REVIEW OF SECONDARY EDUCATION PROVISION IN THE MID AND NORTH WEST OF

CONSULTATION REPORT

July 2015

Published by:

Pembrokeshire County Council Children & Schools Directorate County Hall SA61 1TP

July 2015

For a copy of this publication in Braille, in larger print or audio tape, or an alternative language, please contact Pembrokeshire County Council on 01437 776613

Foreword

Pembrokeshire County Council is responsible for promoting high educational standards and for delivering efficient primary and secondary education. Having the right schools in the right places and ensuring that they are fit for the 21st century learner is considered central to this and is a challenge facing councils across Wales.

Meeting this challenge involves reviewing the number and type of school the Council has in its area and assessing whether or not best use is being made of these schools to deliver effective education to meet the needs and aspirations of learners in Pembrokeshire.

The Council reviews its education provision on the basis of: · Quality and future sustainability of education delivery · Sufficiency and accessibility of school places · The condition, suitability and standard of school buildings · Value for money

This Consultation Report sets out the statutory consultation undertaken regarding the case for change to the secondary education provision in the Mid and North West of Pembrokeshire. All comments and responses received during the consultation period have been recorded, and have been collated and summarised in this document. Acknowledgement or rebuttal of received comments and responses has been included (as appropriate). Some concerns expressed have informed suggested alterations to the proposal, where considered beneficial to the majority of learners.

Pembrokeshire County Council will consider this Consultation Report in its meeting on 16 July 2015.

Sue Perkins Cabinet Spokesperson for Education and Safeguarding

Contents

1. Executive Summary and Recommendations 1

2. Introduction 7

3. Distribution of Consultation Report 8

4. Consultation Arrangements 9 4.1 Consultation with the Tasker Milward & Picton Charity 4.2 Consultation Document 4.3 Consultation Meetings & Public Information sessions 4.4 Consultation with Children & Young People

5. Consultation Correspondence 12 5.1 Volume & Profile of responses received 5.2 Response from Estyn 5.3 Alternative proposals

6. Consultation Responses 17 6.1 General consensus 6.2 Issues / Concerns raised by consultees 6.3 Issues raised in relation to alternative proposals 6.4 Issues raised by Estyn

Appendix A 45 Correspondence in relation to the Tasker Milward and Picton Charity

Appendix B 64 B1 – Press Releases & Publicity B2 – Powerpoint presentation

Appendix C 79 School Council Conferences

Appendix D 109 Consultation with Estyn

1. Executive Summary and Conclusion

Communities in Pembrokeshire engaged enthusiastically and effectively with the statutory consultation process for the Review of Secondary Education Provision in the Mid and North West of Pembrokeshire. Officers wish to thank all who have given their views, many of which have been cogent arguments for or against the proposal. As might be expected there were a number of conflicting and mutually exclusive responses but clear feedback in a number of areas has allowed us to begin to adapt, refine and alter our proposals to better meet the needs of learners and communities in Pembrokeshire. We are grateful to everyone who responded for their participation and ideas for improving the outcomes for children in Pembrokeshire.

1.1 Key Outcomes Key outcomes from the consultation are: 1.1.1 Site for 11-16 Haverfordwest School Issues raised by consultees concerning optimising site advantages included the need to: · Maintain and improve mainstream experiences for Portfield School pupils and make best use of Portfield School in supporting those children with ALN who are in mainstream education. · Maintain, improve and develop the good sports facilities on both Sir and Tasker Milward sites to the best use of all children. · Improve the facilities in schools so that they are of benefit to the wider community · Ensure that pupils of compulsory school age and above are able to participate in extra-curricular activities beyond the school day. · Maximise the benefit of proximity to Pembrokeshire College. The Recommendations section of this Executive Summary sets out how the proposal could be adapted to take on board the suggestions made by these respondents without diluting the vision set out in the Case for Change.

1.1.2 A Sixth Form Centre for the 21st Century A large number of responses were received from consultees aligning themselves with the “Schools for the Future – Community Plan” and the “ and Schools Future” group. Alternative proposals were submitted by each of these groups. The views expressed support for the proposal in general terms and the groups demonstrated an understanding of the Case for Change and the need to find a solution that best meets the needs of all pupils.

1 Their comprehensive responses included alternative proposals for an amended model allowing sixth form students in the north of Pembrokeshire to access some of their sixth form courses from Ysgol Dewi Sant (YDS) and (YBG) utilising an improved and fit for purpose ICT infrastructure and system. Their proposals address issues that are common to many rural and sparse geographical areas, are well considered and are suitable for further development. The Recommendations section of this Executive Summary sets out how the proposal could be adapted to take on board the suggestions made by these respondents without diluting the vision set out in the Case for Change.

1.1.3 Single 11-16 English Medium School in Haverfordwest There is general support that there should be one secondary school in Haverfordwest following the closure of Sir Thomas Picton and Tasker Milward with most concerns in opposition to the removal of a school-based sixth form. In relation to the proposed change in school catchment areas, it is clear that the Burton and Llangwm areas have a greater affinity with Haverfordwest. The Recommendations section of this Executive Summary sets out how the proposal could be adapted to take on board the suggestions made by these respondents without diluting the vision set out in the Case for Change.

1.1.4 Retention of School Sixth Forms The findings arising from the statutory consultation provide compelling evidence that there is a strong level of opposition to the proposal to remove school based sixth forms and to create a new Sixth Form Centre, and a range of reasons for not doing so have been strongly voiced. These include: · The loss of the supporting role that sixth formers play in the rest of their school – role models, mentors, events and extracurricular activity supporters. · The loss of the role that sixth formers play in the personal and social development of KS3 and KS4 pupils. · Concerns that the proposal removes some element of choice for sixth formers. · Additional pressures put on sixth formers through protracted travel times. · The erosion of teaching standards brought about by the limited opportunities for secondary school teachers for career development. Based on the evidence collected in preparation of the proposal it is considered that the advantages in having a separate Sixth Form Centre far outweigh the disadvantages for the majority of pupils in Pembrokeshire as set out in section 6.2 of this report. However a number of concerns expressed can be addressed or partially addressed through refinements to the proposal and these are set out in the Recommendations section below. The removal of school sixth form provision is clearly emotive, as is evidenced from responses received, and this single issue is a basis for the majority of

2 negative feedback and criticism over the proposal. Other than this concern, many elements of the proposal gain support as can be evidenced by examining the qualitative analysis of responses.

1.1.5 Identity of Sixth Form Centre In addition to the points raised under 1.1.4 above, many concerns were voiced expressly concerning the relationship between the proposed Sixth Form Centre and Pembrokeshire College. These included: · Concerns over children transitioning to a “campus based” environment. · Concerns over lack of pastoral support as students were not working with “known teachers” · Pembrokeshire College having a monopoly over post-16 education · Concerns over the suitability of Pembrokeshire College to host sixth form provision in terms of both environment (an unstructured campus environment) and standards (A-level results and expertise in A-level delivery). · Concern over the lack of clarity in Governance arrangements · Concern that the proposal favours Pembrokeshire College in order to address financial and logistical shortfalls partly brought about by the new Pembroke Learning Campus. The Recommendations section of this Executive Summary sets out how the proposal could be adapted to allay many of the concerns voiced by these respondents without diluting the vision set out in the Case for Change.

1.1.6 ALN Provision A range of positive feedback in relation to enhanced collaborative working between Portfield School and the new 11-16 English Medium School has been received. Proposals in relation to ALN generally, are widely supported with recognition that the proposal will sufficiently meet the needs of pupils with additional learning needs within mainstream secondary provision. Concerns over the geographical relationship between Portfield School and the new 11-16 English Medium School as set out in the Consultation Document have been heard and amendments to the proposal to mitigate this are set out in the Recommendations section below.

1.1.7 Welsh Medium Provision There is some support for the proposal in relation to Welsh Medium Provision. Concerns remain that pupils living in the south of the county will continue to be disadvantaged by the proposed 3-16 school being sited in Haverfordwest. Concerns were also expressed over the proposed post 16 provision, ALN provision, the proposed admissions arrangements and whether there should be any additional Welsh provision over what currently exists. However, evidence

3 collected during development of the proposal supports officers’ conviction that the proposal is in the best interests of the majority of Welsh speaking learners.

1.1.8 Educationally Led Design There was support for the Educationally Led process adopted to ensure that learning environments would support and encourage 21st Century teaching and learning.

1.2 Recommendations for amending the proposal

There are a number of areas in which the proposal can be modified and explored, as a response to ideas and concerns highlighted in the consultation process, without detracting from the principles set out in the Case for Change. These areas are set out below and expanded upon in sections 6.2 and 6.3 of this report:

1.2.1 Reassign Site Allocation

Establishing the English Medium 11-16 school on the Tasker Milward site (subject to the provisions of the Tasker Milward and Picton Charity). The adjacency of this site to Portfield School and Pembrokeshire College has the potential to create a Haverfordwest Learning Community that will meet the requirements for a greater number of children and young people by: · Creating opportunities for on-going relationships between sixth formers and the 11-16 school brought about by close physical proximity. · Creating a stronger relationship between Portfield School and the new 11- 16 English Medium School. · Opportunities for teachers in “cross school” teaching brought about by close physical proximity. · Opportunities for sixth formers to be involved in sports and extracurricular activities on the 11-16 English Medium school site. · Evidence of a clear progression route “across the road” for KS4 pupils. · Enhanced opportunities for post 14 vocational studies in “industry standard” environments brought about through the closer relationship between the new 11-16 EM school and Pembrokeshire College. The Welsh Medium 3-16 school can then be located on the Sir Thomas Picton site.

1.2.2 Explore “Digital Delivery” including “Hub & Spoke”. The Alternative Proposals set out in the “Schools for the Future – Fishguard Community Plan” and the “Ysgol Dewi Sant and Schools Future” (in utilising interactive and web based learning in order to improve digital skills and as a means of providing an equitable solution to learners in rural/remote communities)

4 could be explored and adopted, in part, to develop a “Hub and Spoke” solution for the delivery of A-level provision across North Pembrokeshire. Such a solution might involve provision of dedicated sixth form “spoke” spaces within YDS and YBG in which some lessons could be delivered through specialist ICT from the “Hub” in the new sixth form centre in Haverfordwest. Dependent upon pupil and course numbers, this could be augmented by teachers travelling from the “Hub” to deliver some lessons or tutorials on site in YDS and/or YBG. This amendment would reduce the number of days that sixth formers would need to travel to Haverfordwest, allow relationships between sixth formers and 11-16 schools pupils and teachers to remain, and provide aspiration for KS4 pupils. Such a proposal could become an exemplar for learning in rural and remote communities in Wales.

1.2.3 Develop the Proposed Sixth Form Centre as a Distinct Identity – the ALC Ensuring that the proposed sixth form centre has its own distinct identity and is not seen as being subsumed by Pembrokeshire College is central to addressing many of the concerns raised by consultees. There is clear evidence that such a centre provides better outcomes for learners than either school-based sixth forms or FE sixth forms and this is articulated in the Case for Change. Providing a sixth form centre that can access specialist and support provision at Pembrokeshire College will allow concerns in respect of outcomes, pupil safety, pastoral care, aspiration and structure of the school day to be addressed. The choice of courses and pathways for learning that will be available to a student body of this size is considered to outweigh the choice of location where only a limited number of courses are delivered. Developing the proposed sixth form centre with its own distinct identity on the Pembrokeshire College site addresses a number of concerns and provides many advantages for pupils: · The sixth form will be run as a sixth form in a way familiar to any head of sixth form in a school, and not in the manner of an FE college. · Sixth formers will have a full day timetabled including study periods that can be actively supervised · Interaction between older FE students and younger A-level students can be better managed, · Pastoral support through a tutor system will continue to be provided in the same way in which any good sixth form would do. · Pupils have a home base and sense of place. They can take pride in their sixth form as an institution. · Evidence concludes that sixth form centres achieve better results than school based sixth forms and FE sixth forms.

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1.2.4 Allow the Development of Ysgol Dewi Sant (YDS) as a 3-16 Church in Wales VA school. The proposer fully supports the board of Governors at YDS in exploring options to take forward their alternative proposal to convert to a 3-16 VA school in order to maintain on-going viability of their school. It is understandable that the large number of consultees who have responded wish to see an education system/configuration which best meets the needs of their children, grandchildren, and young people in Pembrokeshire. It is inevitable, therefore, that the views submitted on how best to meet this need are polarised, and differ from area to area. It should be noted that the Council’s case for change is predicated on the need to improve outcomes for all learners, and as such a balance has to be met which is appropriate for all areas of Pembrokeshire. Nonetheless, careful consideration has been given to all responses and the above recommendations for amendment reflect considered thought as to how to address the concerns of our communities without compromising our very clear commitment to learners in Pembrokeshire.

1.2.5 Re-alignment of Catchment Areas Officers recognise the concerns expressed by parents of pupils of Cleddau Reach VC School and the residents of the Burton and Llangwm areas. In view of the greater affinity with Haverfordwest, it is considered that the above school should continue as a feeder for the proposed new school in Haverfordwest.

6 2. Introduction

Pembrokeshire County Council has a statutory duty to secure sufficient and suitable school places in its area and to determine whether it is making the best use of resources and facilities to deliver the opportunities that children deserve.

Preliminary consultation was undertaken during January and February 2014 on the future direction of secondary education provision in the Haverfordwest area and education provision in the St David’s area; this was undertaken as a joint consultation.

As a result, the Director for Children and Schools submitted reports to Council in October 2014 and January 2015 in order to report on the outcome of preliminary consultation and subsequent appraisal on the options which had been carried out, and to recommend a way forward.

The decision of Pembrokeshire County Council on 29th January 2015 was as follows:

(a) That the Director for Children and Schools be authorised to commence statutory consultation on the proposal to: i. Discontinue and Tasker Milward School and establish a new 11-16 English medium secondary school with additional ALN provision for pupils with complex learning needs on the site of the current Sir Thomas Picton School. Post 16 provision to be provided in a new integrated sixth form centre as part of a formal collaboration between the County Council and Pembrokeshire College, subject to formal governance arrangements being agreed.

ii. Reduce the age range of Ysgol Bro Gwaun and Ysgol Dewi Sant from 11-19 to 11-16 and provide additional bilingual ALN provision for pupils with complex learning needs at Ysgol Bro Gwaun. Post 16 provision to be provided in a new integrated sixth form centre as part of a formal collaboration between the County Council and Pembrokeshire College, subject to formal governance arrangements being agreed.

iii. Discontinue Ysgol Glan Cleddau and establish a new 3-16 Welsh medium / bilingual school on the site of the current Tasker Milward VC School. Post 16 provision to be provided by .

(b) That the Director for Children and Schools be authorised to consult with relevant schools’ governing bodies with a view to amending language categories as part of the Council’s commitment to improve and extend Welsh medium education.

This document represents the County Council’s responsibility as part of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 to publish a Consultation Document, and: · Summarises each of the issues and concerns raised by consultees; · Responds to these issues by means of clarification or rejection of the concerns with supporting reasons, and · Sets out Estyn’s view of the overall merits of the proposal.

7 3. Distribution of Consultation Report

§ The Governing Bodies, parents, guardians and staff of all schools in the following clusters of schools: Sir Thomas Picton, Tasker Milward VC, Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Ysgol Dewi Sant, Milford Haven § The Governing Bodies, parents, guardians and staff of the following schools: Ysgol Gymraeg Glan Cleddau, Ysgol y Preseli, Portfield School, Narberth Primary, Tenby Infants, Tenby Junior, Ysgol Gelli Aur § The pupils / school councils of all the above schools § Pembrokeshire College § The Tasker Milward and Picton Charity § The Directors of Education for the Diocese of St David’s and the Diocese of Menevia § The Dean of St David’s Cathedral – Very Reverend Jonathan Lean § Assembly Members: Angela Burns (constituency), Paul Davies (constituency), Rebecca Evans (regional), William Powell (regional), Simon Thomas (regional), Joyce Watson (regional) § Members of Parliament: Stephen Crabb, Simon Hart § Teaching and support staff trade unions: NUT, NASUWT, UCAC, ATL, NAHT, ASCLE, UNISON, GMB § Welsh Minister for Education and Skills § Estyn § Carmarthenshire County Council and Ceredigion County Council § ERW – Regional Education Consortium § SWWITCH – Regional Transport Consortium § Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner § Pembrokeshire Communities First § Pembrokeshire Local Service Board § Hywel Dda Health Board § SNAP Cymru § The Charities Commission § The following Community, Town and City Councils: Ambleston, Brawdy, Burton, Camrose, Cilgerran, Cwm Gwaun, Dale, Dinas Cross, Fishguard & Goodwick, Freystrop, Haverfordwest, Hayscastle, Herbrandston, Hook, Johnston, , Llangwm, Llanrhian, Llanstadwell, Llawhaden, Manordeifi, Marloes & St Brides, Mathry, Merlins Bridge, Milford Haven, Narberth, Nevern, New Moat, Newport, Neyland, Nolton & Roch, Pencaer, Puncheston, Rosemarket, Rudbaxton, , Solva, Spittal, St David’s, St Ishmaels, The Haven, Tiers Cross, Uzmaston, Boulston & Slebech, Walwyn’s Castle, Wiston, Wolfscastle § Non-maintained settings / providers: Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin, TWF, Cylch Meithrin Hwlffordd, Clwb Glan Cleddau After School Club, 9 x Day Nurseries, 8 x Childminders § Childcare & Young People’s Partnership – Early Years, Childcare and Learning Group In addition, this report will be distributed to all consultees who have specifically requested to be advised of its availability.

8 4. Consultation Arrangements

4.1 Consultation with the Trustees of the Tasker Milward and Picton Charity

(a) Prior to the commencement of statutory consultation, and in accordance with the School Organisation Statutory Code (The Code), consultation on the Council’s proposal was undertaken with the Trustees of the Tasker Milward and Picton Charity. As explained in the report to the meeting of Extra-ordinary Council on 29th January 2015, various parcels of land on the Tasker Milward school site are in the ownership of the above Charity, and it is a requirement to conduct consultation with the trustees before the consultation document is published, to allow 28 days for the receipt of comments and to have due regard to those comments before any decision is made to proceed to general consultation.

(b) A meeting took place on the 5th February 2015 to initiate statutory consultation with the Trustees. The meeting was attended by the Cabinet Spokesperson for Education and Safeguarding and officers of the County Council, along with the trustees of the Charity and their advisers. The Council’s proposal was outlined and in particular, its proposal in relation to the land and buildings on the Tasker Milward site. The notes of this meeting and additional correspondence are included within Appendix A.

(c) Issues raised during the meeting, and in subsequent correspondence between the Charity’s solicitors and the external solicitors advising the Council on charity law were considered fully prior to the decision to proceed with statutory consultation.

(d) It is recognised that the Trustees will need to consider their position in the best interests of the Charity and its beneficiaries, with the Council being the primary beneficiary. Similarly, the Council will need to provide the Trustees and the Charity Commission with the supporting evidence they require to obtain a new or supplemental scheme.

(e) Subject to a Council decision on the matter, it should be noted that detailed discussions will need to be undertaken with the Trustees and the Charity Commission when the exact extent of land requirements at the Tasker Milward site are known.

4.2 Consultation Document

The Consultation Document for the Council’s proposal was published on 23rd March 2015 and in accordance with the Code, was distributed to all statutory consultees (shown on Page 4 of the Consultation Document) and published on the County Council website at www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/haveyoursay.

9 Supplementary information in relation to the relative sizes of the proposed schools was subsequently published and circulated on 30th March 2015 in the form of an addendum. The consultation period was originally stated as a six week period, but due to unforeseen technical problems with the Council website which resulted in online responses not being able to be completed on 2nd, 3rd and 4th May, the closing date was extended to Friday 8th May 2015. The local media, County Councillors and the Council’s Customer Contact Centre were informed; in addition the information was posted on Council social media sites.

4.3 Consultation Meetings and Public Information Sessions

(a) Prior to the commencement of statutory consultation, informal meetings were held with school staff and governors during weeks commencing 9th and 16th March 2015, as follows:

Date Schools affected Venue 9th March 2015 Ysgol Bro Gwaun Ysgol Bro Gwaun

Portfield School Portfield School 10th March 2015 Sir Thomas Picton Sir Thomas Picton 11th March 2015 Ysgol Dewi Sant Ysgol Dewi Sant 12th March 2015 Tasker Milward VC Tasker Milward

Sir Thomas Picton cluster Prendergast CP 16th March 2015 Ysgol Dewi Sant cluster Ysgol Bro Dewi 17th March 2015 Ysgol Bro Gwaun cluster Ysgol Bro Gwaun 18th March 2015 Ysgol Glan Cleddau Ysgol Glan Cleddau 19th March 2015 Tasker Milward cluster Pembrokeshire Archive

(b) Subsequently, public consultation sessions were held as follows:

Date Venue 23rd March 2015 City Hall, St David’s 24th March 2015 Pembrokeshire Archive 25th March 2015 Town Hall, Fishguard 26th March 2015 Greenhill School, Tenby 13th April 2015 Ysgol y Preseli, Crymych 14th April 2015 Town Hall, Fishguard 15th April 2015 City Hall, St David’s 16th April 2015 Pembrokeshire Archive 20th April 2015 Pembroke Dock Community School 22nd April 2015

(c) Various press releases and promotional flyers were circulated prior to, and during the consultation period in order to raise awareness and to highlight

10 how local people could take part in the process. These are included as Appendix B1.

(d) All of the above meetings took the same format, whereby a brief Powerpoint presentation giving a summary of the Consultation Document was followed by a question and answer session (Appendix B2). In all cases, consultees were encouraged to respond to the consultation by using one of the published methods. Hard copies of the Consultation Document, including response forms were provided at all the above sessions, and copies left for the convenience of consultees. Most of the public information sessions were well attended with approximately 460 people attending over the ten sessions.

4.4 Consultation with Children and Young People

(a) In accordance with the Code, suitable arrangements were made to consult with pupils of all schools affected by the proposal. The children and young people attending all the schools identified as part of, or affected by, the proposal were given the opportunity of being represented at three separate School Council Conferences facilitated by the Children’s Rights Officer. A “pupil-friendly” version of the Consultation Document was prepared and disseminated to pupils via these conferences which were held as follows:

School Venue Date Secondary schools Bloomfield Community Friday 17th April 2015 Centre, Narberth Primary schools Haverfordwest Leisure Tuesday 21st April 2015 Centre Welsh medium schools Bloomfield Community Friday 24th April 2015 Centre, Narberth

(b) The notes of the above School Council Conferences are provided as Appendix C.

11 5. Consultation Correspondence

5.1 Volume and Profile of Responses Received

A total of 4678 responses were received via the online web link, general and “pupil-friendly” response forms, email/letter or a petition that was organised online. The breakdown is as follows:

Online web link / hard copy forms 4004 Letters / emails 673 Petition (1131 signatures) 1 TOTAL 4678

In relation to the petition, a total of 1131 signatures (handwritten and online) were received in support of the following proposition:

A Sixth Form College reduces choice of the environment in which students 16+ learn in. A College is suitable for some students but, Sixth Form within a school is suitable for others. The National Curriculum has changed recently reducing choice at GCSE, why should these pupils have their choices reduced more? Taking away the Sixth Form from the school will limit the opportunities we have. What will happen to musical and sporting events between separate schools? Also, the roles like Head Prefects and Senior Prefects. Making a Sixth Form College on that scale will turn students into numbers and not individuals, it will reduce the push we have from teachers we have grown up around and will affect the school community. The lower years will have no role models and nothing to aspire to. This is why Pembrokeshire need to fight for provision to keep our Sixth Form within the school!

Of the 673 letters and emails received, 542 of these represent correspondence that specifically supports one of the alternative proposals set out in Section 5.3 of this report, i.e. the Schools for the Future.

The profile of respondents is given below, and reflects all descriptions given. The total does not therefore equal the total of responses received. Responses from: Number Pupil 2282 Parents / Relatives 1478 Governing Bodies / Governors 83 Staff 245 Residents 891 Representatives of local groups 41 Educational Professionals 19 Elected members 11 City/Town/Community Councils 8 Diocesan Representatives 1 Trades Union representatives 1 Other 13

12 5.2 Response from Estyn

The County Council has received a detailed response to the proposal from Estyn. Its overall conclusion of the proposal is as follows:

The proposer has presented a clear rationale for the need to make changes to secondary school provision in mid and north-west of Pembrokeshire, to increase the availability of Welsh medium primary provision and for increasing the provision for secondary aged learners with additional learning needs.

The proposals are complex, ambitious and wide ranging. Whilst the five broad options for change receive extensive consideration by the proposer, some aspects of the proposals do not have enough information about their potential impact on other providers.

The proposed mixed economy of post 16 provisions in schools, Welsh medium and the sixth form centre seem a sensible way forward and are likely to at least maintain the quality of outcomes and provision. However, there remain questions about equality of opportunities in terms of the range of courses available for post 16 pupils choosing to study through the medium of Welsh.

Establishing a new 11-16 English medium school in Haverfordwest is likely to at least maintain the quality of the outcomes and provision in the area.

Whilst the rationale for extending Welsh medium provision is sound and is likely to at least maintain the quality of outcomes and provision, the impact of the new proposed 3-16 school on the numbers attending Ysgol y Preseli are not sufficiently considered in the proposal.

The proposals do not address the likely issues around sustaining small 11-16 schools in Bro Gwaun and Dewi Sant.

The proposed addition of secondary Learning Resource Centres in Fishguard and Haverfordwest seem a positive development and is likely to improve standards and outcomes for pupils with complex learning difficulties.

The full response to the proposal from Estyn is attached in Appendix D.

5.3 Alternative Proposals

Four alternatives to the Council’s proposal have been received prior to, and as part of, the consultation process. These are as follows:

5.3.1 Ysgol Dewi Sant - Resolution of the Governing Body on 2nd March 2015 · Its wish for Ysgol Dewi Sant to be re-designated a VA Church in Wales, inclusive school

13 · Its support in the forthcoming re-organisation of educational provision in North Pembrokeshire for the retention of a core number of A level subjects, to be delivered at Ysgol Dewi Sant as a satellite campus of the proposed sixth form centre. · Its support for any proposal to create a 3-19 model school on the St Davids peninsula, incorporating the extension of the catchment area.

5.3.2 Tasker Milward VC School and Sir Thomas Picton School – Joint Governing Bodies’ Response

The joint Governing Bodies recommend the retention of sixth form education within the remit of a new Haverfordwest secondary school on the Sir Thomas Picton site, and the development of stronger partnership with successful secondary schools.

5.3.3 St Davids Schools for the Future steering group – Schools for the Future Community Plan

· The creation on the St David’s Peninsula of a split site 3-16 all-through school under a single management team, through the amalgamation of Ysgol Dewi Sant and at least 2 local primary schools would give economies of scale that would make the school sustainable into the future. Without such an amalgamation the predicted surplus places at YDS would make it too expensive to keep open. Without YDS we believe that its feeder primaries would lose students and also risk closure. · The Council’s consultation document calls for a strategy for 21st Century education that is cutting edge, innovative and aspires to excellence for all. We propose that interactive and web-based learning, and integrated community involvement are the way to do that. · We propose to embed this transformational educational strategy into the physical design and structure of the school in the form of an i-Learn centre, onsite small business units, and by remodelling access to the school hall and other potential community facilities. We propose doing this by using 21st Century schools funding to redevelop the YDS site. · We propose the creation of a new, independent, split-site sixth form College for Pembrokeshire, P6, with community campuses in Haverfordwest, St Davids and Fishguard. It would be centrally administered and funded, make intelligent use of interactive and web- based learning, take a strategic approach to the provision of courses and facilities on the three sites, and work in an integrated partnership with Pembrokeshire College to offer a full range of academic and vocational options for post 16 learners.

5.3.4 Schools for the Future – Fishguard Community Plan

In addition to the basic Schools for the Future Plan, we propose the following additions and amendments with respect to Ysgol Bro Gwaun and its community.

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· A sustainable school – rather than a formally established all-through school we propose to strengthen community ties and create a flow of learning from 3-16 by building on our already excellent transitional provision · A transformational strategy to raise standards – YBG strongly supports the Schools for the Future proposal to improve standards and outcomes by making interactive and web-based learning, and integrated community involvement the foundation for excellent teaching and inspired learning: o Web-based learning o Integrated Community Development o Bilingual provision o ALN provision o Bilingual Vocational learning. · A Building based on educationally led design – YBG supports PCC’s commitment to using an educationally-led approach to ensure that new buildings will not simply duplicated the old, but will enhance and transform the learning environment and opportunities for learners, and the staff that support them. · P6 – a sixth form college for the 21st Century – We do not want to lose our sixth form here at YBG but we understand that neither YBG or YDS are large enough on their own to sustain an effective sixth form, with a wide choice of subjects, that would be supported by the Welsh Government. We support the Schools for the Future plan to create a new, independent, centrally funded and administered, split site Sixth Form College for Pembrokeshire with community campuses in Haverfordwest, St David’s and Fishguard.

5.3.5 Other Proposals – Suggested Sites

Within the context of the statutory consultation, a number of responses refer to possible alternative sites to accommodate schools and/or hybrid alternatives received from respondents. One of the more frequent site suggestions refers to locating the new English Medium School at the existing Sir Thomas Picton site; however these respondents further suggested that the School retain its sixth form at various ‘satellite sites’, for example: · The archives/county records offices · The town library · Sites in proximity to Withybush · Loo Choo roundabout area · The Mart ground · Cherry Grove Locating the new English Medium School on the current Tasker Milward site is also frequently suggested with a proportion of these respondents further

15 suggesting that the 3-16 WM School be located at the STP. The reasons given for this suggestion include: · Close proximity to Portfield thus facilitating ALN inclusion · Proximity to the proposed sixth form centre site Of equal frequency, respondents suggest identifying a new site as this would afford a ‘clean-slate’ start for the merged schools where a new identity can begin to be established and where pupils from either school would not have an opportunity to be ‘territorial’.

5.3.6 Other Proposals - General Numerous respondents offered possible alternative proposals and these were predominantly in relation to the sixth form and its logistics in terms of: · Location · Access · Communications · Transport

While it is not practicable to reference each individual’s proposal here, the essence of each proposal is nevertheless captured and represented with this report.

16 6. Consultation Responses

6.1 General Consensus

Where consultees chose to utilise the online or hard-copy response forms provided, they were asked to indicate to what extent they agreed or disagreed with various statements. The findings in relation to these statements are shown on the following pages and include responses received via the “pupil friendly” version of the feedback form. The shaded areas denote respondents’ dominant views.

6.1.1 The Overall Proposal

To what extent do you agree with the overall proposal?

No. % No. % No. % General responses Pupil responses All responses Strongly Agree 240 13% 39 2% 279 7% Agree 266 14% 213 10% 479 12% Neither 176 9% 430 20% 606 15% Disagree 285 15% 544 25% 829 20% Strongly Disagree 863 46% 855 40% 1718 43% No reply 32 2% 61 3% 93 2% TOTAL 1862 2142 4004

6.1.2 Post 16 Provision

Please indicate to what extent you agree or disagree with the proposal for post 16 education?

No. % No. % No. % General responses Pupil responses All responses Strongly Agree 257 14% 80 4% 337 8% Agree 219 12% 201 9% 420 10% Neither 147 8% 210 10% 357 9% Disagree 163 9% 484 23% 647 16% Strongly Disagree 1064 57% 1156 54% 2220 55% No reply 12 1% 11 1% 23 1% TOTAL 1862 2142 4004

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Please indicate to what extent you agree or disagree with the following statement:

“What is proposed for post 16 education will sufficiently address changing needs for sixth form education in Pembrokeshire, and future challenges”

No. % No. % No. % General responses Pupil responses All responses Strongly Agree 231 12% 90 4% 321 8% Agree 225 12% 253 12% 478 12% Neither 174 9% 305 14% 479 12% Disagree 235 13% 578 27% 813 20% Strongly Disagree 985 53% 892 42% 1877 47% No reply 12 1% 24 1% 36 1% TOTAL 1862 2142 4004

6.1.3 11-16 English Medium Provision in Haverfordwest

Please indicate to what extent you agree or disagree with the proposal for 11-16 education in Haverfordwest?

No. % No. % No. % General responses Pupil responses All responses Strongly Agree 300 16% 181 8% 481 12% Agree 430 23% 370 17% 800 20% Neither 248 13% 376 18% 624 15% Disagree 249 13% 442 21% 691 17% Strongly Disagree 621 33% 741 35% 1362 34% No reply 14 1% 32 1% 46 1% TOTAL 1862 2142 4004

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6.1.4 11-16 Provision for Additional Learning Needs (ALN)

Please indicate to what extent you agree or disagree with the proposal for 11-16 education for pupils with ALN?

No. % No. % No. % General responses Pupil responses All responses Strongly Agree 281 15% 302 14% 583 15% Agree 583 31% 646 30% 1229 31% Neither 520 28% 557 26% 1077 27% Disagree 182 10% 276 13% 458 11% Strongly Disagree 251 13% 323 15% 574 14% No reply 45 2% 38 2% 83 2% TOTAL 1862 2142 4004

Please indicate to what extent you agree or disagree with the following statement:

“What is proposed for pupils aged 11-16, with ALN, will sufficiently meet their needs within mainstream secondary provision”

No. % No. % No. % General responses Pupil responses All responses Strongly Agree 210 11% 223 10% 433 11% Agree 512 27% 653 30% 1165 29% Neither 599 32% 662 31% 1261 31% Disagree 215 12% 282 13% 497 12% Strongly Disagree 277 15% 265 12% 542 14% No reply 49 3% 57 3% 106 3% TOTAL 1862 2142 4004

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6.1.5 Welsh Medium Provision

Please indicate to what extent you agree or disagree with the proposal for Welsh medium education?

No. % No. % No. % General responses Pupil responses All responses Strongly Agree 331 18% 103 5% 434 11% Agree 486 26% 373 17% 859 21% Neither 411 22% 479 22% 890 22% Disagree 235 13% 470 22% 705 18% Strongly Disagree 367 20% 686 32% 1053 26% No reply 32 2% 31 1% 63 1% TOTAL 1862 2142 4004

Please indicate to what extent you agree or disagree with the following statement:

“What is proposed for Welsh medium education will sufficiently meet the demand for Welsh medium education in Pembrokeshire”.

No. % No. % No. % General responses Pupil responses All responses Strongly Agree 255 14% 82 4% 337 8% Agree 500 27% 454 21% 954 24% Neither 530 28% 678 32% 1208 30% Disagree 252 14% 432 20% 684 17% Strongly Disagree 286 15% 454 21% 740 18% No reply 39 2% 42 2% 81 2% TOTAL 1862 2142 4004

20 6.2 Issues / Concerns raised by consultees

The list of all comments received during the consultation period is available to view online at www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/haveyoursay. A qualitative analysis of these comments has been undertaken and this reveals a number of issues, a detailed list of which, along with the Authority’s appropriate responses, are given below. The aim of the analysis has been to capture, interpret and present the public’s perception in relation to the proposal as faithfully as possible. All comments have been afforded equal weighting, regardless of their source, or the extent of the content.

The following list of issues is the result of both qualitative and quantitative analysis of the comments submitted as part of the statutory consultation and provides a broad representation of opinion. The issues raised are reproduced within the context of the various elements of the Council’s proposal.

6.2.1 The Proposed Changes to Secondary Provision in Haverfordwest and to the Catchment Area for Milford Haven Secondary School

· Overall, 51% of responses indicate opposition with this element. However, it is important to note that the question asked was in relation to 11-16 education provision, and a qualitative analysis of responses indicates that whilst there is a majority who do not support the removal of sixth forms from schools, there is a general acceptance that a rationalisation of secondary provision in Haverfordwest is needed to improve standards. · Predictably, a number of references were made in relation to a desire to maintain the status quo, with Haverfordwest continuing to be served by two secondary schools. · No such level of concern was received in relation to the Johnston and Neyland areas with only a small number of comments made.

Concerns / Comments Authority Response to Concerns Raised 120 responses were received Catchment areas are used as part of the authority’s in relation to proposed Admissions Policy where they are included in the catchment changes as part of criteria for determining places at oversubscribed the establishment of the new schools. In the case of Cleddau Reach VC, the 11-16 English medium school school is currently a feeder school for Tasker in Haverfordwest. 67% of Milward VC school in Haverfordwest. such responses were received from parents and/or residents The decision to propose the inclusion of Cleddau of the Cleddau Reach Reach as a feeder school for Milford Haven School catchment area. Most was taken in view of the level of surplus places at the expressed a concern that the latter. It should be noted that the School Admissions area has few links with Milford Code states that “Where catchment areas are used, Haven and that stronger they should be designed so they are reasonable and historical, social, cultural and clearly defined. Reference to historic/traditional or educational links are forged LA boundaries is not always appropriate and may be with Haverfordwest. A number open to different interpretation”. The Consultation of responses referred to Document explained that Johnston and Neyland had concerns that there are both previously been feeder schools for Milford perceived limited transport Haven school, i.e. up until the late 1980s; however links with Milford Haven, this was not the case for the Burton/Llangwm area. resulting in concerns about Geographically, the area is appropriate to be increased traffic on rural considered as a feeder school for Milford Haven, roads, accessibility and however, it is evident from consultation responses children’s safety. In addition, that there is a greater affinity with Haverfordwest. 21 Concerns / Comments Authority Response to Concerns Raised concerns were expressed in There is some justification for concerns in relation to relation to the capacity of capacity. Pupil numbers in the Milford Haven area Milford Haven school to are growing and whilst there is sufficient capacity accommodate the additional within Milford Haven School to accommodate this numbers of pupils arising from growth, and the pupils arising from these proposals, the proposed catchment the Council will need to ensure that utilisation of changes and to the growing space at the school is maximised. pupil population in the Milford Haven area. In view of the greater affinity that exists with Haverfordwest and other concerns raised by consultees, it is considered that this element of the proposal be removed; however it is considered that this would not constitute a material change to the overall proposal.

6.2.2 Proposed Changes to Sixth Form Provision · The removal of sixth forms from schools and the establishment of a new sixth form centre is the primary concern of some 69% of all respondents. However, many respondents believe the proposal is equitable and rather than reducing choice for learners, the proposal will offer greater choice and flexibility with education being accessed in one centre. Such respondents consider this a key benefit, particularly for students who study at multiple facilities that are not only physically separate but separate in terms of leadership and governance, i.e. as per the current federation arrangements. Consequently, these respondents believe that educational consistency and cohesion suffer. Furthermore, respondents regard the proposal as equitable because they believe learners will receive un-biased post 16 education advice, where they are far less likely to be advised to follow inappropriate educational pathways. Some respondents who are supportive of the proposal raise concerns with regard to what they consider to be biased, emotive ‘scaremongering’ and propagandist action on the part of schools. Such respondents maintain that such action is a consequence of self-interest on the part of school management and leadership rather than concern for the longer-term interests of learners. Further, respondents believe the consultation process to have been ‘hijacked’ by those who are opposed to the post 16 element of the proposal and that it has been disproportionally represented in the media. · A qualitative analysis of responses has revealed concerns in relation to a range of matters. These are listed in the order of greatest concern:

Concerns/Comments Authority Response to Concerns Raised Concern expressed at the The sixth form students will continue to maintain negative impact the proposal close links with their previous school should they would have on the school wish to. Through this consultation process, the community and the wider proposal for post-16 provision has developed to communities in which they are ensure that sixth formers could spend part of their located. Sixth form students are week based at their previous school, should they considered by respondents to choose to do so, and should it be agreed that they provide an established resource can do so, given their overall timetable commitments, for both pupils and staff in terms allowing them to continue directly to support the of: activities described. In addition, the school week at - Role models the sixth form will allow students to spend - Mentors Wednesday afternoons undertaking sports and other activities at their previous school should they choose 22 Concerns/Comments Authority Response to Concerns Raised - Sporting, orchestral and choral to. This is described more fully in the Council’s ‘HLC activities/events prospectus’ document. - Other extra-curricular activities This approach to the management and leadership of such as drama and award post-16 provision in the county and at the schemes. Haverfordwest Centre allays the concerns raised In addition, there is concern that because it continues to connect sixth formers directly the responsibilities connected to ‘their school’, providing them with the opportunities with being a sixth form student described, and establishing their continued presence are integral to school life and to act as role models. which support the holistic development of not only Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 pupils, but also the sixth form students themselves.

Concern at the perceived loss of The Sixth Form Centre will be run in a way familiar to stability in terms of pastoral care any Head of Sixth Form at a school. Sixth formers and continuity of education, the will have full timetables, registering at the start and consequences of which would be end of each day. Study periods will be supervised. detrimental to both pupils’ Students will be actively managed. Pastoral support educational and personal through a tutor system will continue to be provided in development. A number of the same way in which any good sixth form would do. respondents believe this This is fully described in the Council’s ‘HLC disconnect would have even prospectus’ document. greater consequence for pupils with ALN. Students from YBG and YDS schools will have the opportunity to spend part of their week based at their previous school, should they choose to do so, in agreement with the Sixth Form Centre Head, where this pastoral support model will be replicated. The pastoral model will be complemented by the oversight and management of the sixth form students by a dedicated member of staff paid for as part of the overall Sixth Form Centre management approach. A Sixth Form Centre manager / liaison will also be based at the HLC 11-16 school to support Sixth Formers returning to their school at appropriate times of the day and week. This is described in the HLC Prospectus.

Concern that transitioning to a Any good sixth form will provide a transitioned ‘campus-based’ environment, change in teaching and learning delivery through the with large classes and a more two-year courses, to prepare students for onward distant teaching approach would travel into training, higher and further education, and challenge many sixteen year employment. The Sixth Form Centre will provide olds. Although these young clear structures and lessons for all students, people might be academically supporting them as they grow and progress both able, they would struggle to thrive personally and academically. in a college environment in which they were not yet mature enough The Sixth Form Centre will have its own facilities and to prosper. Further, respondents resources, including pastoral and learning spaces. . observe that while this significant Where it is not feasible or financially viable to have

23 Concerns/Comments Authority Response to Concerns Raised transition occurs between primary wholly stand-alone facilities, e.g. science laboratories and secondary education, the these will be shared with the College. The design of disadvantages of transition at this ALC provision will be a collaborative approach particular stage of education between the Council and the College which will would impinge on what is an involve a cross party working group. It is therefore intensive and relatively short not the case that students will be ‘transitioning to a learning programme. ‘campus-based’ environment’.

Respondents believe that many The suggestion that the current system is working 16-18 year old pupils are best well is not borne out by the data and evidence we served in the schools where the have available. A key reason for establishing a pastoral system has developed different approach to post-16 provision in over many years and where Pembrokeshire is because students are neither teaching staff have a sound making sufficient progress nor achieving effective knowledge of pupils’ strengths outcomes in their learning. Evidence has been and weaknesses in terms of their received that some students currently base course social, emotional and cognitive choices on their perception of whether their ‘known’ development. teacher is of good quality or not, rather than basing the choice on the pathway that they need to take, leading to poor choices by pupils and contributing to the rate at which students drop out or change courses.

The ‘HLC Prospectus’ document sets out how the Sixth Form Centre will work to improve progress and outcomes for young people.

Concern that the proposal Pembrokeshire County Council is committed to removes choice. Whilst sixth supporting the attainment of the best outcomes for all form centres can offer excellent learners within the county and essential to this is that learning environments, post-16 pupils remain in education and that they follow paths models of education should that are appropriate to them based on good advice. include school sixth forms, thus We consider that choice is important to all learners, offering choice. While the but that choice of venue is outweighed by choice of consultation document cites pathway and the range of courses available. evidence that supports the effectiveness and efficiency of It is worth noting that currently, pupils do not have a sixth form colleges, respondents choice to attend a good or excellent sixth form in a cite evidence that supports the school setting. effectiveness of sixth form schools, thus the argument for The size of Pembrokeshire’s post-16 student choice is further supported. population means that establishing both an effective Moreover, respondents argue Sixth Form Centre and a school sixth form to provide that if Pembrokeshire College this choice is not viable. This prioritisation of one were to be the sole provider of kind of choice will be to the detriment of a choice of post-16 education then this would courses, pathways and options for a great number of create a monopoly. It is perceived students. that such reduction in choice, and subsequently competition, would Studies show that good outcomes from school sixth inevitably result in a further forms are predicated on their size – allowing a range decline of educational standards of choices of courses and pathways – and to create a in Pembrokeshire rather than an school sixth form of sufficient size will either improvement. compromise the Sixth Form Centre, or be unfair for a 24 Concerns/Comments Authority Response to Concerns Raised subset of our young people. Our students are and Finally, as other communities will be based in a number of pre-16 institutions. In within Pembrokeshire currently, terms of discrimination and disadvantage, it is clear and for the foreseeable future, that establishing a school sixth form of sufficient size retain this choice its removal on the site of any one school is likely to disadvantage discriminates against the schools the subset of students who did not previously attend and communities in the mid and that school. This Sixth Form Centre is for the whole north west of Pembrokeshire. of mid and north west Pembrokeshire, and as such placing it on one school’s site would be inappropriate and would not be in the learners’ best interests. Therefore, it is true that this proposal means that students in south Pembrokeshire will, currently, be able to stay on in their school sixth forms or move to the Sixth Form Centre in Haverfordwest, whereas mid and north west Pembrokeshire students will not have this choice. However, the Welsh Promise and Performance Report1 (PPR) concluded that ‘pupils who have a wider choice of schools at their place of residence perform no better than those with a more limited choice’ and ‘on balance, choice and competition does not seem to be generally effective in raising standards in the school context’. The report expressed concern over the either/or mentality of academic or vocational pathways suggesting that “To embed more personalised learning we need to offer each learner a choice of a wide range of subjects, pathways and modes of learning to suit as many interests, capabilities, learning styles and career opportunities as possible. Choice should apply equally to all learners, whether they are academically or practically orientated. It should include a range of learning styles and contexts from the didactic to experiential, from classroom based to work-based – but all learners must have a wider range of vocational learning opportunities.”

We consider therefore that the choices being offered learners are those that are meaningful, and that allow them to select carefully the pathway for their best future.

Concerns raised regarding the Environment: As per the response above, the Sixth suitability of Pembrokeshire Form Centre will be run in a way familiar to any Head College as a site for a sixth form of Sixth Form at a school. Sixth formers will have full centre in terms of: timetables, registering at the start and end of each day. Study periods will be supervised. Students will · Environment – respondents be actively managed; they will not be part of a hold the opinion that pupils would ‘laissez-faire and unstructured campus environment’. not be able to adapt to the The Sixth Form Centre will have its own facilities and independent learning they believe resources, including pastoral and learning spaces.

1 PROMISE AND PERFORMANCE: The Report of the Independent Review of the Mission and Purpose of Further Education in Wales in the context of the Learning Country: Vision into Action 25 Concerns/Comments Authority Response to Concerns Raised to be required in a more laissez- Where it is not feasible or financially viable to have faire and unstructured campus stand-alone facilities, e.g. science laboratories these environment. Respondents will be shared with the College. The design of ALC believe the Sixth Form Centre provision will be a collaborative approach between would not offer a personable and the Council and the College, which will involve a supportive environment and that cross party working group and ensure that robust it would tender a more vocational safeguarding measures would be in place. This will focus which would be to the ensure that any fears over ‘safeguarding’ are detriment of academic pupils. misplaced; Many respondents consider the Pastoral support through a personal tutor system will environment of Pembrokeshire continue to be provided in the same way in which College to be wholly unsuitable, any good sixth form would do. Students will continue asserting that students enrolled to maintain active links with their previous school, here are generally negative and should they wish to do so. This is fully described in disruptive with a minority the Council’s ‘HLC prospectus’ document. believing there to be a drugs issue at the college. In addition, It is not the place of this document to comment on there is concern that young pupils the descriptions and perceptions of the College itself between the ages of 16-18 would and its students. However, it is clear that the Sixth be mixing with students who Form Centre will be a strongly academic, purposeful might be considerably older, and learning environment. this, they believe, could represent a safeguarding issue. Standards: the evidence of the A level results, and the progress and outcomes made by learners, clearly · Standards – respondents demonstrates that the respondents are misinformed. point out that the A level results An analysis of the comparison of A level results for of the schools in question Pembrokeshire College and a combined Tasker consistently outperform Milward / Sir Thomas Picton sixth form, presented by Pembrokeshire College and those two schools, demonstrates: assert that this fact demonstrates i. That Pembrokeshire College A Level results that the staff body of outperform those of a combined Sir Thomas Pembrokeshire College lacks Picton / Tasker Milward result for the majority both the capacity and expertise to of subjects taken at A level. meet the needs of the majority of ii. That Pembrokeshire College A Level results, post-16 learners, particularly in as an average of all subjects, outperform relation to academic subjects. those of a combined Sir Thomas Picton / Tasker Milward across all bands. iii. That A Level results for a combined Sir Thomas Picton / Tasker Milward cohort outperform Pembrokeshire College in a minority of subjects and/or bands (most notably in a subject not offered by Tasker Milward School).

Looking at this and other data, it is clear that students in mid and north west Pembrokeshire are not generally well served by their school sixth forms. More broadly, there is a sense from the concern / comment that the Sixth Form Centre students will be taught by Pembrokeshire College staff. The detail of staffing the Sixth Form Centre is, clearly, to be determined, but as a matter of principle, all teachers in Pembrokeshire will be able to apply to offer their

26 Concerns/Comments Authority Response to Concerns Raised expertise and experience in post-16 A level delivery at the Centre. Teachers are likely to be drawn from all the current secondary schools, as well as current College staff, and where necessary, will have to apply competitively for a position where more than one candidate puts themselves forward. Teachers in the 11-16 schools may have the opportunity to deliver some post-16 teaching while remaining at their school – subject to their delivery being of a good or excellent standard as quality assured by the Sixth Form Centre team, and through their own ability to provide evidence of their excellence in delivering A level standards and outcomes.

The purpose of the reorganisation of the secondary provision across mid and north west Pembrokeshire is to ensure that all do well. Staffing the Sixth Form Centre is a central aspect of this and will be the responsibility of the A Level Committee.

Concerns that insufficient The transport team has undertaken detailed analysis consideration has been given to of the transport arrangements in relation to the the impact on the surrounding various secondary school reorganisation options, infrastructure. The issue of including an examination of the costings associated access to Pembrokeshire College with this, and this was fed into and formed part of the via the Merlin’s Bridge analysis of the proposals. roundabout is a notable concern with the proposal likely to result in With regard to traffic concerns, these comments increased traffic congestion appear to relate to a level of detail that will need to during key times of the day. Many be addressed through a Transport Assessment once believe this would have a the overall review is agreed. Such an assessment negative impact on the would be undertaken as a requirement of the community in terms of the planning submission for any new school. This will environment and on local take into account the traffic generated by a new business and commuters. Similar school or college, which will recommend any concerns were raised in relation transport and highway measures required to to the Sir Thomas Picton school ameliorate dis-benefits caused by additional trip site. Concerns were also generation from a new school. Merlin’s Bridge expressed in relation to A level roundabout already suffers traffic congestion, but the transport arrangements, increased traffic associated with the school particularly regarding the funding development would be a relatively small % of the of such arrangements and current traffic flow, and, as the changes in traffic extended travel distances and volumes can be expected to be relatively low, these times of pupils from North impacts are considered unlikely to be substantial. We Pembrokeshire. are aware that Welsh Government is currently studying the Merlin’s Bridge roundabout as part of study works associated with A40 improvements; the Minister made an announcement on 11 June acknowledging congestion on the trunk road network at Haverfordwest and along the A4076 is an issue. The Minister stated she therefore intends to work with Pembrokeshire County Council to consider options for improvements in this area. With regard to 27 Concerns/Comments Authority Response to Concerns Raised the Sir Thomas Picton Campus, amelioration measures can be expected to be recommended by a Transport Assessment of the planned increase in pupil numbers to the site. The walking and cycling routes to the school need consideration as part of this.

Concerns that issues around Erosion of quality teaching: Currently, no school in staffing would negatively impact Pembrokeshire is rated ‘green’ (good or outstanding). on teaching standards, While it is not the case that therefore, no staff are particularly in relation to the good or outstanding, we must challenge the following: implication that currently, we have high quality provision in our schools. Standards and outcomes in · Erosion of quality teaching – all our schools must rise – we are currently placed there is a perception that as a 16th of the 22 Welsh LAs in terms of outcomes, result of the removal of A level against a background of being relatively affluent (8th provision, teachers would lack on the WG measure of levels of deprivation, for essential career development example). opportunities. Consequently teachers would either not be able The previous responses have described how the 11- to develop their expertise or they 16 schools and post-16 provision will work in tandem would seek employment at other with each other. This is detailed in the Council’s sixth form schools, within or ‘HLC Prospectus’ document, which brings the outside of the county. As a result approach of the proposal to life. In short, every the quality of teaching would be teacher in the 11-16 schools may have the eroded. opportunity, should they wish to, to teach at post-16 level, either in their own school, in another ‘spoke’ of · Logistics – Concern that the post-16 provision, or at its hub. To do so, they there is a lack of information or will need to demonstrate that they are providers of little thought given in relation to quality teaching, and they may be competing with the following and that others to win the opportunity, thus raising standards consideration should have been and outcomes for our learners both at post-16 and at given to these matters as part of pre-16 level. statutory consultation: - Governance structure Logistics: a number of these items, in terms of - The complexities of principles, are detailed in the Council’s ‘HLC timetabling Prospectus’ document. Not all of these logistical - Staff commuting between elements can or should have been detailed to date, sites as to do so would have pre-empted the consultation - Student access to staff process. We would invite you to read the Council’s outside of timetabled lessons document, which covers governance, timetabling, - Staff contractual staffing and student life. arrangements - Job losses and redundancies Staff contractual arrangements, job losses and redundancies are not covered at this stage, as it would be inappropriate to do so. However, given that the reorganisation of secondary schools is partly being undertaken to gain efficiencies and to halt the haemorrhaging of deficit funding in schools, staff rationalisation and redundancies will be part of the process as it develops.

A perception that at The College has worked closely with the Council, as 28 Concerns/Comments Authority Response to Concerns Raised Pembrokeshire College, have all the secondary schools, to discuss and education is viewed from the develop the options relating to secondary school perspective of the private sector reorganisation in mid and north west Pembrokeshire. and driven by profit; therefore its As outlined in the Minister’s Priorities letter to local motivation may not be in the best authorities in May 2014: ‘I am certain that you will interests of the learner. agree that the needs of the learners must come first and, therefore, it is essential that school sixth form, Respondents believe the local authorities, and FEIs work together and proposals to be an attempt to communicate openly to address identified issues, bolster the finances of avoid duplication of provision, and wherever possible Pembrokeshire College, its share best practice.’ teaching standards and/or to fill Pembrokeshire College is a not-for-profit surplus places created by the organisation and like any educational institution new Pembroke Learning needs to plan carefully to ensure that they balance Campus. In turn, these doubts led their budget, meet their strategic delivery respondents to question the requirements, while providing excellent services to professional relationship between learners. The College will have at any time a range the College and PCC. of ways in which to meet learners’ individual needs. Standards at the College would support these levels of support.

Decision-making has been clear and explicit throughout the process. As part of the development of alternatives, the Council has discussed options with Pembrokeshire College in an open and transparent manner. The College has provided data and information to a number of Council meetings, and publishes its accounts annually.

The proposal is the Council’s considered response to the urgent need to improve learner experience, standards and outcomes in Pembrokeshire, and as such, change will need to take place for improvements to happen.

Concern at the Council’s shift in The purpose of the preliminary consultation the proposals from 11-19 in the undertaken in the spring of 2014 was to obtain views preliminary consultation in on a selection of options; it did not have any statutory October 2014, to 11-16. basis. It is acknowledged that the proposal differs from the initial options, but this is justified on the basis of needing to achieve a solution for the whole of the mid and north west area of Pembrokeshire, and not just Haverfordwest.

Comment that the FAQ sheet It is the Council’s intention to have been helpful, provided by PCC is ‘misleading open and transparent at all times. Should the FAQ and derisive and very much led sheet not have met an individual’s needs, they were by a preconceived and bias invited to write or otherwise contact the Council with outcome’, or that it confirmed that their query. the impetus for the current proposal, in relation to post-16 The Tribal Report covered a wider brief than the education, was exclusively current consultation. As such, the Report has been a useful document in helping to inform the Council of 29 Concerns/Comments Authority Response to Concerns Raised financial the direction of travel that decision-making needs to take, rather than providing a blueprint for change. Similarly, respondents suggest that PCC has been selective with regard to the findings of the Tribal report. While citing the need to streamline post-16 education in Pembrokeshire, respondents draw attention to other recommendations within the report which they suggest have been deliberately ignored.

6.2.3 The Proposed Changes to Welsh Medium Provision

· 32% of responses indicate agreement with the Council’s proposal in respect of Welsh medium provision, whilst 44% disagree. · An analysis of the supportive comments indicate that: o Many respondents welcome the Welsh medium proposal because it would result in decreased travel times for pupils receiving education through the medium of Welsh. Further, it was apparent that many, who would like to receive education through WM, were deterred from doing so because of the long travel times to Ysgol y Preseli.

o Respondents place emphasis on the importance of providing for an increasing demand for WM education, particularly in the mid and south of Pembrokeshire, a provision that is considered by a number of respondents to be long over-due. As a result, the Welsh language, culture and heritage would not only be supported but promoted.

· An analysis of the comments indicating disagreement shows that whilst respondents support the principle of the proposal in relation to Welsh medium education, they have indicated disagreement on the basis of the following issues:

Concerns/Comments Authority Response to Concerns Raised A view that the demand for It is difficult to ascertain whether demand is greater in secondary Welsh medium the south of the county; however, the evidence provision is greater in the south of collected from a recent preliminary consultation on the county, and that the proposed Planning for the Future of Welsh Medium Provision in new school should be established Pembrokeshire, is such that significant demand there in order to serve the exists in the mid and south of the county. Welsh established primary provision in streams have been established in three south Narberth, Pembroke and Tenby. Pembrokeshire schools for a number of years and these are successful with a high percentage of pupils choosing to pursue secondary provision through the medium of Welsh at Ysgol y Preseli (YYP) in Crymych. However, there is also unmet demand in large swathes of mid and north west Pembrokeshire and the proposal seeks to maximise accessibility to all the population in Pembrokeshire. As described in the Consultation Document, if Welsh medium secondary provision were established in Tenby, i.e. 30 Concerns/Comments Authority Response to Concerns Raised in addition to Crymych, then such provision would be within reasonable distance/time of 60% of the pupil population; this increases to 96% if the provision is located in Haverfordwest.

Concerns have been raised The viability and success of sixth forms relating to regarding the demand for post 16 their size applies equally to Welsh Medium provision, provision at the proposed new as it does to English Medium. It may be appropriate Welsh medium school, with to develop sixth form provision at the Welsh Medium respondents commenting that this School in the future as demand is demonstrated, and issue had not been sufficiently architectural designs will need to demonstrate addressed. Respondents provision for viable future expansion. However, at suggest that in order to maintain this time the evidence of demand does not continuity of education, families demonstrate that a new Welsh Medium sixth form might prefer to attend Ysgol y would be of a size likely to be successful or Preseli where it is proposed to sustainable. retain post 16 provision.

Alternatively, pupils may be discouraged from continuing their post 16 education because of the travel times and disruption in transferring to Ysgol y Preseli.

The concern that there would be insufficient post 16 Welsh medium expertise at Pembrokeshire College was clearly evident, and that limiting post 16 education to Ysgol y Preseli or Pembrokeshire College was not conducive to extending Welsh medium provision.

Closely associated with the Collaborative working between the Council and the above theme is a concern that College would ensure that appropriately qualified Additional Learning Needs, staff would deliver and provide pastoral support vocational training or extra- through the medium of Welsh to meet demand. curricular activities particularly at post-16, but also at KS3 and KS4, had not been sufficiently addressed by the proposal. Again, there is concern that Pembrokeshire College would not have sufficient expertise to accommodate this learning through the medium of Welsh.

A number of comments were The brief for the design of the school – known as an received in relation to the ‘all through’ school – takes full consideration of the designated age range of the need for different learning environments at different school (3-16). Respondents stages. While it is proposed that some areas are suggest that children of differing shared – such as dining, but where different aged ages require different pupils dine at different times – much of the school is 31 Concerns/Comments Authority Response to Concerns Raised environments to meet the needs zoned by age. of their relative stages of development in terms of learning, This will ensure that appropriate learning play and socialisation and environments are in place for different levels and expressed concern that the types of courses taken at different ages. It will proposal would result in such enhance safeguarding and prevent any difficulties pupils attending the same school. with safety. One key benefit of all-through schools is Similar concerns were expressed that they create ‘family’ schools where students care in relation to the safety of for each other and the multi-age environment children. provides opportunities for properly managed support between juniors and seniors. The benefits of seamless transition on continued progress and outcomes for learners are also great. More information on all-through schools can be found at www.schoolsfuture.co.uk (the St David’s proposal to create a 3-16 school in the City), or at http://brecon- leisurecentre.powys.gov.uk/uploads/media/All_Through_S chools_for_3_-_19_year_olds_en.ppt.

A number of respondents either There is demand for additional Welsh medium questioned the demand for provision in Pembrokeshire. Preliminary consultation further Welsh medium provision on Planning for the Future of Welsh Medium in the county or stated provision in Pembrokeshire was undertaken during categorically that there should be the autumn of 2014, with a subsequent report being no further provision. These presented to Cabinet in January 2015. This comments were based on the consultation concluded that, amongst other matters: view that there was little demand · Welsh medium secondary provision is needed in for Welsh medium provision in a the mid/south of the County; a large number of county such as Pembrokeshire, parents have voiced concerns that Ysgol y Preseli and/or Welsh medium provision is too far from a number of areas, namely the St was already sufficiently catered David’s peninsula, the Milford Haven area, the for with further provision being Havens and south Pembrokeshire. financially unviable in the current · There is evidence to suggest that excess travel economic climate. times and distances are acting as a deterrent to some parents in choosing Welsh medium provision for their children. Consequently, parents are either choosing English medium primary provision, or not choosing to progress to secondary Welsh medium provision after having spent their primary education in Welsh medium settings. In addition, the travel time from central and southern areas of the county to Ysgol y Preseli is perceived to restrict pupils from those areas from accessing school clubs and other extra-curricular activities as well as affecting their general wellbeing. · There is a need to consider further extending Welsh medium primary provision beyond the traditional Welsh speaking areas. There is a growing evidence of need in the Pembroke and Milford Haven areas, whilst Ysgol Gymraeg Glan Cleddau requires investment to accommodate a growing demand for places in Haverfordwest and 32 Concerns/Comments Authority Response to Concerns Raised adjacent areas. · There is a need to consider the re-defining of some schools’ language categories in order to achieve the vision articulated in the Council’s WESP. Such schools are predominantly situated in the north and north west of the County. · There is limited provision for pupils with additional learning needs within the medium of Welsh in Pembrokeshire. Additional capacity or a re- definition of existing capacity is needed to meet the needs of such learners. · Consideration should be given to the re-alignment of catchment boundaries of some schools in order to mitigate the effects of under-occupancy and oversubscription.

Some respondents queried the Although a case can be made in favour of opening Council’s approach concerning the secondary phase of the school as a single start proposed admission for all 5 years, the challenges associated with this arrangements, particularly in approach are generally agreed to outweigh the relation to the proposal for the benefits. The school would, in all likelihood, open new school to be built up over with year group numbers in Years 8 to 11 in the tens, time, i.e starting with Year 7, 7+8, making the planned delivery of an effective etc. This approach raised curriculum with the appropriate amount of choice in concerns that siblings would be courses and qualifications almost impossible to split across two Welsh medium achieve. schools. It would also potentially create disruption to Ysgol y This concern also applies to Preseli, should a number of children across all years children who would already be withdraw and move to the Haverfordwest school. By attending Ysgol y Preseli but contrast, the build up of the new school would allow where the proposed new school YYP to adjust to any migration and corresponding would offer greater convenience. drop in roll over time.

Thus, while the proposed opening approach may inevitably inconvenience a small minority of parents, the benefits of an orderly and managed expansion are clearly detailed in most good practice relating to opening new schools.

Whilst respondents state that the The Council has already acknowledged that it needs introduction of additional Welsh to consider extending its Welsh medium provision medium provision is welcomed beyond the boundaries of the traditional Welsh and beneficial, some comments speaking heartlands of north west Pembrokeshire state the proposals do not extend and it has already committed to establishing a new far enough and that Welsh Welsh medium primary school in Tenby which will be medium provision should be implemented in September 2016. Surveys to considered in the context of the establish demand for Welsh medium provision were entire county. In order to create a undertaken in the wider Milford Haven and St David’s sustainable bilingual system of peninsula areas during autumn 2013 and spring education, these respondents 2014 respectively. These surveys and the assert that all schools should preliminary consultation on Planning for the Future of create a bilingual approach, with Welsh Medium provision have resulted in Council 33 Concerns/Comments Authority Response to Concerns Raised particular development in the decisions in relation to commencing work on primary sector in order to feed changing the categories of some primary schools. into the secondary sector. Thus, Furthermore, all reviews of provision now include every child would be able to reference to Welsh medium demand and whether access 3 to post 16 education this is met in the area in question. within their community. The majority of these respondents believe that creating centres of excellence in Welsh medium is divisive.

6.2.4 The Proposed Addition of Secondary Learning Resource Centres in Haverfordwest and Fishguard

· Overall, 46% of responses indicate agreement with the Council’s proposal in respect of ALN provision. · Within the responses received in respect of ALN, the following themes emerged from the qualitative analysis:

Concerns/Comments Authority Response to Concerns Raised Respondents express some The Council is working closely with the College to doubt that sufficient funding, ensure that all learners with additional needs and resources or support would be in who have Statements will be able to access courses place for pupils with ALN tailored to appropriately meet their needs. Further continuing their education post work is also being undertaking to put in place close 16. As an example, several partnership working for young people transitioning to respondents were concerned that Pembrokeshire College. Pembrokeshire College would not be under a statutory obligation with regard to Statements of Special Educational Needs.

Some respondents expressed Careful consideration has been given to the ALN concern that insufficient support provision following the opening of the new school in would be provided to pupils Haverfordwest. A range of facilities working closely during and after merging the two together will offer a comprehensive response to schools, i.e. Sir Thomas Picton individual pupil need across the full range of ALN. and Tasker Milward. It is Consideration is being given to modifying the current suggested that increased pupil proposal so that that the new 11-16 EM school will numbers, large and unfamiliar now be located adjacent to Portfield School to take facilities, along with the general full advantage of that close physical proximity. disruption would be detrimental to Portfield, part of the Campus, will have a satellite ALN pupils. provision within the new 11-16 school, following on from the pilot scheme currently running at Tasker Milward school.

The proposed Learning Resource Centre for students with greater needs than those traditionally addressed within mainstream provision, and the school’s mainstream ALN provision, will work hand in hand to deliver a very wide range of support and 34 opportunity across the full range of ALN needs. The provision of such a range of services on one site minimises disruption and distress for a large number of pupils. It simultaneously ensures that those who need it can be enveloped in caring and nurturing learning spaces sheltered from the bustle of the main school. Access, arrival, departure and circulation will all be carefully considered and designed to suit the learner, and the 11-16 school will be carefully detailed to ensure an inclusive, legible environment with appropriate lighting, textures, acoustics and high quality outdoor learning spaces.

A large number of respondents The Council is committed to supporting all learners in argue that there is a general raising aspiration and achievement. This applies neglect of ALN services in equally to pupils with Additional Learning Needs. Pembrokeshire. Respondents The inter-connected proposal is an opportunity to believe that, due to funding provide an unprecedented opportunity for learners issues, there is a lack of well with ALN in Pembrokeshire, to access the provision trained staff and resources and and support to which they are entitled. ALN that this situation would continue provision within the proposal has been carefully regardless of the additional thought out and is integral to the success of the provision. They referred to recent proposal as a whole. We consider that the provision ALN support staff cuts at of first class facilities, along with our evidenced Pembrokeshire College and intention to adequately resource ALN, will attract first questioned whether learners class staff. It will allow Pembrokeshire to become a would be adequately supported. county to which other Welsh counties aspire in the provision of ALN education.

A minority of respondents assert The range of ALN accommodation and services that pupils with ALN should be provided in the new 11-16 school will allow for taught in their communities and managed immersion in both the specialist provision that creating separate facilities of Portfield School and the specialist provision of the goes against an inclusive policy. new 11-16 school as is appropriate for individual In contrast, some respondents children’s needs and their curriculum plans. Different assert that pupils with ALN learners will be able to access different support require more than mainstream appropriate to their own needs. The suggested support and that these pupils model allows for total immersion within the should be taught separately. mainstream environment (with appropriate support), bespoke non-mainstream provision or a balance somewhere in between as best suits the (changing) needs of the learner, all without changing site.

6.2.5 The Overall Proposal

· Overall, 63% of responses indicate a disagreement with the Council’s proposal, with 43% stating that they “strongly disagree”. The analysis of responses suggests that this opposition to the overall proposal is mainly due to the Council’s proposal in respect of sixth form provision. · However, as noted in the sections above, there is support, with caveats, for many elements of the proposal. · The majority of supportive comments received recognise the Case for Change, predominantly because of the need to improve standards. The perception appears to 35 have an evidential basis, being founded on personal experience and/or an understanding of the gravity of not having any schools classified as Good or Outstanding and recent and historic Estyn judgements. A lesser proportion of respondents recognise the Case for Change based on factors such as the need for cost effectiveness, e.g. the need to reduce/remove surplus places. · The pie chart below illustrates the main themes/concerns of respondents and their relative strengths.

Main Themes

Welsh Medium ALN Retain the Status Segregated Sixth Quo Form Catchment Boundary Changes

St David's Peninsula & the North

6.3 Issues Raised in Relation to Alternative Proposals

6.3.1 Ysgol Dewi Sant - Resolution of the Governing Body (5.3.1)

If agreed, the resolution of the Governing Body would require further statutory proposals which, in addition to the initial closure of Ysgol Dewi Sant, would also impact on two or more primary schools in the area. The St David’s Diocese has indicated its support for this proposal, particularly in the consideration for the school to become Voluntary Aided. Much of the support received in relation to the St David’s Schools for the Future proposal relates to elements of the Governing Body’s proposal. It is considered, therefore, that with few exceptions, the Governing Body’s proposal has strong support. However, it is sensible to consider this proposal in parallel with that of the Schools for the Future.

6.3.2 Tasker Milward VC School and Sir Thomas Picton School – Joint Governing Bodies’ Response (5.3.2)

On the basis of the many responses received, there is strong support for this alternative proposal, i.e. the establishment of a new secondary school, encompassing sixth form, in Haverfordwest. As part of their submission of this alternative proposal, the joint Governing Bodies make the following points:

· Its proposal for an amalgamated 11-19 school, makes post 16 learning viable in terms of pupil numbers, and offers choice as to where they may wish to continue their education. · In view of the constraints of the current school sites, alternative sites are suggested in the vicinity of the A487 St David’s road and an area to the rear of the Morrisons 36 supermarket. The rationale supporting these alternative site suggestions is that they offer a resolution to the access issues of the current school sites. · Attention is drawn to its analysis of the 2014 financial accounts of Pembrokeshire College. The joint response questions whether the College is able to protect A level delivery, and it therefore regards this as a potential risk to post 16 education and suggests implicitly that the delivery of post 16 education will be more secure if it is included within the remit of the new school. · The following are stated as advantages of adopting the schools’ proposal: o Maintains the respect and support of the community o Retaining the ethos of pupil wellbeing o Consolidating Tasker Milward & Sir Thomas Picton schools’ experience in improving standards o The potential to adapt and link with other centres of excellence to form strong partnerships o Maintaining excellent community activities o Ensures that the size of the school is able to accommodate projected increases in pupil numbers in the future o The retention of choice o The establishment of an A level academic centre of excellence at the new school which would be complementary to the Vocational Centre of Excellence at Pembrokeshire College.

6.3.3 St Davids Schools for the Future steering group – Schools for the Future Community Plan (5.3.3)

This alternative proposal has received extensive support with over 500 responses received supporting “the Plan”. The community response in support of the Plan was cohesive and dynamic and individual responses were received from local residents, businesses, schools, groups and community organisations. Many of these responses indicate that in addition to meeting the needs of the St David’s area, this alternative proposal would better meet educational needs elsewhere, particularly in sparsely populated, rural communities. This proposal refers to the recent Donaldson Review which suggests putting digital skills at the heart of a future Welsh education system. As such, interactive, web-based learning is seen by the proposal as a key component in remote areas.

The following represents a summary of the analysis of concerns and comments exclusively in relation to the St David’s Peninsula. As stated above, the majority of comments are supportive of the Schools for the Future Plan (the Plan); however, there are a number that either remark on the Plan or raise other issues that are not specifically associated with it.

· The distinctiveness of the Peninsula A common observation among respondents is that a key feature of Pembrokeshire, and the St David’s Peninsula, in particular, is its remoteness and rurality. As such, its communities, though often isolated, are close-knit and supportive. Many respondents emphasise that the Peninsula’s schools are vital assets for its communities and that any closure or removal of education provision, would threaten the sustainability of its communities as a whole. Respondents believe out-migration to be the main threat as a consequence of such action.

· Travelling times for pupils Whilst there is a general understanding that small school sixth forms are unviable, a dominant concern for the respondents of the St David’s Peninsula is the perceived excessive travelling times that would result from pupils having no other option than to travel to Haverfordwest for their post-16 education. 37

· Primary school concerns One local primary school governing body has expressed concerns that a centralised management system as a result of a combined 3-16/19 school would weaken the capacity of the school to maintain high standards of teaching and would have implications on the ability to scrutinise performance and the monitoring of effectiveness of staff. This is also reiterated by a community council which further suggests that the retention of Community status might offer better choice to parents instead of the proposed Church in Wales Voluntary Aided status.

· Sixth Form provision - The Plan proposes a “new, independent, centrally funded and administered, split-site Sixth Form College for Pembrokeshire with community campuses in Haverfordwest, St David’s and Fishguard ... and working in an integrated partnership with Pembrokeshire College”. Whilst the senior leadership team of Ysgol Dewi Sant supports the overall principles of “the Plan”, it prefers the creation of an integrated sixth form centre, based on three campuses, with the Haverfordwest campus being established on the Tasker Milward site or on the existing Pembrokeshire College campus. The subtle difference here is that the model proposed by “the Plan” would result in the creation of a new education institution for 16+ provision. - In addition to the above, the Senior Leadership Team of Ysgol Dewi Sant strongly opposes the development of a new 11-19 school in Haverfordwest as they believe this would result in the demise of viable education in both the Fishguard and St David’s areas. Ultimately, this would result in a single educational establishment with over 2,500 students serving the entire area of mid and north west Pembrokeshire. Instead, they are supportive of the formation of an 11 – 16 English medium school on the existing Tasker Milward site.

6.3.4 Schools for the Future – Fishguard Community Plan (5.3.4)

The proposal received in respect of the Fishguard community plan is very similar, and supports many of the principles and elements included in 5.3.3 above. In addition, a number of respondents raised concern regarding the future of adult and community learning facilities in the Fishguard area. These suggest that consideration is given to include the Fishguard Learning Centre in any plans to remodel and enhance Ysgol Bro Gwaun. The Governing Body of Ysgol Bro Gwaun envisage integrated community development, where the school provides the hub for all school and community learning. This would include the facility for online distance learning to be introduced as part of post 16 provision.

6.3.5 Other Proposals – Suggested Sites (5.3.5)

The feasibility study explored a wide range of sites for the location of all schools included in the proposal including Withybush, the Town Library etc. The sites included within the proposal were those considered best for a range of reasons, as detailed in the feasibility study. However, as set out in section 1.2.1 of this report, in response to some well considered responses to the consultation, and in line with ongoing feasibility works, it is proposed that the location for the Welsh Medium School and the English Medium School, in Haverfordwest are reviewed with a view to swapping these sites. Should Council subsequently approve this approach, it should be noted that this would constitute a material change to the proposal, which would require a further period of statutory consultation.

38

6.4 Issues raised by Estyn

Estyn asserts that there is a clear rationale for the need to make changes to secondary school provision in the mid and north west of Pembrokeshire but raise various issues. Whilst Estyn’s opinion of the proposal is shown in Para. 4.2, a number of supplementary comments are made. These and the Authority’s response are outlined below.

CONCERN / COMMENT RESPONSE 1. The proposed mixed economy of post It is proposed that pupils wishing to study beyond 16 provisions in schools, Welsh the compulsory school age through the medium of medium and the sixth form centre Welsh do so at Ysgol y Preseli. There will be seem a sensible say forward and are insufficient pupil numbers at the proposed new 3- likely to at least maintain the quality 16 Welsh medium school in Haverfordwest to be of outcomes and provision. However able to sustain a sixth form in the first instance, there remain questions about equality and it is sensible for such pupils to access this of opportunities in terms of the range provision at the county’s only designated bilingual of courses available for post 16 pupils school. However, should evidence arise of choosing to study through the sufficient demand, there is nothing to preclude medium of Welsh. such provision being made available in the future.

2. Whilst the rationale for extending The provision of the proposed 3-16 Welsh Medium Welsh medium provision is sound school has been put forward for a range of and is likely to at least maintain the reasons, including pupil place forecasting of quality of outcomes and provision, the demand for Welsh Medium provision in the mid impact of the new proposed new 3-16 and south of the county. school on the numbers attending Ysgol y Preseli are not sufficiently The primary phase of the school replicates the considered in the proposal. current and projected demand for places shown by the oversubscription of Ysgol Glan Cleddau. It can be seen that YGC has increased from 1 to 1.5 FE due to ongoing pressure on places, which has had no impact on WM primary schools in the north of the county (feeding Ysgol y Preseli (YYP)). The proposed provision of the secondary phase of the school takes into consideration the demand for WM secondary provision in the mid and south of the county, where consultation has shown that parents and pupils wish to send their child to a WM secondary school, but cannot countenance sending them the distance to YYP. Thus they currently send their children to EM provision. Forecasts for secondary provision are thus based on the numbers of parents and pupils working in Welsh Medium environments in primary schools in Narberth, Tenby and Pembroke, added to the YGC cohort, who are not subsequently moving through to YYP for WM secondary provision. The calculation delivers a projected need for a 4 FE

39 CONCERN / COMMENT RESPONSE secondary WM provision, making the assumption that this encompasses new demand, not a move of demand from YYP to the new school. The additional places have been removed pro rata from EM forecast projections of the proposed new EM schools as a consequence. We acknowledge that some parents currently sending their children a great distance to YYP may wish to switch to the nearer school. However, as the new school will be growing from Year 7 in 2017, there will be no opportunity to destabilise YYP by a ‘switch’ mid-secondary phase. Also, as YYP is currently oversubscribed, and projected to remain so, the easing of pressure on YYP by the provision of a new school has also been a key driver for implementing this provision.

3. The proposal does not consider the It is acknowledged that proposals for continuing likely challenges in sustaining small 11-16 provision in Ysgol Bro Gwaun and Ysgol 11-16 schools in Bro Gwaun and Dewi Sant may become unsustainable. However, Dewi Sant. Moving the sixth form the communities represented by these schools provision from Ysgol Dewi Sant and have made it known that secondary provision must Ysgol Bro Gwaun to the college be maintained in these areas, and the secondary campus is likely to impact on budget, reorganisation takes cognisance of the range of staffing and the schools’ abilities to community and wider benefits identified by doing provide a range of academic and so. vocational subjects. This could have a negative impact on recruiting highly As both these communities are aware of the qualified staff at these schools as well challenge of maintaining strong standards in small as allowing pupils the freedom of schools, alternative proposals have been choice as where they would like to developed by, and received from, a voluntary continue their education. community steering group entitled Schools for the Future in St David’s, who are working with a sister organisation in Fishguard. Their proposals recognise the difficulties faced in such rural communities and acknowledge that alternative models of provision are required in order to maintain/improve standards and maintain provision in such areas.

We are now working actively with these two communities to develop their thinking around sustainability.

In addition, they are developing linked proposals for post-16 delivery in coordination with the proposed Sixth Form Centre, which should allow for an exciting range of staff sharing approaches to maintain and extend opportunities for high quality staff to continue to work in these smaller schools.

The challenges of wide-spread pupil 40 CONCERN / COMMENT RESPONSE demographics coupled with sparsely populated rural communities cannot be underestimated, but we consider that we are working innovatively to find routes other than ‘centralise and bus them in’ to create sustainable community living and learning. 4. The proposal asserts that this The Statutory Consultation document has approach will help generate high indicated that the provision of new schools should quality schools for 21st century support improvements in a range of areas. learners. However, the proposal However, we would suggest that it does not make does not detail who will provide the the mistake of asserting that new buildings and training and impetus for this simple reorganisation will, in itself, generate approach. The statements are improvement. aspirational and do not seem to be rooted in strategic or operational One element of our rationale for suggesting that short and mid-term plans. the provision of new schools will support raising standards and outcomes lies in the educationally- led process of school design that we are undertaking. Attached is a summary of our sub- contractor’s approach that leads the stakeholders through a visioning process to develop an education brief, from which the design follows – form follows function. This is stated on page 13 of the consultation document, where it explains that the ‘transformational approaches to learning appropriate to each school will be discussed and agreed’, for example. This is a new approach for us, and has already begun to generate debate and discussion around new pedagogies, the use of ICT at the heart of teaching and learning, and school design to support enhanced pastoral approaches.

A second element in the raising of standards is linked to the removal of post-16 provision at the secondary schools, where it has become clear that they are using pre-16 funding to ‘float’ post-16 provision; data clearly shows that this neither helps pre- or post-16 outcomes. The renewed focus on raising standards at 11-16 will be helpful for the new schools. This case is made again on page 13 of the Consultation Document.

The amalgamation of the two Haverfordwest schools is a straightforward opportunity to maximise economies of scale in delivering outstanding provision. Neither school is currently successful, but it is reasonable to assert that the creation of one new school, with refreshed leadership and management and a clear focus on standards at 16, will be a far better organisational starting point for school improvement. Clearly, however, merging two schools will not in itself raise standards. 41 CONCERN / COMMENT RESPONSE

Fourthly, the new schools will move into radically different learning environments, with a step change in the use of ICT in all areas of school life, supporting engagement and motivation to learn. This effect was clearly detailed in the first PWC report into the impact of the Building Schools for the Future programme in England, published in 2010.

The purpose of the secondary reorganisation document is not to detail how schools will improve their outcomes, teaching and learning. As such, it is noted in the case for change that a training programme to support schools will be required to ensure that they are ready to move into their new schools and be able to deliver new approaches to learning. This process is now underway, with our educational adviser subcontractor supporting the Council’s Challenge Team in discussing change management approaches for pilot in one or more of the secondary schools.

Thus, the case for change suggests that the secondary reorganisation process would reasonably generate improvements in standards and outcomes, given the understanding of the need for change programmes running concurrently with design and build, and the process of design that has been put in place. On its own, this process will not generate school improvement; the development of powerful new ways to secure higher standards and outcomes is running concurrently, and will build on a more effective secondary infrastructure as a result of the secondary school reorganisation.

5. The proposal also makes a link We agree that the link is arguably tenuous from a between strategies aimed at cost perspective. However, we found that in our improving attainment and attendance educationally-led engagement process, reasons which will be enhanced due to greater such as these were given by the schools for failing resources being made available due to engage in robust approaches to improving to closure of sixth forms. This link is attendance, for example, that are low or no cost. at best tenuous as there is little cost Therefore, the process that we have described is involved in some of the strategies already beginning to have an impact in our being highlighted by the proposer. able to challenge the schools in their current strategies for improving attainment and attendance.

By the same token, the Consultation Document on pages 13-15 does make reference to approaches to raising attainment and outcomes which do have cost implications, and thus are not always 42 CONCERN / COMMENT RESPONSE currently being used by Pembrokeshire schools. Again, whether it is legitimate that schools are prioritising post-16 provision over pre-16 strategies is a good question, and one of the drivers for change that has led to the secondary reorganisation process. However, our research into the current state of secondary education in Pembrokeshire found that significant amount of energy is currently expended in federation organisation, timetabling and management which have not reaped concurrent rewards in terms of outcomes for the schools.

6. The proposal refers to the pilot The success of the Ysgol Bro Gwaun and Sir learning resource centres in Sir Thomas Picton Learning Resource Centres has Thomas Picton School and Ysgol Bro been measured through the monitoring and Gwaun as being “successful”. reviewing process undertaken by the Inclusion However, it does not state who has Service. A six monthly review was carried out made this evaluation and on what which monitored: basis. Ø the individual progress and ongoing needs of the young people attending the Learning Resource Centre using the SOLAR assessment profile to ensure the additional resource has appropriately met the needs of the learners Ø the impact of the provision on learner outcomes Ø pupils who have successfully integrated into mainstream

To date, two pupils have integrated into mainstream at the Sir Thomas Picton site.

In addition discussions have taken place through individual meetings between the lead officer for children with moderate learning difficulties, the educational psychologist and the specialist teacher responsible for leading the LRC review to consider:

Ø Individual and group support provided by specialist staff within the LRC; Ø Supported opportunities to access the range of mainstream experiences; Ø Opportunities to extend self-confidence and self-esteem; Ø Opportunities to develop independence skills; Ø Access to appropriate specialist service from other agencies; Ø Ensuring that all school staff have an understanding of, and skills relating to, the 43 CONCERN / COMMENT RESPONSE learning requirements of children with additional learning needs, primarily through a programme of continuous professional development and, where appropriate, opportunities for accreditation with nationally recognised qualifications;

The Professional Learning Community that meets half termly made up of specialist teachers from the Learning Resource Centres across the County including Bro Gwaun and Sir Thomas Picton and Inclusion Lead Officers has provided the basis for sharing best practice and developing a forum for professional development for school based staff.

44 APPENDIX A

CONSULTATION WITH THE TRUSTEES OF THE TASKER MILWARD AND PICTON CHARITY

Documents and correspondence in relation to consultation

1. Letters dated 22nd January 2015 to the Chair and Clerk of the Charity to confirm arrangements for a meeting on 5th February 2015

2. Letter from Price & Son (solicitors to the Charity), dated 28th January 2015

3. Letter from Director of Children & Schools to Price & Son dated 30th January 2015

4. Notes of meeting with Trustees on 5th February 2015

5. Letter from Price & Son to Director of Children & Schools dated 6th February 2015

6. Letter from Director of Children & Schools to the Charity dated 16th February 2015

7. Letter from Price & Son dated 23rd February 2015

8. Letter from Geldards on behalf of PCC to Price & Son dated 25th February 2015

9. Letter from Price & Son to Geldards dated 26th February 2015

10. Letter from Mr M Hughes (Chair of Trustees) to Leader of the Council dated 13th April 2015

11. Letter from Price & Son to Geldards dated 1st May 2015

12. Letter from Cllr J Adams to Mr M Hughes dated 2nd June 2015

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46

47

48

49 NOTES OF MEETING WITH TRUSTEES OF THE TASKER MILWARD & PICTON CHARITY 5TH FEBRUARY 2015 AT THE PICTON CENTRE, HAVERFORDWEST

PRESENT: Trustees: Paul Lucas, Georgina Bryan, Maurice Hughes (Chair), Helen Curtlin, Pat Barker, John Morris, Stanley Hudson.

Anne Evans – Clerk to the Trustees, Islwyn Howells – Treasurer to the Trustees Stephen Hill – Price & Son (Solicitor), Roger Barrett-Evans – Advisor to Trustees

County Council: Sue Perkins – Cabinet Member Kate Evan-Hughes – Director for Children & Schools Michael Kent – Solicitor Huw Jones – Professional Officer Planning Places & Admissions

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: An apology was received from Nicola Howells (Trustee)

1. As there was no agenda for the meeting, the Chair of the Trustees asked attendees to introduce themselves and referred to the letter of invitation to the meeting sent by PCC. KEH explained that the recommendation described in the letter had been amended following an amendment tabled by the Leader of the Council at the start of the extraordinary meeting of the County Council on 29th January and that the purpose of the meeting with the Trustees formed part of the Council’s responsibility to comply with the School Organisation Code.

2. The Chair of the Trustees indicated his disappointment that earlier consultation had not taken place; KEH refuted this by stating that earlier consultation would have been regarded as pre-empting the decision of Council. MK explained that the statutory consultation, in compliance with the School Organisation Code, would not commence until 9th March 2015 and that the additional 28 day statutory consultation with the trustees commences with this meeting.

3. The legal advisor to the Trustees (SH) indicated that the Trustees had certain legal responsibilities which needed to be met and that these revolved around the likely need to amend the charity’s Scheme; this would include extensive consultation with the Charity Commission, governing bodies and parents, amongst others. As a result, he stated that it was very unlikely that the Trustees would be able to respond positively to the Council’s consultation before the statutory consultation commenced.

4. KEH acknowledged that the Trustees had a legal responsibility and that this could take time, but she emphasised that the timetable for obtaining capital funding from Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools Programme was such that time is of the essence. She referred to the fact that the Council’s programme should not be considered as affecting Haverfordwest in isolation. KEH outlined the inter-relationship of individual projects and the co-dependency of one project on another. In response to a question concerning the drivers for the Council’s proposal, KEH explained that the Council had to respond to: · Standards in secondary schools · Reduced funding and a changing funding formula for post 16 · The need to meet demand for additional ALN provision. · The need to meet demand for Welsh medium provision 50 · Surplus places · Condition of school buildings In terms of the two latter points, these remained recommendations of Estyn.

5. Mr Barrett-Evans provided a brief outline of the history concerning the Tasker Milward site, both in terms of ownership, and the involvement of the charity.

6. KEH made the point that this was a one-off opportunity to improve the education and facilities for the young people of Pembrokeshire and it should not be missed.

7. HJ distributed copies of the proposed use of the Tasker Milward site. He explained that the Council’s proposal for a new 3-16 Welsh medium school would be accommodated in a refurbished section of the current Tasker Milward VC School. In addition, proposals included the provision of a new 3G sports pitch following the demolition of buildings on the current lower school, and the allocation of some land on the western boundary of the site in order to supplement the site of the current Ysgol Glan Cleddau. He explained that the 3G pitch would become available for the new 3-16 school, Pembrokeshire College and the wider community.

8. Trustees raised concerns regarding the Pembrokeshire’s College use of this land as it was considered that this would fall outside the Charity’s objectives, however this claim would need to be verified.

9. MK suggested that an early approach to the Charity Commission would be prudent to establish their view on the proposal. There was then a discussion about the likely time it might take to resolve and eventually 12 months was suggested as being realistic

10. MK made the point that the trustees should be working with the Charity Commission to find a solution and that Section 115 of the Charities Act 2011 enabled an application to Court to be made in the event that an impasse could not be resolved. SH felt that that was not a realistic option but gave no explanation why except that the Attorney General would have to be involved.

11. SH explained that as part of its duty to consult, it would do so with the relevant school governing bodies and parents, although no statutory timetable existed for this.

12. In response to a question on the proposal for sixth form provision to become part of an integrated provision with the College, KEH explained what the governance arrangements could look like. She explained that the College would widen membership to its Corporation of Governors to include headteacher representatives, governors and LA officers. A question was asked in relation to the employment of teaching staff, to which KEH responded that a number of staffing models were being considered. Further questions were posed in relation to pupil numbers at the proposed schools and the rationale for Welsh medium education. Suitable responses were provided, and that in relation Welsh medium provision, a report had recently been considered by Cabinet (5th January 2015) which outlined that need had been identified and that the Council had a responsibility to consider.

13. The Chair of Trustees concluded that following consideration of today’s meeting, a letter would be sent to the Director with some points of clarity and any further questions from Trustees.

The meeting closed at 11.20am.

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58

59

60

61

62

63 APPENDIX B1

PUBLICITY

General consultation flyer – English

General consultation flyer – Cymraeg

Secondary School Council Conference

Primary School Council Conference

Welsh Medium School Council Conference

64

65

66

Secondary School Council Conference Review of Secondary Education Provision in Mid and North West Pembrokeshire, and Welsh-medium provision Friday 17th April 2015 10am – 12.30pm The Conference Room, Bloomfield Community Centre, Narberth

Dear Headteacher You are invited to send up to four members of your school council, and the pupil representative on your governing body, to attend the Secondary School Council Conference on Friday 17th April.

The conference is being held as part of the statutory consultation on the Review of Secondary Education Provision in Mid and North West Pembrokeshire, and Welsh-medium provision. The welcome and introduction will be given by Kate Evan Hughes, Director for Children & Schools. The conference will give school council representatives the opportunity to take part in discussions and activities on the following aspects of the proposal: ▪ Discontinuation of Tasker Milward and Sir Thomas Picton schools, and the development of a new 11 – 16 school on the current Sir Thomas Picton site

▪ Discontinuation of Glan Cleddau and establishment of Welsh-medium/bilingual 3 – 16 school on the site of the existing Tasker Milward VC school

▪ Development of new English-medium ALN facilities (11 – 16) at the new school on the current Sir Thomas Picton site

▪ Development of new bilingual ALN facilities (11 – 16 at Ysgol Bro Gwaun)

▪ Proposal that post 16 education be provided at a new integrated sixth form centre in collaboration with Pembrokeshire College

Activities will be provided by members of the Children & Young Peoples’ Rights and Pembrokeshire Youth teams.

Places are strictly limited to a maximum of four members of your school council. Pupils should be accompanied by a member of staff but they (and the pupil representative from the governing body) are asked to respect that they are attending as observers, and do not seek to influence the course of the discussions.

Schools will need to provide transport for their delegates to and from the conference. Those attending are asked to bring a packed lunch. The conference will conclude by 12noon with half an hour, in which to eat lunches, before return to school.

Booking Form It is important that your school is represented at the conference. I would be grateful if you could complete and return the attached booking form by Wednesday 25th March 2015.

67 School Council Questionnaire You will also find enclosed a questionnaire on the Review of Secondary Education Provision in Mid and North West Pembrokeshire, and Welsh-medium provision. I would be grateful if you could arrange for the school council members to complete the questionnaire in advance of the conference, and that delegates then bring this with them on the day.

Further information If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind Regards, Sarah Worby Corporate Communications Officer – 01437 775263

68

Primary School Council Conference Review of Secondary Education Provision in Mid and North West Pembrokeshire, and Welsh-medium provision Tuesday 21st April 2015 10am – 12.30pm Haverfordwest Leisure Centre

Dear Headteacher / School Council Co-ordinator

You are invited to send up to four members of your school council, and a representative of your governing body, to attend the Secondary School Council Conference on Tuesday 21st April. The conference is being held as part of the statutory consultation on the Review of Secondary Education Provision in Mid and North West Pembrokeshire, and Welsh-medium provision. The welcome and introduction will be given by Kate Evan Hughes, Director for Children & Schools.

The conference will give school council representatives the opportunity to take part in discussions and activities on the following aspects of the proposal: ▪ Discontinuation of Tasker Milward and Sir Thomas Picton schools, and the development of a new 11 – 16 school on the current Sir Thomas Picton site

▪ Development of new English-medium ALN facilities (11 – 16) at the new school on the current Sir Thomas Picton site

▪ Proposal that post 16 education be provided at a new integrated sixth form centre in collaboration with Pembrokeshire College

▪ Amendment of various catchment areas as part of the above

Activities will be provided by members of the Children & Young Peoples’ Rights and Pembrokeshire Youth teams.

Places are strictly limited to a maximum of four members of your school council. Pupils should be accompanied by a member of staff but they (and the representative of the governing body) are asked to respect that they are attending as observers, and should not seek to influence the course of the discussions.

Schools will need to provide transport for their delegates to and from the conference. Those attending are asked to bring a packed lunch. The conference will conclude by 12noon with half an hour, in which to eat lunches, before return to school.

Booking Form It is important that your school is represented at the conference. I would be grateful if you could complete and return the attached booking form by Wednesday 25th 2015.

School Council Questionnaire You will also find enclosed a questionnaire on the Review of Secondary Education Provision in Mid and North West Pembrokeshire, and Welsh-medium provision. I would be grateful if you could 69 arrange for the school council members to complete the questionnaire in advance of the conference, and that delegates then bring this with them on the day.

Further information If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind Regards, Sarah Worby Corporate Communications Officer – 01437 775263

70

Primary School Council Conference Review of Secondary Education Provision in Mid and North West Pembrokeshire, and Welsh-medium provision Friday 24th April 2015 10am – 12.30pm The Sports Hall, Bloomfield Community Centre, Narberth

Dear Headteacher

You are invited to send up to four members of your school council, and a representative of your governing body, to attend the Secondary School Council Conference on Friday 24th April. The conference is being held as part of the statutory consultation on the Review of Secondary Education Provision in Mid and North West Pembrokeshire, and Welsh-medium provision. The welcome and introduction will be given by Kate Evan Hughes, Director for Children & Schools and Alan Walters, Head of School Improvement.

The conference will give school council representatives the opportunity to take part in discussions and activities on the following aspects of the proposal: · Discontinuation of Glan Cleddau and establishment of Welsh-medium/bilingual 3 – 16 school on the site of the existing Tasker Milward VC school · Preference for Welsh-medium or English-medium education at secondary level · Preferred location for Welsh-medium secondary education (Haverfordwest or Crymych) · Continuation of post 16 Welsh-medium provision at Ysgol y Preseli, Crymych · Development of new bilingual ALN facilities (11 – 16 at Ysgol Bro Gwaun)

Activities will be provided by members of the Children & Young Peoples’ Rights and Pembrokeshire Youth teams.

Places are strictly limited to a maximum of four members of your school council. Pupils should be accompanied by a member of staff but they (and the representative of the governing body) are asked to respect that they are attending as observers, and should not seek to influence the course of the discussions.

Schools will need to provide transport for their delegates to and from the conference. Those attending are asked to bring a packed lunch. The conference will conclude by 12noon with half an hour, in which to eat lunch, before return to school.

Booking Form It is important that your school is represented at the conference. I would be grateful if you could complete and return the attached booking form by Monday 23rd March 2015.

School Council Questionnaire You will also find enclosed a questionnaire on the Review of Secondary Education Provision in Mid and North West Pembrokeshire, and Welsh-medium provision. I would be grateful if you could

71 arrange for the school council members to complete the questionnaire in advance of the conference, and that delegates then bring this with them on the day.

Further information If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind Regards, Sarah Worby Corporate Communications Officer – 01437 775263

72 APPENDIX B2

Powerpoint presentation used in school and public information sessions

Statutory Consultation Review of Secondary Education Provision in the Mid and North West of Pembrokeshire

Evaluation and Review to date

Ø Survey of Welsh Medium Demand in: Ø Milford Haven, Neyland and Haverfordwest (South) area Ø St David’s Peninsula Ø Strategic Review into the Development and Delivery of 14-19 Education and Training Provision in Pembrokeshire (TRIBAL, 2014) Ø Review of Education Provision in the St David’s Area – Preliminary Consultation (February 2014) Ø Review of Secondary Education Provision in the Haverfordwest Area – Preliminary Consultation (February 2014) Ø Inclusion Service – Annual Report (August 2014) Ø Planning for the Future of Welsh Medium Education in Pembrokeshire (Cabinet, January 2015) Ø Joint Master planning between Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire College

d1 The Case for Change

Educational Standards

Welsh Medium Provision Additional Learning Needs Provision Post 16 Funding and Progression Surplus Places Condition and Suitability of Buildings

73 Educational Standards

Ø Educational Standards currently vary from school to school - two secondary schools in the Mid and North West currently in ESTYN ‘follow up’ categories.

Ø New ‘National School Improvement and Categorisation System’ introduced, with schools current categorised by colour, which signifies the level of support, challenge and intervention required.

Ø No schools in “Green” category, i.e. Good and outstanding.

Ø Tasker Milward VC School and Ysgol Bro Gwaun classified as ‘Red’ i.e. Ø Poor standards requiring critical intervention Ø Automatic warning from LA and subsequent use of statutory powers – loss of autonomy with a more directed approach

Welsh Medium Provision

Ø Welsh medium secondary provision needed in mid/south of the county.

Ø Excess travel times and distances are acting as deterrent to some parents in choosing Welsh medium provision for their children.

Ø Travel time from central and southern areas of the County to Ysgol Y Preseli is perceived to restrict pupils from those areas from accessing school clubs and other extra curricular activities an as well as affecting their well being.

Ø There is a need to consider further extending Welsh medium provision beyond traditional Welsh speaking areas.

Ø Compelling evidence that primary provision is required in the Milford Haven and St Davids area and extended provision required in Haverfordwest.

Ø Essential to ensure secondary provision can be established with strong and sustainable primary feeder schools.

Additional Learning Needs

Ø The County Council’s education inclusion strategy supports the principle that, as far as possible, children should be educated within a mainstream school environment and as near as possible to their home.

Ø There is currently insufficient provision in Pembrokeshire for pupils in Key Stages 3 and 4 with complex learning needs and more severe additional learning requirements.

Ø There is a lack of such provision in a Welsh medium setting.

74 Post 16 Funding and Progression

Ø All secondary schools have predominantly academic sixth forms, with Pembrokeshire College providing mainly vocational programmes with some A Level Provision. Ø TRIBAL report concluded ‘this fragmented approach is costly, not providing high quality learning experiences for all learners and is impacting on outcomes for learners. Ø Students are not being advised appropriately on the best blend of courses for their needs and abilities; significant drop-out rate at the end of Year 12. Ø Impact of Welsh Government’s new funding arrangements for post 16 provision from September 2016 will impact on the scale of provision and the range of resources that can be made available to learners. Ø Evidence from Audit Commission suggest inefficiencies are more likely to arise when school sixth forms operate with fewer than 150 students. – currently 4 out of 5 secondary schools in the mid and north west area of the county have sixth forms with fewer than 150 pupils.

Surplus Places

Ø Currently significant level of surplus places in individual schools included within the context of this proposal, with surplus places amounting to approximately 20% collectively.

Ø Welsh Government recommend there should be no more than 10% surplus places across primary and secondary schools.

Ø Higher than necessary level of school places indicate financial resources are not being used in the most efficient or effective way to improve the quality of education.

Ø Estyn report in 2012 on the quality on Local Authority Education Services concluded ‘ amongst other matters “.. The authority is responding too slowly to the increasing level of surplus places in the secondary sector’.

Condition and Suitability of Buildings

Ø Current condition of all schools buildings is poor and will require significant and costly ongoing repair and maintenance to prolong their use.

Ø An estimate of current backlog repairs and maintenance costs based on survey completed in 2009/10 was approximately £21 million.

Ø A Building Conditions Survey graded the four secondary schools involved in this consultation process ‘C’ – poor with major deterioration as a result of Building Condition Survey.

Ø A Suitability Survey graded two schools Grade C – ‘ Poor with teaching methods inhibited’ and two schools a Grade B – “Reasonable with behaviour/morale adversely affected”.

75 Preliminary Consultation

Preliminary Consultation took place February/March 2014

4

5 options for change identified and presented to Council in October 2014

Following further appraisal of possible options, full Council agreed to commence statutory consultation on preferred option.

Exploration of Options

• 74 options resulting from preliminary consultation process • Each option scored against published evaluation criteria; numerous 11-16 and 11-19 options included everything from retention of 6th forms to one single super school • 5 broad based options which scored the highest

• 5 options presented to Council in October 2014 • Sixth form provision included in options, subject to determination of site/s • Approval given to undertake more detailed appraisal process

•Masterplanning consultants engaged to undertake feasibility which included Stakeholder Group participation and detailed analysis of site availability and suitability for 11-16 and 11-19 5 options •Conclusion drawn that sixth form provision best provided on the Pembrokeshire College campus

Preferred Option

Ø Close Sir Thomas Picton and Tasker Milward VC schools and establish a new 11-16 English medium secondary school with additional ALN provision for pupils with complex learning needs on the site of the current Sir Thomas Picton School.

Ø Remove the sixth forms of Ysgol Bro Gwaun and Ysgol Dewi Sant with a view to redesignating the schools as 11-16 schools.

Ø Post 16 provision for the above schools to be provided in a new integrated sixth form centre as part of a formal collaboration between the County Council and Pembrokeshire College.

Ø Remodel and enhance Ysgol Bro Gwaun to add a bilingual Additional Learning Needs provision for pupils with complex learning needs.

Ø Close Ysgol Glan Cleddau and establish a new 3-16 Welsh medium/bilingual school on the site of the current Tasker Milward VC school. Post 16 provision to be provided by Ysgol Y Preseli.

76 Synergistic approach

Discontinue: Sir Thomas Picton School Tasker Milward Pembroke School Learning Ysgol Glan Cleddau Campus English (11-19) Medium Secondary School Mid and North (11-16) West Education Provision Welsh Pembrokeshire Medium / College Bilingual (Post 16) School Ysgol Bro (3-16) Gwaun / Ysgol Dewi Sant (11-16)

ProposedDirectional Governance assessment: Structure Colour Code for Post 16

CORPORATION BOARD

CURRICULUM & SEARCH AUDIT STANDARDS COMMITTEE COMMITTEE COMMITTEE A LEVEL COMMITTEE To include: • Headteachers • Chair of Governors •Advisors •Head of Education

Next Steps...

Date Process 9th March 2015 Commencement of meetings with schools and puNlic information sessions 23rd March 2015 Statutory Consultation Document puNlished 5th May 2015 Closing Date for receipt of oNservations on the proposals July 2015 Consultation Report presented to Full Council PuNlication of Consultation Report SeptemNer 2015 PuNlish Statutory Notice 28 days after date Closing date for receipt of oNjections to proposal of Statutory Notice 35 days after the ONjections and ONjection Report to Ne suNmitted to end of the oNjection Welsh Ministers period 2016 ? PuNlication of Welsh Ministers Decision 2017-2019 Implementation of proposal

77 DirectionalHow assessment: to Respond...... Colour Code

Consultation period starts on 23rd March 2015 and ends on Tuesday 5th May 2015

You can express your views by writing to the Director for Children and Schools using any of the following methods:

Letter to: Mrs Katharine Evan-Hughes Director for Children and Schools County Hall Haverfordwest SEARCH SA61 1TP COMITTEE Response form: Included in section 9 of the Public Consultation Document

Online: www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/haveyoursay

RESPONSES RECEIVED DURING THE CONSULTATION PERIOD WILL NOT BE TREATED AS STATUTORY OBJECTIONS. IF YOU WISH TO OBJECT, YOU WILL NEED TO DO SO IN WRITING FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION OF THE STATUTORY NOTICE

78 APPENDIX C

Review of Secondary Education Provision Consultation/Conference

Primary School Council Conference Welsh-medium

Bloomfield Centre, Narberth

Friday 24th April 2015

Four representatives of the School Council were invited from each of the following schools.

A total of 27 pupils attended. A representative of each School’s governing body was also invited to observe the Conference.

School Invited Number of Pupils Attending

Bro Ingli 0 Glan Cleddau 0 Glannau Gwaun 0 Gelli Aur 4 Ger y Llan 4 Goodwick CP 0 Llanychllwydog 4 Narberth CP 4 Puncheston CP 3 Tenby Juniors 4 Tenby Infants Apologies Wolfscastle 4 Total 27

79 The following is the response given by pupils who attended the Welsh-medium conference on 24th April. The responses recorded in this document are an accurate word by word account of what the pupils themselves wrote down.

1) Welsh-speaking Schools - Close Ysgol Glan Cleddau and open a new 3-16 Welsh and English-speaking school on the site of Tasker Milward School.

Pupils put ideas/thoughts or votes on a folded piece of into ballot box.

1.1 What do you think is good about closing Ysgol Glan Cleddau and moving school for Welsh speaking into a new one for 3-16 years at Tasker Milward in Haverfordwest? 1.2 What do you think is bad about closing Ysgol Glan Cleddau and moving school for Welsh speaking into a new one for 3-16 years at Tasker Milward in Haverfordwest? 1.3 Vote yes or no on whether you think it is a good idea to close Ysgol Glan Cleddau and open a new 3-16 Welsh speaking school on the site of Tasker Milward School in Haverfordwest. 1.4 Vote yes or no on whether you think the plan of opening a new 3-16 Welsh speaking school will meet the needs for welsh speaking education in Pembrokeshire 2) Additional Learning Needs (ALN) - Create a new Learning Resource Centre for pupils with Additional Learning Needs education as part of the new English-speaking secondary school in Haverfordwest and as part of Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Fishguard (English and Welsh).

Pupils were read out the following statements and then asked to stand on a space with a certain face: happy face = agree / sad face = disagree / angry face = strongly disagree / medium or no face = don’t know

▪ How do you feel about having a Learning Resource Centre as part of the new secondary school in Haverfordwest (for English speakers) and as part of Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Fishguard (for Welsh speakers)?

▪ Pupils 11-16 years with additional learning needs will have all their needs met good enough in the new Learning Resource Centre.

▪ With the new Learning resource Centres based in Haverfordwest and Fishguard, how do you think this may affect the travel time and distance to travel for pupils with additional learning needs?

3. Sir Thomas Picton and Tasker Milward Schools Merger - Close Sir Thomas Picton and Tasker Milward VC schools and open a new 11-16 English-speaking secondary school – on the same site of the current Sir Thomas Picton school

Pupils were split into four groups. Each group has two pieces of paper. One piece is for good points, the other for bad and they are asked to consider the following questions / statements.

▪ What do you think is the best thing about bringing together the two schools?

80 ▪ What do you think is the worst thing about bringing together the two schools?

4) Post 16 Education - A new sixth form centre, based in Haverfordwest, developed by Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire College.

Coloured Hoops: Green= strongly agree, yellow = agree, amber = disagree, red = strongly disagree, blue = don’t know. Pupils were read a question and asked to stand on/in the appropriate coloured hoop that best describes how they feel.

▪When you are ready to go to sixth form in a few years time, instead of going to the sixth form in your local secondary school, you will attend a specialist sixth form centre based in Haverfordwest.

▪These changes that may happen to the sixth form education in Pembrokeshire will be better and will meet all of your future educational needs.

▪The travel time and distance to get the new sixth form centre in Haverfordwest will mean a more fair and equal time for pupils to travel to sixth form.

▪ Not going to sixth form in your local secondary school but instead going to a new sixth form centre in Haverfordwest, will mean that you will get a better standard of education with all of your learning needs being met.

1) Welsh speaking Schools 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Yn fy Marn i bydd Falle bydd mwy o Ydy Dim yn gwbod Ysgol Cymraeg yn bwlian achos bydd Hwlffordd ac mwy o plant yn bydd dim rhaed in mynd naw o nhw teithio lan I whahanol oed 3-16 Pryseli Lot o arian i newid Na! Na! Mwy agos. Dydi yr Ysgol. Lot o nhw ddim eisiau trafeg i mynd na teithio i Preseli Rwy’n meddwl bod Ie! Sain gwybod? Syniad dda ond yn 3 yn rhy ifanc i fy marn i dwy’n dechrau un Ysgol medwl cael 8-16 fawr nid 3-16 Un peth wael yw Ddim yn gwybod Ddim yn gwybod Un peth dda yw ddim cael cael Ysgol chweched cymraeg arall i dosbarth yn yr pobl sydd yn byw Ysgol 81 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 yn pell o Preseli Ie Na Dwi ddim meddwl Dwi’n meddwl bod lot o pethau mae’n syniad dda yn gwaith ond dwi achos mae mwy o ddim meddwl bod pobl yn gallu dysgu 3-16 owed yn cymraeg a mae syniad da achos hawddach i lot o mae 16 oes pobl yn pobl i mynd i Ysgol gallu body n drwg a y 3 oed yn edrych lan i pobl fawr Ye! Sain gwybod

Syniad dda on Dwi’n meddwl bod dwi’n mythyl 8-16 3 yn rhi ifanc i a Ysgol arall dechrau yn Ysgol Ydy Ydy

Mae’n agosach na Falle achos bydd Ysgol y Preseli ac en llawer o arian bydd en llau o amswer Ie Sain gwybod

Dwin meddwl Dwi’n meddwl mae’n dda achos mae’n syniad dim mae’n ddim yn deg da achos mae rhai i’r plant sir i blant ddim yn teithio fordd. hoffi body n Ysgol gyda plant mawr Ye Ddim yn gwybod

Answer teithio yn hirach na Preseli adiladau newydd mwy lle Ydy Ydy

Mae’n agosaf na Falle bydd en Ysgol Preseli ac llawer o arian ac bydd y taith yn llai bydd Ysgol y Preseli yn colli Na Na arian Bydd lot of Pobl yn mynd na achos Falle bydd rhai oes ma lot o Pobl pobl ddim eisia eisiau mewn mynd i Ysgol mawr cymraeg mae nhw bydd y plant bach 82 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 galli neud e yna yn ofnus or plant mawr dwy eisiau Ddim yn gwbod Ddim yn Gwbod mynd i Ysgol Fab Traflu nol a mlan a dal bws yn gynar Hawdd i teithio Ie Ddim yn gwibod

Amser teithio yn hirach na Fi prysely chawir pryserely adeiladi ddim yn Newyss mwy Lle Ie Ddim yn Gwybod

Amser teithio yn hirach na Preseli Esiau mynd i Ysgol adeiladau newydd Preseli Ie Ddemyn gwbod

Amswer teithio yn herach Na Ye

Bydd yr teithio ffale yn llai Bydd y plant fach yn ofnus iawn yn Dim yn gwbod Dim yn dial sorry yr Ysgol mawr Mae en syniad da oherwydd bydd Dw id dim yn plant or Ysgol gweld problem greenhill yn gorfod teithio yr holl ffordd i Dim yn gwbod Dim yn gwbod Preseli

Mae cael Ysgol Dw id dim yn newydd yn Syniad gweld Problem da achos mae Na Na Ysgol Preseli yn Llawn Me’n anodd i y Mae’n agos. Llau o flant bach mewn arian i rhedeg un gyda y flant mawr. Ysgol Mae Pobl yn eisiau mynd i Ysgol fach gyntaf a wedyn yesgol uchraf. Mae y Pobl bach gallu body yn Na Na 83 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 ofnus or y Pobl mawr

Mwy hawdd i Ddim yn hoffi teithio i falla bydd Ysgol fawr cadw myw o pobl yn Ysgol fach falle dysgu gymraeg fydd y Plant bach yn ofnus lot o traffig i mynd i un Ysgol bydd Plant Dim yn gwybod Dim yn diall sorry yn mundi Ysgol bach a wedyn Ysgol Uwchraf Mae eisiau Ysgol eraill ond bydd Colli ffrindiau os mwy o problemau bydd Ysgol yn call bwlian. Ond ar y 16 a 3 ddim yn Na Na cyfan syniad da. cymseg. Beth bydd yn digwydd yn gwatheth Na Sain Gwybod Mae’r syniad yn da i gal Ysgol newidd Mae syniad yn dda

Bod dim angen Heb Penderfynnu Dim yn siwr newid Ysgol yn y Mae dda pob canol aedran yn cymysgu gydain gylydd Ddim yn cytuno gyda rhannu safle Na Ie iaith drwg, agwedd y.y.b Ie Sai’n gwybod Ddim yn gwybod Mae y plant yn symud Ysgol Rwy’n meddwl mae’n syniad da Mae pobl sydd yn Ie Ie achos mae dim byw yn st davids llawer o ysgolion rhaid teithio i Hwlffordd Mae’n agosa i llawer o pobl. Bydd Mae’n 3-16 falle Preseli ddim yn mae’n rhyddach i llawn o pobl. Bydd dim ond 11-16 neu 84 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 mwy o pobl falle 3-16 bydd Preseli yn dod i’r iath yn falle colli arian. cymraeg Bydd plant fach yn Ydw Ydw copio’r plant fawr pam mae whw’n drwg

Bydd yr taith yn Falle bydd y llai of amser a gwaith bod mae yr bydd Ysgol Y oedran yn 3-16 Preseli ddim mor bydd y plant bach llawn yn copio y plant mawr pan mae whw’n ddrwg. Bydd Preseli yn colli arian.

2) Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Cytuno (wyneb Anghytuno Anghytuno’n gryf Ddim yn gwybod hapus) (Wyneb trist) (Wyneb grac) (Wyneb syth) 14 13 8 19 23 3 1

3) Sir Thomas Picton and Tasker Milward Schools Merger Good Bad ▪ No empty spaces ▪ Won’t be any sixth forms ▪ New stuff ▪ Cost of lot of money ▪ Create more jobs ▪ People might lose their jobs ▪ Could be better ▪ Could lose old friends ▪ May attract more people ▪ Might not like the decision ▪ There is a chance to make new friends ▪ Easier for some people to get to the school than Preseli

85 ▪ Mwy o arian i hala yn yr Ysgol ▪ Falle bydd plant ddim yn gweithi mor newydd dda yn Ysgol nwy o faint gyda lot mwy o ▪ Ysgol Cymraeg wahanol i’r plant sy’n disgyblion siarad Cymraeg ▪ Mwy o problemau – plant ddim yn dod ▪ Mwy modern ‘mlaen gyda’i gilydd ▪ Mwy o bwlio ▪ Dim yn costio arian (arbed) ▪ Ofnys ▪ Mwy modern ▪ Mwy cerddeol ▪ Mwy frindiau ▪ Mwy o plant lle ty fas ▪ Llin mawr amser cinio ▪ Llau o tim sbort ▪ Costy llai o arian ▪ Ofnys am yr Ysgol newi ▪ Ysgol newi ▪ Llai o tameoedd chwareon ▪ Llai o gwastaff ▪ Gwsg Ysgol newi ▪ Ffrindiau newidd ▪Chy fawr ▪ Mwy o blant yn gwersi

4) Post 16 Education

Datganiad Cytuno’n Cytuno Anghytuno Anghytuno’ Ddim yn gryf (Melyn) (Ambr) n gryf gwybod (Gwyrdd) (Coch) (Glas) Datganiad 1 7 1 14 5 Datganiad 2 11 2 14 Datganiad 3 3 7 9 8 Datganiad 4 6 8 6 5

TRANSLATION

2) Welsh speaking Schools 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 In my opinion There may be Yes Don’t know there will be a more bullying Welsh School in because there will Haverfordwest be more children and they will not attending of a need to travel up different age 3- to Preseli 16

Closer. They don’t Lots of money to No! No! 86 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 want to travel to change the school. Preseli Lots of traffic going there.

Good idea but in I think that 3 is Yes! Don’t know? my opinion I think too young to start it should be 8-16 one large school not 3-16

One good thing is One bad thing is Don’t know Don’t know getting another that there will not Welsh school for be a sixth form in people who live a the school long way from Preseli

I think it’s a good I don’t think Yes No idea because more there’s much bad people will be able but I don’t think to learn Welsh 3-16 years old is a and it will be good idea because easier for a lot of 16 year olds can people to go to be naughty and school the 3 year olds look up to older people.

Good idea but I I think that 3 is Yes! Don’t know think 8-16 and a too young to start different school in the school

It’s closer than Maybe because Yes Yes Preseli and it will it’s a lot of money take less time

I think it’s good I think it’s a bad Yes Don’t know because it’s not idea because some fair for children children don’t like to travel. being in school with older children

Longer travelling Yes Don’t know 87 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 time than Preseli new building more space

It’s closer than Maybe it will cost Yes Yes Ysgol y Preseli and a lot of money and the journey will be Ysgol y Preseli will shorter lose money

A lot of people will Perhaps some No No go there because people won’t want a lot of people to go to a large want Welsh and school the they will be able younger children to do it there will be afraid of the older children I want to go to ‘Ysgol Fab’

Travelling back Easy for travel Don’t know Don’t know and forth and catching a bus early

Longer travelling (Incomplete Yes Don’t know time than Preseli sentence – unable new building more to translate) space

Longer travelling Want to go to Yes Don’t know time than Preseli Ysgol y Preseli new buildings

Longer travelling Yes Don’t know time

The journey may Younger children No Yes be shorter will be very afraid in the new school

It’s a good idea I don’t see a Don’t know Don’t understand - because children problem sorry from Ysgol Greenhill will have 88 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 to travel all the way to Preseli

Getting a new I don’t see a Don’t know Don’t know school is a good problem idea because Ysgol y Preseli is full

It’s close. Less It’s difficult for No No money to run one young children in school with older children. People want to go to a small school first and then a secondary school Young children can be afraid of the older children

Easier for travel Don’t like a big No No and maybe more school keep a people will want to small school as learn Welsh younger children will be afraid lots of traffic going to one school children will be going to a small school and then a big school

There needs to be Losing friends if Don’t know Don’t understand - another school but the school has 16 sorry there will be more and 3 mixed bullying problems. together. (second But ion the whole sentence it’s a good idea incomplete– unable to translate)

Getting a new The idea is good No No school is a good idea

89 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 There is no need It’s good that all No Don’t know to change a school ages will mix in the centre together

Don’t agree with Undecided Not sure sharing a site bad language, attitude etc.

Don’t know The children are No Yes moving schools

I think it’s a good People who live in Yes Don’t know idea as there St Davids will aren’t many have to travel to schools Haverfordwest

It will be closer It’s 3-16 maybe it Yes Yes for a lot of will be easier for people. Preseli will only 11-16 or 3-16 no longer be full Preseli may lose of people. Maybe money. Younger more people will children will copy be attracted to the older children the Welsh when they are language. naughty

The journey will Perhaps it’s not so Yes Yes be shorter and good that the age Ysgol y Preseli will will be 3-16 as the not be so full younger children will copy the older children when they are naughty. Preseli will lose money.

2) Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Agree (happy Disagree Strongly disagree Don’t know face) (Unhappy face) (Angry face) (Straight face) 14 13 8 19 23 3 1 90

3) Sir Thomas Picton and Tasker Milward Schools Merger Good Bad ▪ No empty spaces ▪ Won’t be any sixth forms ▪ New stuff ▪ Cost of lot of money ▪ Create more jobs ▪ People might lose their jobs ▪ Could be better ▪ Could lose old friends ▪ May attract more people ▪ Might not like the decision ▪ There is a chance to make new friends ▪ Easier for some people to get to the school than Preseli ▪ More money to spend on the new ▪ Perhaps children won’t work as well school in a larger school with a lot more pupils ▪ A separate Welsh school for the ▪ More problems – children not getting children who speak Welsh along together ▪ More modern ▪ More bullying ▪ Cost less money (savings) ▪ Afraid ▪ More modern ▪ More walking ▪ More friends ▪ More children in the playground ▪ A long dinner queue ▪ Less team sports ▪ Cost less money ▪ Afraid of the new school ▪ New school ▪ Less sports teams ▪ Less waste ▪ New school uniform ▪ New friends ▪Too big ▪ More children in lessons

4) Post 16 Education

Statement Strongly Agree Disgaree Strongly Don’t know agree (Yellow) (Amber) disagree (Blue) (Green) (Red) Statement 1 7 1 14 5 Statement 2 11 2 14 Statement 3 3 7 9 8 Statement 4 6 8 6 5

91 Review of Secondary Education Provision Consultation/Conference

Primary School Council Conference English-medium

Haverfordwest Leisure Centre

Tuesday 21st April 2015

Four representatives from the School Council of each of the following schools were invited to attend. A total of 41 pupils attended. A representative of each School’s governing body was also invited to observe the Conference.

School Invited Number of Pupils Attending Bro Dewi VA 4 Broad Haven CP 4 Cleddau Reach 0 Croesgoch 4 Fenton CP 2 Haverfordwest VC 2 Holy Name Apologies Hook CP 4 Johnston CP 0 Mary Immaculate 4 Mount Airey CP 0 Neyland CP 4 Prendergast CP 0 Roch CP 2 Solva 4 Spittal VC 3 St Aidens VA 4 St Marks VA Apologies Total 41

The following is the response given by pupils from primary schools that attended the English- medium conference on 21st April. The responses recorded in this document are an accurate word by word account of what the pupils themselves wrote down.

1) Post 16 Education - A new sixth form centre, based in Haverfordwest, developed by Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire College. 92

Coloured Hoops: Green = strongly agree, yellow = agree, amber = disagree, red = strongly disagree, white = don’t know. Pupils were read a question and asked to stand on/in the appropriate coloured hoop that best describes how they feel.

▪When you are ready to go to sixth form in a few years time, instead of going to the sixth form in your local secondary school, you will attend a specialist sixth form centre based in Haverfordwest.

▪These changes that may happen to the sixth form education in Pembrokeshire will be better and will meet all of your future educational needs.

▪The travel time and distance to get the new sixth form centre in Haverfordwest will mean a more fair and equal time for pupils to travel to sixth form,.

▪ Not going to sixth form in your local secondary school but instead going to a new sixth form centre in Haverfordwest, will mean that you will get a better standard of education with all of your learning needs being met.

2) Sir Thomas Picton and Tasker Milward Schools Merger - Close Sir Thomas Picton and Tasker Milward VC schools and open a new 11-16 English-speaking secondary school – on the same site of the current Sir Thomas Picton school

Pupils were split into four groups. Each group has two pieces of paper. One piece is for good points, the other for bad and they are asked to consider the following questions / statements.

2.1 What do you think is the best thing about bringing together the two schools?

2.2 What do you think is the worst thing about bringing together the two schools?

2.3 What positive things (good) do you think can come from closing the two schools to make into one bigger and newer school?

2.4 What negative things (not good) do you think can come from closing the two schools to make into one bigger and newer school?

3) Additional Learning Needs (ALN) - Create a new Learning Resource Centre for pupils with Additional Learning Needs education as part of the new English-speaking secondary school in Haverfordwest and as part of Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Fishguard (English and Welsh).

Pupils were read out the following statements and then asked to stand on a space with a certain face: happy face = agree / sad face = disagree / angry face = strongly disagree / medium or no face = don’t know

93 ▪ How do you feel about having a Learning Resource Centre as part of the new secondary school in Haverfordwest (for English speakers) and as part of Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Fishguard (for Welsh speakers)?

▪ Pupils 11-16 years with additional learning needs will have all their needs met good enough in the new Learning Resource Centre.

▪ With the new Learning resource Centres based in Haverfordwest and Fishguard, how do you think this may affect the travel time and distance to travel for pupils with additional learning needs?

4) Welsh-speaking Schools - Close Ysgol Glan Cleddau and open a new 3-16 Welsh and English-speaking school on the site of Tasker Milward School.

Pupils put ideas/thoughts or votes on a folded piece of into ballot box.

4.1 What do you think is good about closing Ysgol Glan Cleddau and moving school for Welsh speaking into a new one for 3-16 years at Tasker Milward in Haverfordwest? 4.2 What do you think is bad about closing Ysgol Glan Cleddau and moving school for Welsh speaking into a new one for 3-16 years at Tasker Milward in Haverfordwest? 4.3 Vote yes or no on whether you think it is a good idea to close Ysgol Glan Cleddau and open a new 3-16 Welsh speaking school on the site of Tasker Milward School in Haverfordwest. 4.4 Vote yes or no on whether you think the plan of opening a new 3-16 Welsh speaking school will meet the needs for welsh speaking education in Pembrokeshire 1) Post 16 Education

Statement Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Don’t know Agree (Yellow) (Amber) Disagree (White) (Green) (Red) Statement 1 13 19 7 2 Statement 2 3 19 10 5 2 Statement 3 1 11 21 8 Statement 4 8 20 5 8

2) Sir Thomas Picton and Tasker Milward Schools Merger Good/Positive Bad/Negative ▪ You will still see your friends from primary school that have gone to STP ▪ STP will have more PE resources ▪ You will have more pupils to make friends ▪ You would have more friends ▪ There’s nothing bad about it ▪ Everyone has the same education

94 Good/Positive Bad/Negative ▪ Because then you don’t have a chance of your friends going to another school ▪ There is nothing good about it ● Waste of money ● New school will be too big, so there will be too many problems ●Year 7 will settle into STP and then have to settle into a new school ● Better education ● Too many pupils ● More opportunities to do clubs ● Too many children in the classroom ● Make more friends ● Too many children walking through ● More children taking part in sports corridor at the same time, you could be activities late for class ● There would be a nicer, new ● There will only be one secondary secondary school school in the Haverfordwest area ● Make new friends ● More rooms in the school and room ● Better standard for more pupils ● Less space to fill in ● Less say ● More options ● Transport – long way from home ● Meeting other pupils ● Need more teachers ● Better education ● Travel far then ● More choice of subjects ● It will be big and very busy ● We will all go to the same school, instead of being split up ● It would stop people saying their school is better ● There would be a different way of teaching children ● You won’t leave your friends and you ● Teachers may lose their jobs can make more ● Much further away from Portfield ● Better facilities ● It will save the hassle of choosing which school to go to ● More opportunities ● More chance of being bullied ● More confidence around a big ● Some parents will not want their number of people child to go to a big school ● Meet more people ● Better teachers ● You won’t have to separate from your ● It will have too many children in it friends and you can make more ● You may not get the same amount of ● Saving money attention ● It save the hassle of choosing which ● They should keep them the same but school to go to redecorate them ● There will be the same standard of ● I don’t think it is a good idea

95 Good/Positive Bad/Negative education because Taskers would be moved to STP and that’s further away from Portfield ● More friends ● We think the ideas are rubbish and ● More activities, sports will cause disruption to some pupils ● More opportunities education ● More equivalent education ● Too big a school and there will be too many problems caused by the ever- growing population and pupils ● It will be unfair on pupils who have just settle into their school ● Too busy ● Better clubs and chances ● You won’t be able to have a choice of ● New friends which school you go to in the ● New teachers Haverfordwest area ● Better education ● There is more chance of pupils getting bullied ●Teachers won’t have time to help every pupil in their class, as they will be bigger ●We’ll meet more people ● Transport has been affected by the roads leading into Neyland due to more buses leaving Haverfordwest ● We disagree because it’s a waste of time and the noise will bother the pupils doing their GCSEs ● You say you want to save money but you are spending more money ● Pupils from Taskers will have to travel further ● A new building ● It will cause havoc because they will ● There will be loads of new resources have to sort everything out so soon ● There will be more places for people ● If they close the schools down too that are home schooled soon it will stop their education ● You will make more friends ● If you live far away from the new ● You would be very sad if you go to school you could be late for class Taskers and your best friend goes to ● The catchment areas will change you STP – we want a joint school, so we can way to school be together ● Better ESTYN reports ● You can get lose more easily ● Better chances in education ● Some people might not like the ● There will be more options for noisier environment friends

96 Good/Positive Bad/Negative ● Children with disabilities could meet other children with disabilities ● More teachers ● Bullying ● Better education ● More stressful ● Make new friends ● Missing out two years education ● More opportunities because sixth form is closed ● More science and maths equipment ● Interesting lessons ● STP and Tasker pupils to socialise ●Better efficiency ● I think that it’s a good thing to ● You will need more teachers, LSAs merge the schools because instead of and staff taking up more room only one school ● Be longer for pupils to travel will be there ● It will be more expensive to hire ● There will be more staff, so you can more staff have more pupils ● You will have to go by bus, at least ● You will get to meet new pupils and half an hour make friends ● Not enough learning support ● More education, better standard

3) Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree Don’t Know (Happy Face) (Sad Face) (Angry Face) (Blank Face) 29 3 3 6 32 2 2 5 0 16 12 13

4) Welsh speaking Schools 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 The younger ones The younger ones No Yes will have better might get bullied Welsh speaking in by the older ones the future It is good that it It is bad because Yes Yes is happening people who live because they locally will have to might provide go further better Welsh distance education No No I don’t think it’s a It will be Welsh- No Yes good idea speaking school but it won’t make

97 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 a difference Nothing Three year olds No No are too young to be mixing with 16 year olds Don’t know Yes Their previous No No education may be inaccurate in their new school Nothing at all There might be No No bullying because of the age 3 – 16 Good Welsh- People may not No Yes speaking but it want to move area won’t make a of their school difference It provides more It would be Yes Yes education for confusing and Welsh children annoying for students of Glan Cleddau There is nothing It would be too No No good big and 3 year olds mixing with 16 year olds would be bad It’s necessary to It still may not be Yes No make sure Welsh enough speakers needs are met You won’t have to Because 16 year No I don’t know move schools at olds will be with Year 6 toddlers, might cause a distraction I think it is good They won’t get an Yes Yes because it gives opportunity to try children that new things and speak Welsh a meet new people chance to make friends that speak their language and

98 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 to understand what teachers are saying Nothing It will disturb No No people I don’t think it will People may not No Yes make a difference want to move There will be more It could be Yes Yes Welsh unsettling for Glan Cleddau pupils Don’t know Don’t know Yes Yes Yes Yes There could be No Yes more bullying No No If children want I can’t think of Yes No to learn Welsh bad things they might be able to go there Nothing It will disturb No Yes neighbours and pupils I don’t think it will I don’t like the No No be good because idea because there are lots of teenagers could Welsh schools and bully young I don’t like the children idea of merging STP and Taskers It would take up People wouldn’t Yes Yes less room know where to go It would be a People might not Yes Yes bigger school with want their kids to more spaces to fill mix with older kids You wouldn’t have 16 year olds would No Don’t know to move school maybe have when you’re in distracting from Year 6 younger ones You wouldn’t get No No noticed I think it will help You’re wasting No No

99 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Welsh speakers buildings and the Council is wasting money on empty buildings I think it is a bad No Yes idea because Glan Cleddau School is fine If people don’t No No know much English they can go there Nothing It will disturb Yes No people There will be a It be a longer Yes No bigger Welsh journey for some school, as some people people want to be Welsh but can’t get into some Welsh schools They won’t have They won’t get an Yes Yes to go to a opportunity to try separate new things and secondary school. meet new people They will be used to everything from their school It would be easier It would be longer Yes Yes for kids who want to travel to learn Welsh It’s a good idea They won’t be able Yes Yes because the new to try new things secondary school and meet new will be an English people one once they close down STP and Taskers Nothing It will disturb No Yes people They will Younger children Yes Yes encourage more might be a bit younger people to scared about all learn and speak of the older

100 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 more Welsh children and might get upset No No It will be a bigger People wouldn’t Yes Yes school with more know where to go spaces to fill and get lost. Parents might not want younger children with older ones Yes Yes

101 Review of Secondary Education Provision Consultation/Conference

Secondary School Council Conference

Bloomfield Centre, Narberth

Friday 17th April 2015

Four representatives of the School Council were invited from each of the following schools.

A total of 29 pupils attended. A representative of each School’s governing body was also invited to observe the Conference.

School Invited Number of Pupils Attending

Greenhill School, Tenby 4 Milford Haven School Apologies Pembroke School 4 Sir Thomas Picton School 5 Ysgol Dewi Sant 4 Ysgol y Preseli 4 Tasker Milward School 4 Ysgol Bro Gwaun 4 Total 29

The responses recorded in this document are an accurate word by word account of what the pupils themselves wrote down.

The secondary school pupils took part in a debate type event based on the four main strands of the proposals of change:

Strand 1) Post 16 Education A new sixth form centre, based in Haverfordwest, developed by Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire College

Strand 2) Sir Thomas Picton and Tasker Milward Schools Merger Close Sir Thomas Picton and Tasker Milward VC schools and open a new 11-16 English- speaking secondary school – on the same site of the current Sir Thomas Picton school

102 Strand 3) Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Create a new Learning Resource Centre for pupils with Additional Learning Needs education as part of the new English-speaking secondary school in Haverfordwest and as part of Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Fishguard (English and Welsh)

Strand 4) Welsh-speaking Schools Close Ysgol Glan Cleddau and open a new 3-16 Welsh and English-speaking school on the site of Tasker Milward school

All the pupils were split into four groups, one for each strand and each group was subsequently split into two – so that there was a team For and a team Against for each strand. The pupils were then given debate information sheets with some of the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed changes as taken from the original consultation document: Review of Secondary Education Provision in the Mid and North West of Pembrokeshire - March 2015 (these debate information sheets are available upon request). The pupils wrote their arguments on a large flip chart paper and after some time made a presentation of their arguments in front of everyone that attended the event.

After all the presentations, all the pupils then filled out a ballot paper to vote on each section of the proposed changes and then posted into a ballot box. Results of the ballot are shown on the final pages of this document.

The following are the pupil’s writings/responses:

Strand 1) Post 16 Education

For Against · More A – level options than any · Not many people are going to school combine vocational with norm · High quality education e.g. car mechanics + physics · Best teachers – the best quality · Teachers learn you when growing of education up through school. Not back · Central location fourth · Money saving – teaching more · Travel time for teachers pupils · Education should come before · No federation money + numbers · Meet new people · Lose sport/music affect · Welsh speaking have to go to community Preseli · Not fair on Pembroke/Greenhill · Improve Welsh speaking in · Sixth forms give more Pembs opportunities – fundraising · Welsh students have had to · Long travel for Dewi Sant + Bro travel from all parts of Pembs Gwain · For one 6th form for all English · Why should we lose sixth form 103 For Against will be equality for both Welsh + for being English Eng teachers · Deserve a choice

Strand 2) Sir Thomas Picton and Tasker Milward Schools Merger

For Against · Already have sports facilities to · Thomas Picton and Tasker use schools aren’t underachieving · By merging, we are able to · You can’t predict if the merger renovate – via a new build – this of schools would bring about improves facilities better education in this new · Site is large enough, good so it ‘super school’ because of ... can stay in that area · Increased traffic · Community support, improve · Decrease on pupils because if is relations between students closer to go to Ysgol Cleddau · Don’t have to pay for empty · Class size, teachers spend less ‘seats’ time with individuals · Fresh start helps boost morale, · Will we have enough teachers to and community spirit cope with the different type of · Modernisation could improve classes and children results + school standards · Will staff lose jobs · Could disrupt over schools around them · Parents have to buy new school clothes for the new school with poor families · Conflict of interests. Different schools offer different opportunities, so some of these could be lost · Re-arranging transport for students · Have to question if it would be cost effective in the long term, e.g. building new facilities and transport · Could be disruptive to present pupils, as changing their educational environment · Possibility of people losing jobs

104 Strand 3) Additional Learning Needs (ALN)

For Against · Choice of language · ALN pupils who require Welsh- · Access to a specialist education medium ALN provision attend · Haverfordwest means good/fair Ysgol y Preseli access for everyone in the · Longer distance/travel time county · Misuse à how severe must their · Central location learning needs be · Higher percentage of Welsh · Some students may feel speakers in this area segregated as they would · Limited interruption to otherwise be in mainstream education for all students education · Easier for staff to focus their time on pupils who need it

Strand 4) Welsh-speaking Schools

For Against · Some people will not have to · Discrimination; English speakers travel as far · Does not resolve travel · Helps get rid of unused space àeventually have to travel · It would be easier for children distance to integration into new years · 3-16 problems àmaturing · Age range in schools behaviour problems · More languages to learn · Teachers; employ primary & · Helps primary schools secondary · Welsh language becomes more · No. drop for Preseli àfunding accessible drop for Preseli for · New learning resources refurbishment · More jobs for Welsh teachers · Unfair àcould attend college & · Help in languages Preseli for sixth form · Choice to learn in different · Choose what language you want languages (English + Welsh) to take subject in àWelsh English

105

106

107 Portfield School Council Response

Comment attached to Q1: We want to stay with our friends in Portfield. We like going to the college for some activities but coming back to Portfield School.

Comment attached to Q3: We would like to stay close to Portfield School so we can go there for assembly, activities, hydro therapy, physiotherapy and our options [to] be part of school council. It would be difficult to do rebound if we were too far from Portfield School. We like gardening club, drama/folk dancing and we may not get to do all these things if we are in another school.

Comment attached to Q6: We think this [the WM school] could be on the Sir Thomas Picton site.

Q10 We like going to Portfield School and we want to stay until we are 19 and then go to college. At Portfield School we go to the Nurse and it may be hard for us to see her if we are not close to Portfield School. It would be good to have a new building for the children who go to Taskers.

108 APPENDIX D

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