Appendices
Cabinet Report 21-05-13 Regarding Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel Schools
Order Document 1 Local Members’ Comments 2 Statutory Consultation Document 3 Statutory Consultation Meeting Minutes 3.1 Ysgol Groeslon 3.2 Ysgol Carmel 3.3 Ysgol Bronyfoel Children and Young People Consultation 4
Analysis and Council’s Response to Comments Received During the Statutory 5 Consultation Period
Appendix 1
Local Members’ Comments
Y Cynghorydd / Councillor Ifor Dilwyn Lloyd Ward - Talysarn
Cabinet Member, 21 May 2013
For the attention of Cabinet members regarding the Future of Educational Provision in the Groeslon, Carmel and Fron area
Trefnidiaeth.ysgolion@gwynedd.gov.uk
Thank you for the opportunity to present my following written comments for submission to Cabinet members on Tuesday 21 May, regarding the intention to close Carmel and Bronyfoel primary schools and build an Area School on the site of Ysgol Y Groeslon.
Firstly, I find it very sad that I have to write this letter. However, there is currently huge unfairness in our area. And unfortunately, I don’t think that my comments today will ultimately make much difference as you have already decided on your course of action. But I must try and do my best and battle on behalf of the Talysarn ward – an Objective One deprived area – obviously a deprived area and which requires support and not be torn apart through the closure of two important schools! It is obvious that we at Carmel and y Fron are being punished due to Ysgol y Groeslon’s poor state. Get rid of two excellent schools in a good state due to another being in very poor condition! And that due to a failure to carry out the necessary work over the years – therefore as a new school has to be built at Y Groeslon (it was only built in 1978), we are being punished very heavily. This is completely unfair.
What if Cllr Dyfed Edwards house fell down and the Assembly said that the only way to re- build it would be to demolish Cllr Dilwyn Lloyd’s house! Would that be fair?
We need more help, not less! You may not be aware of this but the Groeslon area has not got close links with the Talysarn area. Groeslon lies in the parish of Llandwrog but I am a Talysarn Councillor. Believe me, the two wards are totally different and have different lifestyles.
Indeed, the fact that Gwynedd Council will only save £45,000 through proceeding with this project appears to be a very small amount considering that we are losing two excellent schools – as stated during a recent meeting – this amount equates to only one headteacher’s salary.
As regards the language study undertaken – I feel that this study tries to justify any reason for supporting our schools closure – the majority of pupils at ysgol Bronyfoel can speak Welsh, therefore the fact that their parents are Non-Welsh speakers proves nothing.
Eryri House Carmel Caernarfon Gwynedd LL54 7AB
01286 882149
------ e-bost/e-mail:[email protected]
Y Cynghorydd / Councillor Ifor Dilwyn Lloyd Ward - Talysarn
The pupils who attend Ysgol Bronyfoel have since their infancy, been taught through the medium of Welsh, therefore the fact that their parents are Non-Welsh speakers does not turn the playground into an English speaking zone. When I was a pupil at ysgol Syr Hugh Owen during the 80au there were quite a lot more non-Welsh speaking pupils there – but Welsh was spoken in the playground. Therefore, I have no faith in this language study. I would like to know what evidence you have as regards the “facts” of this study? I find the information contained incorrect.
On another personal note, my family and my wife were educated at Ysgol Bronyfoel and at Ysgol Carmel – and also received the highest standard of education there. It would therefore be very sad to see both schools closing – both for us as a family and for every other family in the area who receive an excellent service at these schools. Close two excellent schools to make a small saving – disgusting. I ask you here today to look at the impacts of your decision – destroying the future of the two villages of Carmel and the Fron.
Yours sincerely
Dilwyn Lloyd
Cllr Dilwyn Lloyd
Eryri House Carmel Caernarfon Gwynedd LL54 7AB
01286 882149
------ e-bost/e-mail:[email protected]
Appendix 2
Statutory Consultation Document
STATUTORY CONSULTATION
GROESLON, CARMEL AND BRONYFOEL SCHOOLS
18 MARCH - 26 APRIL, 2013
Dalgylch Ysgol Groeslon Catchment Dalgylch Dalgylch Ysgol Bronyfoel Ysgol Carmel Catchment Catchment
www.gwynedd.gov.uk CONTENTS
Page Letter from the Head of Education 3
1. Introduction – The Consultation Explained 4-5
2. Background Details 6-8 2.1 How was this proposal developed? 6 2.2 Why review the education provision in the area? 6 2.3 Establishing an Area Review Panel 7 2.4 Meetings at Individual Schools 8 2.5 Children and Young People 8 2.6 Written Communication 8
3. Details of the Schools 9-11 3.1 Ysgol Groeslon 9 3.2 Ysgol Carmel 9 3.3 Ysgol Bronyfoel 9 3.4 Table of the Background Details about the Schools 10 3.5 Map of the Area 11
4. Evaluation of the Various Options 12-16 4.1 Collaboration/ Federal Model 12 4.2 Developing an Area School Model 12 4.3 Developing a Multi Site Area School Model 13
5. The Favoured Proposal 17-25 5.1 What is an Area School? 17 5.2 Why is an area school recommended? 17 5.3 Class Sizes 18 5.4 Pupil Numbers 19 5.5 Learning Environment and Quality of the Buildings 20 5.6 Quality of the Education 21 5.7 Leadership and Staffing 22 5.8 The Community 23 5.9 The Welsh Language 24 5.10 Equality Assessment 24 5.11 Financial Resources 25 5.12 Geographical Factors and Transport Matters 26
6. Choice of Site for the Area School 28-30
7. Implications of the Proposal 31-33
8. Timetable for the Statutory Process and the Next Steps 34
Response Form 2 Pennaeth Addysg Head of Education Dewi R. Jones
Gofynnwch am / Ask for: Swyddfa Trefniadaeth Ysgolion School Organisation Office (01286) 679247 Ein Cyf / Our Ref: Trefniadaeth Ysgolion School Organisation [email protected] [email protected]
18 March 201 3 Dear Consultee,
Between 18 March and 26 April 2013, we shall be undertaking a period of statutory consultation on a proposal for the reorganisation of three schools, namely Ysgol Groeslon, Ysgol Carmel and Ysgol Bronyfoel. At the end of the consultation period we shall submit a report on the findings to the Cabinet of Gwynedd Council.
At its full meeting on 27 February 2013, the Cabinet of Gwynedd Council resolved to undertake a statutory consultation period in accordance with the requirements of Section 29 of the Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998 on the closure of Ysgol Groeslon, Ysgol Carmel, and Ysgol Bronyfoel on 31 August 2015.
It was also resolved to undertake the statutory process in accordance with the requirements of Section 29 of the Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998 on the proposal to establish an Area Community School for 3 – 11 year olds, to open on 1st September, 2015 which will replace the schools at Y Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel.
The statutory consultation aims to serve the communities of Ysgol Groeslon, Ysgol Carmel and Ysgol Bronyfoel catchment areas.
Here is the consultation document for your attention.
Please note that the statutory meetings timetable is laid out in this statutory consultation paper.
A copy of this document, and other background papers, are available on the Council website www.gwynedd.gov.uk/schoolorganisation and in your local school and library. If you require further copies you are welcome to contact us by telephone on (01286) 679247 or by e-mailing us at [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE – any observations on the statutory document should be sent to the School Organisation Office by 13:00 on Friday 26 April 2013. See the relevant contact details at the end of this statutory consultation paper.
Sincerely,
Dewi R. Jones Head of Education 3 GWYNEDD COUNTY COUNCIL
PROPOSAL TO CLOSE GROESLON, CARMEL AND BRONYFOEL SCHOOLS ON 31 AUGUST 2015 IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 29 OF THE SCHOOL STANDARDS AND FRAMEWORK ACT 1998 and A PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISHMENT AN AREA SCHOOL ON THE PRESENT SITE OF YSGOL GROESLON IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 29 OF THE SCHOOL STANDARDS AND FRAMEWORK ACT 1998 ON 1 SEPTEMBER 2015
STATUTORY CONSULTATION PAPER
1. INTRODUCTION – THE CONSULTATION EXPLAINED
1.1. Gwynedd Council is considering the reorganisation of education within the catchment areas of Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel schools.
1.2. At its meeting on 27 February 2013, the Cabinet of Gwynedd Council resolved to undertake a statutory consultation period in accordance with the requirements of Section 29 of the Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998 on the closure of Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel schools on 31 August 2015.
1.3. It was also resolved to undertake a process of statutory consultation in accordance with the requirements of Section 29 of the Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998 on the proposal to establish an Area Community School for 3 – 11 year olds at Y Groeslon to serve the existing catchment areas of Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel schools.
1.4. Before proceeding with the proposal, Gwynedd Council is keen to obtain your views so that they can be considered before a decision is taken.
1.5. This period of statutory consultation will be held between 18 March 2013 and 26 April 2013.
1.6. The Council will consult the following with regard to the proposal: • The staff of the relevant schools • The governors of the relevant schools • Parents/guardians of pupils of the relevant schools • Pupils of the relevant schools • Other relevant agencies and consultees
4 1.7. Meetings will be held as follows at the relevant schools: Meeting with Meeting with School Meeting with Staff Governors Parents Groeslon 10/04/13 - 4:00pm 10/04/13 - 5:00pm 10/04/13 - 6:30pm Bronyfoel 15/04/13 - 4:00pm 15/04/13 - 5:00pm 15/04/13 - 6:30pm Carmel 16/04/13 - 4:00pm 16/04/13 - 5:00pm 16/04/13 - 6:30pm Timetable for Statutory Consultation Meetings
1.8. Arrangements have also been made for obtaining the views of children and young people.
1.9. Your views will be considered by the Cabinet before a decision is taken on the next steps. The Council Cabinet will decide in May whether a Statutory Notice should be issued or not.
1.10. As part of the consultation process, a background information pack is available at your local school, local library and on the Council’s website www.gwynedd.gov.uk/schoolorganisation . The pack will include: - Assembly Circular 021/2009 School Organisation Proposals - ‘Excellent Primary Education for the Children of Gwynedd’ strategy - Review of the Schools Reorganisation Strategy Implementation - Agenda and minutes of Area Review Panel meetings - Y Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel - Statistics Pack - Newsletters - Linguistic Impact Assessment Report - Community Impact Assessment Report - Equality Assessment Report - Report on meetings with pupils - Cabinet Report 27 February 2013 - Resolution document the Cabinet Meeting on 27 February 2013
1.11. If you wish to receive the document in a different format, please contact the School Organisation Office on 01286 679247.
1.12. You are welcome to present observations during the statutory meetings or to submit a written response using the response form at the centre of this document.
1.13. Written observations on this proposal should be sent by e-mail to: [email protected] or by post to the attention of:
School Organisation Office, Gwynedd Council, Headquarters, Caernarfon, Gwynedd. LL55 1SH
1.14. Any comments should be sent by 13:00 on 26 April at the latest . Any comments, by post or by e-mail, should reach the Council by the above time and date at the latest.
5 2. BACKGROUND DETAILS
2.1. How was this proposal developed?
2.1.1. The Strategy “ Excellent Primary Education for Children in Gwynedd” was put before a full meeting of Gwynedd Council on 2 April 2009 . The Strategy was unanimously approved by the Full Council.
2.1.2. At its meeting on 9 October 2012, the Cabinet agreed on a ‘Priorities Plan - Reorganisation of Education Provision’ based on this strategy.
2.1.3. This proposal is presented after discussions were held in the catchment areas of Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel schools between October 2012 and January 2013, and which included: • 3 meetings of the Provision Review Panel which included representatives from governors, staff and parents of the school pupils. • Session for children and young people from the schools • An assessment of the effect of the proposals on the language and the communities
2.2. Why review the education provision in the area?
2.2.1. The Council has been monitoring the condition of the building at Ysgol y Groeslon for some time. The kitchen at the school was closed some years ago, and lately part of the school building had to be closed as a precautionary step, with pupils being taught in mobile units.
2.2.2. In 2010 a bid was made for funding from the Welsh Government Tranche 3 Transitional Funding Capital Programme for the construction of a new school at Y Groeslon. The bid was unsuccessful. Therefore, in accordance with the Strategy and the former resolution of the Full Council (16/12/2010), the Council Cabinet decided in its Priorities Plan to start discussions on the future of primary education provision in the catchment areas of the villages Y Groeslon, Carmel and Fron.
2.2.3. Carmel and Fron areas are both geographically close to Groeslon and are within the catchment area of Ysgol Uwchradd Dyffryn Nantlle. The geography and natural catchment area defines itself. But there are other factors which further strengthen the logic.
2.2.4. In the three individual schools there are a considerable number of surplus places, and in terms of numbers this is equivalent to more than 100 (109) surplus places between the three schools.
2.2.5. There is approximately £3,000 (£2,958) difference in the cost per pupil between the 3 schools – this difference exists within a distance of only 2 miles
6 2.2.6. The Council has a duty to be cautious in using public money and, in accordance with the Strategy, to ensure the sustainability of schools. In order to make effective use of resources we must take the opportunity to consider the options which would ensure sustainable and strong education provision for the future whilst keeping within the framework of the Strategy.
2.2.7. By defining the area in this way, the Council has an opportunity:
A) To attract a financial contribution from the Welsh Government
B) To achieve a number of Strategy ambitions by ensuring the following improvements: • Achieving consistency in class sizes and reducing the age range within classes • Responding to the population change challenge which is likely to arise in the future • Improving the learning environment for a larger number of pupils and ensuring that schools can fulfil the needs of the Twenty First Century Schools Programme • Ensuring strong leadership and management • Ensuring a new, fit for purpose and sustainable resource • Reducing the range of cost per pupil for the provision of education in the area • Providing the right number of schools in the area to meet the demand • Releasing funds to be spent on children in the education system rather than on maintenance of the existing school buildings • Reducing the substantial number of surplus places at the schools and thus increasing efficiency
2.3. Establishing an Area Review Panel
2.3.1. The Panel was established during October 2012. The first Panel meeting was held on 22 October 2012. Two further meetings were held on 29 November 2012 and 28 January 2013.
2.3.2. Representatives from Y Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel schools were invited to discuss the matter, with the role of gathering local evidence and presenting various ideas and options to the Education Cabinet member. Members of the panel included the Head Teacher, Chairperson of the Board of Governors and Parent Governors from the schools, as well as the Local Members.
2.3.3. The Panel received and discussed a wide range of evidence, including a statistics pack on the local area which the Panel agreed was a fair and full reflection. When preparing the statistical information, representatives of the schools were asked to present their comments, to challenge the contents of the papers and to ask for any further information they felt was necessary.
2.3.4. Also presented was information regarding the financial context, information regarding national developments including guidance from the Welsh Government on handling proposals for the reorganisation of schools.
7 2.3.5. A full list of possible options for the reorganisation of education in the area was prepared. The list was reduced to a short list of 3 main models for further consideration. An assessment of educational, managerial and financial implications for each proposal was received at the panel meeting on 29 November 2013, when the proposals were discussed in detail. Discussions on the 3 models included: • Developing collaboration models • Area school models • Multi site area school models
2.4. Meetings at Individual Schools
2.4.1. The Cabinet Member for Children & Young People and the Authority’s Head of Education visited the three schools at the start of the process. The purpose of the visit was to meet the Head Teachers and Chair of Governors to see and understand the situation at the individual schools.
2.5. Children and Young People
2.5.1. A session for children and young people was held in order to discover their views as the process went ahead. The session in November 2012 was facilitated by specialist officers from the Council.
2.5.2. A range of activities were held in order to gain the views of the children and young people on a number of subjects, including: class sizes; desirable resources within the school; age range within classes; language used by pupils outside the classroom; travelling distance to school.
2.5.3. At the end of the session the children and young people were asked to suggest the type of amenities that they would like to see at their school. In general the children showed loyalty towards their school and teachers but also identified a number of resources that they would like to see at their schools.
2.6. Written Communication
2.6.1. Newsletters were prepared and circulated to each school during the discussion period. Hard copies were sent to the schools for distribution to every parent, the newsletter was also e- mailed to each school and the newsletters were posted on the Council website.
2.6.2. All the relevant papers were published on the Council’s website at www.gwynedd.gov.uk/schoolorganisation
8 3. DETAILS OF THE SCHOOLS
3.1. Ysgol Groeslon
3.1.1. Ysgol Groeslon is located within the village of Groeslon which is in the catchment area of Ysgol Uwchradd Dyffryn Nantlle. The school is located a short distance from the A487.
3.1.2. The area is neither economically prosperous nor deprived. In January 2012, 11% of the pupils were able to claim free school meals.
3.1.3. 88% of the pupils come from the surrounding area within the school catchment area, whilst a small number come from neighbouring school catchment areas such as Bronyfoel, Rhosgadfan, Rhostryfan and Brynaerau.
3.1.4. The area served by the school is fairly urban in comparison with other areas in Gwynedd and remains a Welsh speaking area. 88% of the pupils come from homes where Welsh is spoken fluently.
3.1.5. Pupils are accepted into the school on a part time basis in the September following their third birthday and on a full time basis in the September following their fourth birthday. In September 2012, 75 children had been registered at the school, including 9 nursery pupils. There are four classes at the school.
3.2. Ysgol Carmel
3.2.1. Ysgol Gynradd Carmel is located at the centre of the village of the same name, at the foot of Mynydd y Cilgwyn. The school serves the village and the surrounding area.
3.2.2. The area is neither economically prosperous nor deprived. In January 2012, 19% of the pupils were able to claim free school meals.
3.2.3. 83% of the pupils live within the school’s natural catchment area. The remaining pupils come from neighbouring villages such as Y Fron and Rhostryfan.
3.2.4. 67% of the pupils come from homes where Welsh is spoken as the first language. The remainder come from homes where English is the main language of the family.
3.2.5. The school accepts children and pupils between 3 and 11 years of age. At the moment, there are 48 pupils on the register including nine nursery pupils. There are two classes at the school.
3.3. Ysgol Bronyfoel
3.3.1. Ysgol Bronyfoel is located within the village of Y Fron. The school serves a mainly rural area which is not very prosperous, but neither is it regarded as deprived.
3.3.2. In January 2012, up to 23% of the pupils were able to claim free meals.
9 3.3.3. In September 2012 a total of 62% of the pupils came from outside the school’s natural catchment area. These pupils come mainly from the catchment areas of Groeslon, Carmel, Rhosgadfan and Bro Lleu schools.
3.3.4. 3 of the 26 pupils (12%) come from homes where Welsh is spoken fluently.
3.3.5. At the moment, there are 26 pupils between 3 and 11 years of age on the register, including two nursery age children. Pupils are accepted into the school on a part time basis in the September following their third birthday and on a full time basis in the September following their fourth birthday. There are two classes at the school.
3.4. Table of the schools’ background details* School Groeslon Carmel Bronyfoel Capacity (based on Welsh Assembly Government Circular No. 09/06 Measuring the Capacity of 128 78 52 Schools in Wales) Together with Nursery Places where Applicable Age Range 3 - 11 3 - 11 3 - 11 Numbers on register in September 2012 (together with nursery 75 48 26 places/sixth form where applicable) % Change in numbers in the -30% -2% 0% schools since 1975-2012 Predicted number of pupils during 2012-2013 = 76 2012-2013 = 48 2012-2013 = 23 the next five years 2013-2014 = 77 2013-2014 = 50 2013-2014 = 22 2014-2015= 82 2014-2015= 49 2014-2015= 20 2015-2016 = 87 2015-2016 = 46 2015-2016 = 19 School category (community, voluntary aided, voluntary Community Community Community controlled, foundation) Category according to language medium (based on Welsh Assembly Government Document No. Welsh Medium Welsh Medium Welsh Medium 023/2007 – Defining Schools Primary School Primary School Primary School according to Welsh medium provision) – PLASC DEFINITION Inspection Inspection Schools performance data / Estyn Inspection November 2007 January 2011 inspection report details January 2008 3 x Grade 1 Good 7x Grade 2 4 x Grade 2 Good Surplus Places 2011- 2012 41% (53) 38% (30) 50% (26) Cost per pupil 2011/2012 £3,890 £4,156 £6,848 Out-of-catchment area pupils 12% (9) 17% (8) 62% (16) 2010-2011
* Information confirmed by individual schools and the Area Review Panel. 10 3.5 M ap of the Area YSGOL Y GROESLON – SEPTEMBER 2012 DATA YSGOL CARMEL – SEPTEMBER 2012 DATA YSGOL BRONYFOEL – SEPTEMBER 2012 DATA Disgybl / Pupil 75 Disgybl / Pupil 48 Disgybl / Pupil 26
Llefydd Gwag / Surplus Places 41% (53) Llefydd Gwag / Surplus Places 38% (30) Llefydd Gwag / Surplus Places 50% (26)
Capasiti Ysgol / School Capacity 128 Capasiti Ysgol / School Capacity 78 Capasiti Ysgol / School Capacity 52
All -ddalgylch / Outside Catchment 12% (9) All -ddalgylch / Outside Catchment 17% (8) All -ddalgylch / Outside Catchment 62% (16) All ddalgylch / Outsid e All ddalgylch /from outside catch £ y Pen / Per Pupil £3,890 £ y Pen / Per Pupil £4,156 £ y Pen / Per Pupil £6,848
Pellt eroedd / Distances: Ysgol Y Groeslon - Ysgol Carmel = 1.4 milltir / miles (4 munud / minutes ) Ysgol Y Groeslon - Ysgol Bronyfoel = 2.2 milltir / miles (7 munud / minutes ) Ysgol Carmel - Ysgol Bronyfoel = 1 milltir / miles (3 munud / minutes )
11 4. EVALUATING THE VARIOUS OPTIONS
4.0.1. A full list was drawn of possible options for the reorganisation of education in the area. The list was reduced to a short list of 3 main models for further consideration. An assessment was undertaken of the implications of the models against the factors and values included in the strategy ‘ Excellent Primary Education for Children in Gwynedd’.
4.0.2. Discussions on the 3 models included • Developing collaboration/federal models • Area school models • Multi site area school models
4.0.3. In the course of the discussions a document was developed which summarised the advantages and disadvantages of the models in question. The various options were evaluated in the discussions held by the local Panel. A further comparison of the models against factors in the strategy can be seen in the tables which follow.
4.1. Collaboration / Federal Model
4.1.1. Discussions were held on the different methods of developing this model. Informal collaboration between the schools could be achieved or more formal collaboration through a federal arrangement.
4.1.2. The advantage of this type of model would be to ensure that the provision of education would continue on each site where education is provided at present. There would be opportunities for sharing staff expertise and good practice.
4.1.3. On the other hand, this type of model would also have its disadvantages. It would not solve the problem of the reduction in pupil numbers nor would it solve the problem of high numbers of surplus places in the individual schools. Thus there would be no change to the learning or the teaching environment. Also, the cost of maintaining the same number of buildings would continue and no assurance can be given that the necessary budget for upgrading each individual building would be available.
4.1.4. Indeed, during the Area Panel discussions it was clearly noted that this model was not favoured by the Panel members.
4.2. Developing an Area School Model
4.2.1. An Area School is defined as a school which replaces other schools, thus creating a new school to serve in their place.
4.2.2. This model is assessed in full in the remainder of the document as the model favoured for the area.
12 4.3. Developing a Multi Site Area School Model
4.3.1. In this case a multi site area school is statutorily defined as one school which can be located on more than one site. The advantages of this type of model of course is the possibility of maintaining the presence of an education establishment in more than one community. It is a model which responds well in very rural areas where the travelling distance to the another school is far. The type of model discussed here would be one site in Groeslon and the other in Carmel. Technical matters would make it difficult to develop the site at Bronyfoel.
4.3.2. On the other hand, there would be disadvantages to this type of model as well. The cost of maintaining two sites and more buildings would be higher. There would be uncertainty regarding attracting any investment for upgrading the buildings. The likelihood is that a substantial sum would have to be spent on one site (Groeslon) due to the condition of the building, and that there would be less investment made in the second site (Carmel). In comparison with the favoured model, there is concern whether such a plan would be strong enough to attract investment from the Welsh Government since the development would be expected to reach specific national standards.
4.3.3. Also, there are concerns regarding the sustainability of the model. As noted above, a substantial investment would have to be made in the site at Groeslon, and the building would be modern and attractive. On the other hand, the second site would not be awarded as much investment.
4.3.4. There is also concern regarding entry control which could arise between the two sites. The Authority would have the role of controlling entry to the school as an establishment but it would be the role of the governing body to control entry to specific sites. Since geographical distance is not a key factor – the likelihood is that there would be problems in choosing which pupils should attend which school.
4.3.5. Since the school would be one establishment, it would have to be ensured that the educational standards were consistent across the two sites and that the same opportunities were available for the pupils whichever site they attended.
4.3.6. It is also important to note the findings of the linguistic impact assessment, namely “ …this model would lead to a deterioration in the Welsh language ”. The independent linguistic impact assessment reaches the conclusion that one of the two sites could increasingly be seen as an English site – and this on account of the pupils’ linguistic background. The report doubts whether any alleviating measures could overcome some negative effects that this model would have on the Welsh language.
13 Table Comparing the Models against Factors in the Strategy Developing Collaboration/Federal Methods Considerations Notes Advantages Disadvantages “Our expectations are that the learning environment for No upgrading – this option would not attract 21st Century the children and teachers of the County – such as the Programme investment. All the elements of the 21st Century
Learning condition of the school, staff room, the provision for play – Schools Standards will not be present e.g. hall, head teacher’s - Environment meet the learning and teaching requirements of the 21st room, suitable foundation phase. Condition of Ysgol Y
Century Groeslon continues to deteriorate and temporary buildings have to be used. “Our expectations are that tendencies in terms of One school continues to be under the minimum staffing population and primary pupil numbers should be reflected protection safety net. Still in excess of 100 surplus places Pupil Numbers when planning for the future of education in different - Possibility that the numbers on one site will fall as a result of catchment areas.” the condition of the school building. Predictions for one school seem vulnerable in terms of numbers. “Our expectations are that classes will be of suitable size in Classes still have an age range of up to 4 years. Class Size and Age the primary schools of Gwynedd so that the best possible Class sizes remain between 9-30. experiences and opportunities are offered to the children - Range of the County”
“Our expectations are that head teachers will receive There would be restricted opportunity through more This type of model would not afford an opportunity to improve support to lead and manage in a professional manner in formal collaboration in terms of offering wider learning and the situation so that pupils across the three schools can be Leadership and their schools.” teaching opportunities for the pupils and teachers both educated with peers of the same age range and within classes Staffing within the class and beyond. are of viable size.
“Our vision is to offer education of the highest possible Staff expertise could be shared. Restricted opportunity for Three sites to manage. More staff members to lead and quality which will give the children of the County the more non contact time for the head teacher to develop manage. Need to manage staff from a distance. Budget experiences, skills and courage to develop into bilingual, and strengthen the leadership role. Opportunities for allows a head teacher on the basis of numbers but two site Quality of the successful and complete citizens.” collaboration on professional matters and for developing head teachers will have to be employed therefore any savings Education plans on a joint basis for the benefit of the pupils. will be spent on running the education system rather than on the pupils. There would not be a need for three head teachers as at present. (under a formal federal system) “Our expectations are that the primary schools of the No school will close in any of the villages. Uncertainty remains regarding the sustainability of the County are at the centre of community activities, thus education provision in the area. Community enriching the pupils’ experiences and opportunities”
“Our expectations are that all the pupils of the County are bilingual in relation to their ages so that they can be full No great change to the current provision, opportunity to No great change to the current provision, opportunity to share Language members of the bilingual community in which they live.” share staff expertise. staff expertise.
“Our expectations are for Gwynedd to make the best Budget allocation would continue. Savings from the cost of No financial investment by thy Welsh Government. Range possible use of the financial resources available for primary two head teachers being spent by the school as necessary. between schools in cost per pupil remains - £3,000 difference. education in the County” High maintenance cost for three sites. Transport cost between Financial Resources the sites. Budget allows a head teacher on the basis of numbers but two site head teachers will have to be employed which would make full use of any savings. “Our expectation is for every child to be entitled to access No child will travel a further distance to school. Geographical to quality education within a reasonable distance to the - Factors home”
14 Multi-Site Area School (Close three schools and open one school on two sites) Considerations Notes Advantages Disadvantages “Our expectations are that the learning environment for Building, amenities and resources will be renovated The effect of the investment will be weakened if there are two the children and teachers of the County – such as the sites. All the pupils in the area will not be equally able to take Learning condition of the school, staff room, the provision for advantage of the modern provision on a day to day basis. Environment play – meet the learning and teaching requirements of the 21st Century “Our expectations are that tendencies in terms of Reduction in the number of surplus places in the area. One site could be more vulnerable than the other in terms of population and primary pupil numbers are reflected numbers. when planning for the future of education in different One site could be a burden on the other. Pupil Numbers catchment areas.” Two sites will need to be able to withstand demographic tendencies. It would be difficult to manage who would be taught on which site (since it would be one school) “Our expectations are that classes will be of suitable Class sizes more suitable and a reduction in the age range It would not allow classes for each year (pupil age) – mixed age Class Size and Age size in the primary schools of Gwynedd so that the best within classes. classes would still remain, perhaps with an age range of three years Range possible experiences and opportunities are offered to in some classes. the children of the County” Challenge of arranging suitable classes on two sites. “Our expectations are that head teachers will receive More non contact time for the head teacher to spend on Two sites to manage. Head teacher would be required to manage support to lead and manage in a professional manner in leadership and management. staff from a distance. Leadership and their schools.” Possible to employ a deputy based on numbers but a site manager Staffing (at the least) will be required.
“Our vision is to offer education of the highest possible There would be an opportunity to build on the quality of Challenge to ensure consistent educational quality and quality which will give the children of the County the education provided in the area at the moment – but to a opportunities across both sites. It would be a managerial challenge experiences, skills and courage to develop into bilingual, lesser degree.. to lead the establishment on two sites and it would require much successful and complete citizens.” There would be a restricted opportunity to create classes time to ensure that this was carried out successfully. Quality of the of viable size with a smaller age range and to improve the Education situation so that pupils could be educated with peer groups of the same age range and wider teaching and learning opportunities for the pupils both inside and outside the classroom. “Our expectations are that the primary schools of the Bring children from the villages together to be taught. Losing the school presence from a village (Alleviating measures will Community County are at the centre of community activities, thus Retain the school presence in two villages, thus the impact need to be considered in order to reduce the impact) enriching the pupils’ experiences and opportunities” is less negative. “Our expectations are that all the pupils of the County - Linguistic impact result – this model would lead to the are bilingual in relation to their ages so that they can be deterioration the Welsh language in terms of academic attainment full members of the bilingual community in which they and reduce the social use of the Welsh language by clustering a Language live.” substantial number of pupils from non Welsh homes together in a primary education establishment. There is no guarantee that measures to alleviate the negative effects would succeed or even partly succeed to overcome the likely negative impacts. “Our expectations are for Gwynedd to make the best Make cost per pupil in the area more equal. Uncertainty over the success of the Welsh Government business possible use of the financial resources available for More efficient provision of resources. case. Challenge for the governors to ensure that pupils on one site primary education in the County” receive the same cost per pupil as those on the other site. Financial Resources Maintenance costs will be higher on two sites. Also possibly higher transport costs than at present. Possible to employ a deputy based on the numbers but at the least there will be a need for a site manager. “Our expectation is for every child to be entitled to No pupil will need to travel an unreasonable distance to Some pupils will have to travel further to school (compared to the Geographical access to quality education within a reasonable distance school. current arrangement). Factors to the home” 15 Area School Considerations Notes Advantages Disadvantages “Our expectations are that the learning environment for the New, modern, fit for purpose building for all the pupils of the area. children and teachers of the County – such as the condition New 21st Century standard school with all the relevant elements Learning of the school, staff room, the provision for play – meet the available for staff and pupils: multi purpose hall, foundation phase - Environment learning and teaching requirements of the 21st Century area, outside play area, staff room etc. All the pupils from the area can benefit from the modern provision on a day by day basis. “Our expectations are that tendencies in terms of population It will provide a strong provision in the area and will better withstand and primary pupil numbers should be reflected when planning demographic changes into the future. - Pupil Numbers for the future of education in different catchment areas.” Reduce the number of surplus places in the area.
Possibly fewer pupils will move out of the area and numbers will be more consistent. “Our expectations are classes will be of suitable size in the Classes of suitable size with less age range within the classes. Class Size and primary schools of Gwynedd so that the best possible - Age Range experiences and opportunities are offered to the children of the County” “Our expectations are that head teachers will receive The proposal in question offers several opportunities to build on the Need for fewer jobs. support to lead and manage in a professional manner in their quality provision offered at the moment in the area. An opportunity schools.” to create classes of viable size and a smaller age range, and an Leadership and opportunity for the pupils to be educated alongside peers of the same age range and wider learning and teaching opportunities for the Staffing pupils both inside and outside the classroom. There will be more non contact time for the head teacher for leadership and management purposes and therefore more opportunity to develop new teaching methods. “Our vision is to offer education of the highest possible There will be more non contact time for the head teacher for quality which will give the children of the County the leadership and management purposes. Budget will allow appointment Quality of the experiences, skills and courage to develop into bilingual, of a deputy. No need for the head teacher to manage staff from a - Education successful and complete citizens.” distance, everyone will be working on the same site. Better career development opportunities for staff.
“Our expectations are that the primary schools of the Children from different villages coming together to learn and to Lose the presence of a school in two villages. County are at the centre of community activities, thus socialise. Ensure a strong, sustainable education within a wider area, For those communities where the school will close, the enriching the pupils’ experiences and opportunities” which will be better able to withstand demographic changes into the impact assessment suggests some measures for the Community future. Extend opportunities for children to gain access to more Council to consider for alleviating the negative impact. community resources. These alleviating measures will be considered and included in the work programme if the resolution is taken to implement the recommendations for the area. “Our expectations are that all the pupils of the County are Result of the Linguistic Impact Assessment – offering opportunities bilingual in relation to their ages so that they can be full for promoting and strengthening the Welsh language in education and members of the bilingual community in which they live.” within the community, on the basis of the language profile of the pupils. A school with more pupils in every class and more teachers - Language means more opportunities and experiences to extend attainment in the Welsh language and to use the substantial group of pupils from Welsh homes to create strong language models for those pupils from English or bilingual homes. “Our expectations are for Gwynedd to make the best An opportunity to attract funding from the Welsh Government. Transport costs can be higher than the current Financial possible use of the financial resources available for primary Expenditure per pupil will be more equal in the area. The area school arrangement. Resources education in the County” will not be under the safety net. A more effective use of resources. Geographical “Our expectation is for every child to be entitled to access to No pupil will need to travel an unreasonable distance to school. Some pupils in the area will travel further to school. Factors quality education within a reasonable distance to the home” (compared to the current arrangement). 16 5. THE FAVOURED PROPOSAL
5.0.1. This favoured proposal is relevant to: • Ysgol Groeslon • Ysgol Carmel • Ysgol Bronyfoel
5.0.2. At its meeting of 27 February 2013 the Cabinet of Gwynedd Council decided to undertake a statutory consultation process in accordance with Section 29 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 on the closure of Ysgol Groeslon, Ysgol Carmel and Ysgol Bronyfoel on 31 August 2015.
5.0.3. It was also decided to undertake a statutory consultation process in accordance with Section 29 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 on the proposal to establish an Area School for 3–11 year olds to open on 1 September 2015 in Groeslon, to provide education for the existing catchment areas of Ysgol Groeslon, Ysgol Carmel and Ysgol Bronyfoel.
5.1 What is an Area School?
5.1.1. What is meant by an Area School, is that one school will be established to replace the three existing schools.
5.1.2. The main features of an Area School are as follows: • The school will have one legal entity • The school will have one Head Teacher • One budget • One governing body
5.2 Why Recommend an Area School?
5.2.1. The establishment of an Area School is recommended to serve the Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel catchment area after considering a number of factors, including: • Class sizes • The Welsh language • Pupil numbers • Financial resources • Learning environment and • Geographical factors quality • Suitability of buildings • Leadership and staffing • The community
These factors and others will be discussed at a later stage in the document.
17 5.3 Class Sizes
5.3.1. Our desire is for the classes at primary schools in Gwynedd to include suitable numbers so that the best possible experiences and opportunities are offered to the children of the County.
5.3.2. At the moment, class sizes vary considerably across the County and affect the children’s educational experiences. In some areas, there are large classes which exceed 30 in number. The Council believes that very large classes have a negative effect on children’s educational experiences. This view is supported by research (Blatchford et al , London Education Establishment, 2008). On the other hand, there are very small classes in a number of schools within the County. In a report by the former chief education inspector in Wales, Roy James, it notes that "small numbers of pupils in year groups in the smallest schools lead to less competition and academic impulse, and less opportunity to take advantage of the varied range of curricular and extracurricular experiences". The Council will aim at reducing the size of large classes and strengthening the size of the smallest classes in the County in order to ensure that pupils receive a full range of experiences and the appropriate attention.
5.3.3. In the three schools there is a difference in class numbers ranging from 9 to 30.
5.3.4. Ysgol Carmel and Ysgol Bronyfoel each have two classes whilst Ysgol Groeslon at the moment has four classes – the pupils are distributed as follows for the academic year 2012/13 :
Number Largest Smallest Average School Nursery Reception Yr 1 Yr 2 Yr 3 Yr 4 Yr 5 Yr 6 Total of size of Class class classes classes
9 8 8 14 8 8 10 10 Groeslon 75 4 30 9 18.75 9 30 16 20
9 3 9 8 7 4 3 5 Carmel 48 2 29 19 24 29 19
2 1 5 3 3 4 3 5 Bronyfoel 26 2 15 11 13 11 15 Class sizes Source: Analysis by Gwynedd Education Department based on individual school statements, October 2012
5.3.5. The strategy adopted by the Council on 2 April 2009 notes the ambition to ensure classes of between 12 and 25 pupils.
5.3.6. The age range within classes is also a reason for ensuring an appropriate provision for the future. When there is a higher age range among pupils in the same class there are increasing challenges in terms of effective teaching and learning. For example, the challenge is greater when there are 20 children aged between 7 and 11years old in one class, than if there were 20 children who are all 10 years old.
5.3.7. The proposal for an area school would make the size of classes consistent and reduce the age range within classes.
18 5.4 Pupil Numbers
5.4.1. Our expectation is to reflect tendencies in terms of population and primary pupil numbers in our plans for the future of education in different areas.
5.4.2. Pupil numbers have varied in the schools since 1975, but in general there have been approximately 18% fewer pupils during the last decades. This has led to a number of surplus places at the schools – over 40% (or 100 in number) surplus places across the three schools at the moment.
Numbers [Nursery – Yr.6 (Age 3-11)] 1975- 1975-2012 School 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2012 2012 % growth growth Y Groeslon 107 96 97 84 95 92 93 85 75 -32 -30% Carmel 49 55 41 51 33 68 56 53 48 -1 -2% Bronyfoel 26 29 26 30 26 34 33 36 26 0 0% Area 182 180 164 165 154 194 182 174 149 -33 -18% Numbers 1975-2012 Source: Schools census data each September
5.4.3. Review Panel members noted that it is the condition of the building at Ysgol Groeslon that has recently led to the substantial reduction in numbers at the school. They also noted that the change of use of some parts of the building at Ysgol Groeslon lately has changed the surplus places figures – and that some pupils are educated in mobile units. Therefore the figures on surplus places should be considered in the light of this information. Even so, it does not change the fact that that there are a substantial number of surplus places between the three schools.
5.4.4. If the proposal is implemented an Area School would be established with the appropriate capacity for pupils at the present time and in the future. This will ensure the sustainability of the school into the future and reduce the number of surplus places in the area – a number which is at present very high.
5.4.5. The three schools in this area have a substantial number of surplus places (as defined by the Welsh Government – namely in excess of 25% or 30 in number).
Number of School Full Capacity (N – Yr6) % Surplus Places Surplus Places Y Groeslon 128 53 41% Carmel 78 30 38% Bronyfoel 52 26 50% Total 258 109 42% Surplus Places Source: Data submitted to the Education Department annually by the schools (to be submitted annually to the Government – Measuring the Capacity of Schools in Wales)
19 5.4.6. If the proposal is implemented the Area School would have around 160 pupils (2015). Also the building would be constructed to deal with a further increase of up to 10% growth in pupil numbers (subject to an entry policy) without affecting other schools in the Dyffryn Nantlle catchment area.
5.5 Learning Environment and Quality of the Buildings
5.5.1. Our expectations are for the “learning environment” for the children and teachers of the County – such as the condition of the school building, the classrooms, staff room, play provision etc – satisfies the teaching and learning requirements of 21st Century.
5.5.2. The ESTYN report “Appraisal of school performance before and after moving into new buildings or renovated property” (2007) confirms the above opinion. The report notes that schools which have seen their buildings renovated have experienced an improvement in pupils’ achievement and attainment. It notes that Estyn inspections of individual schools show that the quality of the teaching has improved, that staff morale has risen, that attendance has been maintained and that behaviour has improved. Also that buildings which have been improved offer more choice and better provision in terms of education within the school and activities held before and after school.
5.5.3. There is genuine concern over the condition and suitability of the buildings at a number of primary schools throughout the County. These buildings have need of a substantial investment in order to meet the appropriate health and safety standards.
5.5.4. The Council has been monitoring the condition of part of the school building at Ysgol y Groeslon for some time. The school Kitchen was closed some years ago, and lately part of the building had to be closed as a precautionary step – the pupils now receive their education in mobile units. If the proposal is implemented the new school building and the learning environment will meet twenty first century school standards and will be an innovative educational resource for the area into the future.
5.5.5. The current situation is that, over the next five years, considerable expense needs to be incurred on repairs and adaptations in the schools at Groeslon, Carmel a Bronyfoel in order to improve the condition and suitability of the buildings. But as noted previously, parts of the building at Groeslon would have to be rebuilt and therefore a substantial investment would have to be made in that site. Implementing the proposal and closing the sites at Carmel and Bronyfoel would rationalise the need for expense on different buildings and ensure an investment on one site to develop an establishment with a first rate building and amenities of the best quality.
20 Responsive maintenance Expenditure for meeting fire School One off spending backlog annual expenditure regulation requirements Beyond a situation which can Beyond a situation which can Beyond a situation which can be maintained be maintained be maintained (It is not rational to try and (It is not rational to try and (It is not rational to try and Groeslon maintain the structure for an maintain the structure for an maintain the structure for an extended period – temporary extended period – temporary extended period – temporary safety and maintenance work safety and maintenance work safety and maintenance work only) only) only) Carmel £110,000 £7,700 £3,000 * Bronyfoel £46,000 £9,600 £18,000 Property Expenditure Information / Source: Gwynedd Property Department *This sum is derived from the fire risk assessment recommendations. Such assessments have been completed for every building owned by the Council and the work is prioritised according to risk level. The work on this school does not reflect any high risk.
5.5.6. If the proposal is implemented the new school building and the learning environment will meet the twenty first century standards and will be an innovative educational resource for the area into the future. A substantial investment of £4.84 million would ensure an excellent educational provision for a sustainable and modern school which would fully meet the educational and community needs of the pupils and residents of the wider area.
5.6 Quality of the Education
5.6.1. Recent Estyn inspection reports note that these three schools provide education of good quality. No concerns or doubts were raised regarding the standard of the education at any of the schools.
Ysgol Groeslon Ysgol Carmel Ysgol Bronyfoel
Inspection November Inspection January Inspection January Inspection date 2007 2011 2008 Inspection report 3 x Grade 1 Good 7 x Grade 2 details 4 x Grade 2 Good Latest Estyn inspection results Key: Estyn results – Grade 1 = good with excellent features Grade 2 = good features with no important deficits
5.6.2. Education standards are of core importance to the proposals. Although there is general presumption that educational standards are higher in small schools than in the larger school, there is no evidence to support the presumption. Indeed, the ESTYN report “ Small Primary Schools in Wales (2003)” notes that there is no substantial difference between educational standards in large and small schools, but “…the smaller the school, the more difficult is the task for the head teacher to match the work to all the learning requirements of the pupils” The report goes on to note “…it can be more difficult for teachers in small schools to match work to the needs of the pupils, since the pupils in every class can differ greatly in terms of age and development stages. This is especially true in the smallest schools (with fewer than 30
21 pupils), where 28% of the work is unsatisfactory as compared to 8% unsatisfactory work in schools with over 210 pupils’.
5.6.3. With the proposed model we predict opportunities for building on this foundation. There will be opportunities in terms of improving the learning environment and providing classes of viable size with less age which will give pupils an opportunity to be educated in larger peer groups of the same age range. Also there will be opportunities for wider learning and teaching inside and outside the classroom. It is expected that there will be more non- contact time for the Head Teacher for leadership and management purposes, and an opportunity in the future to develop new teaching plans in a strong and sustainable establishment.
5.7 Leadership and Staffing
5.7.1. Our expectations are that head teachers will be allowed to lead and manage their schools in a professional manner. Also, we expect that governing bodies can lead schools efficiently within their budgets for the benefit of the pupils. We expect that the schools will have the best staff for providing education of the highest standard.
5.7.2. The three schools employ head teachers, teachers, auxiliary staff, assistants, administration, cleaning and catering staff.
5.7.3. In terms of teaching staff, there are three full time teachers working in Ysgol Groeslon – the Head Teacher In Charge being one of them. There is also one part time teacher and 4 assistants. At Ysgol Carmel, there is a Head Teacher and one full time teacher and also an additional teacher for 0.2 of the time and 2 assistants. At Ysgol Bronyfoel there is a Head Teacher and one full time teacher, 2 full time assistants and one part time assistant.
5.7.4. At the moment the head teachers teach a class for a large proportion of their time, which reduces the time they have available for professional leadership and management purposes. As the call for effective leadership and management in schools increases it is essential that any change proposed takes into consideration the time needed by head teachers for this purpose.
School Observations Class Duty Permanent Head Teacher (temporary head teacher at Y Groeslon 60% present) Carmel Permanent Head Teacher 80% Bronyfoel Permanent Head Teacher 80% Leadership and Management Information Source: Human Resources Department and information from head teachers
5.7.5. One of the main threats which face us across the County is the difficulty in recruiting new head teachers. The Schools Service has a record of these difficulties. The evidence shows clearly that a number of schools have to re-advertise posts and on account of this, several of our primary schools are run by head teachers in charge. The new school would be a school which would attract applicants, and in particular in the leadership and management role of the head teacher.
22 5.7.6. Indeed, the exact staffing structure of the school will be a matter for further discussion and a matter which will need to be discussed and resolved by the governing body of the Area School. The school will be a new entity and therefore a new governing body will have to be established together with a governing tool, in accordance with current guidelines and regulations. The new governing body will need to appoint a head teacher and staff for the school.
5.7.7. A detailed staffing policy has been developed by the Council in conjunction with the Trade Unions and head teachers. The policy will form the basis of any redundancies which arise from this proposal. Clear and open communication will be of core importance to the successful implementation of any proposals. The staffing structure will be a matter for the Area School governing body. However, the Council suggests that the Area School should in the first place try and earmark the posts that arise from the implementation of a new organisation for teachers who work within the three existing schools (namely Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel).
5.7.8. Therefore establishing an Area School would give teaching staff and other members of staff better career opportunities. There would be better career opportunities in terms of releasing school leaders (head teacher and/or deputy if appointed) from their teaching and learning time in order to focus more on the leadership and managerial side of their roles and to ensure continual improvement for the school. Also the teaching staff could share their expertise with a larger number of pupils and see the benefits of teaching classes of pupils with a smaller age range.
5.8 The Community
5.8.1. A community impact assessment of possible models was undertaken by an independent consultant. Findings of this assessment was presented to the last meeting of the Local Panel.
5.8.2. Information on the role of the schools within their communities was published in a comprehensive pack. The full document is available on the Council website (www.gwynedd.gov.uk/schoolorganisation ) and copies are also available from the School Organisation Office.
5.8.3. Regarding the assessment made of the possible impact of the initial models considered, the community assessments note the impact of each model. In short, it notes that school closures can have a negative impact in terms of local property value, local services and the local economy. It also notes some possible opportunities (such as the opportunity to gain new and additional resources, an opportunity to attract young families and an opportunity to strengthen the language and to guarantee education within the area for an extended period with educational resources of the very best quality).
5.8.4. For those communities where the school will close, the impact report suggests some measures for the Council to consider in order to alleviate the negative effects. These alleviating measures will be considered and incorporated if the resolution is taken to implement the proposals for the area: - In order to create a feeling of inclusion and ownership, it should be ensured from the very start and throughout the transition period that the Governors of every school
23 are an integral part of the developments and the decisions and that regular updates are filtered down to the parents, - Appropriate consultation with the local villages and communities regarding purposeful use for the buildings for the future, - Consideration should be given to ensure that some of the social events held by the school (concert, coffee evening etc) are held in the villages (school buildings or community hall) where the school has been closed, - The Council should ensure that appropriate school transport plans are in place
5.8.5. In implementing the proposal of establishing the Area School there would be a substantial investment to try and guarantee the presence of sustainable education for the wider area. This would give the pupils and the wider community a chance to benefit from the new provision.
5.9 The Welsh Language
5.9.1. Our expectations are for all pupils within the County to be bilingual in relation to their ages in order to enable them to become full members of the bilingual community of which they are members.
5.9.2. Any proposals to change local organisation will need to take into full consideration the possible linguistic impacts. Therefore, maintaining and improving the use of the Welsh language as the education medium and social language for children will be one key consideration when proposals are put forward for the area. An independent consultant was commissioned to undertake an impact assessment on the possible models when this proposal was developed. The report has been completed and is published on the Council’s website.
5.9.3. The report notes the possible results for a Multi Site Area School model, and the possible negative effects which that model would have. The independent report reaches the conclusion that one of the sites would increasingly be regarded as the English language site. The report notes doubt as to whether any alleviating measures would overcome some negative effects that this model would have on the Welsh language.
5.9.4. Regarding this proposal to establish an Area School, the linguistic assessment report notes that establishing this model would “..offer opportunities for promoting and strengthening the Welsh language both within education and within the community”.
5.10 Equality Assessment
5.10.1. A full equality assessment was undertaken of the proposal in question. The assessment notes the present situation and shows that policies and arrangements are in place which ensure that the proposal takes into consideration and conforms with equal rights. Having discussed the relevant factors in detail, it concludes that equal opportunities are positively promoted through the proposal and that measures are in place to ensure that there will be no illegal discrimination or harassment. There are also arrangements in place for monitoring and reviewing the situation.
24 5.11 Financial Resources
5.11.1. Our expectations are that Gwynedd is making the best possible use of the financial resources available for primary education within the County.
5.11.2. There is a great difference in expenditure per pupil from school to school. Also, a large number of schools in the County have been designed for a much larger number of pupils than have attended the school for some years. Although the cost of surplus places should not drive any new proposals, we have to be aware of the substantial effects and implications for those schools with a high percentage of surplus places – especially the effects and implications in terms of the budget which reaches the pupils.
5.11.3. The three schools in this area have a substantial number of surplus places (as defined by the Welsh Government – namely over 25% or 30 in number of surplus places). The table below shows the number and percentage of surplus places in the three schools:
School Full Capacity (N – Yr6) Number of Surplus Places % of Surplus Places Y Groeslon 128 53 41% Carmel 78 30 38% Bronyfoel 52 26 50% Total 258 109 42% Source: Data submitted annually to the Education Department by the schools (to be submitted annually to the Government – Measuring the Capacity of Schools in Wales)
5.11.4. A recent report by Estyn – ‘How do surplus places affect the resources available to spend on improving outcomes for pupils?’, May 2012 notes ‘When there is a higher level of school places than needed, resources are ineffectively used and could be better utilised to improve the quality of the education for every learner’
5.11.5. The report goes on to note the cost of every surplus place in a primary school – namely £262 per surplus place. According to the data available for these schools, therefore, there is a total of 109 surplus places – which is the equivalent to a value of £28,558.
5.11.6. Also, the Council has to make careful use of funding for maintaining education throughout the County, and therefore the strategy Excellent Primary Education for Children in Gwynedd considers expenditure on a cost per pupil basis.
5.11.7. A total of £695,000 is allocated to the three schools for 2012/13. This is equivalent to £4,965 per pupil on average. The range of cost per pupil is as follows: Ysgol Groeslon at £3,890; Ysgol Carmel at £4,156 and Ysgol Bronyfoel at £6,848. The average cost per pupil at County level for this period is £3,838 .
25
SHARE OF THE BUDGET Minimum Staffing School Average per Total Budget Protection* Pupil Y Groeslon £305,000 £3,890 0 Carmel £188,000 £4,156 0 Bronyfoel £202,000 £6,848 £18,661
Groeslon, Carmel, Bronyfoel area £4,965
Dyffryn Nantlle catchment area £4,206 Gwynedd £3,838 Source: Report Section 52 Gwynedd 2012/13
5.11.8. On the basis of the current allocation, the total allocation for the new Area School would be approximately £578,000. In terms of revenue costs, establishing the new system would save £85,000, less additional transport requirements (broadly estimated at around £40,000), which would save around £45,000 per year.
5.11.9. Ysgol Bronyfoel receives a sum in addition to the allocation through the minimum staffing protection policy (which guarantees at least a head teacher and teacher in each school with more than 15 pupils and a head teacher and assistant in schools with fewer than 15 pupils). This additional sum totals £18,661. If an Area School was established the predicted number of pupils would be sufficient to attract a budget so that there would be no need for an additional investment of this kind.
5.12 Geographical Factors and Transport Matters
5.12.1. Our expectations are for every child to be entitled to access standard education within a reasonable distance to the home. We realise that Gwynedd is a rural county with substantial distances between some communities. When putting forward any specific proposals in a county such as Gwynedd, the distance between sites and the travelling time for the children are key considerations.
5.12.2. National policy notes that up to 54 minutes travelling time each way in acceptable. However, here in Gwynedd, the strategy ‘ Excellent Primary Education for Children in Gwynedd’ notes that all efforts should be made to restrict travelling to a maximum of 30 minutes each way between the home and the school.
School Carmel LL54 7AA Bronyfoel LL54 7BB Y Groeslon LL54 7DT 1.4 miles / 4 minutes 2.2 miles / 7 minutes Carmel LL54 7AA 1 mile / 3 minutes
Distance and travelling time between schools Source: Average Google Maps; AA Route planner and RAC Route finder
26 Longest travelling Longest travelling time for Number more Number more School distance to school – pupil to school – one way than 20 minutes than 30 minutes one way (miles)* (minutes)* (one way)* (one way)* Y Groeslon 1.3 miles 5 min 0 0 Carmel 1 mile 5 min 0 0 Bronyfoel 1 mile 5 min 0 0 * Within the catchment area Current pupils’ travelling time Source: Average Google Maps; AA Route planner and RAC Route finder
5.12.3. By establishing a new Area School in Groeslon every current pupil would be within reasonable travelling distance (under 30 minutes travelling time) of the school.
Dalgylch Ysgol Groeslon Catchment Dalgylch Dalgylch Ysgol Bronyfoel Ysgol Carmel Catchment Catchment
Map of Y Groeslon, Carmel a Bronyfoel schools catchment areas
5.12.4. According to the initial assessment of the road network and routes to school, transport would be provided to the Area School in accordance with the Transport Policy.
27 6. CHOICE OF SITE FOR THE AREA SCHOOL
6.1 In developing this proposal and discussing the options in the review panel meetings, site options for the two models placed on the short list were discussed: - Possible sites for a Multi Site Area School - Possible sites for an Area School on one site
6.2 Regarding the favoured model – the options for sites were considered with particular attention paid to the following requirements: - Size of the site (2.2 acres) - Planning requirements - Accessible access - Level ground - Structural services and drainage - Any environmental and archaeological matters, flood precautions etc - The budget
6.3 Sites in the three villages were assessed and attention paid to the various factors. This led to a short list being drawn of 4 sites for further assessment, namely: • Site near the old A487 to the north of Groeslon • Existing site of Ysgol Carmel • Existing site of Ysgol Groeslon • Site near the old A487 – to the south of Groeslon
6.4 These are the sites in question:
Near the old A487 – North Ex tension to the site Ex tension to the site
YSGOL CARME L
Near the old A487 - South
6.5 These sites were carefully assessed against key factors, and the assessment can be viewed in full below. It notes that in the case of a number of the sites planning matters and technical problems make the development more complex. In the assessment of the existing site of Ysgol Groeslon it was noted that it is possible to extend the site and that the location lends itself to development under technical, planning and budgetary conditions, without any great complexities.
28 6.6 It also notes that locating the Area School on this site would ensure the viability of the site for the future since locating the school in Groeslon means that the school is nearer for more than half the pupils in the area in comparison with locating the school in Carmel.
6.7 Therefore we recommend that consultation should take place on the proposal to establish the site of the Area School on the existing site of Ysgol Groeslon as the proposal which gives the best opportunity for ensuring a sustainable and strong school for the future, thus protecting education in this part of the Dyffryn Nantlle catchment area. It is estimated that developing the new school building will cost £4.8m and that a strong business plan will have to be submitted to the Welsh Government in order to share the development cost between the Government and the Council.
29 6.8 Key factors considered in choosing a site for the Area School Colour key: Green – Not many complexities and very low risks / Orange – Few complexities and low risks / Red – Many complexities and high risks Impact on Transport and Size Technical Floods Traffic Impact Planning development travelling distances costs Site near 14,725 m 2 Generally level and clear, rising Not within Good access Against: Servicing The furthest travelling the old (3.6 acre) gradually towards the east . a flood risk Outside the development costs possibly distance for any pupil A487 – More difficult to service – area Quiet road (no through boundary; Listed building higher than would be approx. 2.5 south of Private possibly need additional road) and of acceptable beyond the adjoining field some other miles. Groeslon land supplies. width with a lay-by close (Grugan Ddu); Intrusion into sites and Transport would be to the site boundary open countryside; therefore provided to the Area beyond the School in accordance In support: Need to control traffic at Potential for access from the resources with the Transport the junction in the centre old main road; available. Policy. of the village but the Potential via Lon Newydd – The location is closer traffic could be reduced by another access road for for more than half the creating a footpath from vehicles to the existing pupils in the area. the estates into the site. dwellings? Potential for It would mean less screening; Potential for travelling for the obtaining safe footpaths from majority of pupils in the adjoining housing estates. the area. Existing 9,855m 2 Substantial difference in levels Not within No access from the Need to construct buildings Need for The furthest travelling Site of (11m) from the front to the a flood risk highway at present. outside the development substantial distance for any pupil Ysgol Need to back of the site. Substantial area Difference in level boundary. engineering would be approx. 2.5 Carmel purchase engineering work needed to between the road and the Concern over the scale of the work to level/ miles. two plots level or form terraces. Public site. The nearest junction development and its effect on establish Transport would be of land footpath crosses the land at can cope with the the character of a rural village terraces, provided to the Area present – difficult to design expected increase in traffic such as Carmel. relocate School in accordance around this therefore need to flow. Concern over the visual effect electricity with the Transport possibly divert/abolish it. Parking provision and on the views upwards towards cables, and Policy. Need to relocate electricity turning point off the the village and also towards the narrow The location is closer wires at the bottom of the site highway would have to be Snowdonia and down towards nature of the for more than half the to build a play area. constructed. This is the coast. site would pupils in the area. On account of the narrow difficult because the site is Difficult to justify in planning lead to cost It would mean more nature of the site the children narrow. Possibility of terms when there are other beyond the travelling for the would have to be relocated forming a one way system more acceptable sites available majority of pupils in from the site during the using the second entrance available. resources. the area. construction phase. through the existing community car park Site 10,270 m 2 Not within Good access. Against: This is the site The furthest travelling near the – 3.5 acre a flood risk Road of acceptable width Outside the development used as a distance for any pupil old Generally level and clear, rising area with a lay-by close to the boundary; basis for would be approx. 2.5
A487 Private gradually towards the south . site boundary In Favour: calculating miles. north of land Could consider joining the Entrance through the car park the cost of Transport would be Groeslon development with the Need to control traffic at close to the Hall; the capital provided to the Area Community Hall which borders the junction in the centre bid. School in accordance the site. of the village but a second Dual purpose school which with the Transport entrance/one way system would incorporate the existing Policy. Services close by could be considered to hall; The type of use made of The location is closer help with this. the plots of land to the east for more than half the and the character of the area pupils in the area. are such that the site It would mean less Road can be busy at times integrates and connects well travelling for the – need for road safety with the existing development majority of pupils in measures pattern in the village, bearing the area in mind the fact that part of it will be the school playing field. Existing 7,905m 2 – Quite level and clear. Not within Access to the site is good It would be possible to locate Possibility of The furthest travelling site of Adding the Both sites divided by a public a flood risk the buildings within the seeing a less distance for any pupil Ysgol field to the footpath – the design needs to area The nearest junction can existing development expensive would be approx. 2.5 Groeslon north cope with the expected boundary. development miles. take this into consideration would Surface increase in traffic flow The site integrates and within the Transport would be increase Gas pipeline on part of the water available provided to the Area additional land which could connects well with the existing the area to drainage A turning space and off the development pattern in the resources if School in accordance 14,385m 2. cause some restrictions. work road parking will have to the existing with the Transport village, bearing in mind the Services already on the site. needed on be provided. fact that part of it will be on traditional Policy. The field the building can The location is closer Development can proceed the existing school site. to the additional be used as for more than half the without the children being north land Potential for screening. part of the pupils in the area. relocated off the site. would We cannot foresee any development. It would mean less need to be Possibility of considering the substantial objection to travelling for the purchased. use of the existing traditional building on this site being majority of pupils in building. permitted. the area 30 7. IMPLICATIONS OF THE PROPOSAL
7.0.1. This proposal involves the closure of the three schools and the development of one new school.
Area School Groeslon Carmel Bronyfoel
Cre ate an Area School
1 site for Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel (Fron) areas
Site in Groeslon
7.1 This involves: • Closure of Ysgol Groeslon, Ysgol Carmel and Ysgol Bronyfoel • Establishing one Area School in Groeslon • There would therefore be no site in Carmel (Ysgol Carmel) or in Fron (Ysgol Bronyfoel)
7.2 There will be several opportunities to develop on the quality teaching and learning foundation already established in the area, and this includes: - Providing a new and sustainable, fit for purpose school; - Ensuring consistency in class sizes and age range within classes; - Meeting the challenge of population changes over the coming years; - An opportunity to invest almost £5 million to develop amenities which will afford a modern, fit for purpose learning environment, with best possible resources; - Ensuring strong school leadership and management; - Reducing the cost per pupil for the provision of primary education in the area; - Ensuring that there will be more funding available to invest in pupils and education; - Substantially reducing the number of surplus places in schools within the area; - Creating a strong and sustainable establishment to provide education into the future.
7.3 Considerations of closing Ysgol Carmel and Ysgol Bronyfoel
7.3.1. Initial consideration was given to locating the Area School in Y Fron, but the conclusion reached was that there is no suitable site which would respond to the majority of most of the technical requirements: - Site size (2.2 acre) - Planning requirements - Accessible access - Level land - Structural services and drainage - Any environmental, archaeological or flood related matters etc - The budget
31 7.3.2. Comprehensive consideration was given to the existing site at Ysgol Carmel as an option for the Area School, but it was resolved not to recommend the site for the Area School. These are some of the reasons: - It was noted that planning matters and technical problems increase the complexity and risks involved with the development of the site - The above would lead to an increase in costs - The location would involve more than half the pupils of the area travelling a further distance - It would involve more travelling for the majority of the pupils in the area
7.3.3. The community impact reports note concerns regarding the effects that the closure of Ysgol Carmel and Ysgol Bronyfoel would have on the communities in those villages. Consideration will be given to the measures recommended in the reports in order to alleviate the impact on those communities.
7.4 After use of sites and support for communities
7.4.1. As part of the steps to alleviate any impact that closing a school may have in an area - if there is local desire, the Council will ask its Regeneration Officers to support the community when discussing any after use of the land and buildings released as a result of the reorganisation. This is carried out in accordance with the policies and implementation protocol that the Council previously adopted back in 2010.
7.5 Staffing Considerations
7.5.1. If the proposal is approved the staffing implications could lead to uncertainty and redundancies. As part of the present consultation, discussions will take place specifically with staff and Union representatives. Gwynedd Council has developed a detailed staffing policy in conjunction with the Trade Unions and head teachers. Any redundancies arising from this proposal will have to conform with that policy. Clear and open communication will play a core part in the implementation of any proposal.
7.5.2. In establishing the school, the Governing Body will be expected to appoint staff for the school. The Council Personnel Service will be available to give the Governing Body any support and advice needed with regard to the process.
7.6 One Area School
7.6.1. In order to establish the Area School the schools in question (Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel) will have to be closed and a site opened at Groeslon in order to establish as the Area School.
7.6.2. The implications of establishing a one school entity has already been explained in terms of: - Leadership (one Head Teacher) - Governing Control (one governing body) - Budgetary (one budget)
7.6.3. When creating a new Area School there will be a need to establish a new Governing Body, a new constitution for the school and to appoint new staff. The staffing structure will be a matter for the Governing Body. However, the Council suggests that the Area School 32 should in the first place earmark the posts that arise from implementing the new system for the staff who are working within the three schools.
7.6.4. By implementing this proposal the catchment areas of the existing schools will be adapted. The map below shows the present catchment areas of the three schools. Catchment areas are used to identify the nearest school for parents/children according to where they reside. This is how it is possible to implement the authority’s Transport Policy and Admissions Policy.
Dalgylch Ysgol Groeslon Catchment Dalgylch Dalgylch Ysgol Bronyfoel Ysgol Carmel Catchment Catchment
7.6.5. Regarding transport, in accordance with the authority’s policy there will be free transport for pupils living 2 miles or further from the school in whose catchment area they live, or to the nearest school. According to the initial assessment of the road network and routes to school, transport would be provided to the Area School in accordance with the Policy and exceptional circumstances of some individuals will be looked at.
7.6.6. The school budget will be based on the number of pupils attending the school in accordance with the schools funding formula and in accordance with Section 52 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.
7.7 In Summary
7.7.1. Therefore the proposal is to close Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel schools and to establish an Area School located in Groeslon which will provide education for primary pupils in the Groeslon, Carmel and Fron areas.
33 8. TIMETABLE OF THE STATUTORY PROCESS AND THE NEXT STEPS
18 March, 2013 Statutory Consultation period starts
10, 15, 16 April, 2013 Consultation meetings with Staff, Governors and Parents
13:00 on 26 April, 2013 Closing date for submitting comments on the proposal
May 2013 Cabinet decides whether to publish Statutory Notices or not
Yes No
June 2013 Statutory Notice issued Proposal Refused
One Month Period
July 2013 End of Formal Objection Period
Any objections received?
Yes No
Tr ansfer any objections to the Welsh Cabinet Meeting Government – the proposal could be approved, refused or amended (up to 7 months before a decision is
announced)
Confirm the proposal?
Yes
No – Proposal refused
Proposal implemented by 31 August 2015
34 GWYNEDD COUNTY COUNCIL
PROPOSAL TO CLOSE GROESLON, CARMEL AND BRONYFOEL SCHOOLS ON 31 AUGUST 2015 IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 29 OF THE SCHOOL STANDARDS AND FRAMEWORK ACT 1998 and PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH AN AREA SCHOOL ON THE PRESENT SITE OF YSGOL GROESLON IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 28 OF THE SCHOOL STANDARDS AND FRAMEWORK ACT 1998 ON 1 SEPTEMBER 2015
RESPONSE FORM (Attach this form to your full response )
Please provide the following information:
1. Name :
2. Address :
3. I am responding as (please note below):
Parent Governor Staff Pupil Other (note below)
Other:
Note below whether you agree for your response to be published by the Council. Please attach this form to the front of your response to the statutory consultation. With your permission, responses will be reproduced, in full or with personal data such as names and addresses removed, in a report to the Cabinet on the statutory consultation period.
Under the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998 we must inform you of the following. Gwynedd Council is seeking your views on this proposal as part of a statutory consultation process. Your personal information will be used for this purpose only, and may be shared with other agencies who are involved in the consultation, in order to address any issues you raise (e.g. Welsh Government). We will continue to consider your comments whichever option is chosen.
Yes - I agree that the Yes - I agree the Counci l can No - the Council cannot Council can publish my full publish my response after publish my response response removing personal information
Return responses to: School Organisation Office, Gwynedd Council, Headquarters, Caernarfon, Gwynedd. LL55 1SH or [email protected]
Closing Date: 13:00 on 26 April 2013 35
Appendix 3
Statutory Consultation Meeting Minutes
STATUTORY STAFF MEETING YSGOL Y GROESLON 4:05, 10 APRIL 2013
10 members of staff were present, including the head teacher, teaching staff and auxiliary staff.
Welcome and Introductions
Dewi Jones, Head of Education welcomed everyone to the meeting. Council officers were introduced: Cllr. Sian Gwenllian – Cabinet Member for Education, Tony Bate – Lead Maner Primary School Organisation, Dafydd Gibbard – Corporate Property Manager, Hefin Owen – Development Finance Manager, Iwan Evans – Legal Service Manager, Sandra Evans – Senior Personnel Officer, Nia Gruffudd – Personnel Officer, Eluned Williams –Auxiliary Services Senior Officer, Gwenan Jones-Parry –Minuting the Meeting.
Presenting the Proposal
A presentation was given by Tony Bate in which he put forward details of the proposal and made reference to elements such as the quality of education, class sizes, pupil numbers, leadership and staffing, impact on the community, impact on the Welsh language, teaching environment, financial resources and geographical factors. Dafydd Gibbard put forward a number of matters to be considered with regard to choice of site and presented a conceptual plan to convey what could be included as part of the new area school. Sandra Evans explained certain personnel matters, including the help available for staff during the process. Following the presentation the meeting was open for discussion and to receive questions and comments.
Before the end of the presentation one member of staff stood up and apologised that he/she had to leave early, expressed disappointment regarding the structure of the meeting as he/she had hoped to question the officers. The person concerned asked whether the decision had already been made and whether there was any point in presenting comments?
In answer, it was stated that the open forum would follow the presentation and that the purpose of the consultation was to obtain views which could be put before the Cabinet prior to their decision. This is a statutory consultation on the favoured proposal and comments were invited from local people. It was also explained that the full minutes of the meeting would be submitted to the Cabinet.
Open Discussion – Comments and Questions
Will jobs be safe or protected?
It was explained that specific details would be discussed in the near future since only the proposal was under discussion at present. If the proposal were approved, the first step towards establishing a new Area School would be to establish a shadow governing body which would decide on the staffing structure in the light of pupil numbers and budget. Until this happens, it is not possible to tell how many members of staff will be needed. The Council has an alternative employment policy which notes that any individual who loses his/her job on account of school reorganisation is guaranteed an interview for a corresponding post. The Authority will suggest that the governing body should adopt this policy.
Regarding the shadow governing body, what will be the membership constitution?
1 It was stated that the Welsh Government has given specific guidance regarding the membership of the shadow governing body. In accordance with these guidelines, it will be possible to arrange representation which covers the entire area.
It was noted that everyone employed at the three schools will not be given posts in the new school. What will happen to the staff members who lose their jobs? What if the staff do not wish to travel further to work?
The situation is slightly different for teaching staff and auxiliary staff. Teaching staff are employed by the governing body whilst auxiliary staff are employed by the Authority. The Authority can try and relocate auxiliary staff in other posts. In the meantime, if corresponding posts become vacant in the area then relocation is possible. The Authority cannot do this with teaching posts - suggestions can be made to the governing body but it is their decision. It is important to note that individual staff circumstances are taken into account and that if possible the wishes of the individual are met.
It was noted that personnel officers were willing to remain behind after the meeting to discuss with staff members on a one to one basis, since understandably, it is difficult to discuss personal matters at a public meeting.
How many teaching staff will be employed at the new school?
The size of the area school is based on the projected numbers for the three school in September 2015 (around 152) with an added 10% so that the school will have a capacity of around 180. The decision regarding the staffing structure is entirely a matter for the shadow governing body. Based on former experience and on the budget available (which in turn is based on pupil numbers) it is likely to be approximately the value of 6/7 notional posts (teachers).
Would the head teacher be entirely non-contact?
Based on the numbers in question, it is unlikely that the head teacher would be entirely non-contact but would have more non-contact time than is allowed at present at the schools. It was acknowledged that at the moment head teachers teach for much of their time and that releasing them slightly more from their class responsibilities would allow more opportunity for leadership and management purposes.
Will there be a circular for staff to help them through the process?
There will be help throughout the process, that is why the personnel officers are present - an opportunity for staff to meet officers and to establish contact if they have any questions or concerns. The officers are aware that this is a situation which creates anxiety and they are at hand to offer help and advice.
Who will make the decision? How much objection is needed?
After the consultation a report will be submitted to the Council’s Cabinet. If the Cabinet decides to proceed with the proposal then a statutory notice will be issued. If one objection to the proposal is received the proposal will be transferred to the attention of the Education and Skills Minister, Welsh Government for a final decision. The Minister will then employ agencies such as ESTYN and Welsh Audit Office as he looks into the proposal in detail, the process can take up to seven months.
As this process moves ahead, newsletters will be released to update the public on the developments in the process.
One observer noted that he felt that the decision had already been taken. 2
A number voiced their disappointment that the schools at Carmel and Bronyfoel would close.
A request was made for a meeting to be held for staff of the three schools since all the staff are in the same situation and it is vital that everyone receive the same messages at the same time.
It was agreed that this would be arranged should the Cabinet decide to proceed with the proposal. It was noted that a meeting of this kind had neen held in the Bro Dysynni area and that staff had submitted their questions before hand - this had been very useful and had enable full answers.
It was asked why tonight’s meeting had been programmed so far ahead of the statutory meetings at Carmel and Bronyfoel next week. Was there a specific reason?
Unfortunately it was not possible to hold the meetings at the three schools during the same school week.
Another member of the audience agreed that there was a feeling that the decision had already been taken – there will certainly be objection to the proposal.
It was noted that the ongoing consultation deals with the favoured proposal. Considerable discussion had taken place to reach this point and to include the details in the consultation document. Community and linguistic impact studies have been undertaken and comments on the proposal are welcomed. It was emphasised that this was an opportunity for everyone to submit comments and to make their views known.
Dewi Jones thanked everyone for their presence and for their comments.
STATUTORY GOVERNORS MEETING YSGOL Y GROESLON 5:20, 10 APRIL 2013
7 members of the governing body were present, including the Local Member and school staff. An apology was received from one governor who was unable to be present.
Welcome and Introductions
Dewi Jones, Head of Education welcomed everyone to the meeting. Council officers were introduced: Cllr. Sian Gwenllian – Cabinet Member for Education, Tony Bate – Lead Maner Primary School Organisation, Dafydd Gibbard – Corporate Property Manager, Hefin Owen – Development Finance Manager, Iwan Evans – Legal Service Manager, Sandra Evans – Senior Personnel Officer, Eluned Williams – Auxiliary Services Senior Officer, Gwenan Jones-Parry –Minuting the Meeting.
Presenting the Proposal
A presentation was given by Tony Bate in which he put forward details of the proposal and made reference to elements such as the quality of education, class sizes, pupil numbers, leadership and staffing, impact on the community, impact on the Welsh language, teaching environment, financial resources and geographical factors. Dafydd Gibbard put forward a number of matters to be considered with regard to choice of site and presented a conceptual plan to convey what could be included as part 3 of the new area school. For information, the governors were shown the personnel section of the presentation given to the staff meeting. Following the presentation the meeting was open for discussion and to receive questions and comments.
Open Discussion – Comments and Questions
Looking at the conceptual plan, it appears that the new building will be on the same site as the existing building. How can this be achieved with pupils on the site? What about traffic on the site?
Health and safety will be of vital importance during the development period of the plan and will be a challenge for the architect. It is not an ideal situation but the Council has experience in dealing with these matters at schools such as Llanrug, OM Edwards and Penybryn, Tywyn.
One observer noted that he had the feeling that the decision had already been taken.
The consultation is based on the favoured proposal. All the comments obtained will be submitted to the Council Cabinet in May. Depending on the decision taken by the Cabinet, it is possible that a statutory notice will be published. If this happens, there will be a period of one month for people to submit objections and if any objection is received the proposal will be transferred to the Minister for Education and Skills at the Welsh Government for the final decision.
The view has been expressed that the proposal will definitely be opposed, so therefore it will be transferred to the Government.
It was noted that the pupils and staff are all important. When will the staff receive information regarding the new posts?
The first step in establishing the new school will be to establish a shadow governing body. The shadow body will then appoint a head teacher and decide on the staffing structure.
When will the shadow governing body be established and who will be its members? It was noted that it seems an important part of the process and that it is vital for local people from the entire area to be involved in order to gain ownership of the arrangements. The three existing schools are in the Llandwrog parish and as a result there are three representatives on the Community Council – will this continue?
If the proposal put forward goes ahead the shadow body will be established one year before the new school opens – around September 2014. The shadow governing body will need to appoint staff and establish all the relevant policies by September 2015. The exact number of seats is designated by law. On the first day of the new school the shadow body will be abolished and a new, formal body established for the area school.
How much would objection delay the process?
It was made clear that the proposed timetable included the objection period and the 7 months it takes for the Minister for Education and Skills to respond to proposals.
It was noted that Ysgol yr Hendre is not attractive and that a similar building would not suit the village of Groeslon. It is important that the new school blends in with the houses that surround it.
It was explained that a users’ group would be established to discuss the plans in detail. This process will include input from pupils, staff, governors and parents of the three schools. The design will be formulated to suit the area, but it has to be borne in mind that this will be a school built for the twenty first century and will include some non-traditional features. 4
Will the new school use heat generated from the earth?
The school will be constructed to a very high environmental standard.
Questions were asked regarding transport to the school, and the road outside the school – also will there be an appropriate parking and turning area for cars? Existing roads are narrow and would there be a possibility of using the field at the top of the road?
An appropriate parking area will be part of the plan. With regard to transport, the aim is to employ two buses. A traffic impact study has revealed that the junction can cope with the increased number of vehicles. This will be a matter which will be looked at in detail when the plan is put together and will be included in the planning application. This site was the most accessible.
What will happen to the community play area since the conceptual plan shows the area school taking up the land?
As part of the plan a new play area will be provided for community use.
Are there problems with the gas pipe and hut?
The department is aware of them and they will be taken into consideration when the plan is being developed.
If a ditch is dug to improve the marshy land, what about the safety of pupils with regard to water?
Health and safety issues will be considered in full as part of the plan.
It was stated that the future of the staff is very important.
It was explained that discussions with the staff had commenced during the previous meeting and that the relevant officers within the Council had been contacted. It has been agreed that if the proposal goes ahead a joint meeting will be arranged for the entire staff of the three schools.
Since it will not be possible for all the staff to be employed, what will happen?
If the proposal goes ahead, some members of staff will be made redundant. The Authority recommends that the shadow governing body of the new school invites every staff member of the three schools to a job interview.
Will the post of head of the new school be an internal appointment from among the three existing heads?
This depends on the wishes of the shadow governing body. The shadow governing body at Ysgol Craig y Deryn (Bro Dysynni area) decided to advertise externally.
The linguistic impact assessment was mentioned, considering that there will be substantially more pupils on the same site. Concern was expressed over the playground language since it will be more difficult to retain it as Welsh with a higher percentage of non-Welsh pupils. It will also involve more work for the staff to teach non-Welsh pupils.
An important element to consider, the language policy and the area school ethos will be of core importance – this will be a major responsibility for the governors and head teacher. The language policy 5 for the all County schools is very explicit and implementing the Welsh Language Initiative will play a major part in ensuring that the playground language does not change. Evidence shows that carem ust be taken when the number of pupils from a Welsh background falls below 70%. It appears from predictions (possible that parents who now take their children out of the Groeslon catchment area will return after the building is improved) that it will be approximately 64% so it will be of vitally important to work on this. In terms of the language, excellent work is carried out in the schools at present and we hope that this will continue.
The present model has been compared with the multi-site area school which, according to the linguistic assessment, meant that there would be 40% of pupils from Welsh homes on one site. This would cause great concern and this is part of the reasoning behind presenting the favoured option for statutory consultation. It is acknowledged that there will possibly be a ‘dip’ in the Welsh language at the beginning but we hope that the level will be retained and that a strong Welsh education will be established for the future.
Dewi Jones thanked the governors for attending and for expressing their views.
PARENTS STATUTORY MEETING YSGOL Y GROESLON 6:30, 10 APRIL 2013
17 parents attended the meeting.
Welcome and Introductions
Dewi Jones, Head of Education welcomed everyone to the meeting. Council officers were introduced: Cllr. Sian Gwenllian – Cabinet Member for Education, Tony Bate – Lead Maner Primary School Organisation, Dafydd Gibbard – Corporate Property Manager, Iwan Evans – Legal Service Manager, Eluned Williams –Auxiliary Services Senior Officer, Gwenan Jones-Parry – Minuting the Meeting.
Presenting the Proposal
A presentation was given by Tony Bate in which he put forward details of the proposal and made reference to elements such as the quality of education, class sizes, pupil numbers, leadership and staffing, impact on the community, impact on the Welsh language, teaching environment, financial resources and geographical factors. Dafydd Gibbard put forward a number of matters to be considered with regard to choice of site and presented a conceptual plan to convey what could be included as part of the new area school. For information, the governors were shown the personnel section of the presentation given to the staff meeting. Following the presentation the meeting was open for discussion and to receive questions and comments.
Open Discussion – Comments and Questions
How will the construction work take place with pupils on the site?
Health and safety will be of vital importance during the development period of the plan and will be a challenge for the architect. It is not an ideal situation but the Council has experience in dealing with these matters at schools such as Llanrug, OM Edwards and Penybryn, Tywyn.
6 One parent stated that her child will have left by the time the area school opens but that for the next two years she will receive her education in portacabins and then one year in a building site. Before Easter, water came into the portacabins and the head teacher had to send pupils home. The roof is unstable, what is going to be done about this?
A reminder was made of the steps explained back in September: Step 1 – Deal with the present state of the school in order to provide education for the pupils now; Step 2 – Transition period; Step 3 – Long term plan. The consultation is part of the long term plan. The weather before Easter was unusually wet and work has been undertaken to ensure that the problem does not persisit. TheProperty Department is aware of the present arrangements at the school.
One observer noted that the roof between the main building and the portacabin had been erected to protect the children from getting wet as they made their way towards the toilet and when queuing to return to their lessons. The roof is insufficient – it does not reach as far as the portacabin and there is no protection at all on the sides. Rain very seldom falls vertically. An official request was made for the property department to look at the roof.
It was agreed that this would be looked at again.
One parent asked what would happen if the proposal was refused.
It was explained that the Council would have to look again at the plan. The parent was reminded that an application had been made for a new school for Groeslon only was made in 2010 but the proposal was not successful. As part of a wider financial bid the Council has in principle received approval from the Welsh Government for £4.84 million for the Groeslon area, based on 50:50 funding by the Council and the Welsh Government.
One observer stated that there was no need for all that money. Why not spend the Council’s contribution, namely £2.4 million, on Ysgol Groeslon alone, which would produce a perfectly suitable school without the need to close neighbouring schools. He/she stated that the statutory consultation document had been geared to persuade that the proposal in question was the best, whilst there are other possible options.
A school for £2.4 million would not be possible. A brand new school would have to be built, it is not possible to upgrade the existing buildings at Ysgol Groeslon. More than half the money would be needed to do this because of the need for stores, hall, kitchen, staff area, reception etc. The only saving would be the number of classes. Therefore, if three quarters of the school remains, approximately three quarters of the funding, namely £3.63 million, would be required.
Therefore, to fund a new school for Groeslon alone, the Council would have to fund the project on its own. The Council funding available for the benefit of the pupils is restricted. If the Council put more money into the Groeslon scheme, another school (e.g. Glancegin) whose building is also in very poor condition will lose out because the money is being spent on pupils at Groeslon. The Council has to look at plans within a County context. In the present economic environment every rare opportunity for financial help has to be grasped, and this is what the favoured proposal does. We commisserate fully with Carmel and Fron.
For how long will the existing buildings at Ysgol Groelson be safe?
During the last summer holidays work was carried out to reinforce the buildings. They are inspected every term (four times per year) to ensure that they are safe. The Council realises that it is not an ideal situation but the buildings are safe.
7 Five years ago the Council aimed to include Ysgol Groeslon within a federal system – if the buildings were safe at that time, how have they deteriorated so much in the meantime?
The Council is trying to maintain the building but the truth is that the building was constructed in 1970 with a life span of 30 years. Therefore the school building has lasted 13 years more than expected and it cannot be maintained long term any more.
Because the County plan was refused five years ago, the Council decided to adopt a catchment area reorganisation strategy. The work started in the Tywyn, Bala and Dolgellau catchment areas. At the moment discussions should be in progress at Dolgellau but on account of the crisis situation of Ysgol Groeslon buildings, this area has been prioritised.
Since the proposal is to close Ysgol Bronyfoel, why has money been spent on it during the summer? More has been spent there lately than on the buildings at Groeslon. Also why spend specifically on the kitchen? The kitchen at Groeslon has been shut for a long time, it would be possible to transport dinner for the pupils of Bronyfoel as is the practice present in Groeslon.
There has been no substantial expense. Work was carried out to repair the chimney because it was leaking and to carry out essential work in the kitchen for health and safety reasons. Substantial expenditure has been incurred lately on the buildings at Groeslon but the kitchen could not be maintained.
How much true input do parents have? One observer noted that there is a better site and that this could be presented but is there any point? Another observer added that he felt that the decision had already been taken and that the consultation was a formality.
In answer it was stated that this is the favoured proposal and that comments and other options are welcomed by the Council. This is the the time to state views and everyone should make the most of the opportunity. All the comments will be submitted to the Council Cabinet in May when a decision will be taken whether to continue with the proposal or not.
One member of the audience stated that the plan was an excuse to close two small schools. Why close the two, would it be possible to amalgamate Carmel and Bronyfoel?
The reason for choosing the wider area is to make a strategic bid in response to the crisis situation regarding the buildings at Ysgol Groeslon. Building a multi-site area school has already been considered, retaining the Carmel site (for the pupils of Carmel and Bronyfoel) as the area school second site. This was not the proposal favoured for statutory consultation.
If there is formal objection to the statutory notice, how will the time schedule be affected?
If the proposal goes ahead, the timetable for opening the area school in September 2015 includes a period of 7 months for the Minister to reach a decision.
The translator was thanked for his service.
Dewi Jones thanked the parents for attending and for their comments.
8
SUMMARY OF THE MAIN POINTS BY AUDIENCES AT YSGOL Y GROESLON STATUTORY MEETINGS
• Concerns regarding the health and safety of pupils on site during the construction period, and the safety of the existing buildings in the meantime. Request for the property department to look again at the roof between the portacabins and the main building.
• Constitution and timing of establishing the shadow governing body, deciding on the staffing structure and further decisions.
• Concerns regarding staff jobs and the support available for staff during the transition period. Request for a meeting to be held for the entire staff of the three schools if the proposal goes ahead.
• Comments regarding the proposed timetable , it was noted that there will be objections to the proposal which will involve the matter being referred to the Welsh Government for attention.
• How much true input do parents have? Concerns that submitting comments will have no effect.
• Concerns regarding transport arrangements and road safety on the narrow roads with the increase in traffic flow.
• Concerns regarding the impact on the Welsh language . • Another option was mentioned – spending the Council’s financial contribution (£2.42 million) on a smaller school for Groeslon pupils only.
• Cannot understand recent expenditure at Ysgol Bronyfoel if the intention is to close it.
• The need for the design of the new school to conform with the surrounding area.
9
STAFF STATUTORY MEETING YSGOL CARMEL 4:00, 16 APRIL 2013
7 members of staff present, including the head teacher, teaching staff and auxiliary staff.
Welcome and Introductions
Dewi Jones, Head of Education welcomed everyone to the meeting. Council officers in attendance were introduced, namely: Coun. Sian Gwenllian – Cabinet Member for Education, Tony Bate – Primary Schools Organisation Lead Manager, Dafydd Gibbard – Corporate Property Manager, Hefin Owen – Development Finance Manager, Iwan Evans – Legal Service Manager, Sandra Evans – Senior Personnel Officer, Nia Gruffudd – Personnel Officer, Eluned Williams –Auxiliary Services Senior Officer, Ffion Williams – Secretary.
Presenting the proposal
A presentation was given by Tony Bate in which he put forward details of the proposal and made reference to elements such as the quality of education, class sizes, pupil numbers, leadership and staffing, impact on the community, impact on the Welsh language, teaching environment, financial resources and geographical factors. Dafydd Gibbard put forward a number of matters to be considered with regard to choice of site and presented a conceptual plan to convey what could be included as part of the new area school. Sandra Evans explained certain personnel matters, including the help available for staff during the process. Following the presentation the meeting was open for discussion and to receive questions and observations.
Open Forum – Observations and Questions
Regarding the existing site at Carmel, is it possible to construct a link corridor to extend the site and avoid the cost of levelling the land?
In explanation it was stated that in view of the distance, building a link corridor would be costly and would cause concern for the planners because this would be something that does not suit the area.
Why were only four sites considered?
The sites placed on the short list were the only ones which complied with the technical criteria. In terms of suitability, the architects had to consider size, technical matters, flood risks, traffic impact, planning and development costs. The site that was considered the most suitable in terms of very low risks was the existing site at Ysgol Groeslon with an extension added. It was also explained that the majority of the pupils live closer to the Groeslon site and would involve less travelling for most of the pupils in the area.
Is there an agreement to secure additional land in Groeslon?
Discussions have been held between the Council and the landowner and a conditional agreement is in place.
Staff expressed their concern over the public footpath which will cross the site at Groeslon. Will the footpath affect the safety of the pupils?
If the proposal is approved the architects will plan a safety system which will conform with the children’s health and safety guidelines required for every school. It was agreed that the public footpath was a matter which will have to be considered in more detail as the new school is designed.
Will the additional field at Groeslon be used by the community?
It was explained that the field would be owned by the school and that the school would control its use. In terms of use of the land, there would be many possibilities but activities would have to be arranged by or through the school.
One member of staff expressed concern over the road adjoining the playing field and whether the play area would be big enough for all the children.
In answer it was stated that there will be an opportunity to discuss with planners and to give input into the design if the proposal goes ahead.
If the proposal goes ahead does the authority have control over staff interests or will the shadow governing body be totally responsible?
It was explained that if the proposal goes ahead the shadow governing body will be established in 2014. The authority will establish the shadow governing body to make arrangements for the new school and to decide on the staffing structure. The authority will be at hand to offer any guidance. When the new school is opened, a full governing body will be established and the new body will include local elected members. There will be a system to ensure balance between the three area schools.
What is the time schedule for the shadow governing body to advertise jobs and appoint staff?
The post of head teacher will be advertised externally and hopefully the post will be advertised around the end of 2014. There are lessons to be learned from the timetable adopted for the appointment of head teacher at Ysgol Craig y Deryn and advertising earlier might be beneficial.
When will notices be issued to staff?
If the proposal goes ahead, staff will work closely with Personnél in an attempt to relocate them. If a member of staff does not succeed in gaining a post at the new school or being relocated, a 12 week notice is issued. Other suitable posts will be looked at for these staff members and help will be available for staff at every level.
Personnél stated that they will question the staff of the three schools regarding their wishes and will feed this information back to the shadow governing body as it arranges the staffing structure for the new school.
Will a bulletin or update on the situation be circulated?
Any developments regarding the proposal will be released through newsletters but if individuals require a more definite response they are welcome to contact the department or to get in touch with Personnél. Officers expressed sympathy over the fact that waiting for a decision was a very difficult time.
It was suggested that preparing ahead is important so that everything is ready once the decision is taken. Discussion took place over the possibility of establishing the shadow governing body earlier than advocated and relying on the group to give input into the preparations.
It was stated that once a decision is reached the task of establishing the body can go ahead.
What will be the process if existing staff leave their posts in the meantime?
The posts will be filled on a temporary basis in order to enable the school to be maintained.
How many staff members will there be at the new school?
It was explained that there will not be jobs for everyone at the new school. The number of staff is fully dependent on the decision of the shadow governing body regarding the staffing structure. Based on the budget available (again depending on the number of pupils) and past experience, it is likely that there will be the value of 6/7 teaching posts. The importance of contacting and working with personnel officers during this difficult time was emphasised.
Dewi Jones thanked the staff for attending and for their observations.
GOVERNORS STATUTORY MEETING YSGOL CARMEL 5:00, 16 APRIL 2013
The meeting was attended by 8 members of the governing body .
Welcome and Introductions
Dewi Jones, Head of Education welcomed everyone to the meeting. Council officers in attendance were introduced, namely: Coun. Sian Gwenllian – Cabinet Member for Education, Tony Bate – Primary Schools Organisation Lead Manager, Gwenan Parry – Head of Customer Care, Hefin Owen – Development Finance Manager, Iwan Evans – Legal Service Manager, Eluned Williams –Auxiliary Services Senior Officer, Ffion Williams – Secretary.
Presenting the proposal
In accordance with the wishes of the governors, no presentation was given. The governors explained that they were familiar with the documentation and that they preferred to proceed to the open discussion.
Open Forum – Observations and Questions
If a new school is established, what will the Council provide in terms of safe transport for the children of Carmel and Bronyfoel?
If the proposal goes ahead, the Council will provide two buses to transport the children free of charge to the new school. The authority provides free transport if pupils live further than two miles from school. Because the road from Carmel and Bronyfoel to Groeslon is known to be dangerous, those children who live less than two miles from the school will also be given free transport. There will be an escort on the bus for the first term and the arrangement will be reviewed at the end of this period. It was explained that the Area School and the Council would need to consider the transport needs for activities before and after school hours in order to ensure that the arrangements are suitable and all the children are treated fairly. There are a number of possibilities.
What will happen to the existing Breakfast Club?
It was explained that the Breakfast Club is optional and that the authority is not responsible for transport to the Club. It was agreed to look into the matter in greater detail for the sake of giving every pupil fair play and equal opportunities.
Will there be transport for activities outside school hours?
It was agreed that these matters need to be looked at in more detail and that the head teacher and the governing body need to look at the activities in question and take transport requirements into consideration.
A number expressed their concern over transferring the responsibility for the structure of the new school to the governing body. It was noted that the authority needs to shoulder some responsibility as well.
Several of those present asked about the savings involved with the plan.
In reply it was stated that savings would be returned to the primary sector after the area reorganisation. There will be a saving of £85,000 and of that sum £40,000 will go towards transport. Then 20% of the remaining £45,000 will stay within the catchment area. Discussion will take place between the governing body and the authority regarding the future of the budget and to ensure how best to use it for the benefit of the pupils’ education. It was suggested that there might be one plan which would make it possible to use the budget to cover transport for out of school hours transport for example.
Will there be an escort on the bus? Will “booster seats” be available? There is great concern over this issue in the area..
It was explained that the provision of transport would involve two buses. During the first term there would be an escort on each bus and after that initial period the arrangement would be reviewed. It was also explained that a number of people including the parents were responsible for ensuring that children reached school safely and that children were already being transported safely to school in all parts of the county.
Members reiterated the concerns of local parents regarding the transport arrangements. They stated that many of the parents wished to travel with their children in order to ensure their safety. They believed that if parents choose to send their children to schools outside the catchment area, the numbers at the new school would fall.
Will a bus stop be earmarked in keeping with the transport arrangements? It was emphasised that the road is dangerous and that this would be necessary.
The details of the transportation agreement has not yet been fully discussed. Further discussions will need to be conducted. It was stated that the Community Council was also part of the discussion.
A number expressed their concern for those parents who want their children to attend the Breakfast Club but to do not have a car. This needs to be considered so that every child is treated fairly.
It was noted that this challenge would be given consideration by the authority but it was added that the Breakfast Club was optional and that parents had some responsibility in this matter.
It was emphasised that it is important for the area to gain ownership of the new school . Why does a small school cost so much to build?
There is a list of requirements when a school is built. The requirements have to conform with the Welsh Government’s Twenty First Century Schools guidelines. The school will be built to a very high and environmental standard.
It was asked whether the price of the additional land in Groeslon was included in the budget of £4.8 million?
Discussions have been held between the Council and the landowner and a conditional agreement is in place. The land is part of the £4.8 million budget.
Will the public footpath on the Groeslon site be removed?
It was noted that the public footpath would need further attention during the planning process.
It was understood that a gas pipe runs underneath the additional land in Groeslon. Will this involve further cost to the plan?
It was stated that the authority is aware of the gas pipe and that this matter had been costed into the budget.
In view of the condition of Ysgol Groeslon, will the new school have a longer life span?
It is reassuring to learn that the new school plans ensure that the building will be a permanent one.
In considering alleviating measures, can you tell us what measures will be available?
It was agreed that change is difficult and that certainly closing a school will have a negative effect on the community. One alleviating measure would be making after use of the school building. The community would be given first offer of the building. It was explained that an Area Regeneration Officer would visit the school to discuss views and business plans, and maybe activities such as Mudiad Meithrin would continue in the school building.
Of the models that were considered for the area, it seemed that an area school model would promote the Welsh language. The model now under discussion had been compared with the multi school model which, according to the linguistic assessment, meant that 40% of the pupils from Welsh homes would be placed on one site. This would have caused great concern and was in part the reason for presenting the favoured option for statutory consultation. It is acknowledged that there might be a ‘dip’ in the Welsh language at the school in the beginning but it is hoped that this will only be temporary and that strong Welsh education will be ensured for the future.
A number expressed their disappointment with the linguistic assessment and the belief is that closing the school will harm rather than promote the Welsh language. The linguistic assessment is the view of one person only and is based on present day figures, not future figures. The belief is that if the children of Carmel and Bronyfoel do not attend the new school it will be 57% empty, which will involve more cost for the authority and for the Welsh Government. It was stated that the statutory document should be more balanced and should be more factual. It was also emphasised that the school is the heart of the community.
There was also a feeling that the whole process had been rushed on account of circumstances at Ysgol Groeslon and that the authority and the Welsh Government had not considered the whole catchment area. The catchment area should be looked at again in more detail.
In reply it was stated that back in 2010 a bid was submitted to the Welsh Government for a new school for Groeslon alone but the bid was not successful. As part of a wider financial bid the Council had received approval in principle from the Welsh Government for £4.84 million for the Groeslon area, based on 50:50 funding by the Council and the Welsh Government. In the present economic climate, the Council has to grasp every opportunity for rare funding and that is what the favoured proposal is trying to do.
We had to identify an area which offered itself so that the work could be moved ahead without delay. Every catchment area in turn will go through this process but because of special circumstances this particular area has been given priority.
It was noted that they felt that the area had not been offered all the possible options and models. Would it be possible to undertake a consultation on all the other options and models?
It was explained that the area panels had met and all possible options had been put before them. In the past the catchment area did not score very highly in the matrix but on account of special circumstances the time had come sooner than expected. From experience we know that opening a new school can lead to other districts establishing area schools. In the type of building which will be built there will be many possibilities, and the school could be extended in the future according to need. At present there are plans to ensure 10% additional places.
In view of the deterioration at Ysgol Groeslon, disappointment was expressed that the discussions held over seven years ago had been terminated. If the discussions had carried on, there would not be such a strong feeling that things were being rushed and it would not have been so much of a shock for the community. One member of the governors stated that discussions had been held with the parents in an effort to find out whether the new school would go ahead; if the parents refused to let their children attend, the school would not succeed.
Is there any evidence that the quality of the education is better at a new school?
It was explained that a new school offered new opportunities and better resources for the children and that the children would gain new and different experiences . It was explained that it had been shown that pupils’ attainment performance improves at every school where new buildings have been installed.
Concern was expressed over the relationship between the children of the various schools. It was explained that the communities worked hard and that maybe the new school would bring the communities together and strengthen the catchment area.
If the proposal goes ahead, what will happen if pupils are lost to other schools before the new school opens? This will affect the staffing structure and the budget of the new school.
It was agreed that this will be a challenge. It was explained that timing is all important and that further discussion with the school was needed.
Dewi Jones thanked the governors for clearly voicing their views and concerns.
PARENTS STATUTORY MEETING YSGOL CARMEL 6:30, 16 APRIL 2013
Over 50 parents attended the meeting.
Welcome and Introductions
Dewi Jones, Head of Education welcomed everyone to the meeting. Council officers in attendance were introduced, namely: Coun. Sian Gwenllian – Cabinet Member for Education, Tony Bate – Primary Schools Organisation Lead Manager, Gwenan Parry – Head of Customer Care, Eluned Williams –Auxiliary Services Senior Officer, Ffion Williams – Secretary.
Presenting the proposal
A presentation was given by Tony Bate in which he put forward details of the proposal and made reference to elements such as the quality of education, class sizes, pupil numbers, leadership and staffing, impact on the community, impact on the Welsh language, teaching environment, financial resources and geographical factors. Dafydd Gibbard put forward a number of matters to be considered with regard to choice of site and presented a conceptual plan to convey what could be included as part of the new area school. Sandra Evans explained certain personnel matters, including the help available for staff during the process. Following the presentation the meeting was open for discussion and to receive questions and observations.
Open Forum – Observations and Questions
Who was responsible for the risk assessment on the sites placed on the short list?
In keeping with the criteria requirements, the architects were responsible for the assessment.
There was a feeling that the linguistic assessment was incorrect. It was stated that the children of Bronyfoel and Carmel were Welsh speaking and that closing the school would have a more negative effect on the language because young families would leave the area. As a result the area would become Anglicised..
Why have only three schools been included in the plan?
In reply it was stated that back in 2010 a bid was submitted to the Welsh Government for a new school for Groeslon alone but the bid was not successful. As part of a wider financial bid the Council had received approval in principle from the Welsh Government for £4.84 million for the Groeslon area, based on 50:50 funding by the Council and the Welsh Government. The Council had to look at the plans within a County perspective.
We had to identify an area which offered itself and which would move the work ahead more rapidly. Every catchment area in turn will undergo the same process but on account of special circumstances the area in question has been given priority.
It was felt that matters were being rushed and that this was not fair. Would it be possible to extend the statutory consultation period?
It was stated that the length of the statutory consultation period had been stipulated by the Welsh Government. This is the period of time when observations and views are gathered and included in a report to the Cabinet and the government.
Do the councillors of Gwynedd support the plan?
It was explained that the plan had been submitted to the ten members of Gwynedd Council Cabinet for permission to consult.
Regarding the plan, how much pressure did the assembly put on the Council?
It was explained that the Council had attempted to attract Twenty First Century Schools funding to improve schools in Gwynedd. A budget of £18 million has come from the Welsh Government and equal funding has to come from Cyngor Gwynedd. In order to gain equal funding we need to put together a plan which the Government will support.
In the future will we see area schools and not individual schools?
Needs differ from area to area. For example, Ysgol Bro Pedr has 12,000 pupils and one head teacher. In the existing plan there will be savings of £45,000 which will be fed back into the education system. These savings will be permanent, and 20% will be given to the area where reorganisation has taken place. This is not a plan for savings alone.
How many teachers will lose their jobs?
It was explained that there will not be jobs for everyone at the new school. The shadow governing body will decide on the staffing structure. Based on the budget available (again depending on the number of pupils) and previous experience it is likely that there will be the value of around 6/7 teaching posts. Support for staff will be available from Personnel throughout this difficult period.
It was stated that parents felt that Ysgol Carmel was being penalised on account of the state of Ysgol Groeslon. Ysgol Groeslon has been left to deteriorate over the years.
What can be achieved with the money saved, namely £45,000?
In explanation it was stated that the savings will contribute towards every school budget in Gwynedd. Every penny helps.
It was felt that the savings do not justify closing schools and tearing communities apart.
What after use will be made of the buildings at Ysgol Carmel and Ysgol Bronyfoel? Will the roads be improved and a better standard of transport be established?
It was stated that at the moment there are no plans to improve the roads but on account of the condition of the roads there will be permanent transport for the pupils. The first offer to purchase the building will be given to the community and an Area Regeneration Officer will visit the school to discuss ideas and business plans. If the community does not show an interest in the building it will be placed on the open market.
Where will the children be picked up?
It was noted that further discussions will be held on these matters.
How much will transport cost every year?
Transport cost will be £45,000 per year.
Will there be an escort on the bus?
It was explained that two buses will be provided. During the first term there will be an escort on the bus and at the end of that time the arrangement will be reviewed.. A number of people, including the parents, share the responsibility for children reaching school safely and that pupils are already being transported successfully to school across the County.
Several parents noted the negative effect on children if they are transported to school in a car or bus rather than going on foot or by bicycle.
Will there be transport for nursery pupils?
It was explained that there is no arrangement for transporting nursery pupils in the Council’s transport policy at the moment. There will be a nursery class at the new school but further discussions are needed on transport issues to see what arrangements can be made.
Will there be transport to the Breakfast Club or to after school activities?
The Breakfast Club and after school activities are optional and the authority has no responsibility for transporting children to/from them. It was agreed to look at the matter in greater detail to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for every pupil.
In the light of the above, concern was expressed regarding children deciding to walk home from after school clubs if there is no transport provided. In view of the condition of the road there is a real danger of accidents if this is the case.
What are the arrangements if a child is ill?
It was noted that arrangements for such incidents were already in place.
Parents expressed their wish to see the nursery group continuing in the community. It was explained that without the nursery group there is a danger that the hall would also close. The budget created by the nursery group helps towards the upkeep of the hall.
It was asked whether the architects had looked at maintenance issues at Ysgol Carmel.
The existing building at Ysgol Carmel is secure but the requirements of the Welsh Government are such that we have to look at the wider picture.
Why not build a cheaper school?
There are a number of requirements when building a school. We have to conform with the Twenty First Century Schools Guidelines from the Welsh Assembly. The school will be constructed to a very high and environmental standard. We have to conform with the Welsh Government Criteria in order to receive the funding.
It was stated that obviously Groeslon needed a new school, but cannot the Council finance the construction of its own schools?
If the Council were to finance the construction of a school at Groeslon it would affect the entire Education budget. By doing this the department would drain its own resources and draw money from other plans e.g. Ysgol Hafod Lon and other schemes.
What will happen if the number of pupils at the new school do not reach 160?
This is a possibility but from experience we find that a new school attracts pupils. Any change is difficult but the pupils have to be supported.
Are there 30% fewer pupils at Ysgol Groeslon now than there were in 1978?
The numbers have fallen but the condition of the building has contributed towards this.
If the new school goes ahead, how many years will it take for the school to pay for itself?
It was explained that it is not just money that drives the plan forward. Some factors are more important than others and there are a number of different factors.
How will the building improve the standard of the children’s education?
It was explained that a new school offers better resources and opportunities for the children and that there is an added quality of experience which will benefit the pupils. According to past experience, the attainment and performance levels of the pupils improve at every school with new buildings. It will be a challenge for the Council and for the councillors of Gwynedd to show how the community has gained from establishing the school.
Will there be an escort available whilst the children are waiting for the bus?
It is the parents’ responsibility to look after the children while they wait for the bus. It will be necessary to note the pick up points in the plans at a future date and to identify specific places.
The school and the community work together hand in hand. How will the new school maintain the same relationship e.g. for coffee evenings etc?
The arrangements for activities held at the school will have to be prioritised. This will be a challenge for the new school since there is plenty of support.
A number expressed concern over the site at Groeslon on account of flood risks. It was explained that an assessment had been undertaken by specialists and the points made will be passed on.
Will the gas pipe which runs through the additional land at Groeslon be an extra cost for the plan? What about the electricity cable?
In answer it was stated that the authority is aware of the gas pipe and that it has been costed into the budget. They were not aware of any problems with the electricity cable but the observations will be noted.
If the additional land is not sustainable, is there another plan?
It was noted that this is the favoured plan and that no other plan is being considered.
Is it possible for the public to see the business plan?
The plan will be available for the public to inspect.
It was noted that some were unhappy about the criteria and did not agree with some of the assessments. It was stated that the document was suspicious.
A number expressed the feeling that the decision had already been taken and that the views of the parents would not make any difference.
Why had no consultation been held before the business plan was put together?
It was explained that the consultation had not yet been held. The statutory document explains the proposal and all the documentation has to be gathered before the final plan can be put together.
What will happen if the plan costs in excess of £4.8 million?
If this happens it will be a challenge which the Council must solve.
Why was a new school built for Hendre but not for Groeslon?
Ysgol yr Hendre came under a different programme with different budgetary conditions a number of years ago. There was a grant available for building Ysgol yr Hendre and the authority took advantage of the opportunity.
Why cannot the budget be shared with £2 million being spent on building a new school at Groeslon and £2 million for the maintenance of Ysgol Carmel and Ysgol Bronyfoel?
In reply it was explained that building a school at Groeslon was going to cost in excess of £2 million and that government guidelines did not allow the budget to be shared. The budget is based on a wider catchment area.
If the school is closed, can the school be run independently?
This would be a matter for the community if it was a serious consideration.
Who will sit on the governing board?
The shadow governing body will be established by the authority to prepare for the new school and to decide on the staffing structure. When the new school is open the full governing body will be established. The new body will include local elected member. There will be a system for ensuring that the three schools are evenly represented.
Will the points made at this meeting be submitted to the government?
It was explained that all the documentation will be submitted to the government if there is any objection to the statutory notice.
Some expressed concern regarding the recent Estyn results at Ysgol yr Hendre in the light of what had been said about a new school improving the quality of education.
It was explained that the results had arisen from leadership and management problems at the school.
Dewi Jones thanked the parents for expressing their views and concerns so clearly.
SUMMARY OF THE MAIN POINTS MADE BY AUDIENCES AT THE STATUTORY MEETINGS HELD AT YSGOL CARMEL
• Concern over several aspects of the transport issue. Concern over transport to a nursery provision, the breakfast club and after school activities and the escort on the bus.
• Concern over the health and safety of pupils on the site on account of the public footpath and flooding problems.
• Concerns on the post use of the buildings if the scheme proceeds.
• The constitution and timetable for establishing the shadow governing body to decide on the staffing structure.
• Concern over the teaching and support staff posts available for staff during the transition period. A request for a joint meeting for all members of staff of the three school if the proposal goes ahead.
• How much true input from parents? Concern that expressing their views would have no effect.
• Concerns over the effect on the Welsh language .
• What will be left in the community once the school is closed? Community impact .
• Concerns over the ownership of the new school. It is essential that the new school is not seen as a school for Groeslon alone.
STAFF STATUTORY MEETING YSGOL BRONYFOEL 4:00, 15 APRIL 2013
6 members of staff were present, including the head teacher, teaching staff and auxiliary staff.
Welcome and Introductions
Dewi Jones, Head of Education welcomed everyone to the meeting. Council officers in attendance were introduced, namely: Coun. Sian Gwenllian – Cabinet Member for Education, Tony Bate – Primary Schools Organisation Lead Manager, Dafydd Gibbard – Corporate Property Manager, Hefin Owen – Development Finance Manager, Iwan Evans – Legal Service Manager, Sandra Evans – Senior Personnel Officer, Nia Gruffudd – Personnel Officer, Eluned Williams –Auxiliary Services Senior Officer, Ffion Williams – Secretary.
Presenting the proposal
A presentation was given by Tony Bate in which he put forward details of the proposal and made reference to elements such as the quality of education, class sizes, pupil numbers, leadership and staffing, impact on the community, impact on the Welsh language, teaching environment, financial resources and geographical factors. Dafydd Gibbard put forward a number of matters to be considered with regard to choice of site and presented a conceptual plan to convey what could be included as part of the new area school. Sandra Evans explained certain personnel matters, including the help available for staff during the process. Following the presentation the meeting was open for discussion and to receive questions and observations.
Open Forum – Observations and Questions
The Head Teacher of Ysgol Bronyfoel led the questioning on behalf of the staff.
If the new area school is built in Groeslon, how can you ensure full ownership of the new area school for the children of Bronyfoel?
It was explained that if the proposal goes forward, ownership will be shared between Bronyfoel, Carmel and Groeslon. It was emphasised that the school should be recognised as an area school and not as Ysgol Groeslon.
One way of doing this would be to establish an action group to participate in the task of designing the school and to hold sessions with pupils to discuss various elements of its design.
Is it possible to establish a project for the children to feel that they are part of the new school?
In answer it was explained that a project had been established for the children who are about to attend Ysgol Bro Dysynni. The project works towards developing relationships between the children as they work on the project. It was also explained that once the shadow governing body is established, arrangements will be made for the operation of the new school. The Authority will nominate local members to sit on the shadow governing body and this will ensure ownership from the three areas. Will present staff retain their jobs? How many members of staff will there be at the new school?
It was explained that there will not be jobs for everyone at the new school. The number of staff is fully dependent on the decision of the shadow governing body regarding the staffing structure. Based on the budget available (again depending on the number of pupils) and past experience, it is likely that there will be the value of 6/7 teaching posts. The importance of contacting and working with personnel officers during this difficult time was emphasised.
What will happen if a member of staff is not successful in a bid for relocation?
Personnel officers will be on hand at all times to discuss staff relocation. It was explained that further discussions would have to be held with staff regarding support and skills. If a post has to be terminated, a 12 week notice will be given. It was also added that if opportunities for other posts appear these members of staff will be given an interview. It is important that staff are protected and supported. The importance of offering and encouraging opportunities within other schools was also emphasised. The authority invests in its staff therefore it is of vital importance that the skills and the experience is not confined to one school.
What will happen to the school equipment if the school closes?
If the condition of the equipment is acceptable, it can be transferred to the new school. Regarding the budget, the budget will follow the pupils. Any remaining equipment will be distributed among schools in the catchment area and thereafter among other schools within the county.
What will happen in terms of after use of the building?
The first step in terms of after use of the building will be to give the community the first offer. It was explained that an Area Regeneration Officer will visit the school to discuss ideas and business plans. If the community does not show an interest in the building, then it will be placed on the open market.
Who will look after the building if the school closes?
It was stated that a caretaker from Cyngor Gwynedd will be employed for one hour per day to look after the building.
One member of staff expressed disappointment that the community will suffer if the school closes. The feeling is that without the school, families will not be attracted to the area. This is a great pity and there is no doubt that closing the school has a negative effect on the area.
Who will be responsible for clearing out the building?
It was explained that the head teacher, staff and governors would receive advice and help with this and that there further guidance would be given regarding sensitive information.
The head teacher voiced the concern of parents regarding transport. What process will be adopted?
If the proposal goes ahead, there will be funding available for two buses to provide free transport for the children to the new school. There will be an escort on the coach for the first term and this arrangement will be reviewed at the end of this period. It was explained that the area school and the Council would have to discuss transport arrangements for activities held before and after school hours so that all the children are treated fairly. It was noted that there are many possibilities.
One member of staff voiced her concern regarding the number of pupils attending the new school and whether there will be a special unit for children to receive “one to one” sessions?
Assurance was given that every child in every school within the county is given appropriate support.
Dewi Jones thanked staff for attending and for their observations.
GOVERNORS STATUTORY MEETING YSGOL BRONYFOEL 5:10, 15 APRIL 2013
5 members of the governing body were present.
Welcome and Introductions
Dewi Jones, Head of Education welcomed everyone to the meeting. Council officers in attendance were introduced, namely: Coun. Sian Gwenllian – Cabinet Member for Education, Tony Bate – Primary Schools Organisation Lead Manager, Dafydd Gibbard – Corporate Property Manager, Hefin Owen – Development Finance Manager, Iwan Evans – Legal Service Manager, Sandra Evans – Senior Personnel Officer, Nia Gruffudd – Personnel Officer, Eluned Williams –Auxiliary Services Senior Officer, Ffion Williams – Secretary.
Presenting the proposal
A presentation was given by Tony Bate in which he put forward details of the proposal and made reference to elements such as the quality of education, class sizes, pupil numbers, leadership and staffing, impact on the community, impact on the Welsh language, teaching environment, financial resources and geographical factors. Dafydd Gibbard put forward a number of matters to be considered with regard to choice of site and presented a conceptual plan to convey what could be included as part of the new area school. Sandra Evans explained certain personnel matters, including the help available for staff during the process. Following the presentation the meeting was open for discussion and to receive questions and observations.
Open Forum – Observations and Questions
Has the additional playing field on the Groeslon site been purchased?
Discussions are under way between the Council and the landowner and an agreement has been reached.
It was noted that there was concern that the route of a public footpath goes through the site of the new school. Will there be a safety system with regard to this?
If the plan is approved the architects will plan a safety system which will conform with the health and safety of children guidelines required for every school. It was agreed that the public footpath was a matter which will require further attention when the new school is designed.
What will happen to the existing pupils at Ysgol Groeslon whilst the new school is being constructed?
In explanation it was stated that there is a possibility that the pupils of Ysgol Groeslon will be relocated during the construction period of the new school. It was agreed that the situation was not ideal but that this had been the case during the construction phase at other schools e.g. Ysgol O M Edwards and had been very successful. It is of vital importance that the transition does not affect the pupils or their education. From previous experience we have found that it will be important to establish a relationship between contractors and the head teacher and that health and safety will be of prime importance whilst the plan is under development and a challenge for the architect.
A request was made for a meeting for the entire staff of the three schools together on one site since all the staff are in the same situation. It is vital that everyone receives the same messages at the same time.
Why was no consideration given to the site at Ysgol Bronyfoel? A multi-site school?
It was explained that architects had made an assessment of the possible sites. In considering possible sites for the Area School, in keeping with planning policies and Government requirements, four locations were placed on the short list. In terms of suitability, the architects had to take into consideration size, technology, flood dangers, traffic impact, planning and development costs. The site that came to the forefront in terms of very low risks was the existing site at Ysgol Groeslon with an extension added to it. It was also explained that the majority of pupils live closer to the Groeslon site and that this would involve less travel for the majority of the pupils in the area. A Multi Site Area School would not solve the problems of the whole area and a suitable site had to be found. There are a number of conditions and standards to be met and the assessment has shown that a Multi Site Area School would not be cost effective.
Several noted their concern regarding after use of the school building and whether the community would be able to maintain it. The importance of ownership by the community was emphasised and it was suggested that discussions should be held with the Community Council regarding the future of the building.
What arrangements will there be regarding transport to the new school?
If the proposal goes ahead, there will be funding available for two buses to provide free transport for the children to the new school. There will be an escort on the coach for the first term and this arrangement will be reviewed at the end of this period. It was explained that the Area school and the Council would have to discuss transport arrangements for activities held before and after school hours so that all the children are treated fairly. It was noted that there are many possibilities.
What is the time schedule for implementing the plan?
It was stated that if the proposal is approved, before the construction phase commences it will be necessary to establish a user group so that the group can give an input into the design process. School pupils had already started thinking of ideas for the new school. It was agreed that holding joint activities for the pupils of the three schools would be useful so that every school would gain the feeling of ownership.
What will be the constitution of the new governing body?
In answer it was stated that a shadow governing body would be established by the authority to prepare for the new school and to decide on the staffing structure. After the new school is opened a full governing body will be established. The new body will include local elected members. A system will be established to give each of the three schools balanced membership within the governing body.
What will happen to the present staff at the school?
It was explained that there will not be jobs for everyone at the new school. The number of staff is fully dependent on the decision of the shadow governing body regarding the staffing structure. Based on the budget available (again depending on the number of pupils) and past experience, it is likely that there will be the value of 6/7 teaching posts. The Personnel Officers stated that support will be available for staff during this difficult time.
A number stated the importance of trying to see the change in a positive light and to co-operate with Ysgol Groeslon and Ysgol Carmel to ensure that the future of the pupils is safe.
Dewi Jones thanked the governors for conveying their observations and concerns so clearly.
PARENTS STATUTORY MEETING YSGOL BRONYFOEL 6:30, 15 APRIL 2013
18 parents attended the meeting.
Welcome and Introductions
Dewi Jones, Head of Education welcomed everyone to the meeting. Council officers in attendance were introduced, namely: Coun. Sian Gwenllian – Cabinet Member for Education, Tony Bate – Primary Schools Organisation Lead Manager, Dafydd Gibbard – Corporate Property Manager, Hefin Owen – Development Finance Manager, Iwan Evans – Legal Service Manager, Eluned Williams –Auxiliary Services Senior Officer, Ffion Williams – Secretary.
Presenting the proposal
A full presentation was not given at the request of the audience to proceed immediately with the open discussion.
Open Forum – Observations and Questions
Who would be responsible for the children once they were on the bus?
It was explained that two buses would be provided free of charge. During the first term there would be an escort on the bus and at the end of the first term the arrangement would be reviewed. Across the county, responsibility for the children and their safety on their way to school was already shouldered by a combination of people, including the parents. When Ysgol Bro Dysynni opens in September 2013, the same type of arrangement will be implemented.
With regard to transport, what would happen in incidents of hard weather. Because of the location of the village of Fron, transport in hard weather is a challenge for the residents.
It was explained that arrangements are in place at every school for incidents of hard weather or when a child is sick and it is the duty of the parents and the head teacher to co-operate for the benefit of the pupils.
One parent asked about transport for her child who has additional learning needs.
It was assured that provision is given no matter where the child lives.
Would free transport be available for the nursery class pupils?
In response it was stated that at the moment there is no transport provided for nursery age children under the Council’s transport policy. It was explained that there would be a nursery class in the new school but that further discussions would be needed on transport to see what arrangements could be made.
Why was the Groeslon site chosen rather than the Carmel or Fron sites?
It was explained that an assessment of possible sites had been undertaken by architects. In considering possible sites for an area school in the light of planning policies and Government requirements, four locations were placed on the short list. In terms of suitability, the architects had to consider size, technology, flooding risks, traffic impact, planning and development cost. In terms of low risks, the site that was the most suitable was the existing site at Ysgol Groeslon with an added extension. It was also pointed out that the majority of the pupils live closer to the Groeslon site and that it would involve less travelling for the majority of the pupils.
Several people expressed their disappointment regarding the closure because without a school there is no community.
One observer noted that he felt that the Council only wanted to save money and was not interested in improving education.
What was the main reason for closing Ysgol Bronyfoel?
In reply it was stated that a number of factors were considered when a school is reorganised. These include the quality of the education, class sizes, pupil numbers, leadership and staffing, community and language, learning environment, financial resources and geographical factors. Considering this, there is no single specific reason.
Why penalise Ysgol Bronyfoel for the deterioration of Ysgol Groeslon?
It was explained that back in 2010 a bid had been submitted for a new school for Groeslon alone but the bid was unsuccessful. As part of a wider financial bid the Council has received approval in principle from the Welsh Government for £4.84 million for Y Groeslon area, based on 50:50 funding by the Council and the Welsh Government. The Council has to look at the plans within a County context. In the present economic climate every opportunity for rare funding has to be grasped and the favoured proposal attempts to do this.
Has the additional land for Ysgol Groeslon been purchased already? Is the cost in addition to the £4.8 million?
Discussions have been held between the Council and the landowner and an agreement has been made. The price of the land is included in the £4.8 million.
Who was responsible for the linguistic assessment? There was a feeling that the assessment did not truly reflect the community.
An independent consultant undertook the assessment. Background information was provided for the officer but the officer was not involved with the project. The research was carried out by visiting the three schools and obtaining information from the Head Teachers, with emphasis placed on the use of the Welsh language. The report concluded that one model considered would have a worse effect on the language than the Area School model.
What will happen to the Head Teacher of Ysgol Bronyfoel?
The first step in establishing the area school will be to form a shadow governing body. The shadow governing body will then appoint a head teacher and decide on the staffing structure. It was noted that the post of head teacher would be advertised externally.
To whom does the school building and land belong?
It was explained that the school building and land were the property of Cyngor Gwynedd.
Parents expressed their concern regarding a public footpath close to the Groeslon site. In terms of the children’s safety, what protection will be available?
The safety of the pupils is of primary importance to any school. If the plan is approved the architects will plan a safety system which will conform with the health and safety of children guidelines required for every school. It was agreed that the public footpath was a matter which will require further attention when the new school is designed.
In 2010 there was a plan to build a new school at Groeslon; if the plan had been successful, would the present situation still exist? If the present bid is not successful, is there another plan which can be implemented?
It was explained that the Council would have to look again at the plan. The audience was reminded that in 2010 the bid was for a new school for Groeslon alone. As part of a wider bid the Council has received approval in principle from the Welsh Government for £4.84 million for the Groeslon area, based on 50:50 funding by the Council and the Welsh Government.
Construction of a school for £2.4 million would be impossible. A brand new school will have to be built, it is not possible to upgrade the majority of the existing buildings at Ysgol Groeslon. More than half the money would be needed for this because of the need for stores, hall, kitchen, staff area, reception etc. The only saving would be the number of classes. Therefore if three quarters of the school remains, around three quarters of the money will be needed, namely £3.63 million.
To build a new school for Groeslon alone, the Council would have to fund the project on its own. The money available from the Council for the benefit of pupils is limited. If the Council put more money towards the Groeslon plan, another school (e.g. Glancegin where the building is also in a very poor condition) would have to be told that the money earmarked for them is being spent on the pupils at Groeslon.
The Council has to look at the plans from a County perspective. In the present economic climate every opportunity for rare funding has to be grasped, and that is what the favoured proposal is trying to do.
Dewi Jones thanked the parents for putting forward clearly their views and concerns.
SUMMARY OF THE MAIN POINTS FROM THE AUDIENCES OF THE STATUTORY MEETINGS AT YSGOL BRONYFOEL
• Concerns over health and safety issues on the site due to the public footpath and flooding problems.
• Constitution and timing of establishing the shadow governing body, deciding on the staffing structure.
• Concerns over staff jobs and the support available for staff during the transition period. A request for a meeting for all the staff of the three schools together if the proposal goes ahead.
• How much true input do the parents have? Concerns that expressing their views will have no effect.
• Concerns over a number of transport issues. Concerns over transport to a nursery provision, breakfast club and after school activities and the provision of an escort on the bus.
• Concerns over the effect on the Welsh language
• What will be left in the community when the school closes? Impact on the comm unity
Appendix 4
Children and Young People Consultation
Consultation for Children and Young People
In order to gain the views of the pupils at the schools affected by the proposal, each school was offered the choice of either completing a special questionnaire compiled by a facilitator for children and young people or holding a session with a specialist children and young people facilitator.
All the schools decided to complete questionnaires and submit them to the Education Department. It was explained to the children that Gwynedd Council is planning to close the schools at Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel and build a brand new are school in Groeslon. They were asked for their views on this matter via the following questions: 1) How do you feel about this? 2) Does anything about this concern you? 3) What are you looking forward to most? 4) What are the most important things for you in a school?
These are the responses received, school by school.
Ysgol Groeslon (Questionnaires completed class by class – nursery class, class years 3 and 4, class years 5 and 6) 1) How do you feel about this? Infants Class Class Years 3 and 4 ☺ 03 ☺ 28 11 0 01 03 Class Years 5 and 6 ☺ 01 Suggestion from the children – have events or days when the children from the three 12 schools come together so that they can get to know each other. 06 2) Does anything about this concern you? Infants Class • Worried about losing friends • Feel frightened if there are builders around the school building • We don’t want this school to be demolished! • We are lucky to have a large playground here in Groeslon, so we will be sad if the playground is very small • We are worried about new teachers – we are happy with our staff Years 3 and 4 Class • It isn’t fair on the other schools • The new school will be too big • Worried about little children from Carmel and Bronyfoel who don’t have a car and who have to come to school on the bus • Where will we be taught whilst the new school is being built? Years 5 and 6 Class • Feel that the school is not located centrally for all the children – some have to travel further to the area school • What will happen to the teachers – will we have new, strange teachers? • Historical point – I feel pity for the people who have been taught here throughout the years
3) What are you looking forward to most? Infants Class • Having more friends because there will be more children there • Having new equipment / things • Having a large new playground • Having new recesses in the classroom Years 3 and 4 Class • Having new friends • Having a safe and secure school • Having a new class Years 5 and 6 Class • Having the chance of making new friends • Looking forward to having a new building 4) What are the most important things for you in a school? Infants Class • Friends • A happy class • Good teachers • Being cared for • Having interesting work and learning Years 3 and 4 Class • Learning • Having friends at the school • Having a healthy school – fruit shop and a healthy dinner. Years 5 and 6 Class • 17 out of 19 pupils said that ‘Friends’ are the most important of all • 2 said that ‘Learning’ is the most important
Ysgol Carmel (had completed the questionnaires by year with years 1, 2, and 3 and by pupil with years 4, 5, 6) Comments Number of Comments 1) How do you feel about this? Year 1 Year 2 ☺ 0 ☺ 0 0 0 8 7 Year 3 Years 4, 5, 6 ☺ 0 ☺ 0 0 3 7 10 2) Does anything about this concern you? Year 1 • Worried about waiting for and travelling on the bus • Too many children in the big school • Not knowing everybody • Take longer to get to school • I won’t know where to go and where everything is • Frightened of big children on the bus – they might be nasty • I’ll miss the little children in the class • Waste of petrol Year 2 • Scared of bullying • Waiting for the bus – scared that the bus won’t come, or break down, or getting hurt on the bus, or getting sick on the bus • Waiting for the bus at the side of the road – get wet, afraid that someone will steal me or that a car will hit us • Scared of being sick at the school and can’t get home • More children • New teachers • Mum doesn’t drive, fetching us from after school clubs Year 3 • Not knowing anyone • Bullies – children being nasty • Small children having to travel on the bus • Losing friends from the previous school • Bad weather – snow – how will we get home? • Classes too big Years 4, 5, 6 • Bullying 13 • Small children (nursery) travelling alone on the bus 9 • Teachers losing their jobs 12 • No safe place for younger children to play 5 • School too big 5 • What will happen to Carmel school building? 10 • Too many English 2 • Losing friends 2 • If it snows, how will we get home? 2 • Small children frightened 5 • What will happen to the hall and the Nursery Group? 5 • Kill the community 4
3) What are you looking forward to most? Year 1 • Make new friends • Perhaps the playground will be bigger • Perhaps the classroom will be bigger • A building which looks good • New computers • New toys Year 2 • New friends • New equipment • More computers • More children to play with • New clothes • A hall to have lunch • New toilets • New reading corners Year 3 • Modern school with modern resources and iPads • More resources – not having to share resources • Making new friends • New teachers • Wide choice of books in the library Years 4, 5, 6 • Plenty of room for year 4 class – years 5/6 class and year 3/4 class 6 • Plenty of space in the yard 5 • New friends 11 • Modern resources e.g. iPads 10 • Large modern school 7 • Lockers for storing resources 4 • A school hall – to have food 5 • New teachers 2 4) What are the most important things for you in a school? Year 1 Year 2 • Enjoying coming to school and having fun • Friends • Learning and doing work • Kind and helpful teachers • Friends • A nice, colourful classroom • Everyone being kind • Breakfast Club • After school club • Plenty of resources Year 3 • Rules • Make new friends • Nice, smart uniform • Having a kind teacher • That there are rules to follow
Years 4, 5, 6 • Make friends / Likeable friends / Little children 13 • Being happy 1 • The teachers being nice 12 • A large hall for eating 1 • Work and homework 6 • Library / New books 4 • Rules 2 • Plenty of space for playing 5 • Little children 2
Ysgol Bronyfoel (questionnaires completed pupil by pupil) Comments Number of Comments 1) How do you feel about this? ☺ 6* 3* 10 * 3 had ticked ☺ and together • I don’t want Ysgol Bronyfoel, Ysgol Carmel or Ysgol Groeslon to close 5 • It would cost less than £200,000 to renovate Bronyfoel and Carmel schools and for the Groeslon 1 children to come to Bronyfoel and Carmel schools • It is a waste of money to build a new school 3 • I’m happy at Ysgol Bronyfoel 5 • Don’t want to go to the new school 4 • Afraid 1 • Happy, a little bit nervous 1 • I’m happy because I want a new school 2 • Shy / nervous 2 • I feel sad 5 • Looking forward to making new friends 1 • Sad for a village to lose its school 1 • Groeslon needs a new school, not Carmel and Bronyfoel 1 2) Does anything about this concern you? • I’m worried about children of three going on a school bus with children up to year six / How are 4 nursery children going to get to school? • I’m worried about what will happen to the school buildings at Bronyfoel and Carmel because there is 3 only a school at Fron and without the school the village won’t have a place for playing bingo or for voting, the school is the only community building – it will affect Y Fron community • I’m worried about the children at the new school because there might be bullies there / no bullies at 7 Ysgol Bronyfoel • Worried about getting lost in a large school 4 • Shy 1 • Afraid 1 • Happy at Bronyfoel 1 • Going on the bus / Missing the bus / Going on the bus on my own / Wrong bus 5 • Having a new teacher / Want to keep present teacher / Worried about nasty teachers 4 • Worried about who will cook 1 • Worried that there will be lots of children there 1 • Nasty children who kick and bite 1 • I don’t know the ethos 1 • Not making new friends / Nervous about making new friends 5 • Worried about lots of children – the children of Bronyfoel are not used to being in a big school / Too 2 many children at the school • What if something happens to the children and parents cannot get to the school? 1 • How will parents reach the parents’ evening when some of them don’t drive a car? 1
3) What are you looking forward to most? • Meeting new children and making new friends 8 • More teachers 1 • More space for playing 2 • Not looking forward to the new school because I don’t want Ysgol Bronyfoel to close – it is a sad time 5 for the school, not a time for looking forward • Not looking forward because it is a waste of money – I have moved into the school and it is special 2 • Not looking forward because I don’t want a new school • Nothing – it will be sad to leave this school / I only want to move from here to Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle 3 • Looking forward to being in a new class with more girls! 2 • Trying out different food / school dinner 1 • Playing the guitar 2 • Work 1 • Having new computers 1 • New school 1 • There is plenty of room to play and we have a lot of technical equipment at Ysgol Bronyfoel – I prefer 1 a small school and a school which fits in with the surrounding area 1 4) What are the most important things for you in a school? • Good friends / friends who welcome you when you arrive 9 • Computers 10 • The staff of Ysgol Bronyfoel being at the new school 2 • Having kind teachers to help us / friendly teachers 13 • Being able to continue to work in maths groups like in Ysgol Bronyfoel 1 • Everybody happy in a happy school / children happy / everybody being kind to each other 5 • Lots of play space on the playground / good games / things to play with outside 5 • Ysgol Bronyfoel is clean, tidy and safe and the teachers are kind 1 • A safe place / feeling safe 3 • Tasty food 1 • Flowers 1 • Toys / Good books 3 • Interesting lessons 4 • Swimming pool 1 • No bullies 1 • Not having to go out in the rain 1
Appendix 5
Analysis and Council’s Response to Comments Received During the Statutory Consultation Period
Responses to the Statutory Consultation on the Proposal to Close Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel schools on 31 August 2015 and to establish an Area School on the existing site at Ysgol Groeslon on 1 September 2015
87 written responses were received
Numberof Responses Comme Includingthe Comment Code Code
nts Comments Gwynedd Council
1 Education 1.1 Excellent education at Carmel school, the children make good 6 The Authority has no concerns regarding the quality of the education in the schools, the progress; regarding academic ability – can read and write with results of the latest Estyn inspections are evidence of this. confidence and speak Welsh fluently. / Nothing wrong with the 5 education at Carmel and Bronyfoel schools – can the Council The Authority believes that the education provision within this proposal would maintain prove otherwise? / The staff at Ysgol Carmel do amazing work / and in some ways improve the quality of the education provided to pupils attending the Why punish schools which are successful? / There has been no area school. The proposal would stabilise the provision in the area and would mean that it mention of weaknesses in educational standards or any faults at is a viable and starong provision for the future. There would be an opportunity for pupils Ysgol Carmel in the Early Years review published by the Council. to be educated in larger groups of peers with more teachers who could share their The Council would not have considered closing the school had it expertise. Indeed, when appointing staff for the new establishment it is a condition in the not been for building defects at Ysgol Y Groeslon / Estyn reports County’s alternative appointment policy (which is relevant to reorganisation such as we confirm that the education provided by the teachers across the have here) to guarantee an interview for members of staff who are employed at the three school is consistently good or better / In the Estyn report on existing schools. The governors of the new school will have a choice from among teaching Ysgol Carmel (January 2011) it states in the improvements forecast and auxiliary staff to join the school team and to continue to maintain the high standards. that “strong community partnerships exist which helps the strong ethos and the commitment of the school to the local area”. Closing Regarding the need to ensure control over the changeover, the Council is aware that the school would certinly break these connections and rob the change in the provision of education is difficult and creates uncertainty. Messages were village of regular temporal events which confirm the close received during the consultation that if the proposal is confirmed there is a wish for the relationship between school and community / Ysgol Carmel is a discussions to develop and to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible. happy and homely school / The children are happy there. 1.2 The standard at Ysgol Bronyfoel is excellent and children from the 6 Fron area and neighbouring villages come there for special education, the teachers are professional and kind.
1.3 The children’s education will be affected / The proposal is harmful 6 to the standard of education – children lose out and in the long run will under perform.
1.4 Is the Council aware that this plan can have devasttaing effect on 12 It is not part of the Council’s policy to provide transport for nursery age children. In the community and in the long run on the future of Carmel itself? response to the concern about this during the consultation process, there is a possiblity Ysgol Groeslon has a nursery class in the morning (Ysgol Garmel that further research can be made on this point and following the Council’s recent bids in the afternoon) so you would take a third of the children from my for grant aid. Although this does not change the Council’s standpoint in terms of Policy, it Group – numbers becoming low – and you would be taking two appears that there are some possibilities that we can look at in more detail and hold thirds from my dinner club – therefore the dinner club will have to discussions on them at local level if the proposal is accepted. Although there would be CLOSE since we shall be losing money and we cannot run the modern nursery provision at the new school, discussions will be needed at local level dinner club with only a third of the children / the Nursery Group at once the Governing Body is in place on whether to establish a Nursery Group at the Carmel is the main source of income for the village hall, so you school or not and where would be the best location for a Nursery group in the area. would be robbing the village of its school and hall not to mention the educational service given at the nursery group. / There is a It is possible to provide a nursery class in the Area School. There needs to be local successful Nursery School in Groeslon and the children transfer discussion regarding the location of Cylch Meithrin privison in the area once the School naturally to the Primary School with their friends. Governing Board is in place. 1.5 In 5.6.2. you quote from the Estyn report “small primary schools in 9 A study of a range of evidence outlines the general opinion – confirmed in the Wales” and note how difficult it is to teach in small schools where Government’s policy – that classes of over 30 in number are unacceptable for children there is a wide age range in every class. But this is not the case here under 7 years old and undesireable for children between 7-11 years old. so why move to a bigger school especially if Estyn agrees that the provision is good. We are talking about the welfare of the children Further to this, recent research suggests that it is possibl;e for classes to be too small. here, they only get one chance. We know that they are given every Peter Blatchford in his publication “The Class Size Debate: Is Small Better” states as opportunity here, so why change? / Special education pupils receive follows “…it may also be worth considering that class sizes can be too small” and reports that special attention at ysgol Bronyfoel / Small schools have their teachers have suggested that “…the dynamics of the group could become flat and some advantages. / Personal experience of children succeeding in a small children could dominate” . school as compared to a large school / Possible for teachers to give pupils more attention if the classes are smaller (Ysgol Carmel) / We The Council has a duty to ensure that it provides the best method of education within the ask you for evidence that large schools perform better in terms of area it is responsible for. The council acknowledge that the standard of education is quality of teaching by drawing on evidence such as Estyn reports on currently maintained through the efforts of the staff, governors and pupils of the schools. schools in the area / A neighbouring large school has been criticised However, it is adjudged that the current provision is not in the best situation to ensure by Estyn on acount of the leadership, so why move to a larger standards can be maintained and improved in the future.. There are defects in the learning school especially if Estyn agrees that the provision is good? / No environment, inconsistency in class sizes, a wide range of cost per pupil and the ability to educational reason for moving the children to an area school almost ensure that staff and pupils are armed with the capacity and best resources to maintain a four times the size of their present school. system where surplus places and numerous buildings suggest that we need to ensure that in the effort to combat this, the energy is spent on educating the pupils rather than on maintaining the system. 1.6 We hear the same slogans time after time and the threat of school 4 The Strategy for Primary Education of the Best Quality for the Children of Gwynedd
closure: ”better opportunities for every child”, “more experiences”. states “Our expectations are that the learning environment for the children and teachers Better in what way? What are the experiences? What if we today of the County – such as the condition of the building, the classroom, staff room, the decide “OK, close it, for the sake of the experiences and teachers, the play provision – satisfy the teaching and learning requirements of the 21st opportunities”? We would be doing that at half a promise up in the Century. Evidence shows that the majority of schools with new buildings reveal that air, something uncertain and unproved. Education is more than pupils’ achievement and attainment is improved. In general also it is agreed that financial learning 123 and ABC, it is learning how to integrate with society / resources are not being spent in the most effective way to improve educational standards belonging to a community is an integral part of a child’s upbringing. if there are more surplus places than is needed. As a result the savings made through establishing an Area School will feed back into improving the education for the pupils. 1.7 Important that children with special needs can attend the same 1 This is an imprtant matter when a new school is being developed. There is an opportunity school as their frinds, brothers and sisters. Important too that for pupils with special needs to obtain help according to their needs in the proposed new every child is brought up to be patient and to be able to accept school. everyone for what they are whatever their ability or needs. 1.8 If the proposal goes ahead the children of some parents won’t be 2 The Council hopes that , for the benefit of the children, there will be support for the new attending the area school / parents are going to boycot the new school if the development goes ahead. The school would be a school for the whole area school / It will be an embarrassment for the Council having an and would offer modern provision as a basis for good teaching and learning. Of course the empty new school. parents have a choice to request that their children attend any school according to their wishes so far as the other school can accommodate them. 1.9 We acknowledge that Gwynedd Council made a bid for funding 1 Our expectations are that the “learning environment” for the children and teachers of the from the Welsh Government in 2010 to build a school for County – such as the condition of the school building, the classroom, staff room, play Groeslon only and that the Government refused the bid. It seems, provision – satisfy the teaching and learning requirements of the 21st Century. therefore, that the children of Groeslon would have to continue to receive their education in sub standard buildings if Gwynedd had The Council has been monitoring the condition of part of the school building at Ysgol Y not submitted a new bid which included a wider area that just Groeslon for some time. The school kitchen was closed some years ago and lately Groeslon. In my opinion, the communities of Groeslon, Carmel and another part of the building had to be closed as a proactive step and the pupils receive Fron are geographically close together and offer a wider educational their education in mobile units. If the proposal is accepted the new school building and the and more sensible community for the future. learning environment will meet the twenty first century school standards and will be an A range of evidence was published by Estyn and others to support innovative educational resource for the area into the future. the view that providing new, modern buildings raise staff and pupil morale and lead to academic success. A brand new school would A substantial investment of £4.84 million will be made to ensure an excellent educational ensure that the children of the three villages have access to a resource for a sustainable school which will fully meet the educational and community learning environment of the foremost standard. needs of the pupils and residents of the wider area. 1.10 I believe that the duties of a Head Teacher now mean that it is not 1 Our aim is for head teachers to be given support to lead and manage their schools in a possible for a Head Teacher to be a full time teacher too. The head professional manner. Also we expect the governing bodies to be able to manage the of the new school should not have to take care of a class. I am schools effectively within their budgets for the benefit of the pupils. We expect that the worried that the budget would not be sufficient to allow this to schools will have the best staff to provide education of the best quality. happen and I ask the Education Department to look again at this. At the moment head teachers are expected to teach for a large proportion of their time, which reduces the time available for leadership and management roles. As the need for effective leadership and management increases in schools, it is vital that any proposed
change should take into consideration leadership and management time for the head teacher.
One threat which faces us throughout the County is the difficulty encountered in recruiting head teachers. The Schools Service has a record of these difficulties. Evidence shows clearly that a number of school have had to readvertise these posts and that on account of this several of our primary schools have a temporary head teacher. The area school would be a school to attract applicants, especially with the inclusion of the leadership and amnagement role.
The school budget will ensure that the head teacher of the new school will receive more non contact time for leadership and management duties than is allowed in existing schools at present. The exact amount of non contact time will be the decision of the governing body of course and dependent on the use they choose to make of their budget to shape their staffing structure. e.g. will they wish to appoint a deputy head teacher etc? 1.11 The new school should have more staff than the existing individual 1 The three schools appoint a head teacher, teachers, auxiliary staff, provision, cleaning and schools and thus they could create a better career structure for kitchen staff. staff and an opportunity to share expertise and experiences. This is to be welcomed. With regard to teaching staff, there are three full time teachers working in Ysgol Groeslon – including the temporary Head Teacher. Also there is one part time teacher and 4 assistants. At Ysgol Carmel, there is a Head Teacher and a full time teacher, also an additional teacher for 0.2 of the time, and 2 assistants. At Ysgol Bronyfoel there is a Head Teacher and a full time teacher and 2 full time and one part time assistants.
Indeed, the exact staffing structure of the school is a matter for further discussion and a matter which will be resolved by the Governing Body of the new school. The Area School will be a new entity and therefore a new Governing Body and Governing Tool will have to be established according to current guidelines and regulations. The new Governing Body will need to appoint the Head Teacher and staff for the school.
Establishing an Area School would therefore offer better career opportunities for teaching and support staff. There would be better opportunities for releasing school leaders (head teacher and deputy if appointed) from their teaching duties in order to focus more on their leadership and management roles and to ensure continued improvement . Also it would be possible for staff to share their expertise with a larger number of pupils and to see the benefits of teaching their classes in groups of pupils with a smaller age range. 1.12 A number of parents have taken their children out of Ysgol Y 1 In terms of numbers in schools, we aim to reflect the tendencies regarding population and Groeslon during the last few years and one of the reasons for the primary school numbers when planning for the future in different areas.
decision to do this was the condition of the school building. If the new school was built I believe that this tendency would be reduced. If the proposal is accepted the Area School will have approximately 160 pupils (2015). The Ysgol Y Groeslon at present has 75 pupils, Carmel 48 and building will be constructed to accommodate and deal with a further increase of up to Bronyfoel 26. I believe that it is very difficult to provide education 10% growth in pupil numbers (subject to the entry policy) without pilfering from other of high standard and consistency in schools of this size. A school of schools in the Dyffryn Nantlle catchment area and further afield. around 160 pupils would give stability and security for the future and this is not available in smaller school, since it involves providing Of course, class sizes and age range within classes are important factors to be taken into the right structural and organisational conditions. consideration too. Our expectations are that the primary schools of Geynedd will have classes of suitable size so that the best possible experiences and opportunities are given to the children of the County.
The proposal for an Area School would make class sizes consistent and would reduce the age range within classes.
2 Community 2.1 It is of vital importance to emphasise that this will be a brand new 1 If the proposal is accepted it will be a school for the whole area/catchment area school to serve the three villages equally. The Council and the encompassing the villages of Fron, Carmel and Groeslon. It would be vital for the school three schools should work together in order to ensure that there to be identified as an area school, and not a school for Groeslon alone. will be sufficient activities to draw the communities together during the transition period, especially when the task of designing the new Induction days would be arranged in order to ensure that the transition takes place as school is being undertaken. smoothly as possible. It is recommended that the schools should arrange educational and other activities on a joint basis during the years leading up to the development in order to build on the close relationship that exists between them at present. When the governing body is established, representatives from the three areas will be elected so that the Governing Body that manages the new school will have representation from each of the areas that it serves. 2.2 Groeslon, Carmel and Fron are separate communities. They have 1 It is acknowledged that the different villages have their own little identities. The schools of their own cultures. course are expected to accept and address the range of cultures found within the community. An area school would give pupils an opportunity to gain respect and tolerance and to accept differences, and to develop to be valuable citizens within their communities. It is noted that within an area of 2 mile radius, the cultures will not be as diferent as to cause any difficulties. 2.3 The devastating effect on the community has not been considered / 44 This might be true of some places, but not necessarily true of Gwynedd – there are Every school is the centrepoint of its village / The proposal by the examples of places such as Llithfaen and Caeathro where the Welsh community is still Council is harmful for the community / Closing the schools would flourishing and going from strength to strength years after the school closed. An take the heart and soul out of the villages. Closing Ysgol Carmel independent assessment was carried out of the possible impact that the model would and Ysgol Bronyfoel will have a negative effect on the three have on the communities. What was revealed was that school closure could have a communities / Young families will not want to come and live in the negative impact as stated by some consultees. But, the independent assessment noted that
villages if there is no school / The residents of Groeslon do not there are also possible opportunities as well. We note that the proposed new school will want to see neighbouring communities shattered so that their only be a mile and a half from the village of Carmel and two miles from the village of Y needs can be met / A large number of young people with families Fron. have moved to live in Carmel over the last 5 years and have enlivened and enriched the area / The villages here have retained For those communities where the school will close, the impact assessment report their Welsh character and Welsh speaking communities because recommends some measures for the Council to consider in order to alleviate the negative they are now the homes of people who travel to work, usually by effects. These alleviating measures will be dicussed and incorporated if the decision is car. But during the day, the villages are alive thanks to the schools, reached to implement the recommendations in the area: with parents around, taking their children to school and fetching them home / The effect of this plan will be here for generations and - In order to create a spirit of inclusion and ownership, it should be ensured at the young families will not move into the area to live / Ysgol Carmel is beginning and throughout the transition process that the Governors of each of core importance to the community and the community supports school are an integral part of the developments and the decisions and that all the activities held at the school e.g. St David’s Day, Christmas regular updates are circulated to parents, Concert and Sports Day / The sound of children and the to-ing and - Approriate consultation with the local villages and communities regarding fro-ing around the site is an important part of the daily routine and agreement on suitable use for all the school buildings for the future, losing this will be a huge blow for those who live close to the - Programming should be undertaken in order to ensure that a proportion of school / By closing the schools at Carmel and Bronyfoel the social activities arranged by the school (concert, coffee evening etc) are held in community will be shattered / It is only through the school that the the villages (school building or Community Hall) where the schools will close, village people are able to meet together, especially in a village with - The Council should ensure that the transport arrangements are adequate no pub / Obvious concerns over the harmful effect on the village of Y Fron (in particular), in losing the presence of the school, the only building available for occasional use by the community / Closing the The Council is aware of the concerns expressed regarding the possible impact on the schools will cause an economic as well as a community problem, community from the closure of the schools in the villages of Carmel and Fron and is not only for the two villages (Carmel and Fron), but for the Council awake to the challenge of trying to alleviate those possible effects. If the proposal is itself in the future / Don’t close Ysgol Bronyfoel or the village will accepted the Council is committed to working with those communities where the be full of holiday homes (Fron has almost reached that situation schools will close and to pay specific attention to the suggested measures in collaboration already) / The impact on the communities of Y Fron and Carmel. with the governors and Head Teacher of the Area School. Also, a Regeneration Officer The two schools are vitally important and central to the will be available to work with any community on a business case and to help with community. Property value in the villages will fall / History has contacts, if there is an interest in making after use of the school buildings. proved that communities which have lost their village schools often turn into half dead villages. Look at what has happened in Implementing the proposal for establishing the Area School would involve a substantial Llanfihangel ar Arth, Carmarthenshire where NO young families investment and an effort to guarantee the presence of sustainable education in this area. It have moved into the village since the primary school there has will also be an opportunity for the pupils and the wider community to profit from the new been closed / The argument that the proposal will protect rural provision. communities is completely untrue and the communities of Carmel and Fron are going to suffer.
Welcome the image of alleviating the effect of school closure on
the two communities but find the word “consider” much too ambiguous, in this context the proposals need to be much more specific and structured if they are going to be convincing.
2.4 By closing Ysgol Carmel the future of the village hall becomes very 7 Closing a school can impact communities and offer challenges for the community to uncertian, and if the hall has to close it will be devastating for the overcome. The type of measure that could alleviate this impact is after use of the building. community and the language. According to the document the new The first offer will be given to the community. An Area Regeneration Officer will visit the school will meet the needs of the community but seriously it will be school to discuss suggestions and business plans, including the continuation of activities responsible for the demise of the community in the village of such Nursery Group meetings. Carmel. If the school closes the Nursery Group might have to close. Closing the school and the Nursery group would be the last Although it is possible to provide a nursery class at the Area School , local nail in the coffin for the Village Hall as well, since the school and the discussions would have to be held once the Governing Body is in place to decide whether Nursery Group make considerable use of it. to establish a nursery group at the school or not and the best place within the area for establishing a nursery group. 2.5 It is completely impractical to say that social events (concert, coffee 2 The new school will need to prioritise activites which will be held at the school. This will evening etc) arranged by the new school should be programmed to be a challenge and something that the Governing Body will need to discuss as well. be held in the school building or community hall in the villages In other areas/catchment areas there have been instances of villages with no hall or similar where the schools have closed. There is no room for everyone and resource but after reorganisation it was found that the pupils had better access to more no buses come up to Carmel and Fron after 7:00 pm amenities within the wider community. This would give pupils opportunities to gain valuable experiences within the wider community and a good choice for the school.
3 Statistics / Finance 3.1 The Council’s proposal does not make sense financially. It is said 12 A total sum of £695,000 is allocated to the three schools for 2012/13. This is equivalent that the annual savings from implementing the reorganisation plan to £4,965 per pupil on average. The cost per pupil varies from Ysgol Groeslon at £3,890; would be £45,000. / In view of this figure, it would take 106 years Ysgol Carmel at £4,156 and Ysgol Bronyfoel at £6,848. The average cost per pupil at before taxpayers would gain financially from the investment, County level for this period is £3,838. This means that at present there is a variance of without taking interest into consideration, and is there additional £3000 per pupil for education provision at schools within a radius of 2 miles. land which will add to the cost? It was stated at the meeting that a saving of £45,000 would be made by closing the schools at Carmel Also, although the cost of surplus places should not drive any new proposals, we have to and Bronyfoel and building a new school in Groeslon. At the same be alive to the effects and implications of substantial expenditure on schools with a large time it was stated that the transport fee would be £45,000 per percentage of surplus places – especially the effects and implications in terms of the year. This means that there would be no financial savings. budget which reaches the schools. Transport costs have not been considered / Only approximately £22,000 savings will be made each year – this is not a sensible The three schools in this area have a substantial number of surplus places (as defined by response. In view of this figure it would take 75 years (106 the Welsh Government – namely over 25% or 30 in number). according to Cymdeithas yr Iaith) before the taxpayers would gain financially from the investment, interest not taken into Based on the current allocation, the total allocation for the new Area School would be consideration. The proposal by the Council does not make financial around £578,000. In terms of revenue costs, establishing the new organisation would save
sense – they say that the annual saving will be £45,000 but that is £85,000, less additional transport costs (calculated broadly at around £40,000), so around the annual saving IF the reorganisation is implemented, and only £45,000 per year. 20% (£9,000) of the annual saving will go towards the provision of education in the area! For the taxpayers to gain financially, they will Ysgol Bronyfoel receives an additional sum to the usual allocation through the minimum have to wait at least 75 years (interest apart)!! It is sad to think that staffing protection policy (which guarantees at least a Head Teacher and teacher in every a community can be destroyed for such a small financial saving. school and a Head Teacher and assistant at schools with fewer than 15 pupils). The total sum of this additional allowance is £18,661. If the Area School is established the number of pupils forecast would be sufficient to attract a budget and this additional money would not be needed.
During the consultation, concerns were expressed regarding the size of the savings in comparison with the size of the investment required. The Council has to consider a number of factors as part of the schools organisation review and although finance is one important element, as stated in this report, there are other factors to be looked at.
But with regard to the financial element – the Council is considering the revenue savings and the buildings maintenance costs for the future. Also, there is a need for substantial investment in the building of one of these schools – and we believe that the proposal ensures that the investment would be made in the most effective way in a local and national context and the benefits would be shared between a larger number of pupils. 3.2 The consultation document states that the school – at today’s 1 The Council is trying to strike a balance between responding to financial challenges and figures – would receive a budget of around £578,000, namely a providing education which is suitable and appropriate for specific areas. Of course, in saving – considering that pupils from Fron and Carmel will need to order to achieve this a host of factors have to be considered before a decision is taken on be transported to the new site – of around £45,000 per year proposals for the provision of education in a specific area. compared to the budgets of the three existing schools. Whilst the proposal therefore will bring savings, it will not achieve the type of substantial savings that creating a larger school (and closing more schools) would make. I welcome the commitment made by Gwynedd Council on this, namely to protect rural education by providing a new school of reasonable size for this specific area. 3.3 The number of pupils attending Ysgol Carmel has remained 1 In 1995 there were 33 pupils in Ysgol Carmel, by 2000 there were 68, however, by 2012 consistent. the number had fallen to 48 3.4 At present you claim that Ysgol y Groeslon can accommodate 128 3 Schools receive a MCSW form each year as part of the statutory process regarding the pupils. Where? Sitting on each other’s knees? / I believe that Ysgol Authority’s entry arrangements. This is based on the information submitted and Carmel has reached its full capacity. confirmed by the schools. The allowance per pupil for Bronyfoel has been worked out incorrectly, and the figures need to be looked at again. 3.5 There have never been 78 pupils at Ysgol Carmel 1 Agreed, there have never been 78 pupils in Ysgol Carmel. The school was at its highest in
1977 with 65 pupils. The school was at its lowest in 1995 with 33 pupils. There is therefore a historical pattern of suplus places in Ysgol Carmel 3.6 The need for substantial investment by the Welsh Government is 1 The situation is such that the building at Ysgol Groeslon requires an investment. Since the obviously of core importance in this situation and overrules every Council wants to ensure proper use of public money, discussions took place on the best other consideration. method of providing education in the area whilst also maximising the benefit from any capital investment. Capital investment is one of a number of factors discussed. Other proposals were discussed and considered, but the conclusion was reached that consultation should take place on the favoured proposal. 3.7 Everybody knows that financial and not educational matters are 1 Other factors apart from the financial factors are considered. In accordance with the behind this proposal. strategy Primary Education of the Best Quality for the Children of Gwynedd a wide range of factors have to be considered, including: • Class sizes • Pupil numbers • Environment and quality of the teaching • Leadership and Staffing • The community • The Welsh language • Financial resources • Geographical factors • Suitability of buildings 3.8 How can the Council submit a valid and strong application without 5 A strong business case will shortly be submitted. Some elements of the work have already a business case? been started whist completing the preparatory work for the consultation and assessing various models and options. Options were considered and assessed in the context of outcomes and various other factors in order to ensure that the proposal put forward was firm and strong. 3.9 Object to the proposal based on the fact that it is a waste of public 2 The Council is not of the opinion that the proposal is a waste of public money – the money. proposal will improve the educational provision for 149 children. 3.10 The proposal by the Council does not make financial sense. 1 The cost per pupil figure is part of the financial statement made annually and statutorily on Reference is made to the abstract formula “cost per pupil” but the schools budgets. cost in Ysgol Carmel is very close to the cost at Groeslon. 3.11 Losing the schools from the communities here will have a 2 The revenue saving was not the only factor discussed. The Council is considering a devastating effect, and all that for the sake of savings to the tune of number of different factors, including community impact and an independent assessment £45,000 per year (since the other £45,000 ais needed to transport was undertaken on this matter. the children to Groeslon). How can the Council justify this? For those communities where the school will close, the impact report recommends various measures for the Council to consider in order to alleviate the negative effects. These allevation measures will be considered and incorporated if the decision is taken to implement the proposals for the area:
- In order to create a spirit of inclusion and ownershi, it should be ensured at the start – and throughout – the transition period that the governors of every school are an integral part of the developments and the decisions and that regular updates are circulated to parents, - Appropriate consultation with the local villages and communities with regard to reaching an agreement on appropriate use for all the buildings for the future, - Programming in order to ensure that a number of the social events arranged by the Area School (concert, coffee evening etc) are held in the villages (school building or community hall) where the schools have closed, - The Council should ensure that school transport arrangements are appropriate
The Council is aware of the concerns expressed regarding the possible community impact from school closure in the villages of Carmel and Fron and are awake to the challenge of trying to alleviate those possible effects. 3.12 Thousands have been spent on Ysgol Bron y Foel last year. Was the 1 Spending was done over the summer to prevent water from seeping into the building, and expense made so that it could be sold or made into a block of to deal with damp. There is a duty on the council to continue to maintain the buildings to rented flats? If so, it will be a cause of concern for residents of Fron, an acceptable standard to avoid any ill effect on the children to the best of our abilities. They are afraid of having drop-outs in the village as is happening throughout Wales nowadays when buildings are converted into If the proposal is implemented, the Council is committed to working with those flats. communities where their school will close and to pay specific attention to the measures suggested. A Regeneration Officer will be available to work with the community on a business case and to help with contacts if there is interest in making after use of the school buildings. Certainly, the Council has no ready plans as has been suggested here. 3.13 A business case taking for granted that the pupils from Carmel and 1 The Council will develop a school which can provide education for all the pupils within Fron are going to attend the new school – there is no guarantee of the area in question. It has to be borne in mind that a number of pupils have moved from this and it will affect the budgetary viability of the process. the catchment area due to the poor condition of the building at Ysgol Groeslon, and therefore provision has to be made for them. The Council from experience has found that new resources and new provision will attract pupils. Parents still have a choice and parents can apply for a place for their children at any school and the application will be processed in accordance with the entry policy of the County. Free transport will not be provided, unless the parents’ choice of school qualifies for free transport under the school transport policy. 3.14 Since preparing the draft budget for the proposed school, the 1 The allocation for the Area School will be based on the new allocation formula which is Council has agreed to review the allocation formula for funding operational from 1st April 2013. schools. Some schools gain and some lose under the new formula. In view of these changes, I sincerely hope that the area school will In accordance with the relevant legislation, the allocation formula is mainly based on the not see a reduction in its budget. number of pupils, therefore in general the Area School will receive the same allocation as
any other school in Gwynedd with the same number of pupils. 3.15 Due to the cuts to the budget at Ysgol Y Groeslon over recent 1 We agree with the observation that there will be more flexibility in a larger establishent years, the school now has three classes and teaches 75 pupils. The to cope with the varying numbers across the age range Foundation Phase at the school is growing with 39 children of Foundation Phase pupils in the same class (and nine nursery pupils under the care of a senior education assistant )….With the forecast that the number of nursery pupils for 2013/14 shows further growth, it will be more difficult still for the staff. A larger school – with a larger budget and more teachers and assistants – should ensure that such a situation does not arise again. 3.16 Is £45,000 per year the true cost of transport? Is the Council sure 1 This is the estimated cost by the Council’s Transport Unit. This presumption is based on of that? What if the costs increase, and use up more of the savings experience in setting contracts across the County. The contract will be put out to tender that you claim will be achieved from this plan? and therefore the cost could be lower than the figure quoted.
4 Quality and Suitability of Buildings 4.1 Suport the decision of the Ca binet based on the fact that the 13 Our aim is for the “learning environment” for the children and teachers of the County – building at Ysgol Y Groeslon by now includes temporary classes and such as the condition of the school, the classroom, staff room, the play provision – to that part of the original building was demolished in 2012 and meet the teaching and learning requirements for the 21st Century. another part where access is prohibited. The present sutuation is acceptable as a temporary measure only / Why have the County There is real concern over the condition and suitability of a number of primary schools Council and the Education Authority been so inefficient as to allow throughout the County. Substantial investment is needed in the buildings in order to the condition of Ysgol y Groeslon to become so serious, although reach the appropriate standards. In the case of Ysgol y Groeslon, the situation does not they had been aware of the condition of the school for some reach the required standard. years?/ Was Ysgol Groeslon allowed to get into such a condition intentionally so that the schools at Carmel and Bronyfoel could be The Council has been monitoring the condition of part of the building at Ysgol Y closed?/ Ysgol Groeslon needs a new building – this is the fault of Groeslon for some time. The kitchen was closed some years ago and lately part of the the school governors for letting the condition of the school building had to be closed as a proactive step and the pupils are being taught in mobile deteriorate so badly – we should “name and shame”. The current units. If the proposal is implemented the new school building and the learning resources at Ysgol Y Groeslon are unsuitable or defective and environment will meet the twenty first century standards and will be an innovative unsustainable. Ysgol y Groeslon has been in need of renovation resource for the area in the future. since the early eighties. The children even then were being taught in portacabins outside the school building / Have expressed concern The Ysgol Groeslon building is a Vic Hallam structure. It is a wooden structure for the lack of expenditure and investment in school buildings for throughout. It was built in the 1970’s with an expected lifespan of 30 years. Because that it years and have foreseen that an emergency situation would arise. / is wood, it is not possible to do any further improvement work, other than to make it Shocking that the Council and councillors from the village of safe. Groeslon have neglected the need for maintaining the school. / Ysgol Y Groeslon is in poor condition because of negligence by The situation has been identified by the Council for some time and this is why a bid for
Gwynedd Council and the school governors capital funding was made to the Government in 2009/10. This bid was not successful 4.2 On the site recommended by the Council, the additional playing 1 Of course, no final design has been undertaken and a conceptual picture was used in the fields are far from the main school building. What if an accident presentations at the meetings with staff, governors and parents. happens? The additional playing fields would be part of the school site, within easy reach and protected as part of the school site. Health and safety matters will be just as important here as on any other school site. 4.3 The pupils of Ysgol Carmel have all the resources they need 1 It is hoped that the new school will take advantage of community resources and other because the community raises money for the school. resources within the extended area and that there will be the same strong support from the wider community to make sure that the amenities are cared for. If the proposal is implemented the building at the new school and the learning environment will meet the twenty first century schools standards and will be an innovative educational resource for the area in the future. A substantial investment of £4.84million would be made in order to ensure excellent educational provision for a sustainable and modern school which would fully meet the educational and community requirements of the pupils and the residents of the wider area. 4.4 How can it be justified that the condition of the new school building 1 There are strict guidelines and regulations for building and developing schools. The and the learning environment will meet the twenty first century building will be built to the highest standard with regards manufacture, health and safety schools standards, whilst the roofs of the classrooms at the new requirements, sustainability and environmental standards. school, Ysgol yr Hendre, are already leaking and letting in water? In addition to this, every new building receives a contractual warrant for an extended period where the contractor is responsible for repairing any minor issues that could surface. This warrant has been used in the case of Ysgol yr Hendre and the minor deficiencies have been rectified at no cost to the council. 4.5 The condition of Ysgol Carmel is good, with no substantial 13 Ysgolion Carmel and Bronyfoel are not in a poor condition. They will still need to be structural deficit / The condition of Ysgol Carmel is quite sufficient maintained of course, and the spending requirements are listed in the consultation and there is no need to spend the sum that the Council is document as follows: suggesting / The playgrounds at Carmel and Bronyfoel schools are perfectly safe with strong walls to safeguard the children. Large playground and playing field at Ysgol Carmel/ The building at Ysgol Bronyfoel is strong and in good condition. The building at Ysgol Bronyfoel has been adapted for teaching the Foundation Phase and there is a special outdoor area for educating the pupils / Large sums of money have been spent on maintaining the condition of Bronyfoel and Carmel schools, and apparently for no purpose / Closing Ysgol Carmel and almost 50 children in a building where many improvements have been made in the last few years / Has anyone monitored the condition at the schools in Carmel and Fron? 12 years ago money was spent on building a special classroom in
Ysgol y Fron for children with learning difficulties. After the cuts that classroom is empty. Huge amounts have been spent on improvements to the playground at both schools. / Children with learning difficulties thrive in a small school
Of course, the learning environment was only one of a number of factors considered when preparing the proposal which takes on board other aspects which are vital to the development of education provision for the future 4.6 Concerns over what will happen to the building in the end if this 1 As part of the process of alleviating any impact the closure of a school could have on the goes ahead. There is talk of the community being given the first area, if there is a desire locally the Council will ask its Regeneration Officers to support offer if a business plan can be shown, but the problem in Y Fron is the community by discussing after use of the land and buildings released as a result of the that the village is not strong enough to make full use of it. We need reorganisation. This is carried out in accordance with the policies and protocol that the time to hold a discussion on the future of the site. Council adopted back in 2010.
For those communities where the school will close, the impact report recommends various measures for the Council to consider in order to alleviate the negative effects. These alleviating measures will be considered and incorporated if the decision is taken to implement the proposals for the area: - In order to create a spirit of inclusion and ownership, it should be ensured at the start – and throughout – the transition period that the governors of every school are an integral part of the developments and the decisions and that regular updates are circulated to parents, - Appropriate consultation with the local villages and communities with regard to reaching an agreement on appropriate use for all the buildings for the future, - Programming in order to ensure that a number of the social events arranged by the Area School (concert, coffee evening etc) are held in the villages (school building or community hall) where the schools have closed,
- The Council should ensure that school transport arrangements are appropriate 4.7 There is talk that the proposed new school is going to cost around 1 Of course, developing costs vary from plan to plan because of various factors. The £4.5m and that funding from the Welsh Government has to be expected standards also increase anually. The “Building Agreement” for Ysgol y Graig was obtained in order to accomplish this. A new school was built at £3.9m in 2009. The “Building Agreement” for Ysgol yr Hendre was £7.4m in 2011. Ysgol Ysgol yr Hendre at a cost of over £10m. Ysgol Y Graig in Llangefni yr Hendre was a far bigger building as it had a capacity for 100 more children, and also which accommodates 360 children was built for £3m! This is a included a community playing field, community hall, and general purpose rooms for use by wonderful school in terms of architecture, Y Groeslon is the the community. It is a substantially larger building than Ysgol y Graig and acheives higher answer and not faulty work? This would be much cheaper and environmental standards. would solve the problems of poor construction at Ysgol y Groeslon, which is the real reason for the education restructuring If the proposal is implemented the building of the new school and the learning scheme that you are considering. environment will meet 21st Century Schools standards and will be an innovative educational resource for the area for the future. A significant investment of £4.84million would ensure excellent educational provision and a sustainable and modern school which would fully meet the educational needs in the area.
A school just for Groeslon pupils would cost approximately £3.5m as there would need to be a hall, kitchen, staff room, toilets etc as well as a car park, entrance from the main road, various play areas, and meet environmental standards and produce renewable energy. The only major difference would be 3 less class rooms and some reduction in the general floor area. No Government funding would be available to build just for Groeslon pupils (bid like this failed in 2009/10) and therefore the council would miss the opportunity to get a financial contribution of 50% towards the cost of the development.
5 Transport and Travelling 5.1 How long will the Education Department pay for transport for the 6 If the proposal is implemented the entry catchment area of the new Area School will children twice a day from Fron to Groeslon? Not everyone has the include the existing catchment areas of Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel schools, namely money to pay bus fares in the present economic climate. How many the area shown on the map below: buses will be available during the day to serve the area school? Who will pay? For how long will the arrangement last? Will the Council decide after a while that the bus is too expensive to run? Will there be free trnsport for every child? This has happened following closure of Ysgol Caeathro, free transport for a short period only. 5.2 If an area school in Y Groeslon will be the final decision, definite 8 and early confirmation is required from Gwynedd Council regarding the transport arrangements- since there are strong feelings and concerns regarding safety. Concerns that transport will affect the children in terms of social inclusion, welfare and accessibility.
Gwynedd Council has already stated that there will be free transport, but the method of transport will also cause concern e.g. What will be the arrangements – buses or mini buses i.e. with the little children travelling, there will be a need for escorts on the bus / Will there be booster seats on the buses? Arvonia Company uses them when taking children on holiday – will you insist on this? How do the transport arrangements reflect the aims of the Assembly to Dalgylch promote alternative methods of transport? Ysgol Groeslon Catchment Dalgylch Dalgylch Ysgol Bronyfoel Ysgol Carmel Catchment Catchment
In acordance with the current transport policy, this means that free transport would be provided “for pupils living 2 miles or further from the school in their catchment area, or to the nearest school”. Also “when pupils live less than 2 miles from thecatchment area school and there fore have no right to free transport, but travel along a road that the Council considers to be very dangerous, free transport will be provided”.
According to an initial assessment of the road network and pathways to school in this area, free transport would be offered to some pupils living within 2 miles from the school since they would have to travel along the main road from Bronyfoel and Carmel to Groeslon. This would be based on an assessment of individual applications from pupils.
A tender for the transport work will be put out and until a company is given the contract the exact details regarding the bus route and pick up points will not be available. 5.3 The Council has confirmed that it will provide free transport for 8 According to an initial assessment of the road network and pathways to school in this the pupils of Carmel and Fron. Can the Council provide more solid area, free transport would be offered to the Area School in accordance with the details regarding how this will work? How many buses/ Safety Transport Policy. This would mean that the Council could provide transport for pupils measures? Pick-up /meeting points? Safety in terms of fetching and coming from the Fron and Carmel areas to the Area School in Groeslon. The Council picking up children – for example, a parent usually picks her child will ensure that the buses carrying the children are fitted with safety belts by including this every day at the school gate at 3.00pm. Unfortunately one day condition in the contract. It is premature to consider any details regarding transport there is an accident in Bontnewydd which means that it is 3.15pm arrangements since discussions would have to be held with the successful company and before the parent arrives. Is the child safe under the care of representatives from the Area School. teachers at the school? Where will the child go if he/she had come on the bus up from Groeslon?
5.4 You have stated that you will not be providing transport for pupils 8 The arrangements for timing transport arrangement to coincide with any activities held who need to reach school for the breakfast club or attend any after before and after school e.g breakfast club will be given further consideration. It is not school activities and note that it is the parents’ responsibility to customary to arrange transport to/from such activities but the new school would have to transport their children to these activities. What about the children ensure fair opportunity for the pupils of the entire area to benefit from school activities. who at present attend but whose parents have no car? Will the The Council and the school would have to collaborate in order to ensure that there are children lose out on opportunities? What about equal opportunity practical solutions to solve this matter and to ensure fair play (e.g. perhaps staggering the and accessibility? Can the Council justify this? If so, how? bus times). 5.5 How are you going to support the parents and children, especially 6 those with special needs? Does the Policy include bus transport by 8:15 for those children who want to attend the breakfast club and a bus for the others by 8:45? Does the policy mention paying for bus fares home for the children when they have been attending after school clubs such as Dragon Sports or Urdd meetings. 5.6 In Fron the weather can change very quickly in winter and snow can 12 Guidelines and policies are in place to ensure that pupils are not endangered when the block the roads in a few hours – this has happened several times weather is bad. A number of pupils across the County are being transported to school this year – what provision would be made for the children? How along rural roads and their safety has to be protected at all times. willl they find out how bad the conditions are in the higher land and Every school follows the bad weather protocol and the new school will be expected to how will our children’s safety be proteced? Are you going to make follow the same guidelines and advice. sure that our children reach home safely? What if our children are stuck in Groeslon and we cannot reach them from Fron and Carmel? How will the children get home safely? How can the parents decide whether to send them to school or not? Who will let the parents know and by what time, if the school will be closed? How many school days will the Council allow the children of Carmel and Fron to miss on account of bad weather? The “snow- line” is a little higher than the old Penfforddelen school. 5.7 What will the nursery arrangements be i.e. for children present for 10 It is not part of the Council’s policy to provide transport for nursery age children. In the mornings only? Refusing transport for nursery pupils is a serious response to the concern about this during the consultation process, there is a possiblity matter. Some families are denied equal opportunity and nursery that further research can be made on this point following the Council’s recent bids for provision offered at the new school. This prevents the children grant aid. Although this does not change the Council’s standpoint in terms of Policy, it from the Carmel and Fron communities from having equal appears that there are some possibilities that we can look at in more detail and hold opportunity and obtaining the nursery provision being offered at discussions on them at local level if the proposal is accepted. the new school / The nursery children will need to travel home on their own at another time of day – will there be an escort on the bus then? What if the parents are unwilling to send their children on the bus? Do parents have the right to travel with them? / The Head of Education referred to the fact that the Education Authority is not responsible for transport for nursery pupils and that as a
result some parents might take the option of transporting their children to the Nursery Group at Groeslon (where a Dinner Club service is offered). This might affect the numbers at the Nursery Group in Carmel and it could close. / You have already said that you will not be providing transport for nursery pupils. What about those who at the moment are able to take advantage of this provision because they are within walking distance from schoool? Is the Council going to prevent any parent in the future from having this choice because they do not have a car? The parents of nursery children cannot walk down to the Groeslon site from Carmel and Fron on account of the distance and the dangerous road. 5.8 I would not allow my children to go on the bus alone if they were 2 in the Nursery Class – would the bus come up to Fron to bring those children home? Would the parents have to pay for this? Does the Council intend to provide transport for the parent/guardian who does not have the luxury of owning a car? Will they transport the parent/guardian back home because the little child does not want to travel alone to school with a busful of strange children and is breaking his/her heart? 5.9 How about the health plan/ green plan that the Council supports? 9 There will be facilities of the best quality for physical education at the new Area School, There will be more children in cars and buses instead of keeping fit playing fields, hard surface play areas and a hall for inddor games, a feature not found in and healthy by walking to school each day / children of Carmel and existing schools. This would extend experiences further than what is available at present Fron can walk to school at the moment / We pride ourselves that in terms of improving fitness and physical health. we are part of the Gwynedd and Môn Healthy Schools plan and that As the new school is being established, and if the governors believe that activites for the pupils of Ysgol Carmel either walk or cycle to school. There is promoting physical health should be increased, this could be dealt with through the no pavement or cycle path down to Groeslon and the children will school’s improvement plan. It is recommended that other plans should be extended – lose out as a result. What is your respose to this? plans for healthy eating, fruit shop and other activitiess which will balance any presumed harm caused by not walking to school. Some schools operate different plans such as walking to school with adult volunteers etc. This type of plan would have to be discussed very carefully by the new school of course, considering the nature of the roads but certainly it could be a factor for the Community and for the Community Council to look at further as a long term plan if there is a desire and real need for it. 5.10 There is no pavement on the road from Fron down to Groeslon, 14 A traffic study has already been undertaken and notes that the junction at Y Groeslon is not many passing places if large, heavy vehicles such as buses need able to cope with the increase in traffic which the proposal would involve. to go past each other, not to mention cars. Was the road constucted for such weight? The road is unsuitable for buses According to an initial assessment of the road network and pathways to the school, between Carmel/ Fron and Groeslon / Narrow and unsuitable road transport would be provided to the Area School in accordance with the Transport Policy.
down to Groeslon / Too many vehicles / ROSPA states that 18% of This would mean that the Council would be able to provide transport for the pupils accidents occur with children travelling on buses / Is there funding coming from the Fron and Carmel areas to the Area School in Groeslon in accordance available to improve the condiition of the roads which is very poor with the policy. The Council will ensure that the buses carrying the children will be fitted and too narrow in some places for a bus? Has funding been with seatbelts, and will also provide an escort on these buses for the initial period of the earmarked for widening the roads? Who in their right mind would new arrangements – the situation will be reviewed at the end of the first term. think and intend to send children of all ages to Groeslon in all weathers? The idea is ridiculous. Parents should refuse to send their children there. / If parents decided to take their children by car it would cause queues in Groeslon and there would be a risk of accidents since the road between Carmel and Groeslon is narrow and several accidents have occurred there already – the residents have informed the Council of this several times. Bad weather is a great concern here in Carmel and Fron. Transporting children as young as three years old does cause concern. Would you employ an escort to travel on the bus? / The traffic problems in Groeslon at school opening and closing times is bad enough now! It will be ‘gridlock’!! 5.11 The bus service to Rhosgadfan is much better than the service to 2 The Council accepts that there is no public bus service at present from Fron to Groeslon Groeslon / 1F goes from Carmel to Fron but there is no bus up (and vice versa). But the 1F connects Fron and Carmel and the 1M connects Carmel and from Groeslon to Fron Groeslon. The Council would commission specific buses to transport the primary pupils from Bronyfoel and Carmel to Groeslon if the proposal is implemented. 5.12 Not willing to send small children on a bus / Do parents have the 13 In addition, and in accordance with previous arrangements following school right to travel on the bus with their children? / There will be an reorganisation, the Council will ensure that there will be an escort on these buses for the increase in the volume of traffic as a result of this proposal. This initial period of the new arrangements – the situation will be reviewed at the end of the would have a negative effect on the environment locally and an first term. This service will be part of the tender conditions for the buses and it can be increase in costs for local residents and parents. Would the noted that the escort will be expected to be Welsh speaking. The cost of providing an Council provide transport for families, especially parents of the escort will be taken frm the revenue savings of the year when the proposal is young children who do not own a car? / What will be the implemented. Parents will not be allowed to travel on the bus since it will be a school bus arrangements if the bus escort is ill? Is there a relief escort? Again a provided for pupils only. stranger to the little children / How much will the escort cost? 5.13 Concerned that the children of Fron will have to wait for a while 1 If a bus shelter is needed, the Council has a plan in place, namely: the Community Council for the bus in the cold and rough weather without any adequate will need to discuss with the local community and submit an application to the Integrated shelter Traffic Unit. Factors for consideration include funding availability and road safety matters. If this proposal is accepted, plans would have to be considered and arranged through these specific arrangements. It is likely that such an application would be given consideration by the Shadow Governing Body after it is established.
5.14 What would happen if a child becomes ill and had to go home? 10 When a child becomes ill during school hours, there are arrangements in place at all
What would be the arrangements for a parents evening/Christmas schools throughout the County to ensure that the child’s welfare is protected. concert? Not everyone has a car / If a child becomes ill during the day will the Council pay for transport to get the child home or to a carer, bearing in mind the fact that it was not their choice in the first place to move to the new school? / A scenario was presented – parents fetching a child from school every day at 3:00 but one day there is an accident in Bontnewydd which prevents the parents from reaching the school until 3:15. At the moment the child is safe at school under the care of teachers – what would happen to that child if he/she was travelling alone on a bus from Groeslon? 5.15 No study has been carried out into requirements when 2 The Council is aware of the location of the home of every pupil attending Groeslon, transporting children from the villages Carmel and Bronyfoel schools at present and has measured the exact distance from the site to the proposed Are a School site. Also a traffic study has been undertaken regarding the transport service for the children.
Of course, nearer the time for the proposed development, (2015) a much more detailed assessment will have to be carried out with regard to the location of pupils’ homes at that time so that any tender can take into consideration appropriate pick up points for the pupils. 5.16 Will the transport cost remain at £45,000? What if costs increase 2 Adequate transport costs have been included as part of this estimate which includes the and the difference has to taken from the savings? most costly scenario possible for present day transport. 5.17 Health and Safety – so much traffic and so many children arriving 1 Health and safety matters will be of core importance in the architect’s design work and home and passing through the village. the user group (parents, staff and governors) as well as the school pupils involved will be able to influence the design.
A traffic study has already been undertaken and notes that the junction at Y Groeslon is able to cope with the increase in traffic which the proposal would involve.
6 Site Related Matters 6.1 In support of establishing an area school to be located in the village 2 In dealing with construction work on this scale it would be necessary to plan in advance as of Y Groeslon. A village the size of Y Groeslon needs a school / far as possible in order to cause minimum disturbance to the routine at the existing I’m glad that the village of Groeslon has been favoured as the school. location for the new area school. This is by far the biggest village, The foremost consideration will be the health and safety of the the children and all those after all, and the forecast pupil numbers suggest that the population connected with the development. Although there are challenges, the Authority has of the village will continue to increase. experience of working with builders and other construction workers on the development of similar schemes and plans recently. I wish to ask the Council to consider the following matters when programming the construction work: During the design process the User Group will be established and will include
• The construction work should not affect day to day activities representatives from among parents, staff, governors and members of the community. at Ysgol y Groeslon in any way. The playground and the Also input will be given by pupils – this has proved very useful in the past with similar football field are used on a daily basis and it should be ensured developments and encouraging them to present their views will be of core importance that similar play areas are still available during this period. Also, when developing the design and planning the working programme. it should be ensured that there is a similar area to the existing football pitch available for the new school. The purpose of the User Group would be to contribute views and desires with regard to • A number of parents’ cars are parked on the road outside the the final design for the school – in the long run the school will be the main user. school in the morning and when the children come out of school in the afternoon. This will have to be taken into The development will include a playing field. consideration when when machines are moved onto the site. • The proposal is likely to lead to an increase in the number of cars travelling to the school each day. A suitable parking area off the main road should be provided for parents and visitors. • The consultation document notes that the existing school site will have to be extended northwards to include the community playground and another field beyond it. The development should not result in the community losing this provision 6.2 Green Gwynedd – the Council has a responsibilty not to build on a 1 Regarding the favoured model, site options were considered and detailed attention given green belt, and to use ‘brown field’ sites for building rather than to the following requirements: ‘greenfield’ sites. The cost is higher, yes, but no cost has been - Site area (2.2 acres) correctly worked out in the document circulated to parents and - Planning requirements members of the community at the beginning, this includes the - Accessible entrance allowance per pupil for the smallest schools which is disgusting to - Level land be honest. - Structural work and drainage - Any environmental, archaeological and flood related matters etc - The budget
Of the 4 sites identified in the area, 3 were agricultural green fields. The site that has been chosen has partly been developed already since it is the site of the current Ysgol y Groeslon 6.3 As I understand from looking at the plans on the website, the 12 Two gas pipes cross the north-eastern side of the site in question. One pipe crosses the British Gas pipe in Groeslon (which supplies Porthmadog!) will have existing playground from east to west. According to the information from Wales & West to be moved before the foundations for the new school can even Utilities, this is a low pressure pipe serving the neighbouring dwellings. The other pipe, to be set. Are you therefore suggesting that moving this pipe is going the north of Garreg Fawr Farm, runs in a northerly direction away from the site and is an to keep the budget under £4.5 million. Who is the accountant? I intermediate pressure pipe. There is no high pressure equipment thatw ill affect the would like to buy him a calculator. Has the cost of relocating the development at all. gas pipe been included in the business plan? Worried about locating a school close to a gas pipe / Is the Council perfectly sure that the We do not foresee that equipment on site would cause problems for the development
existing site is suitable? I would like more information regarding the and there are no plans to build over them. Wales & West Utiities is not of the opinion implications of the gas pipe which runs close to the site. What are that the pipes need to be removed in order to develop the site. the financial implications of addressing this? 6.4 It is noted that the site is not in a flood risk zone but the land is 13 The site has not been identified as being within a flood zone according to the Environment marshy and a stream runs parallell with the public footpath. Has this Agency. been considered? / The Groeslon site is on a flood plain. Groeslon It is an intention to build on land that is already owned by the council – this is not wet. is sinking – there are several houses for sale in the area now on Additional land is slightly wet, however there is no intenton of building on this, but rather account of this / It is not a good idea to build on marshy land. to use as a playing field. For this purpose a draining system will be installed - a common Groeslon gets enough problems with floods. / What about the process which is used to improve the quality of land to create playing fields. possibility of land flooding? / Some companies have refused to consider the site for affordable housing on account of floods / The suggested site in Groeslon is on a stream which has a tendency of overflowing with heavy rain. So the children will have plenty of computers between them and a river running through the classroom. Very cosy. 6.5 What about the public footpath which (according to the image of 5 There is a public footpath crosses between the location for developing the site and the the new school) runs straight through the site? How exactly will the extra land for playing fields. Council overcome this problem? Realise that the area the other side of the footpath is an area for supervised lessons, but children This is not unusual and a vast number of playing fields and school lands have paths, need to go to the toilet, there is no certainty that the gate will pavements and roads running along the boundaries.In each case of its kind, appropriate always be locked / I acknowledge that a public footpath runs safety measures are taken – usual the erection of a purpose built fence. This is an option through the playing field at Ysgol Carmel but the view points are in this case as the land on the other side of the path will only be used under specific safe and they are not used very often. supervision. I am very concerned about the public footpath which runs through the site recommended by the Council. How much money are you Another option of course is to consider re-routing the path and incorporating it as part of going to spend on moving the footpath? I am concerned that more the development as a formal and offical footpath to the school itself. These options are a use will be made of this path. Is the fence sufficient to safeguard the matter for the user group to discuss with the designers to ensure that a decision is children? reached which meets the safety need of the children, as well as the efficient running of the school and the wishes of the wider community.
Any development near or around the path would need to consider the safety of pupils and school users. A number of schools across the county have public footpaths within close proximity to the schools. Arrangements such as purpose built fences and gates etc are options that could be considered.
Careful planning is required within the design process (with input from the user group) regarding suitable options for the public footpath, whether it be re-locating the path or adapting around it in its present form.
6.6 Weather: Fron can be under 4 feet of snow, Carmel under 2, and 2 Schools follow a strict Protocol for Bad Weather. Every school including a new school rain in Groeslon. What will happen to these children when the bad such as this one is expected to follow the same protocol. weather comes, as it does each year? Having experienced bad weather lately it seems that this protocol is of great value to help schools across the County to respond to bad weather situations in geographically challenging areas and changing climates. 6.7 The Council says that the crisis situation in Groeslon is the reason 4 The Council has ensured that reorganising the area has been a priority due to the for including Fron and Carmel schools in this proposal, because it is condition of the building at Ysgol Groeslon. The process in itself has involved more than is impossible to attract investment in any other way. As a result, is required. Three area panel meetings were held (which is more than required) and a six this a hurried and substandard proposal? / It ignores the feelings of week statutory consultation period arranged so that the views of interested parties could two communities for the benefit of one. be obtained. 6.7 Demographically the site is not at the centre of the communities 1 Often, a geographically central location is not necessarily the best answer for establishing an Area School because of a number of different factors as stated in the statutory consultation – for example, suitability of the buildings/site; road network; location of pupils’ homes; accessibility of the site; technical matters; mainstream traffic movement; development costs, viability; area population etc. 6.8 Sensible and fair site for the three communities has been ignored 1 In terms of the favoured model – site options were considered and detailed attention paid very quickly. / Design for the favoured proposal formed very early to the following requirements: in the consultation period. - Site area (2.2 acres) - Planning requirements - Accessible entrance - Level land - Structural work and drainage - Any environmental, archaeological and flood related matters etc - The budget
Sites in the three villages were assessed and consideration given to the various factors. This led to a short list being drawn and 4 sites selected for further assessment, namely: • Site near the old A487 north of Groeslon • Existing site at Ysgol Carmel • Existing site at Ysgol Groeslon • Site near the old A487 – south of Groeslon
These sites were carefully assessed against key factors. It was noted that planning matters and technical problems increased the development complexity in the case of a number of the sites. When assessing the existing site at Ysgol Groeslon it was noted that it was possibl e to extend the site and that the site offered itself for development subject to technical, planning and financial conditions, without any major complexities.
A conceptual plan was presented at the statutory meetings in order to give the audience a better idea of the kind of Area School development being contemplated. There is no guarantee that the final design will be similar, detailed discussions will take place with the user group. 6.9 Will the playing field for the new school be close to the school or 1 The existing school site will be used and also an additional plot of land close to the school. separate? The community playing field will become part of the school land and a new community Has the land for the playing field been purchased already? Additional play area will be created as part of the development. costs? There is a conditional agreement on the additional plot of land and the cost has been included in the identified costs (i.e within the budget of £4.84m) 6.10 An extention to Ysgol Carmel to accommodate the children from 1 The site at Carmel was considered as a site for the Area School, by extending the existing Groeslon, Carmel and Fron would cost less - Carmel is central. site (see page 29 of the statutory consultation paper). In terms of suitability as a site, it was not the best option in terms of size (2.2 acres); planning requirements, accessible entrance; level land; structural services and drainage; environmental, archaeological and flood related matters etc and the budget.
7 The Welsh Language 7.1 Why has the Council depended so much on the results of the 20 Our aim is for every pupil in the County to be fully bilingual in order to develop an be full linguistic assessment which was compiled by one independent members of the bilingual society in which they live. person? The linguistic report has not considered the harmful efffect it would have on our communities / Harmful effect on the language Maintaining and improving the use of the Welsh language as the language of education and was not taken into consideration / No sense in trying to separate the social language among children is therefore a key onsideration when developing the effect on the language from the effect on the communities since proposals within the areas. An independent consultant was commissioned to undertake an the main problem with the proposal is the harmful effect on the assessment of the impact which the development of this proposal would have on the Welsh language in the community rather than in the classroom./ Welsh language. The only way to safeguard the language is to keep the schools in our communities open. This is not a criticism of the author but on This report achieves its purpose of assessing the most likely effects of the new education the aspects which he had to compare. The main problem will be models for the pupils of Y Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel schools within the Dyffryn the harmful effect on our communities rather than any effect in the Nantlle catchment area on the Welsh language. This is achieved by recording the present classroom. / So putting all the pupils on one site and robbing other performance and performance over the last 5 years at the schools, assessing the condition villages of a Welsh school has to have a negative effect either way. / of the language at the moment individually and as a cluster and evaluating the reports from The Council has depended very heavily on the results of the Estyn. It then presents presumptions in terms of performance, achievement and use of the linguistic assessment, but the report is full of weaknesses which Welsh language based on the proposed linguistic models and evaluates them against the need addressing. Why concentrate on the language of the home? County’s language policy and the wider strategic aim of promoting and strengthening the language within education and society as part of the process of modernising education in The language report and the questionnaire were not valid. It is Gwynedd. The assessment does not compare standards at different schools and neither totally unfair and incorrect / the linguistic assessment is doubtful does it compare villages or communities against each other. and one-sided / The questionnaire was dificult to complete / The
community does not agree with the independent linguistic In this case the purpose of the linguistic assessment report was to discover the effect that assessment which says that the linguistic effect of the proposals different models would have on the Welsh language. That is – comparing the multi site confirm that a new school on one site would strengthen the Area School model with the one-site Area School model. This was therefore one of the position of the Welsh language across the area / Don’t agree with considerations when choosing the favoured model. the assessment which states that if the pupils of Bronyfoel did not attend Ysgol Carmel the Welsh language would be drowned by the The report notes the results for the possible multi-site Area School and the negative English language. So this is one of the reasons for not having an area effect which that model could have. The independent report concludes that one of the school in Carmel. / Council has depended too much on the sites could increasingly be regarded as as the English site. The report doubts whether any linguistic assessment / The Independent Linguistic Study is nothing alleviating measures could overcome some negative effects which this model could have short of racist towards the English people who have moved into the on the Welsh language. area / It includes statements which are untrue. Ther is no evidence to suggest that the future of the Welsh language is better protected On the other hand, regarding the proposal to establish an Area School on one site, the in an area school than in a small community school. linguistic assessment states that establishing this model would “..offer opportunities for promoting and strengthening the Welsh language within both education and society”. At present there are around 55% of pupils from the three communities being educated in an education establishment where During the consultation a number of respondents stated that the existing schools did almost everyone comes from a Welsh home. Following the good work in terms of teaching the Welsh language and that they were a bridging link for proposal these 55% will move to an establishment where over a non-Welsh speaking parents. The Council is confident that the Area School on one site third of the children come from English homes – it is inevitable that could continue with the good work carried out at the existing schools in terms of this will affect the 55%. teaching Welsh to the pupils. Regarding the linguis tic impact on the community we are confident that ensuring a viable education provision with modern resources of the best quality will be an asset for the whole area and that there will be opportunities in the new establishment to develop the work carried out at the schools at present for the benefit of the Welsh language within education and the community.
7.2 Too much emphasis on presumptions based on the parents’ 6 In Table 12 (page 17) of the statistics document is the “Cameo of the situation in the language and not the language of the children. The fact that the Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel area” – linguistic profile based on data provided by heads pupils are bilingual and speak the Welsh language in school and in of schools. The information shows pupils’ language pattern within their school and this the playground is ignored. This is based on background information information has been addressed in the linguistic assessment about the school, the demography of the area, and linguistic data, namely the exact evidence used in implementing the Gwynedd Primary School Language Charter. We do not accept presumptions as a basis for your report and we insist that you base your views on facts and constructive evidence. / Your presumptions are unfounded / Surprised that the assessment concentrates on the home language , why are parents not included as part of the study? / Every pupil in Bronyfoel and Carmel speak Welsh because it is Council policy to provide education through the medium of Welsh
/ The views of the individuals do not count – there is no evidence In this case the purpose of the assessment is to consider the possible effects of the to show that education and the Welsh language will improve by various models for reorganisation in the area. That is – comparing the multi site Area establishing an area school School model with the single site Area School model. The results of the linguistic assessment is one factor from among many others which are considered before reaching the favoured model – and include - the effect of the various models on class sizes, change in numbers, quality of education, surplus places, community impact, learning environment and condition of the buildings, revenue budget and capital budget, leadership and staffing, geographical factors, catchment areas, transport, location of pupils’ homes, road networks, suitability of sites for development etc. 7.3 Gwynedd Council under false impression that the village of Fron is 6 The linguistic assessment gives the Council an independent view of the present linguistic mainly English – the parents might be English but the children are situation and an idea of what might happen in choosing one reorganisation model rather fluent Welsh speakers and consider themselves to be Welsh. / How than another. can the Council justify taking the only Welsh link away from the This report achieves its purpose of assessing the most likely effects of the new education village of Y Fron? The school is the main source of Welshness in models for the pupils of Y Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel schools within the Dyffryn Fron and the main means of helping incomers to fit into the Welsh Nantlle catchment area on the Welsh language. This is achieved by recording the present community – they rely on the school as the means of bonding with performance and performance over the last 5 years at the schools, assessing the condition the area. Almost all the pupils of Bronyfoel come from homes of the language at the moment individually and as a cluster and evaluating the reports from where Welsh is not the main language whilst Ysgol Groeslon is Estyn. It then presents presumptions in terms of performance, achievement and use of the almost completely Welsh speaking Welsh language based on the proposed linguistic models and evaluates them against the 7.4 Cannot see how moving the children down to Groeslon will affect 1 County’s language policy and the wider strategic aim of promoting and strengthening the the language language within education and society as part of the process of modernising education in 7.5 In the statutory meeting an alternative option was introduced, 1 Gwynedd. namely moving the pupils of Y Fron to Carmel but it was decided that there was a risk of creating an English establishment because of In this instance the report states; the linguistic background of the Bronyfoel pupils – cannot believe “we gather that the model of an Area School on one site is rather negative for the language but if this response since all the pupils at Bronyfoel speak Welsh / Does specific recommendations were adopted opportunities exist for maintaining and strengthening the this response mean that the Council’s language policy is a failure? / situation. An Area School on one site would create a language demography where pupils from A rather raciist response. Welsh homes would form the largest linguistic group (60%). Even in Gwynedd the reality is that 7.6 Experience has shown very clearly that larger schools are failing to 1 there is a need for approximately 65% or more to be first language Welsh speakers in order to keep the language alive for the children who attend them, many maintain the language as the natural language within the school. In contrast therefore a multi site children being taught entirely through the medium of English. Area School model in the case of Carmel would create a totally different demography with over 7.7 Appendices of a publication on the Welsh Government website 1 63% of the pupils coming from English/bilingual homes. In the case of a minority language such incudued the desire of Leighton Andrews regarding the Welsh as Welsh there is evidence from other schools in the County with the same language profile which language “We want to ensure that our schools have sufficient suggests that the language is deteriorating and that this leads to ‘code switching’ which is the funding to repair and renovate their buildings”, “We are committed greatest challenge for Welsh / bilingual schools for many years. For that reason, and its far- to safeguarding the future of the Welsh language” and “As a reaching possible effects, the linguistic assessment reaches the conclusion that this model would Government, we are committed to doing everything possible to be a blow to the successful present implementation of the language policy and would go against ensure that Welsh is a ‘living language’ – the language used every the strategic aim of the Education Authority of promoting and strengthening the Welsh language
day within the community”. I hope that you will realise that the within both education and the community” proposal is no help to the causes outlined here. 7.8 Ysgol Carmel holds every activity through the medium of Welsh 1 The linguistic assessment does not assess the standard of one school against another. The purpose of the report in this case was to find the effect that the various models would have on the Welsh language . That is – comparing the multi site Area School model with the single site Area School model. This was therefore one of the considerations used in choosing the favoured model. 7.9 One disappointing note about the comments in the local press is 1 In this case the purpose of the assessment was to consider the possible effects of the the emphasis on linguistic factors. I refer specifically to the claim various models for reorganisation in the area. That is – comparing the multi site Area that the proposal for joining the three schools has been made School model with the single site Area School model. The results of the linguistic because of the comparatively high percentage of children in Carmel assessment is one factor from among many others considered before reaching the and especially in Fron who come from English homes. According to favoured model – and include - the effect of the various models on class sizes, change in my understanding this is not so. The condiition of the buildings and numbers, quality of education, surplus places, community impact, learning environment surplus places were the main factors behind the discussions and anc condition of the buildings, revenue budget and capital budget, leadership and staffing, proposal. geographical factors, catchment areas, transport, location of pupils’ homes, road networks, suitability of sites for development etc.
8 Statutory Consultation Process 8.1 Council to be praised for holding a review process and seeking an 7 The Council has followed the national guidelines in acordance with Circular 9/99 and the informal consensus before making a definite proposal, but this Schools Standards and Framework Act 1998 in developing the consultation document. cannot excuse them from performing their legal duty of holding a The information was checked with individual schools at the start of the discussions and full consultation on all the options in accordance with the the information was accepted by representatives from the schools at Review Panel requirements of Government guidelines on school reoganisation. meetings. All the relevant documents have been published on the Council website at; The paper which is the subject of a statutory consultation with ALL www.gwynedd.gov.uk/trefniadaethysgolion the stakeholders should have included a detailed evaluation of all the options. / The Council does not understand that it is not The Welsh Government Guidelines for School Organisation Proposals 021/2009 notes sufficient to refer to other models in the catchment area review that other options have to be considered. When a case mentions the closure of a rural panel (during the non- statutory consultation). It is obvious that this school there is a need to “look at other possibilities apart from closure , especially is not sufficient sinc the vast majority of stakeholders did not have a clustering or collaboration with other schools” , consider “establishing multi site schools” chance to give their opinions on the other models since they were and give reasons for not implementing these options. not members of the ARP. One specific section of the consultation document has been earmarked for evaluating the Is it a legal duty to hold a full statutory consultation on all the various options. It was explained that the list of possible options had been reduced to options in accordance with the requirements of the Governmnet three main models for further consideration. The implications of these proposals were guidelines on reorganisation? analysed against factors and values in the Strategy “ Primary education of the best Quality for the Children of Gwynedd ”. These options included developing a model of Statutory consultation paper no good for anything but for lighting a collaboration/federation, Area School model, and multi site Area School model. These fire – all geared towards the Council’s purposes and does not were presented during the non statutory discussions at the Area Review Panel meetings.
include any dependable facts that could be used to reach a sensible These meetings were minuted and copies are available on the Council website. An analysis decision. / Consultation document is doubtful and one-sided / of the three options was included in the document. Consultation document is totally prejudiced / Consultation document does not deal with all the options The Authority welcomed alternative options for consideration as part of the statutory consultation. Arranging the consultation period with two weeks’ holiday in the middle was a very unfair step / The only reference in the statutory The Council is confident that it has considered the alternative options as past of the work paper to alternative models is the ‘more radical’ plan and the prior to the consultation period and as part of the statutory consultation document. statement that a federal system would not “solve the problem...surplus places.. and buildings”. This would always be true of any federal model since that is not the aim of a federal model / The Government cannot deny that the Local Authority is being excused from its responsibility of carefully evaluating the situation.
So many documents not on the internet for the public, incorrect statistics, incorrect and misleading costings / The document is much more deficient in evaluating the various federal models on this basis and shows a clear tendency towards the best choice. It is obviously misleading, to the point of being deceiving. In parts, the statistics quoted are facts taken for granted rather real figures, conveniently chosen to hide the truth / Under the Public Freedom Act 2002 the communities and anyone seeking details have the right to access the information. The process has not followed the rules. 8.2 Enormous problem with table 6.8 in the statutory consultation 1 In choosing a site, this table takes technical factors into consideration and does not paper – it is perfectly obvious that this table is incorrect. One point consider all the other factors considered in choosing the favoured model. The existing suggests that an area school does not have complications. I feel that site at Ysgol Groeslon appears with three orange and green. Green means not many there is no evidence, and it is obvious that the research work is not complexities and very low risks whilst orange means few complexities and low risks. thorough enough. 8.3 The whole process has been hurried due to the condition of the 18 The Council has been implementing the Strategy “Primary Education of the Best Quality for school at Groeslon. The result is a consultation which leads to a the Children of Gwynedd ” since it was adopted back in April 2009. At its meeting on 9 one-eyed proposal with no thorough research based on strong October 2012, the Cabinet decided on a ‘Prio rities Plan – Field of Education Organisation’ evidence. The haste involved with the proposal has led to unfairness based on this strategy. and has forced the Council to put forward a second rate proposal / The process has been hurried due to the condition of the school at The Strategy notes the need to ensure a method of addressing the situation in some Groeslon / I hope that the council will not hurry the decision and schools “Relevant professional information should be considered in order to draw attention to that the councillors involved with this matter will think seriously crisis situations within the County which directly impact the quality of the education and the about more sensible options for making better use of the proposed experiences of pupils (e.g. very low numbers in a shcool, condition of the buildings very poor, funding and keep the three schools within their communities / This failure to recruit a head teacher)”
consultation has been hurried – intentionally – in order not to receive objections / Shame that this consultation is the result of a The Strategy notes the need to ensure flexibility to start the discussions because there is crisis situation more than anything / It seems that this decicion was a need for substantial investment to improve buildings where education is provided in a taken in a hurry / Carmel and Bronyfoel should not close because specific area. These situations are identified through review of their condition and the condition of Ysgol Groeslon needs an emergency solution, time suitability by the Council’s Property Service. One situation identified was the condition of is needed for reorganisation, so this consultation is unfair. the building at Ysgol Y Groeslon.
Timing – arranging a consultation with two weeks holiday in the When this specific area was first looked at, it was made clear that it was the crisis middle / I would like to see fair play regarding the timing of the situation of the buildings at Ysgol Y Groeslon that had led to the site being investigated. It consultation– does barely 5 weeks with two weeks’ Easter holiday was explained that the Carmel and Fron areas were georaphically close to Groeslon and included sound fair? / Not enough time for consultation also within the Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle catchment area. The geography and the natural catchment area defines itself. But there are other factors which further strengthen the rationale.
The guidelines note that a period of one month has to be allowed for the statutory consultation period. The period commenced on 18 March and ended on 26 April 2013. The Council was aware of the Easter holiday and thus held the consutation over 6 full weeks. Participants were fully aware that the consultation was about to start as newsletters and information had been distributed before hand. Following the meeting of the Council Cabinet on 27 February 2013, when it was resolved to hold a consultation on the proposal, newsletters were circulated to staff, governors and parents of the schools and to the press to inform them of the decision, stating “a consultation period will be held over the coming weeks”. 8.4 Would you ensure that you undertake preparatory work and that 1 If the proposal is accepted, the preparation work prior to opening the Area School will be you have clear and transparent systems in place e.g. arrange the of core importance. In the case of the new Area School in Bro Dysynni (Ysgol Craig y staffing structure immediately, personnel to ask staff if they have any Deryn) the Head Teacher was appointed in April and the school will open in September. individual requirements, maintain better contact with the staff This enables the staffing structure to be established and appointments made. through regular bulletins giving details of the arrangements? Officers from the personnel department will be available to help staff members- in the case of Bro Dysynni the staff at the schools receive a weekly bulletin of all the jobs being advertised in the area. A public meeting was held in Tywyn at the beginning of the year for all the staff affected by the reorganisation proposals and a number of officers from different departments were present to respond to questions.
If the Cabinet recommends that the proposal goes ahead, the Authority has aleady promised to arrange a joint meeting for all the staff of Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel schools. 8.5 It states in the Priorities Plan – Education Provision Organisation 1 The statutory consultation document discusses the impact that the proposal will have on
“Whoever presents proposals should also give specific transport arrangements and travelling distance for pupils. Since the three schools are consideration to the effects of any travelling difficulties with pupils’ within 2.2 miles of each other (7 minutes’ journey) no pupil living in the schools’ attendance at school”. We do not believe that your proposal shows catchment areas will spend more than 30 minutes one way to school (County policy) “specific consideration” or sufficient consideration in this matter 8.6 I wish to draw attention to the unfairness in the report on the 1 An introductory letter and community questionnaire had been directly distributed to the community impact assessment which was premature and did not schools for all the staff, governors and parents stating that the independent community reflect the wishes of the wider community. I note this because only consultation would be held between 17 December 2012 and 25 January 2013. At an area the school parents were given the chance to respond, not the panel meeting it was also noted that members of the community were welcome to wider community. respond and that internet connection was available (www.surveymonkey.com ) for this purpose. An opportunity was given for the entire community to respond. 8.7 In 2008 Gwynedd Council, in the face of immense pressure by 1 Following the proposal in 2008 the Council decided to reorganise schools by catchment pressure groups, was forced to reject the proposal to close 29 area, and to prioritise specific catchment areas by comparing various factors in matrix. primary schools. Now they are trying to bully us by tackling The Strategy ‘ Primary Education of the best Quality for the Children of Gwynedd’ was adopted individual villages within smaller areas. unanimously by the Full Council in April 2009 and the Council has been implementing the strategy since then. 8.8 Tables on pages 14, 15 and 16 of the consultation paper are totally 1 The tables in question were put before members of the panel so that they could give their biased. There is no advantage to the federal system at all in terms views on them before their inclusion in the statutory consultation document. If the of the learning environment, pupil numbers, class sizes or age range. proposal is accepted the Council acknowledges that there will be a transition period when the pupils transfer to the Area School. Every effort will be made to ensure that the children from the various schools become acquainted before the Area School opens so that the can make friends beforehand and be comfortable with the idea of transferring. The Council has experience of this in another area. Pupils will also be able to give an input into the design of the new school so that they can claim ownership of the school It is not likely that any child would wish to move from a class of 9 to a class of 30. 8.9 It is obvious that 2 factors drive this agenda for reorganisation, 2 The Council acknowledges that it is the condition of the building at Ysgol Y Groeslon that namely the condition of the building in Groeslon, and the Council’s is behind the idea of looking at reorganisation in this area. This has been clear from the obsession with surplus places. start of the discussion when the priorities plan was published in October 2012. Surplus places at schools is one of a number of factors which are being considered when comparing different models. 8.10 I want the Council and the Cabinet to consider every question 1 The correspondence received during the consultation period has been analysed in this please before reaching a decision on whether to proceed with the table. Both the matters which receive speciific consideration in the Cabinet report and the plan or not. table are included in the appendices. Cabinet members will also receive full copies of the letters (after personal details have been removed at the request of the respondents). 8.11 Support the decision by the Cabinet of Gwynedd Council to 1 The Council appreciates this support. establish an area school, and to close three primary schools and locate the new area school on the site of Ysgol Y Groeslon. 8.12 It is obvious from the Consultation Document that one model is 1 The Council has to hold a statutory consultation on one favoured proposal following favoured more than any other and certainly financial reasons count discussion on a number of options.
for this. 8.13 Gwynedd Council arguments are wrong with regard to the 1 The Council has produced a statistics pack in conjunction with the head teachers of the language, funding, and choice of site, and they have provided schools. The information has been confirmed as correct by them and submitted to the misleading information especially with regard to the schools’ Area Panel for their observations. The Council has not expressed any concern over the performance. performance or the quality of the education at the schools at any time during the process. 8.14 By the Cabinet meeting date, every letter of enquiry, concern and 1 All the documentation that is received will be submitted to the Cabinet. The Council will question will have been answered in order to persuade the Cabinet give detailed attention and consideration to the observations and will respond to them Members that the proposal is perfect for the catchment area since appropriately. they work on the basis that the Council is working for the benefit of the people – some people perhaps, some in some communities have more influence than others, not in this part of Gwynedd. / The Council and the parties are doing themselves great harm by making rural communities suffer / People will remember this when the election comes around. 8.15 It is not ‘catchment area’ that is being discussed – many more 1 The Council is aware that the whole catchment area is not being reorganised. It was the schools in the area should have been assessed. area review panel that was mentioned. 8.16 Surprised in the statutory meeting at Carmel, it was like a ‘Comedy 1 Coun. Sian Gwenllian wasn present to hear and to comment on the observations. Show’; Dewi Jones chairing with a totaly dumb councillor Sian Gwenllian sitting throughout the meeting with her back to the audience.. 8.17 Following a consultation with the Cabinet on April 16th, in Neuadd 4 Officers from the different departments were present at the statutory meeting on 16 Carmel, it was said that the business plan has not been completed! April and not Cabinet members. The Cabinet Member for Education was present. The How can the Council submit a valid and dependable bid without Cabinet will meet on 21 May to decide whether to continue with the proposal or not, one? following receipt of observations from the statutory consultation.
It would be premature to submit the business case before the Council reaches a final decision on 21 May on whether to continue with the proposal or not. Conditional on the decision of the Cabinet, after 21 May a strong business case will be developed and submitted to the Welsh Government. 8.18 The Cabinet has presumed that a school for 160/180 pupils will be 1 When the Council is in consultation regarding the closure of any school, a specific new needed in Groeslon, where did that figure come from? There is no school has to be stipulated in its place. In this case the new area school in Groeslon was certainty that parents from Bronyfoel and Carmel will send their named. This means that the Authority has to design the new area school to accommodate children to the site at Groeslon, it will be much easier to transport all the existing pupils at the schools which will close as part of the proposal. There are their children to Rhosgadfan, Rhostryfan or Bro Lleu schools. 149 pupils at the schools at present (data September 2012), and in accordance with Government guidelines we have to add 10% surplus places which brings the capacity to 164 pupils. In view of the fact that a number of parents living in the Groeslon catchment area take their children out of the catchment area for their education (many on account of the condition of the existing building) in our experience a new school attracts pupils
and it makes sense to plan for around 180 pupils.
Parents still have a choice of applying to another school and their application will be processed in accordance with the County’s entry policy. There will not be free transport provided unless the parents’ choice of school qualifies for free transport in accordance with the transport policy. 8.19 I was looking specifically on the internet for your ‘forward plan of 1 The minutes of all the Cabinet meetings are posted on the Council website. At the key decisions’ , essential for decisions which are important for more Cabinet meeting on 27 February 2013 it was resolved to hold a period of statutory than one catchment area (three in this case) with such high consultation on this proposal, which includes choosing the existing site at Ysgol Groeslon expenditure from the Council’s revenue funds. Also for the as the site on which to develop the Area School. The resolutions reached at this meeting Cabinet minutes where the decision was taken on the site for the are shown on www.gwynedd.gov.uk . This information is available a few days after the new school in Groeslon. Having spent hours serching, the minutes Cabinet meeting and the schools organisation team or the freedom of information unit of the meeting when Sian Gwenllian discussed the matter were not can assist with finding the information if required. available. Under the Public Freedom Act 2002 the communities and anyone looking for information have the right to view it. The process has not followed the rules.
9 Alternative/Other Options 9.1 New school for Carmel 1 Full consideration was given to the site for the new Area School, including sites in Carmel and Fron. The existing site at Ysgol Carmel was on the short list of 4 sites, but after analysing key technical factors it seemed that the existing site at Ysgol Groeslon was the most appropriate. 9.2 It is a disappointment that not enough consideration has been given 7 Full consideration was given to a multi site area school, indeed it was one of the three to a multi site school – especially in view of the good condition of models on the short list included in the statutory consultation document Ysgol Bronyfoel. Perhaps this could be a connsideration for nursery During the consultation it was suggested by some consultees that this kind of model age pupils / One nursey school for the area and one junior school would be best. The suggestions varied from closing Ysgol Groeslon and establishing a (Carmel and Bronyfoel) / There are several options for keeping the multi site Area School in Carmel and Bronyfoel to establishing a multi site Area School school open e.g. nursery school in Fron and junior school in Carmel school at Ysgol Groeslon and Ysgol Carmel. Technical matters would make it difficult to – it would save building a new school in Groeslon / Close Ysgol develop the site at Bronyfoel for a large number of children. Bronyfoel and move the pupils to Carmel, and build a new school for Groeslon / Area school on two sites has been put forward by This model is a way of providing education in very rural areas where travelling distances the communities of Carmel and Fron, but they have been ignored are of key importance. In this instance, the model would have disadvantages. There would by Gwynedd Council. Difficult to see how they can justify refusing be higher cost for maintaining two sites and more buildings. There would be uncertainty this proposal while they talk of federal systems in other parts of the regarding attracting any invesment for upgrading the buildings. The likelihood is that a County (Dyffryn Dulas and Pennal for example). substantial sum would have to be spent on one site (at Groeslon) due to the condition of the building and that there would be less investment for the second site (at Carmel). There is concern whether such a plan would be strong enough to attract investment from the Welsh Government in comparison with the favoured model, since it would be
expected that the investment would result in specific national standards.
Also there are concerns regarding the sustainability of the model in this case. As already stated, a substantial investment would have to be made in the site at Groeslon, so that this would be a modern and attractive building. On the other hand, the second site would not receive so much investment and would possibly not be as attractive.
There is concern regarding entry control problems which could arise between the two sites in this instance. It would be the Authority’s role to manage entry to the school as an establishment but the role of the governing body to manage entry into the specific sites. Since geographical distance is not a key factor, it is likely that problems would arise concerning which pupils would attend which site.
Since the school would be one establishment, it would have to be ensured that the eductional standards were consistent across the school and that the same opportunities were available for the pupils across the two sites.
Although this model would probably be desireable as a means of retaining an educational presence in one more village – the Council is not of the opinion that this proposal would offer the best solution in this specific situation. 9.3 It is possible to cut the spending by renovating either Ysgol Carmel 16 This option has received initial attention by the Authority. A number of difficulties arise or ysgol Bronyfoel, and why has such a huge mathematical mistake immediately, the most obvious being the fact that there is not sufficient room in these been made in working out the cost of a new school, this need s to schools to accommodate all the pupils. There are 30 surplus places in Carmel and 26 be looked at again / A new school should be built in Groeslon, but surplus places in Bronyfoel – a total of 56 places for 75 pupils at Ysgol Groeslon. This keep Carmel and Bronyfoel schools open / Gwynedd Council does not take into consideration the number of pupils (20 in all) who live in the Groeslon could save themselves £2.2m and £2.4m for the Welsh catchment area but who attend other schools. Government by upgrading existing buildings and forgetting about new building. This could be done and also reach Leighton Regarding the sites at Carmel and Bronyfoel, substantial upgrading/extension work is Andrews’s target of reducing the surplus places to under 15% by required on the two sites in order to ensure sufficient space. All this would have to be January 2015 instead of taking until at least September that year funded by the Council, because to obtain funding from the Government it would be which is where the present proposal is leading towards. necessary to reach Welsh Government building requirements on the two sites. Substantial resaerch/background work was carried out by the property department on the Spend the necessary £200k on Carmel and Bronyfoel and move the existing school sites to see if they could be adapted to accommodate the pupils of Groeslon pupils there / Close Groeslon and distribute to Bronyfoel and Carmel as a second site for the multi site Area School but there were a neighbouring schools? There is room in Carmel and Bronyfoel and number of factors which made this difficult. There would be many complexities in creating also at schools further afield / No need to spend £4.8 million new catchment areas for the schools and complicated transport considerations.
Gwynedd Council has stated that it would cost £200,000 to
upgrade Carmel and Bronyfoel schools, so why not spend this amount and then transporrt the 75 pupils from Groeslon up the hill rather than spend 24 times that sum and transport 74 children down the hill from Carmel and Bronyfoel?
9.4 Would it be easier to close Ysgol Y Groeslon and send the children 4 Before starting discussions on the three schools which form part of the proposal under to fill the surplus places in Fron and Carmel schools? Would this consultation much research was carried out on the wider possibilities. reduce the cost? / Why not move the Groeslon children to Bontnewydd and Penygroes and leave Carmel and Bronyfoel / Considering the proposal to distribuite the pupils living in Groeslon, the fact is that the Extension, and split the Groeslon pupils between Bro Lleu, education provision for the pupils of the area would have to be distributed among a large Bronyfoel and Carmel / Split the Groeslon pupils between Carmel, number of schools since around 90 primary school pupils live in the village. In the initial Bontnewydd, Llandwrog and Llanwnda / Plenty of choice of smaller assessment the effect that this would have was investigated, in comparison with providing schools which are close and more convenient to reach e.g provision for the pupils of the area on one site. Consideration would have to be given to Rhosgadfan, Rhostryfan and Penygroes schools / The wider area splitting the village and the catchment area, the effect on transport cost (which would should be looked at i.e the whole of Dyffryn Nantlle / There is 2.2 certainly be higher as it would involve transport for a larger number of children in differnt mile distance between Fron and Groeslon, only 1.7 miles between directions and also the linguistic and community impact that the proposal would have by Ysgol Llandwrog and Groeslon and a much better road. distributing the pupils of the area to so many other schools.
If other schools such as Rhostryfan and Rhosgadfan were allowed The Council has acknowledged that the crisis situation regarding the building at Ysgol Y to join in the consultation the business plan might be more viable / Groeslon is one of the main reasons for looking at this part of the County. In the Priority By confining the options to Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel only, Plan – Section on Organisation, published in October 2012 there was reference to the Council is losing an opportunity to maintain and improve the starting discussions in the area, giving clear reasoning why the three schools were being quality of the education for children in the area in the years to considered rather than the whole Dyffryn Nantlle catchment area or a wider area which come. includes the catchment areas of other secondary schools. The reasons included the fact that Dyffryn Nantlle catchment area was low in terms of priority, surplus places at the three schools, differnce in cost per pupil between the schools, gegraphical proximity in terms of distances and travelling times to school, and an opportunity for obtaining substantial capital funding. By defining the area in this way it is possible to achieve some of the aims of the Council’s strategy and to ensure strong education in the area for the future. 9.5 The financial savings would be much higher than the £45,00 5 A new school would have to be built since it is not possible to upgrade the existing stipulated in the Council’s proposal if the whole catchment area buildings at Ysgol Groeslon. More than half the funding would be needed to do this due to was reorganised. Indeed it would take more time but there would the need for stores, hall, reception area, kitchen, staff area etc. The only saving would be be a better strategic plan and a larger financial saving. Or even in the number of classrooms. So if three quarters of the school remains, three quarters of discuss an innovative model namely “Dyffryn Nantlle Federation” of the funding will be needed, namely around £3.5 million. 10 primary schools and the Secndary school and joining a few as a multi site school. A federal model can be the answer in some cases – but in the opinion of the Council this In the Area Review Panel meeting (during the non-statutory is not the answer in this situation for the following reasons:
consultation) a more radical option was proposed which included • It would not sove the problem regarding the reduction in pupil numbers or the looking at the schools within the catchment area and lead to more problem regarding high numbers of surplus places in individual schools, educational advantages and more financial savings. The response • It would not ensuure viability and strength for the provision in the area for the was that this would not be considered, that it was too late and that future, it would be a step backwards for the process. (The minutes are not • There would be no means of reducing the difference in the cost per pupil for the available in the background pack) provision of education, • The maintenance costs for the same number of buildings would remain, A Federation of schools could be an option • The substantial investment needed to upgrade each individual building cannot be ensured, An innovative option of “Dyffryn Nantlle Federation” was • It would not be possible to attract funding for improvements to the teaching and discussed – one governing board (one head teacher and one learning environment on so many sites, administrative system) for the Secondary School and the primary • Any savings would be swallowed up by the need to maintain systems and buildings schools which feed it.The Government’s Federation Regulations (for example – the same number of buildings would have to be maintained. Also, 2010 suggest up to 5 schools in a federation but willing to consider although there would not be as many Head Teachers, a manager would be needed more. Some schools could be combined as 2-site schools (Y Fron on every site.) and Carmel for example) in order to ensure that the individual number of schools in the federation would be below the present Before starting discussions with the three schools which are part of the proposal under number of schools (9) Great educational value to a plan such as consultation, research had to be undertaken on the wider possibilities. The Council has this one, promoting collaboration between primary and secondary, acknowledged that the crisis situation regarding the building at Ysgol Y Groeslon is one of possibility of using more specialised teachers, help to safeguard the the main reasons for looking at this part of the County. In the Priority Plan – Section on secondary school, do away with the need for 9 governing boards , Organisation, published in October 2012 there was reference to starting discussions in create one leadership and adminstrative system, abolish duplication the area, giving clear reasoning why the three schools were being considered rather than of resources. Could also regenerate the area and collaborate with the whole Dyffryn Nantlle catchment area or a wider area which includes the catchment Nantlle 2020. areas of other secondary schools. The reasons included the fact that Dyffryn Nantlle
catchment area was low in terms of priority, surplus places at the three schools, Council postponed and widened the catchment area review, went difference in cost per pupil between the schools, gegraphical proximity in terms of immediately to the Government to inform them that they needed distances and travelling times to school, and an opportunity for obtaining substantial to work on an ambitious plan for the whole catchment area which capital funding. By defining the area in this way it is possible to achieve some of the aims would provide educational advantages and substantial financial of the Council’s strategy and to ensure strong education in the area for the future savings, the discussions to start in September and, on this strategic basis, ask for funding for a new building of medium size for Groeslon. A building for 100 pupils instead of 150 would cost substantially less – with savings in the capital account too. This package should appeal to the Government. Or force the Government to state that it is the Government and not the Council that micro-rules schools organisation within the County.
Not satisfied with the weak response of the Review Panel to the
more radical and strategic ideas put forward which included looking at the schools throughout the whole catchment area. The response received was that it would now be too late and that it would be a backward step in the process. Stating such a reason is not enough in a consultation with statutory status which demands looking at all the options when school closure is in the balance.
Could lead to financial savings – sharing teacher expertise, administative resources and buildings – whilst retaining a school site in every village. The Council would gain financially and educationally and the communities would retain the qualities that are important to them – the presence of a school and the Welsh culture.
Your attention must be drawn to the fact that the Minister in 2012 gave Local Authorites additional powers to enable them to lead on creating federations of the new model. Gwynedd was the only authority which put pressure on the government to introduce this model.
I believe that the whole process has been hurried due to the situation at Groeslon, and that this has created unfairness and forced the Council to come up with this second rate idea.
9.6 Keep the 3 schools and share a head teacher 1 This would involve adopting the federal system or informal clustering. It would mean saving the cost of two Head Teachers but not in full because a site manager would be needed on each site when the Head Teacher is not present. It would mean more non contact time for the Head Teacher to undertake leadership and management duties, but it would also mean more staff management and the complications invoved with managing staff from a distance. This option would not affect the other considerations in the strategy such as class numbers, surplus places, size and range within classes, maintenance costs for buildings and quality and suitability of buildings. This option would not respond to the crisis situation regarding the building at Ysgol Y Groeslon. 9.7 Council is determined in their attempt to get a new school for 1 The Council is aware of the need to respond to the challenge posed by the state of the Groeslon come what may. buildings at Ysgol Groeslon and to ensure a viable and strong education provision in the area. As a result, careful consideration has been given to a number of different models. 9.8 Have other options – costing less than £4.8 million – been 1 A number of different options have been considered including some that did not involve considered? investment such as distributing pupils to neighbouring schools. There is no school close by with sufficient surplus places so it would involve distributing Ysgol Groeslon pupils to a
number of different schools. There are around 90 primary age pupils living in the village of Groeslon.
10 General 10.1 What about emotional problems which can affect children when 4 Induction days will be arranged in order to ensure that the transition is made as smoothly they have to be moved to a school with four times more children as possible. It is recommended that the schools should hold educational activities on a (Carmel children) or more (Bronyfoel children)? joint basis during the years leading up to the developemnt in order to build on the close The lives and careers of the children will be affected. connections which exist at the moment. Do children’s lives have to be disturbed in this way? / How are children from Ysgol Carmel going to feel about moving from a small school to a large one? I can count on the fingers of one hand how many of the Ysgol Bronyfoel pupils do not look back with sweet memories of their time at the school 10.2 If Ysgol Carmel were to close, the whole village would lose the 1 The local community would be invited to submit a business case in accordance with the contribution made by the children to the everyday life of the area. Council’s after use policy, in order to retain the building as a community resource. The Strange to think of the village with an empty building in its centre new school is also encouraged to make use of the wider community and to take with no young voices comimg from the playground. In general only advantage of the wider range of resources that a wider community can offer. older people will be left during the day to keep the village going. We are reminded of the poem by ID Hooson, Y Fantell Fraith. After getting rid of a plague of rats in Llanfair y Llin the piper approached the mayor and Council in the town and claim the payment he had been promised He was refused. He lured all the children away – apart from one lame boy who stayed behind to tell the tale. He explained that the piper played music describing a paradise for children – a fair comparison? 10.3 Important to save the small schools – it is sad that so many of them 4 The Council’s school reorganisation strategy endeavours to ensure a range of viable close nowadays. schools for the future, whatever their size. A number of different virtues and factors lead to the development of a strong education provision in different areas and size is not the Education in a smaller school is the wish of pupils and residents of only factor to be considered. e.g. class sizes, pupil numbers, and changes in numbers, Groeslon, but they support this proposal because of the essential quality of teaching, the child’s learning environment, suitability of buildings, leadership and need for a school which is better than the one they have at present. staffing, ex-catchment area movement by pupils, cost per pupil, surplus places, transport, Support the campaign for a new school in Groeslon, but we need a impact on the language and the community, revenue and capital budget, geographical small school for the village, not an area school factors etc..
There is no document which proves that a bigger school provides better education or resources for a child than a small rural school does. Have the Gwynedd councillors researched into this? I would
like to see the document, please.
Small is good
Finance, money. Once this raises its head other arguments are brought to mind, surplus places, and the idea that 90 is the minimum number for maintaining a school - a whimsical figure which changes from time to time.
Building on the site of an existing school will lead to bullying and the 1 Induction days will be arranged in order to ensure that the transition is made as smoothly children from Fron and Carmel will be isolated as possible. It is recommended that the schools should hold educational activities on a joint basis during the years leading up to the developemnt in order to build on the close 10.4 connections which exist at the moment Anti-bullying measures are operated at every school. It would be of core importance that the staff, parents and pupils claim ownership of the new school and ensure that everyone is at ease in it. The small villages do not need a new school which meets the needs 1 The proposal would improve education for the children of the three villages. The school of Groeslon alone. will be a school for the whole catchment area and will serve the Fron, Carmel and Groeslon areas. There will be an opportunity for the governors of the new school to be 10.5 elected from these three areas/communities to serve on the Governing Board and to ensure a balanced representation (dependent on the elections). The school will be expected to fully represent the area as is the case with other schools which cover an extended area. Against compulsory redundancies. If a decision is taken to 5 The three schools employ head teachers, teachers, auxiliary staff, assistants, provisi on, implement the proposals the staffing structure for the new school cleaning and kitchen staff will have to be identified soon and appointments made or the benefit of all concerned. The Council can advise the Shadow Governing Body regarding adopting an alternative employment policy. Jobs will be advertised, interviews held and staff appointed when the Any situation which is a threat to teachers’ jobs is a concern Shadow Governing Body has been established. The fact that each one of the 3 schools will close under the 10.6 recommended plan and the staff of each one threatened with losing Gwynedd Council has developed a detailed staffing policy in conjunction with the Trade their livelihood, this is clear to everyone. / What about jobs? / Unions and head teachers. The policy will be the basis for any redundancies which arise Teachers in our communities will lose their jobs / What will the from this proposal. Clear and open communication will be of key importance to the cost be to the local economy? / will the staff of Bronyfoel obtain successful operation of any proposal. The staffing structure will be a matter for the work in the new school? / New head teacher at Ysgol Bron y Foel Governing Body of the Area School. However, the Council suggests that the Area School who has spent many years of her life as a teacher there – a should try and earmark the jobs that arise from implementing the new system for wonderful head teacher who has contributed so much towards the teachers who work within the three existing schools (namely Groeslon, Carmel and
perfect state of the school. Bronyfoel) in the first place.
Due to the nature of the proposal – to close the three schools – Establishing an Area School would therefore offer better job opportunities for teaching the staff of Ysgol y Groeslon will be in the same boat as the staff of staff and other staff. There would be better opportunities in terms of releasing school Carmel a Bronyfoel. I sincerely hope that expectations will be kept leaders (Head Teacher and/or deputy if appointed) from their teaching duties in order to to a minimum and that as many as possible of the staff of the three focus on leadership and managaement duties and to ensure the continued success of the schools will be employed at the new school. school. It would also be possible for teaching staff to share their expertise with a larger number of pupils and to see the benefits of teaching classes of children with a smaller age range. Need to be aware of the possible effect that the new school will 1 The new school will have a definite entry number and this will meet the educational needs 10.7 have on other schools in the area. of the specific area ( i.e. the catchment area of the new school). Local communities have had very little say in the process so far and 1 The Council has followed consultation guidelines under the guidance of Welsh very little has been discussed regarding the effect on the local Government Circular 021/2009 - Schools Organisation Proposals, and the School economy in the three areas. Standards and Framework Act 1998. The Council has also held a number of review panels with representatives from every school including the Head Teacher, Chair of the Governors and parent governors. Local Elected Members have also taken part in these discussions along with officers and the Education Portfolio Leader.
A detailed consultation document was developed and circulated to every parent, staff 10.8 member and governor and also community agencies and other relevant bodies. It was ensured that copies were available in all Council libraries and offices. Sufficient copies were provided for every school so that they could diistribute them to anyone who asked. All the documentation was also posted on the Council website, Community impact and linguistic impact assessments were carried out in the area. Regular and timely newsletters were published in order to ensure that anyone who was interested could find out when the 6 week statutory consultation period started and ended and obtain details of how to submit observations. 10.9 Concern over the Government’s “surplus places” agenda on several 1 The three schools have a substantial number of surplus places (as defined by the Welsh levels. At a practical level finding pupils to fill the presumed ‘surplus Government – namely over 25% or 30 in number). places’ would be totally impossible in many schools with storage A recent Estyn report – ‘How surplus places affect the resouces available to spend on area and areas apart from classrooms being calculated to find the improving pupils’ outcomes?’, May 2012 notes ‘When there is a higher than needed level possible capacity of the building of surplus places at a school, ineffective use is made of resources and these could be better used to improve the quality of the education for every learner’
The report goes on to note the cost of every surplus place in a primary school - namely £262 for every surplus place. Acording to the data available for these schools therefore there is a total of 109 surplus places – equivalent to the value of £28,558.
Capacity is calculated annually in the atatutory consultation on entry numbers for schools. There are detailed guidelines on how to calculate areas such as stores and areas separate from classrooms which are automatically omitted from the total capacity of the school in accordance with the national formula. 10.10 Business plan: obviously the Council has an immense problem with 1 Depending on the results of the statutory consultation process and the decision of the simple mathematics. So I would like to see a standard business plan. Council Cabinet the detailed business case will be submitted to the Welsh Government in First the cost of building a new school. Special transport for under order to guarantee the funding earmarked ‘in principle’ at the moment. five year olds from Fron and Carmel to Groeslon. Children under 5 There will be safety belts fitted on the buses and for the first term an escort will be need one adult between 3 in a car and need a mini bus with provided on the buses (to be reviewed after one term). seatbelts. Is the Council going to provide this? Teachers: at the By providing one Head Teacher between 3 schools there will be some savings in terms of moment there are three head teachers, if cost is the reason behind income rate but while the Head Teacher is on one site there will still be a need for site this consultation, a federal system would provide one head teacher managers to be responsible for the other two sites during the day which will involve between three schools and appear more valid for Gwynedd Council additional cost. The saving through a federal system is not therefore very great. books? The concept of a federal system for this situation has been considered and an analysys included in the statutory consultation document.
A federal system does not offer itself as the solution in this case. 10.11 The Council has managed to build an enormous school at Hendre 1 Ysgol yr Hendre was developed following a bid for capital funding from a Welsh knowing that Ysgol y Groeslon has been deteriorating for years, Government fund which was available for a time before the recession. Attempts were why do the residents of Carmel and Fron have to suffer because of made to obtain capital funding from a similar fund in 2010 for Ysgol Groeslon alone, but this? the bid was unsuccessful under the conditions set for that new capital grant. 10.12 I’m afraid that the Cabinet thinks that people from the hilltops are a 1 The Authority and the Education Department are aware of the good work at the school bit slow, in 1988, when a recommendation was made by the over the years, providing good education for its pupils. Council to close Ysgol Bronyfoel I was a pupil there. There were 18 Even so, due to a number of factors in the County’s schools reorganisation strategy there pupils at the school at that time. Out of those 18, two are doctors, is concern regarding the ability of schools in similar circumstances to maintain and several work for the Council and most of them have gained improve this kind of provision for the future in the face of increasing challenges in the degrees. Obviously the standard of our mathematics is higher than education sector. that of Council staff.
10.13 At present the majority of Ysgol Bronyfoel pupils receive breakfast 1 Provision of breakfast at school is optional and of course many take advantage of this at school, how can this be ensured for Fron children at the new provision. The Council and the new school would need to find practical methods of school? ensuring equal opportunity for every pupil to obtain breakfast wherever they happen to live. This would be a discussion to be held with the Shadow Governing Body and the new Governing Body nearer the time for establishing the new school 10.14 There is no need to close Carmel and Bronyfoel schools in order 7 The Authority believes that the favoured option offers the best opportunities and to attend to the problems regarding the condition of Ysgol education for the pupils of the area, in accordance with the Strategy ‘Primary Education of Groeslon the Best Quality for the Chidren of Gwynedd’
A number of models for the area were considered including a federal model and a multi If the parents in Carmel and Fron had some tens of thousands of site area school, however the Council favours the option of a single site area school as punds to spend on a legal case, it is certain that any judge would the option on which to hold a consultation. See the response below as well. decide that the two schools have the right to be considered in their own right and not to solve a crisis elsewhere. 10.15 It is perfectly obvious that politics overrule common sense once 6 The Council has implemented the Strategy ‘Primary Education of the Best Quality for the again and that one party in particular is pushing forward very odd Chidren of Gwynedd’ since it was adopted in April 2009. policies!! Strange that our national party is responsible for beating In the Strategy it notes the need to ensure a way of addressing vulnerable situations in the final nail into the coffin of our communities and the Welsh some schools: language. Perhaps principles are not a criteria for councillors these “Relevant professional information should be considered in order to draw attention to days. Following a public meeting under siege, I realised that the crisis situations within the County which directly affect the quality of education and the Council’s decision to close the two schools was very odd and that experiences of pupils (e.g. very low numbers at a school, condition of the buildings very there was no foundation to the principles behind the decision. poor, failure to recruit a Head Teacher)”.
9 out of the 10 Councillors who make the decision are Plaid Cymru The Strategy notes the need to ensure the flexibility to start discussions because members – something to bear in mind at the next election / Plaid substantial investment is needed to improve buildings which provide education in a 10 years ago stated that villages, community, language and heritage specific area. These situations are identified through condition and suitability inspections were all important - they now seem to have turned their backs. carried out by the Council’s Property Service.
Have the Council and Plaid Cymru councillors realised the harm One situation revealed was the situation regarding the condition of the building at Ysgol Y they have done to Plaid Cymru?. I would say that electors from two Groeslon. On account of the condition of part of the school building, alternative measures villages, their families and friends who live in Gwynedd and who had to be used for the provision of education there from September 2012 onwards and would have voted for Plaid as a rule will put their chances of being priority has to given to this situation. The Council has been monitoring the condition af re-elected at great risk. the building at Ysgol Y Groeslon for some time..
Sian Gwenllian is causing more political disaster than Margaret In 2010 a bid for funding from a Welsh Government Capital Programme Fund (Tranche 3) Thatcher. What about closing Ysgol Felinheli? was submitted for a new building at Ysgol Y Groeslon. The bid was unsuccessful. Therefore in accordance with the Strategy andfollowing a former decision by the Full Listen to the voice of your electorate – you are spending public Council (16/12/2010), the Cabinet in its Priorities Plan decided to start discussions on the money, so the public should have a say in how you spend it. future of primary education in the Groeslon, Carmel and Fron area.
The Carmel and Fron area is geographically close to Groeslon and within Ysgol There was no mention of closing Ysgol Carmel until September Uwchradd Dyffryn Nantlle catchment area. The geography and natural catchment area 2012 when Sian Gwenllian announced on the radio (Radio Cymru defines itself. But there are other factors which further strengthen the reasoning. news Septamber 4 12.00 and 13.00) of the proposal to close Ysgol Bro in order to overcome the problem of the poor condition of By defining the area in this way the Council has a chance to; Ysgol Groeslon. This was terrible and unexpected news for the whole area. A. Attract a financial contribution from the Welsh Government
What is distressing is the fact that it is Gwynedd Council with B. Achieve a number of aims within the strategy by having much better influence support from Plaid Cymru councillors who are responsible for this to; sad situation. • Secure consistency in class sizes and reduce age range within classes • Respond to the challenge posed by population changes which are likely to Disappointed in the councillors for agreeing to the shameful plans occur in the future of the Council regarding the rural schools in the County. • Improve the learning environment for more pupils and ensure a school which could meet the needs of the Twenty Fisrst Century Schools Programme Everyone understands financial insecurity these days but feel that • Ensure strong leadership and management the response that we are opposed to change is very critical and • Ensure new, fit for purpose and sustainable resources racist / We are not opposed to change if it is fair and reasonable , • Reduce the range of cost per pupil for providing education but we who live in the rural areas are taxpayers too and we do • Secure consistency in the number of schools in the area to meet the need have a vote / Not opposed to change but not happy with the way • Release funding to be spent on children within the system rather than on that decisions are made buildings and infrastructure
Don’t mistake sustainability for false economy, to create an • Reduce the number of surplus places in the schools and increase impressive portfolio in the hope of securing the next election. efficiency. 10.16 75% support the area school model and 95% wish to see a school 1 A very high percentage support the Area School model and an even higher percentage continue in Y Groeslon wish to see the scheme continue 10.17 Will the children of Fron have full ownership of the new school? 1 Induction days will be arranged in order to ensure that the transition is made as smoothly How? as possible. It is recommended that the schools should hold educational activities on a joint basis during the years leading up to the developemnt in order to build on the close connections which exist at the moment.. 10.18 Will the present governors of Ysgol Bronyfoel be members of the 1 The Authority will establish a Shadow Governing Body before opening of the school, and shadow Governing Body? there will be an attempt to ensure representative from the whole area. 10.19 Object to closing Groeslon, Carmel and Bronyfoel schools 22 The objections from Ymgyrch Penyrorsedd were noted and resposes are offered in this Support the aims of Penyrorsedd Campaign 2013 to save Bronyfoel, document. Carmel and Groeslon schools / No valid reason for closing Ysgol Bronyfoel / Sad that Carmel/ Bronyfoel schools will close / Object to the proposal to close 2 good schools in ordeer to open a “super” school / “GWYNEDD COUNCIL... SHAME ON YOU” 10.20 The fact that there is a school in Carmel is a reason for buying a 1 The proposed site for the new school is around a mile and a half from the centre of the house there village of Carmel. Free transport would be available for Carmel pupils to attend the new school. 10.21 When representatives from the Council were questioned by 1 Although there will be nursery provision in the new school, discussion at local level is parents regarding what the new school would have to offer in needed once the school’s Governing Body is established (it could also be discussed by the terms of nursery provision and special needs, they were told that shadow body up to a year prior to the opening of the new school) regarding opening a
this was one thing that they themselves would have to arrange. This nursery group at the school or not, and where would be the best location for holding a could be very difficult for parents on low incomes. nursery group. For example there is a possibility of looking at Fron and/or Carmel. Discussions would have to be undertaken if this proposal is accepted and if there is a need for the provision. 10.22 What wil happen to the resources at Ysgol Bronyfoel when the 1 A system was adopted by the Council in 2010 regarding the resources of schools which school closes? are closing.
The resources will be offered to the new Area School in the first place, then to schools within the catchment area, then to all schools within the County. Any remaining resource would then be offered to agencies or suitable groups e.g. nursery groups in the area. Following this any remaining resources will be offered to charities. The last step will be to dispose of unwanted materials. Any speciific applications for souvenirs e.g the school bell would be a matter for the governing body and the Authority to discuss, item by item. 10.23 What are the plans for the future for the building at Ysgol 4 The first choice in terms of after use of the building will be given to the communities Bronyfoel? Build affordable homes for families to move into but no themselves. A Regeneration Officer will be availabe to work with any community on a school? / No purpose in building houses, young families won’t come business case and help with contacts, if there is local interest in making after use of the there to live if there is no school. building. If no interest is shown, or if there is no sustainable business plan, the council will decide whether to sell the building as an asset on the open market or to retain it. 10.24 Plaid Cymru must make clear its standpoint regarding communities 2 The comment is noted. and small schools, the same as with reorganisation of hospitals and nuclear energy. 10.25 Hope that Leighton Andrews the Education Minister will see the 1 Following the present statutory consultation period the responses will be considered faults in this proposal but that is doubtful because these people before a decision is taken on whether to issue a statutory notice. The proposal has been have no respect for tradition, language or the people they serve. formed and presented according to the relevant legal requirements. 10.26 A number of parents are considering sending their children to 1 If there is room, parents have the right to apply for their children to attend any school of other schools if this plan goes ahead because they prefer a smaller their choice. From experience with new schools, within the county and throughout school. How will this affect the business plan? Wales, new schools tend to attract more pupils than the number living within their immediate vicinity. The school will have a specific entry number but a modern new school of this kind is expected to be attractive to parents and children alike.
If the proposal is accepted the Area School will have around 160 pupils (2015). The building will be constructed to accommodate a further 10% growth in pupil numbers (subject to the entry policy) and not at the expense of other schools within the Dyffryn Nantlle catchment area.
If the proposal is accepted the new school building and the learning environment will
meet the twenty first century schools standards and will be an innovative education resource for the area into the future. A substantial investment of £4.84milion would be made in order to ensure an excellent education provision for a sustainable and modern school which fully meets the educational and community needs of the pupils and residents of the wider area.