadequate, a swimming pool should be included in the new campus. Concerned that Ayr Grammar Primary School may be affected by the proposal at a later date and feels that the location would not be good for a primary school. Concerned that Ayr Grammar Primary School was discussed at the public meeting held at Holmston Primary School. 14. Ayrshire College 24/11/13 response form No preference. The proposals contained within the consultation document are relevant to the strategic priorities of Ayrshire College Ayrshire College welcomes the proposals and recognise the opportunities for learning. The College is committed to working with all secondary schools in South Ayrshire to explore the proposals contained in this report. 15. Community 25/11/13 Letter Disagrees with the proposals. Document only sets out the Council‟s aspirations. Does not think Ayr Academy is unfit for purpose and lists reasons for it. The poor condition of the building is the fault of the Council. Why provide for Gaelic education.

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Appendix 2

Proposed Relocation of Ayr Academy and Change to the Catchment Area of Belmont Academy, Ayr

Public Meeting at Ayr Academy: 6th November 2013 at 7pm Total attendees: 22

View expressed Concerns about the site in relation to the dam and flooding Don‟t think the building will last. Holmston previously either went to Belmont or Ayr therefore no change. How is it to be funded? Is there a guarantee that there will be no private funding Will there be any changes to the zoning of Ayr Academy? Many schools are at or around their capacity. Is there a plan for future proofing? Many years ago classes were around the 30 mark and as many as 1000 pupils attended, why therefore is the current capacity of Ayr only 880. What‟s changed? Are all subjects taught to Higher level? Do you still offer Greek or Latin? What will be offered in terms of playing fields? Holmston are being offered 2 secondary sschools, what will drive the choice? Request that the council takes forward and maximises community access to the PE facilities? Is there an intention to build a bridge over the river between Kyle & Ayr?

Public Meeting at Holmston Primary: 7th November 2013 at 7pm Total attendees: 19

View expressed What‟s the headcount at Ayr Academy? What are the feeder primaries? Where will the pupils come from? Previous indications were that a replacement Grammar Primary may be constructed in the grounds of Craigie Estate and I would not want primary education in the same area as secondary and tertiary education. Ayr has developments of schools and housing but not other facilities. For example the Citadel is way past it‟s sell by date and sports facilities, swimming pool, outdoor facilities etc should be built on the Craigie campus. Regeneration of the town centre is required. The town centre should not lose schooling. Many questions have to be asked about the Citadel- location? Cost? Public transport etc. The town centre is impacted on by the changes some of which are outwith the control of the council. Walking to Craigie estate is not a safe walk to school. There would be a commercial impact on the town if Ayr was relocated. There are many transport issues, the main roundabout is already

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problematic, too many vehicles. All of these issues need to be explored. It‟s a silly idea. The town can‟t offer much to overseas students, we need facilities for them e.g. sports facilities. Improvements need to be made to the Citadel. Can we have the pitch n putt course back? There are current traffic issues and these have to be addressed. The relocation must benefit the whole community. There surely must be funding from the commonwealth & other funding bodies, this should be used to create sports facilities. Ayr will be a state of the art school as Belmont. Has Belmont‟s attainment increased with the new facility? How does Ayr Academy perform at the moment? What‟s the timescale for seeing the footprint? Is the idea of a floating catchment area new? Can it be built into other catchment areas when the next overall review takes place as it seems to be sensible and gives flexibility? Are there other floating areas that exist long term arrangements? Why is the Council looking to review catchments in the longer term? The wide demographics in the Grammar work, the demographics at secondary seem less attractive. Concern that my grandchildren who live close to Alloway Primary School won‟t get in when they are of school age. Is catchment school determined by birth? Ayr is being built to allow wriggle room, how is the council dealing with the primary roll? Concern as a resident of Craigie of the traffic issues but recognise that this will be addressed at a later stage and further opportunities will be available to highlight concerns and discuss the detail. If the roads issues are fixable can we get sports facilities at Craigie? Assume that local community groups will have access to the facilities at Craigie and it won‟t just be the large sport groups.

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Appendix 3

Proposed Relocation of Ayr Academy and Change to the Catchment Area of Belmont Academy, Ayr

Consultation with primary age children

School: Annbank Primary School Number of children involved in consultation 56 Children (P6 & P7) Date of Consultation: 30th & 31st October 2013

The views and comments from children should be recorded below. Recording studio in music dept. soundproof glass Built in ovens/microwaves. Enough sinks for cookery tasks. Large P.E Hall. Outdoor football pitch (astro-turf) & running track. Trampolines, Volleyball nets. Variety of athletics equipment. Wall based storage for sports equipment (Saltire design). Full metal football nets, basketball courts. Indoor tennis courts. Gymnastics poles, treadmills, exercise bikes, Archery area. Dry sky slope Grass area, swimming pool. Weights/fitness room, opportunity to use Dam Park, Tennis courts, PE after school clubs. Link with Carrick Archery Club. Lots of light in classrooms, windows to the floor. Laptops to work on. Integrated tablet computers in Sciences classes. Shaded area outside, cushioned seats in classes. Hangout room, Ipads to use in class. Macbooks, Individual desks, individual whiteboards Vending machines, in dinner hall, buffet style, separate vegetarian/salad section. Refrigerated storage for packed lunches. Place to read books on e-readers. Ipods for studying. Art room. Golden time: Xbox Technology and engineering department. Zoology and marine biology department Room to work on coding games. IDL room. Computer/technology lounge. Outdoor all-weather football pitch and athletics track suitable for PE. Up-to-date p.e equipment. Various courts – tennis, netball, hockey, basketball, swimming pool. Areas with shelter in playground. Benches & outdoor tables for eating outside. Burger bar in canteen, coffee machines & coffee bar serving barista style coffee. Vending machines throughout school. Buffet for lunch. Round tables. Staging for hall for use for school drama/shows. ICT – Laptops, tablets, ipads, kindles available for pupils‟ use. Tablets and ipads in classrooms throughout school. Comfy sofa style chairs. Round tables for pupils to sit at. More than one printer per classroom. Music – Recording studio area, microphones, different musical equipment available, keyboards, piano, guitars, drums. Different art materials – clay, acrylic paint, water colour, different materials to paint on (canvas etc) Models for textile topics. Easels to work on. Lab coats for science, ipads for researching science topics in science lab. Promethean boards specifically for children to work with. Library with laptops, ipads etc. Comfy seating area. Individual study areas. 18

School: Coylton Primary School Number of children involved in consultation 72 Children (P6 & P7) Date of Consultation: 4th November 2013

The views and comments from children should be recorded below. The new site looks hard to get to. It might be dangerous as it is right next to a river. We would only just be getting to know our way round one building when we would have to move to another. It‟s not bad but isn‟t it a bit close to Kyle Academy? Would we get an induction day to help us get to know the new school? It all sounds good! Would it not be better to have us go to Kyle as it is closer, even though the new Ayr Academy will be closer than it is to us just now? It might cause problems with Ayr Academy pupils and Kyle Academy pupils being so near each other. You would make a saving if Holmston Primary went to the new Ayr Academy as they wouldn‟t need to get bused there and they do to Belmont at the moment. Would the new build look like Belmont Academy? I would worry over transport as Ayr Academy pupils wouldn‟t pay but Kyle academy pupils would so pupils going to Kyle might go on the Ayr bus and then walk to Kyle.

School: Dalmilling Primary School Number of children involved in consultation 94 Children ( P6 & P7 Date of Consultation: 25th October 2013

The views and comments from children should be recorded below. Building Softer seats Vending machines Attractive building (“big fancy”) Lighting Big staffroom for the teachers Big classrooms Lockers Restaurant Grounds Benches to sit on outside BBQ and Greenhouse Climbing Frame and Climbing Wall Outdoor Classroom Facilities Library Drama Room and a stage ICT Room with lap tops, I-pads and i-pods Games Room Science Lab Music Room – choir and recording studio 19

Sports Hall (that is not also a dinner hall) with changing rooms– football, hockey, basketball, tennis, go-karting Swimming Pool Art Gallery and Art Room Photography Fitness Studio with treadmills Healthy Cooking Group Ice rink Cinema Other School Newspaper Nice teachers

School: Holmston Primary School Number of children involved in consultation 64 Children (P6& P7) Date of Consultation: 9th October 2013

The views and comments from children should be recorded below. Primary 6 pupils Less distance for Craigie residents to walk. Good idea to move Ayr Academy as it is falling down and on a slope. I think it is a good idea because it will be put next to the new university Training teachers can go to work experience I think it is a bad thing because the new college is there in Craigie and there is lots of people will park in drives. I think it is a bad thing because the university and Ayr Academy might fight with each other. Separated friends Exciting Good place I think I might go to Belmont because my 2 sisters go to Belmont. I think I will go to Belmont because lots of my cousins go there. I don‟t think they should build it because they should build houses in that area. Splits friends up Having to drive to 3 different schools Going to Belmont 1 year then moving is not good. You might meet friends at Belmont then have to move. My brother goes to Belmont. I am closer to Belmont. It is tough for me because my sister goes to Belmont but I am nearer Ayr. I think it is a good idea but I am going to Belmont because when I am playing over there, there are sometimes teenagers that are not nice. It is a bad idea because we will lose our friends I don‟t like it because some people will go to Belmont in the class and some people will go to Ayr I like it because it is closer to my house I don‟t like it because some people will go to Belmont and others to Ayr. It is easier for people because it is closer because Belmont is quite far from Craigie People in Craigie don‟t need to travel far People who live in Craigie just need to walk around the corner. It‟s better for people who live in Craigie but you might be split up from your friends You might get split up from friends

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It‟s better for people who live in Craigie because they will have less amount to walk

Primary 7 I agree with the fact that there are going to be different age groups 3-18. However I think there may be a problem with the two academies being close together. I think that there is a good side by letting people choose if they want to go to Belmont or the new Ayr Academy. But there could be too many people at Belmont and they will not want to go to the new Ayr Academy I agree with this for folk from Craigie. It will be easier to walk instead of car. I do agree with the 3-18 campus. It will be a good opportunity for young families, but I am confused about having 4 academies so close. I agree with people going to Ayr Academy because it gives Craigie a close catchment. I don‟t want it to move because I don‟t want all the schools close to each other. I don‟t agree with it because people have brothers and sisters who go to Belmont. I don‟t agree with it because everyone was going to Belmont and now everyone will go to Ayr. I don‟t agree because Belmont will lose pupils. I don‟t agree because people living in Craigie will have to deal with hundreds of children walking past their house every day. Belmont will lose pupils I agree because it is good for teachers to speak to other teachers about students when they move on to the next stage. I agree because it is more quiet and safe I agree I agree pupils should get a choice I agree I think it could be bad because if the teenagers went out at the same time as the nursery they could be swearing and the nursery children could hear. I do agree but because it is a campus if you are in P7 and you move onto S1 you won‟t get the fresh start because if you have been bad in P7your teacher might tell them how bad you have been Yes because it gives those in Craigie a choice whether they want the new campus or Belmont No because those who are planning to go to Kyle can‟t because the catchment has been changed I think that the people staying in Craigie should go to the school they were going to in the first place I disagree because I think that instead of the people to travel longer they could put the new Kyle closer to where it was I disagree because all the people who live near Ayr Academy and go to Ayr Academy have to walk to Craigie I disagree because it will be very crowded when you walk home if you live in Craigie We agree because the new location might be closer to some people We agree because they should attend it if they were going to it and now it is closer I disagree because the pupils might vandalise Craigie I disagree because there is hardly anything. They might vandalise the park then there would be nothing to do I disagree because some teenagers may walk past the school with a hammer or anything else to vandalise the school We disagree because of the hard decision of which academy to go to I don‟t agree because it will take a lot of money No I don‟t agree. There is no purpose and they are wasting their money No I don‟t agree. My mum works there. The building is safe and this is pointless! 21

Craigie might get vandalised. A waste of money too. Yes I agree because they choose where they want to go to Yes, pupils should get a choice because some people who live in Craigie might want to go to Belmont. Yes I agree. I think pupils should get a choice Yes I agree because pupils get a choice.

Pupil Council (P1-P7)

Consultation Ayr Academy Floating zone Thinks it is good to make a brand new school. A new school would be good, but they may not get as many pupils as Belmont until people find out how the teaching is. The pupil council think it could be a good thing but there could also be problems like splitting friends up. You go to school not just to learn but to learn social skills.

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Appendix 4

Proposed Relocation of Ayr Academy and Change to the Catchment Area of Belmont Academy, Ayr

Consultation with Young People from Ayr Academy

Question 1: Do you agree with the proposal to relocate the secondary education provision at Ayr Academy to a new Ayr Academy learning campus located within the Craigie Estate, Ayr. Response Response Answer Options Percent Count Yes 64.6% 82 No 12.6% 16 No preference 22.8% 29 Number of young people who answered the question 127

Question 2: Do you agree with the proposal to amend the catchment area for Belmont Academy so that parents of children who reside in the Craigie area (shown in the map) can choose to send their child/ren to either the new Ayr Academy learning campus or Belmont Academy. Response Response Answer Options Percent Count Yes 53.6% 68 No 15.7% 20 No preference 30.7% 39 Number of young people who answered the question 127

Question 3: Please use this space for any additional comments

Number of young people who answered the question 13 1. I think that the school should stay where it is and be restored to its former glory. 2. They should stay at Belmont 3. I do agree with letting the children of Holmston Primary attend the new Ayr Academy or Belmont academy and it will be cheaper for travel if you live in the Craigie area. 4. I don‟t see why if a child/ren who stay in Craigie should have to go to Belmont if the live in Craigie and are closer to the new Ayr academy you should have the choice of Ayr Academy or Belmont Academy. 5. I do think this should be for the people who live in the Craigie area to decide. 6. Because its getting built behind my garden. 7. Is there a reason to move the school so far away? The traffic is already very bad in the morning but yet you still make even more. There is no need for it, it‟s a disgrace. 8. Why must we move? It‟s pointless to move 9. I don‟t want the school to go. 10. Are you aloud into town for lunch? 11. If we move can we all get better cafeteria food? 12. I think moving the school will be a great idea. 13. I don‟t want to move the school because we won‟t be in the town for lunch. We also have everything we need in this school.

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Appendix 5

Consultation proposal by South Ayrshire Council

Report by Education Scotland, addressing educational aspects of the proposal to relocate Ayr Academy and change the catchment area of Belmont Academy, Ayr.

Context

This report from Education Scotland is required under the terms of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. It has been prepared by HM Inspectors in accordance with the terms of the Act. The purpose of this report is to provide an independent and impartial consideration of the council‟s consultation proposal. Section 2 of this report sets out the views expressed by consultees during the initial consultation process. Section 3 sets out HM Inspectors‟ consideration of the educational aspects of the proposal and the views expressed by consultees. Section 4 summarises HM Inspectors‟ overall view of the proposal. Upon receipt of this report, the Act requires the council to consider it and then prepare its final consultation report. The council‟s final consultation report should include a copy of this report and must contain an explanation of how it has reviewed the initial proposal, including a summary of points raised during the consultation and the council‟s response to them. The council has to publish its final consultation report three weeks before it takes its final decision.

1. Introduction

1.1 South Ayrshire Council was awarded funding to replace Ayr Academy under the Scottish Government‟s Schools for the Future programme and proposes to relocate the school to a new Ayr Academy learning campus within the Craigie Estate, Ayr. The Craigie Estate sits within the catchment area for Belmont Academy. The council also proposes to mark out part of the Belmont Academy catchment area as a „floating zone‟. Parents and children attending Holmston Primary School who live in part of the Craigie area will have the choice of sending their children to either Belmont Academy or the new Ayr Academy learning campus.

1.2 The report from Education Scotland is required under the terms of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. It has been prepared by HM Inspectors in accordance with the terms of the Act.

1.3 HM Inspectors undertook the following activities in considering the educational aspects of the proposal:

attendance at the public meeting held on 6 November 2013 in connection with the council‟s proposals;

consideration of all relevant documentation provided by the council in relation to the proposal, specifically the educational benefits statement and related consultation documents, written and oral submissions from parents and others;

consideration of further information on all schools affected; and

visits to the site of Holmston Primary School, Ayr Academy, and Belmont Academy, including discussion with relevant consultees. 24

1.4 HM Inspectors considered:

the likely effects of the proposal for children and young people of the schools; any other users; and children likely to become pupils within two years of the date of publication of the proposal paper; and other children and young people in the council area;

any other likely effects of the proposal;

how the council intends to minimise or avoid any adverse effects that may arise from the proposal; and

benefits which the council believes will result from implementation of the proposal, and the council‟s reasons for coming to these beliefs.

2. Consultation process

2.1 South Ayrshire Council undertook the initial consultation on its proposals with reference to the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010.

2.2 Overall, stakeholders in Holmston Primary School were positive about the council‟s proposal related to the „floating area‟ which provides families living in the Craigie Estate with the choice of sending their children to either Belmont Academy or Ayr Academy. A few parents and children were concerned that the choice would split the school community impacting on children‟s friendship groups.

2.3 Overall, stakeholders were positive about the council‟s proposals for the new school building at the Ayr Academy learning campus especially in providing access to improved physical education and technology facilities, external social areas and disabled access.

2.4 Parents, staff, children and young people at both Holmston Primary School and Ayr Academy raised concern about the impact of the new learning campus on traffic congestion at the entrance to the Craigie Estate and identified the need to ensure safe crossings for young people making their way to the new learning campus.

2.5 A few stakeholders expressed concern about the impact of the new school‟s location on the Craigie Estate. They were concerned about the increased numbers of people on the estate, the increased traffic in and around the area and desirability of property in the area. Some felt that the close proximity of the new Ayr Academy, Belmont Academy and Kyle Academy, which is across the river, would result in clashes between young people from the different schools.

3. Educational aspects of the proposal

3.1 The council‟s proposals set out a number of potential benefits for current and future young people of Ayr Academy. The new learning campus will provide an improved learning environment. The current Ayr Academy building impacts negatively on young people‟s learning as a result of poor ventilation, heating, water penetration, lack of appropriate PE and

25 external social facilities, limited access to technology and provision of information and communication technology (ICT), and poor accessibility. The new facilities would provide space which could be used flexibly and offer the opportunity for creative use of technology. It would offer an enhanced sporting experience for young people and the wider community who will have access to the a range of sporting facilities including games hall, gym, fitness suite, dance studio and external grass and all weather facilities.

3.2 The proposals would benefit current and future young people through better meeting young people‟s personal, social, emotional and health and wellbeing through improved social areas, sporting facilities and opportunities to learn in a variety of settings and with different groups of learners across the learning campus. Young people with disabilities would have improved access to the curriculum. Young people and staff from Ayr Academy felt that the move away from the town centre would have a positive impact on the school ethos and reputation in the community. They felt that improved canteen and social area facilities would help improve young people‟s health and wellbeing, including through improved access to healthy food.

3.3 Young people who attend Ayr Academy and Belmont Academy are responding well to an increasingly broad range of opportunities to achieve. Increasing numbers are achieving success in a wide range of nationally accredited awards, including the Duke of Edinburgh‟s Award, Youth Achievement, Saltire and Sports Leadership Awards. Teachers in both schools are continuing to develop the curriculum taking account of Curriculum for Excellence and to ensure that all young people benefit from a broad general education from S1-S3. In both schools, staff are increasing the range of opportunities for young people to experience personalisation and choice and to link their learning including through enterprise and citizenship activities. Attainment levels varies in both schools and staff in both schools are taking positive steps to improve attainment, particularly of those young people from areas of high depravation.

3.4 Parents and children from Holmston Primary School had mixed views on the proposal for the „floating area‟. While welcoming the choice, they felt that it would split families and children‟s friendship groups. Some parents were anxious that the council would revoke this flexibility at some time in the future. They would welcome a specified time period for the commitment to the „floating area‟ and reassurance from the council that their children would not be disadvantaged.

3.5 Ayr Academy and Belmont Academy work well with their cluster primaries to support transitions. Both schools are continuing to develop their approaches to meeting young people‟s needs including through improved links with pupil support/guidance staff and support for learning staff and improving approaches to tracking young people‟s progress and achievements. The council is supporting improved curriculum transitions with each cluster across the authority taking responsibility for planning for progression in a curriculum area. In this initiative, Ayr Academy is leading on the literacy development, with Belmont Academy leading on the technology development. The aim is to provide a progressive planning framework for each curriculum area that is shared across South Ayrshire and which will support children‟s continuity and progression across transition from one school to another.

3.6 Staff in Holmston Primary School, Ayr Academy and Belmont Academy identified the need to ensure appropriate transition arrangements for children were in place to support 26 children in moving to both Belmont Academy and Ayr Academy. The council should ensure that appropriate support is maintained to meet effectively the needs of children transferring from Holmston Primary School to Ayr Academy should the proposal go ahead and families from the Craigie Estate choose to send their children to Ayr Academy instead of Belmont Academy.

3.7 Both Ayr Academy and Belmont Academy have successfully improved young people‟s progress into positive destinations including through improving monitoring and tracking, provision of individual support programmes and links with a range of agencies and employers. Young people in both schools currently benefit from access to an increased breadth of progression pathways through the consortium arrangements between the secondary schools in South Ayrshire.

3.8 The improved partnerships between Ayr Academy and Ayr College and the University of West of Scotland would improve young people‟s access to both academic and vocational provision in the senior phase and to progression pathways beyond school. This would help better meet the needs of a wider range of learners, provide the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial learning experiences through the business development centres and to provide personalised learning for young people. This should ensure equality of opportunity to positive destinations. As a result of the consortium arrangements in place, young people in Belmont Academy would also benefit from this improved provision. Staff, parents and children and young people were positive about the proposals for improved links with Ayr College and the University of West of Scotland. They felt that this would improve choice and progression for young people and improve young people‟s ambition and aspirations.

3.9 The proposals offer opportunities for links with teacher education, improved arrangements for staff development and shared resources contributing to improved leadership development opportunities for staff. In this respect, the council‟s proposals are based on best value, taking account of their responsibility to use its resources effectively and efficiently.

3.10 The council has indicated that free school transport will be provided for entitled children and young people in accordance with its transport policy. It should reassure parents that in further developing plans, steps will be taken to ensure safe routes to schools.

3.11 A number of stakeholders raised concerns about the location of the new learning campus in the Craigie Estate. They identified the need for the council to take action in relation to flood prevention, safety around the river, and reduce the ecological impact of building on the Craigie Estate. The council should provide them with information about the effect of the building projects on the local community and what steps will be taken to minimise these.

4. Summary

4.1 South Ayrshire Council‟s proposals are likely to result in a quality of educational experience for children and young people from Holmston Primary School, Ayr Academy and Belmont Academy across a range of aspects, which is the same as or better than which they currently experience.

4.2 Some stakeholders expressed concerns about the proposal, including the impact on the Craigie Estate community and environment, traffic congestion and young people‟s safety. 27

The council should reassure stakeholders by providing further information for them on these aspects for the proposals.

4.3 The council has set out a case that the implementation of the proposals would contribute to its actions to secure best value for available resources. This argument is strong in the context of improved provision and access to academic and vocational pathways for young people through shared resources at the new learning campus.

HM Inspectors Education Scotland December 2013

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