APPENDIX 1 – STATUTORY CONSULTATION DOCUMENT
Statutory Consultation
Ysgol Coed Menai
21 May - 22 June, 2012
www.gwynedd.gov.uk
CONTENTS
Page
Letter from the Head of Education 3
1. Introduction – The Consultation Explained 4
2. Background Details 6 2.1 Main Issues 6 2.2 Discussions on the Future of Ysgol Coed Menai 6 2.3 Parents and Young People 7 2.4 Input from Elected Members 7 2.5 Written Correspondence 7
3 Details about the School 8 3.1 Background 8 3.2 Table 2: Background Details on Ysgol Coed Menai 8 3.3 Map of Ysgol Coed Menai and the PRU in Llanwnda 9
4 Education Options 10 Table 3: Option of Keeping Ysgol Coed Menai Open 12 Table 4: Option of Closing Ysgol Coed Menai and Establishing a PRU in 13 Llanwnda
5 The Proposal 14 5.1 The Proposal 14 5.2 Quality of Education 14 5.3 Suitability of Building 14 5.4 Financial Resources and Pupil Numbers 15 5.5 Staff 16 5.6 The Community and the Welsh Language 16 5.7 Legal Status 17 5.8 Geographical Factors and Choice of Site 17
6 The Proposal’s Implications 18
7 Timetable for the Statutory Process and the Next Steps 19
Response Form
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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]
21 May 2012 Dear Consultee,
We are holding a statutory consultation period on the proposal to close Ysgol Coed Menai during the Summer term of 2012. Following this we shall be reporting on the findings of the consultation to the Council’s democratic process.
The Council Board at its meeting on 14 February 2012, decided to undertake a statutory consultation process in accordance with the requirements of Section 31 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, to close Ysgol Coed Menai on 31 August 2013.
The statutory consultation on this proposal will be held for the partners and community of Ysgol Coed Menai. A document issued in relation to the consultation is enclosed for your attention.
Please note that the timetable for the statutory meetings is included in the statutory consultation paper .
A copy of the statutory consultation document, and other background papers are available on the Council website: www.gwynedd.gov.uk , in Ysgol Coed Menai and at the libraries in Bangor and Caernarfon. Should you require additional copies, you are welcome to contact us by phone on (01286) 679247 or by email at [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE – All comments on the statutory document should be sent to the attention of Orina Pritchard by 13:00 on 22 June 2012. The relevant contact details can be found at the end of the statutory consultation paper.
Yours sincerely,
Dewi R. Jones Head of Education
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PROPOSAL TO CLOSE YSGOL COED MENAI ON 31 AUGUST 2013 IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 31 OF THE SCHOOL STANDARDS AND FRAMEWORK ACT 1998
STATUTORY CONSULTATION PAPER
1. INTRODUCTION – THE CONSULTATION EXPLAINED
1.1 Gwynedd Council is considering the reorganisation of the County’s inclusion and behaviour support service.
1.2 Gwynedd Council Board, at its meeting on 14 February 2012, decided to undertake a statutory consultation process in accordance with the requirements of Section 31 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, to close Ysgol Coed Menai, Bangor, LL57 2RX on 31 August 2013.
1.3 The aim is to provide specialist education for pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties at a new Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) at Hen Dŷ, Llanwnda near Caernarfon - for Gwynedd pupils only. Pupils from the counties of Anglesey and Conwy will be expected to receive special education within their own counties.
1.4 Before proceeding with the proposal, Gwynedd Council is keen to obtain your views so that they can be considered before a final decision is taken.
1.5 A period of statutory consultation will take place between 21 May 2012 and 22 June 2012.
1.6 The council will hold consultations with the following in relation to the proposal:
• Staff of Ysgol Coed Menai • Governors of Ysgol Coed Menai • Parents/guardians of Ysgol Coed Menai pupils • Pupils of Ysgol Coed Menai • Anglesey and Conwy Councils • Betsi Cadwaladr Health Authority • North Wales Police • Other relevant agencies and consultees
1.7 Meetings will be held as follows at Ysgol Coed Menai:
Table 1: Timetable for the Statutory Consultation Meetings Meeting for Meeting for Meeting for Staff Governors Parents
21/05/12 – 3:30pm 21/05/12 – 4:30pm 21/05/12 – 5:30pm
1.8 Arrangements have also been made to obtain the views of young people. 4
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1.9 Your comments will be given consideration before a decision on the next steps is reached by the Cabinet of Gwynedd Council during September 2012. The Cabinet will decide whether or not to issue a Statutory Notice.
1.10 As part of the consultation process, a pack of background information is available at Ysgol Coed Menai, the libraries in Bangor and Caernarfon, and on the Council’s website, www.gwynedd.gov.uk . The pack will include:
- Welsh Government Circular 021/2009 - School Organisation Proposals - Report to the Council Board Meeting on 14 February 2012 including full appendices: • Gwynedd Inclusion Strategy • Past Estyn Reports • Officer Support 2005-2006 • Estyn 2011 Summary • Welsh Government Funding Application • County Discussions • County Discussions 2011 • Gwynedd Secondary Strategic Planning Group • Equality Impact Assessment • Language Impact Assessment - Community Impact Assessment Report
1.11 If you wish to obtain this document in a different format, please contact the Schools Organisation Office on 01286 679247.
1.12 You are welcome to ask any questions and to present your comments at the meeting or to present a written response using the response form at the end of this document.
1.13 All comments on this proposal should be sent for the attention of:
Orina Pritchard, Senior Education Manager, Education Department, Gwynedd Council, Caernarfon, Gwynedd. LL55 1SH
Comments should be submitted by 13:00 on 22 June 2012 at the latest. Any comments, by post or through e-mail, should reach the Council by this date and time.
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2. BACKGROUND DETAILS
2.1 Main Issues
2.1.1 Pupils who attend Ysgol Coed Menai are boys between 11 and 16 years of age with statements of additional needs. The pupils come from the Counties of Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy.
2.1.2 There are concerns regarding the suitability of the building for educating children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
2.1.3 There are substantial concerns regarding the condition and quality of the building.
2.1.4 There are concerns regarding the quality of the education. It was decided that Ysgol Coed Menai had serious shortcomings following an inspection by Estyn (Her Majesty’s Inspection Body for Education and Training in Wales) in 2005. The school was put under special measures between 2006 and 2009. In 2011 the school’s performance and predictions for improvement was deemed to be “Sufficient” and this led to a second inspection by Estyn in 2012.
2.1.5 Gwynedd’s Education Department developed an inclusion strategy under the title “Working Together to ensure full inclusion for every pupil in Gwynedd '. The strategy received the support of all secondary head teachers throughout Gwynedd. By means of this strategy the aim is to establish internal behaviour support teams. The strategy would also involve the establishment of a PRU for pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Ysgol Coed Menai provides education for pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
2.1.6 There are concerns regarding the efficiency of Ysgol Coed Menai. There are now only 25 pupils on the register of Ysgol Coed Menai, out of 45 possible places – this means that there are 20 surplus places, namely 44% of the total capacity. Of the pupils attending the school, 15 out of the 25 come from the Counties of Conwy and Anglesey which means that 60% of the present pupils at the school are from outside the County.
2.1.7 An independent assessment of the language impact produced a negative result, and a community impact assessment produced a narrow positive result, in relation to keeping Ysgol Coed Menai open. Ysgol Coed Menai does not accept girls, although there are girls with emotional and behavioural difficulties within the County. We do not predict that closing Ysgol Coed Menai and establishing a PRU would negatively affect individuals’ equality rights – indeed it would improve equality.
2.2 Discussions on the Future of Ysgol Coed Menai
2.2.1 Between 2002 and 2007 discussions were held between North West Wales Councils (Gwynedd, Conwy and Anglesey) as well as with Welsh Government, with a view to establishing a Profound and Complex Behavioural Needs School for the region. Unfortunately these discussions were unsuccessful.
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2.2.2 Between 2009 and 2011 discussions were held between the councils of Gwynedd, Conwy and Anglesey, regarding the various options for establishing a new provision for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties, which would replace Ysgol Coed Menai. Unfortunately the discussions failed to lead to a cross County agreement that would realise any of those options.
2.3 Parents and Young People
2.3.1 Informal discussions were held with parents at individual sessions during annual review meetings of special education statement pupils regarding the possibility of closing Ysgol Coed Menai and establishing a PRU.
2.3.2 Sessions were held with Ysgol Coed Menai pupils so that they could voice their opinions on the possibility of closing the school and on the facilities they would like to see at any new education provision established.
2.4 Input from Elected Members
2.4.1 The decision reached by the Full Council in December 2009 was to “Improve social inclusion for the pupils of Gwynedd by relocating Ysgol Coed Menai and combining all the support for pupils with emotional and behavioural problems.”
2.4.2 The Education Department’s Inclusion Strategy ‘Working together to ensure full inclusion for every pupil in Gwynedd '’ was put before the Gwynedd Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee in April 2011.
2.4.3 In February 2012 a report recommending the closure of Ysgol Coed Menai and the establishment of a PRU was put before the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee and the Council Board. The recommendation to hold a statutory consultation on the closure of Ysgol Coed Menai was supported.
2.5 Written Correspondence
2.5.1 In January 2012, following a number of cross County discussions a letter was sent to the Councils of Conwy and Anglesey informing them of the decision to hold a consultation on the proposal to close Ysgol Coed Menai.
2.5.2 In January 2012 the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board and North Wales police were informed of the decision to hold a consultation on the closure of Ysgol Coed Menai.
2.5.3 Ysgol Coed Menai Language and Community Questionnaires were published on the Council’s website www.gwynedd.gov.uk . Copies of the questionnaires were sent to parents and agencies associated with Ysgol Coed Menai.
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3. DETAILS OF THE SCHOOL
3.1 Background
3.1.1 Ysgol Coed Menai provides education for pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Currently (September 2011) there are only 25 pupils on the register, out of 45 possible places. Boys between 11 and 16 years of age with additional educational needs statements attend the school and the pupils come from the Counties of Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy. All the pupils come from homes in areas of economic deprivation. Approximately 60% of these pupils receive free school meals. There is no provision available for girls.
3.1.2 Ysgol Coed Menai was built in the 1820s as a three storey manor on a 40 acre site on the banks of the Menai Straits. It was established as a school in 1950. The name of the school was changed from Ysgol Treborth to Ysgol Coed Menai in September 2000. Originally there was a residential element to the school, but this came to an end in 2003.
Table 2: Background Details of Ysgol Coed Menai Inclusion (based on the ability to provide special 45 education for pupils with profound and complex special needs) Age Range 11-16 Number on the Register in 25 September 2011 2012-2013 = 35 Number predicted during the next 2013-2014 = 35 five years, if Gwynedd, Môn and 2014-2015= 35 Conwy had continued to refer pupils. 2015-2016 = 35 School Category Special Community School (for pupils with (community, voluntary aided, voluntary controlled, established ) emotional and behavioural difficulties) Special School, mainly English medium but Category according to Language with substantial use made of the Welsh Means (Based on Welsh Assembly Government Document Number: language: 20-49 % of the subjects are taught 023/2007 – Defining schools according to Welsh medium through the medium of Welsh, but they are provision) – PLASC Definition also taught through the medium of English. Designated Religious Character Not applicable. (if applicable) Inspection: February 2005 – School Performance Data / SeriousShortcomings; February 2011 – Details of Estyn Inspection Reports Present Performance ‘Sufficient’, Improvement Predictions ‘Sufficient’. Details of any Additional Educational Provision for pupils with Behavioural and Needs provision Emotional Special Needs Statements only. Surplus places 2011- 2012 20 (44%) Cost per pupil 2011/2012 £28,665 per pupil (for Gwynedd County) Ex-County Pupils 60% (15) (Conwy and Anglesey)
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3.3 Map of Ysgol Coed Menai a nd the PRU i n Llanwnda
KS2 and KS3 PRU in Llanwnda Number of pupils - Surplus Places - Unit Capacity 15 Ex-County Pupils 0 Cost per Pupil £12,443
Ysgol Coed Menai Data September 2011 Number of pupils 25 Surplus Places 44 % (20) School Capacity 45 Ex-County Pupils 60% (15) Cost per Pupil £28,665
4. EDUCATION OPTIONS
4.1 A number of options were considered for the reorganisation of special education for pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
4.2 During February 2009 discussions were held with the councils of Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy regarding the future of Ysgol Coed Menai. The discussions included the possibility of abolishing the service in its present form and establishing one school on two sites, namely Arfon and Dwyfor/Meirionnydd with their organisation under the responsibility of one head teacher, or to establish a number of units which would encompass the service across every key stage. These discussions did not lead to an agreement.
4.3 In January 2011 the councils of Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy were offered the option of establishing a new provision for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties and which would replace Ysgol Coed Menai. It was reported to Conwy and Anglesey Councils that, on account of the condition of the present building at Ysgol Coed Menai, a more cost effective provision would be needed. These discussions did lead to an agreement.
4.4 In June 2011, another proposal was put before Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy Councils, namely to establish a federal school across Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy. Each of the three councils would be expected to maintain a site. The plan noted that Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy would be expected to invest in the federal model. These discussions did lead to an agreement.
4.5 Due to continuous concerns over the suitability and the quality of the existing building, it was decided to hold a consultation on the option of closing Ysgol Coed Menai. The aim is to establish a PRU for Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils of both sexes who have profound and complex behavioural needs. It is foreseen that the majority of the pupils with behavioural needs will receive their education at their local secondary school and also receive support from internal behavioural teams. However, it is likely that a small percentage of pupils from Gwynedd, a number not exceeding 15, will need a more intense provision for some periods of their education.
4.6 The Councils of Conwy and Anglesey will provide education for pupils with profound and complex behavioural needs within their own counties. Conwy Council has confirmed that they will use their own existing facilities at Y Graig Education Centre in Old Colwyn and at Gyffin Education Centre, Conwy. Anglesey Council has confirmed that they will refer their pupils to the Conwy Centre at Llanfairpwllgwyngyll.
4.7 The Education Department will be informing the Welsh Government of their intention to register a Pupil Referral Unit, Key Stages (KS) 3 and 4 in accordance with Circular 47/2006 Inclusion and Support for Pupils.
4.8 The PRU will be maintained by Gwynedd Education Authority and it will be specifically organised to provide education outside school for pupils who would
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otherwise possibly not receive suitable and adequate education. The PRU unit will operate as a specialist centre to meet the needs of individuals.
4.9 There will be clear criteria for accepting pupils into the unit, as well as specific targets for their reintegration into main stream education, special education, further education or work.
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Table 3 : Option of Keeping Ysgol Coed Menai Open Field Advantages Disadvantages
Performance and School Improvement The school could again slip into the ‘Need Forecasts are “Sufficient” according to for Substantial Improvement ’ or ‘Special the Estyn Inspection 2011 which is an Measures’ category. Need for substantial improvement on Estyn Inspection 2005 specialised support once again. ‘Serious Weaknesses’. Opportunity for Shortcomings in education quality for Quality of the the school, with the help of the vulnerable young people will continue. Education Authority, to deal with the shortcomings
underlined by Estyn. The school could improve in terms of quality and move into the category ‘Good’. Maintaining the provision would ensure consistency in education for vulnerable young people. Enable the school to provide a very high Cost per pupil has increased substantially. adult/pupil ratio and very small number of Ineffective use of staffing resources. pupils in classes. Reduction in the numbers at the school Pupil Numbers 45 places in the whole school. 21 places from 41 to 25 in the last five years. 10
available for Gwynedd pupils, 11 for pupils from Gwynedd although there are 21 Anglesey and 13 for Conwy. places. Possibility that there will be no pupils at the school by September 2012. The present provision can be maintained Old building with no facilities for girls or and risk controlled within the building. for disabled pupils. The maintenance cost Plenty of teaching space. of the building at Ysgol Coed Menai is Learning comparatively high. The cost of improving Environment the provision is very high. Capital resources
for renovating Ysgol Coed Menai have not been identified. The building is much too big for teaching 45 pupils. At present the school has a temporary Temporary head teacher at present but head teacher. An effort could be made to there is a danger of failing to attract appoint a new permanent head teacher. applicants with the necessary headship Leadership The Governing Body offers support and qualifications externally in the future, challenge for the head teacher. considering the specialist nature of the school, the educational challenge and the condition of the building. An internal appointment is more likely. Protects the jobs of teachers and ancillary Disadvantageous effect on the Welsh skills staff. of pupils and community use of the Welsh Protects sports use and riding for the language. The Community disabled on Coed Menai fields. No new opportunities for contact with the See Community Impact Report; positive local community. effect with +1 score. See Community Impact Report The situation regarding the Welsh Gwynedd language policy is not fully language has improved since the 2005 implemented. Majority of lessons inspection. Element of bilingual teaching conducted in English. Gwynedd bilingual and Welsh is being taught as a subject. pupils not given an opportunity to further Language See Language Impact Report. develop their Welsh language skills. See Language Impact Report; negative effect on the Welsh language with a score of -6. Central in terms of travelling from the Located too far for pupils from Geographical counties of Conwy, Anglesey and from Meirionnydd and several areas in Dwyfor Factors Arfon. since Bangor is at the extreme Northern end of the County. Cost per pupil is high, but the pupils are Cost per pupil very high this year - Financial of a vulnerable nature. £28,665. Behavioural and emotional needs Resources education could be provided in a more cost effective way.
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Table 4 : Option of Closing Ysgol Coed Menai and Establishing a PRU in Llanwnda
Field Advantages Disadvantages
Opportunity to develop a centre of A PRU is not a school therefore the excellence. Also staff available at expectations are not the same regarding the secondary level in terms of sharing good National Curriculum. A Management Board Quality of the practice and behaviour support. Like could be established to challenge standards, Education schools, Referral Units are being but there is no Governing Body and no inspected at regular intervals by Estyn. specific statutory powers. The Education Department has direct control over the unit. Flexibility in terms of the pupils’ curriculum. 15 places in a much smaller unit than a 15 places is less than the 21 places available Pupil Numbers school therefore easier to manage. for Gwynedd at Ysgol Coed Menai. There would be no room for pupils from Anglesey or Conwy. Size of the building is ideal in terms of The building is not owned by the Council – teaching 2 small classes of KS3 and KS4 it is rented (although the agreement could Learning pupils. Building has been modernised to easily be extended). Environment include facilities for girls and for disabled Temporary provision. In the long term the
pupils. aim is to relocate at a central location in Porthmadog or Penrhyndeudraeth. A leadership teacher with excellent There is no guarantee that a leadership teaching and behaviour control skills teacher can be appointed with all the Leadership could be appointed. The individual would necessary teaching and management skills.
not necessarily have to possess head teacher qualifications. Close community connections could be There is no guarantee that strong developed – some evidence of this has community connections can be developed. been seen with Referral Units in the past. The unit is likely to be moved in the long The Community See the Community Impact Report; term. See the Community Impact Report. positive effect on the Community with a score of +2, one higher than Ysgol Coed Menai. It can be ensured that the Un it There is no statutory compulsion for a implements the Gwynedd Council Referral Unit to teach Welsh as a subject. Language language policy. See the Language Impact See the Language Impact Report Report The location at Llanwnda is slightly more Llanwnda is still too far for pupils from central in terms of travelling from South Meirionnydd. Dwyfor and north Meirionnydd. The Geographical option of moving to a central location in Factors Porthmadog or Penrhyndeudraeth remains in terms of meeting the needs of the remaining part of the County. Substantial increase in efficiency as the £100,000 cut in revenue resources for cost per pupil would be almost halved. vulnerable pupils. The cost of education for Gwynedd pupils will be £12,443 compared to a Financial cost of £28,665 at Coed Menai this year. Resources Staff flexibility is also likely to guarantee more value for money, since the Unit staff can also work in other schools within the County.
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5. THE PROPOSAL
5.1 The proposal involves the closure of Ysgol Coed Menai and the provision of education for Gwynedd children from 11 to 16 years of age with emotional and behavioural difficulties at a PRU in Llanwnda near Caernarfon. Children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties from the Counties of Anglesey and Conwy to receive special education within their own Counties.
5.2 Quality of the Education
5.2.1 In 2005 Estyn (Her Majesty’s Inspection Body for Education and Training in Wales) was of the opinion that the school had serious shortcoming’s and as a result, subsequent inspections took place. In 2006 it was noted that important weaknesses remained in pupil attainment standards, the quality of the educational provision and in school leadership and management. As a result, it was noted that special measures were needed for the school and a pattern of term by term inspections by Estyn was established.
5.2.2 Following a series of visits each term in 2009 it was noted that Ysgol Coed Menai had made good progress in relation to the inspection recommendations. As a result of this progress and with the help of intense support from the Authority, the school was removed from the special measures category.
5.2.3 In 2011, another inspection was carried out by Estyn as part of the new inspection circle. It was deemed that the current performance of the school was 'Sufficient' due to the following:
• Expectations regarding pupil attainment were too low; • Curriculum did not sufficiently meet the requirements of the pupils; • Inconsistency in the quality of the teaching; and • Shortcomings in the school’s assessment systems.
5.2.4 For improvement predictions, the grade ‘sufficient’ was awarded because:
• The expectations of school leaders and other staff regarding what the pupils could achieve were not high enough; • There was a lack of clear understanding among the school staff regarding the direction of the school and its priorities; and • The improvement plans were not at the moment sufficiently effective.
5.2.5 Estyn is monitoring the progress of the school during April 2012. If there is sufficient improvement, Estyn will not revisit.
5.3 Suitability of the Building
5.3.1 The building at Ysgol Coed Menai is not fit for purpose. A report published in 2002 notes that the cost of work for improving the quality of the building would be £2,156,509. It is likely that the cost will have increased substantially by now.
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5.3.2 The 2011 inspection on the condition and the work on renovating the building noted that expenditure to the tune of £536,100 was needed in order to maintain the existing building.
5.3.3 An asbestos inspection was carried out by a specialist company in 2006 and revealed that substantial parts of the school contained asbestos. There is additional cost involved with managing the situation as well as the increased cost of customary maintenance. The annual maintenance cost at Ysgol Coed Menai is £46,000.
5.3.4 A Fire Risk Assessment in 2009 notes the need for substantial adaptations to the fire doors and fire alarms throughout the building.
5.3.5 Some parents of Gwynedd secondary school pupils with behavioural problems are already refusing to send their children to Ysgol Coed Menai on account of the building’s condition.
5.4 Financial Resources and Pupil Numbers
5.4.1 Conwy Council funds 11 places and Anglesey Council funds 13 places at Ysgol Coed Menai.
5.4.2 Ysgol Coed Menai costs £789,143 to run (2011/12). Gwynedd Council contributes £286,649 annually towards the upkeep of Ysgol Coed Menai. Although Gwynedd has 21 places, only 10 have been used this year. The cost of education per pupil of a Gwynedd pupil at Coed Menai this year is £28,665.
5.4.3 There is a historical pattern of failing to utilise all the places available at Coed Menai.
Table 5: Numbers at Ysgol Coed Menai From Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy Counties Year Number of (January) Pupils 2011 (Sept) 25 2011 32 2010 35 2009 43 2008 41 2007 39 2006 43 2005 45 2004 42
5.4.4 Revenue costs are predicted at £186,649 for running a PRU at Llanwnda for up to 15 pupils from Gwynedd with profound and complex behavioural needs. The cost per pupil is estimated at £12,443, which is almost half the cost of providing at Ysgol Coed Menai. It is not necessary to have 15 pupils at the unit since it is proposed to have flexible co-operation between internal behaviour units at the schools and staff at the new PRU.
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5.4.5 Efficiency savings of £100,000 are predicted following the restructuring of the provision in accordance with the Council’s resolution.
5.5 Staff
5.5.1 Following confirmation from the education departments of Anglesey and Conwy that they would not be sending pupils to Ysgol Coed Menai from September 2012, a discussion was held with the staff at Ysgol Coed Menai regarding the threat to their jobs and the aim of the Authority to try and relocate staff wherever possible.
5.5.2 The Teacher Unions Forum and the Ancillary Staff Unions Forum are already aware of the possible relocation or redundancies.
5.5.3 We can confirm that the school’s Governing Body has formally stated to the unions that it is unlikely that the school can support teaching and support jobs from September 2012 onwards. This decision was reached on the basis of the latest financial information.
5.5.4 Seven full time teachers and the equivalent of 10.59 ( full time equivalent ) support staff are employed. The aim is to try and relocate as many of the workforce as possible in Gwynedd and possibly in Anglesey. It is noted that, at the moment, Ysgol Coed Menai has a temporary head teacher.
5.6 The Community and the Welsh Language
5.6.1 An independent assessment of the language and community impact of the proposal to close or to keep open Ysgol Coed Menai as the County’s inclusion provision was commissioned.
5.6.2 A questionnaire was prepared in order to gather the views of staff, governors, parents and the wider community on the option. Both electronic and hard copies of the questionnaire were distributed.
5.6.3 Although 8% of the pupils at Ysgol Coed Menai (Sept 2011) speak Welsh at home, English is the main teaching medium in most of the lessons.
5.6.4 Ysgol Coed Menai is not effective in terms of promoting the Welsh language, considering the language background of the Gwynedd pupils. Following a language impact assessment a negative score of -6 was awarded in respect of implementing the education language policy at Ysgol Coed Menai.
5.6.5 Following a community impact assessment a positive score of +1 was awarded in respect of the impact of Ysgol Coed Menai on the local community. A positive effect with +2 score is foreseen in terms of relocation to the PRU at Llanwnda. By opening a PRU at Llanwnda, the potential to develop strong community connections is predicted.
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5.7 Legal Status
5.7.1 Ysgol Coed Menai is a Community Special School for pupils with Behavioural and Emotional Special Needs Statements. The school accepts pupils with behavioural and emotional difficulties from the counties of Gwynedd, Conwy and Anglesey.
5.7.2 The intention is to establish a PRU for KS2 and KS3 pupils with behavioural and emotional difficulties from the county of Gwynedd. Legally, pupil referral units are a type of school and at the same time a means of teaching outside the main stream. It is intended to provide short term locations with the aim of reintegrating pupils as soon as it becomes practical into main stream secondary schools or special schools if the need is very profound, or to prepare pupils for transfer into further education, training or work.
5.7.3 Education Authorities have a duty to arrange suitable education for young people outside a main stream school e.g. at a PRU. It is expected that: ‘ every local education authority makes arrangements for the provision of suitable education at a school or other location for those children of compulsory school age who, on account of illness, being expelled from school or for any other reason, may not receive suitable education for a period unless such arrangements are made for them’.
5.7.4 Gwynedd Education Authority will regularly review the progress of any additional needs pupils placed within the Pupil Referral Unit, and ensure that the unit meets their needs in accordance with statutory requirements.
5.8 Geographical Factors and Choice of Site
5.8.1 In the short term the aim is to locate the PRU for KS3 and KS4 pupils with profound and complex behavioural needs at Hen D ŷ, Llanwnda, Caernarfon, Gwynedd. LL54 5SD, namely the present location of Key Stage 4 Brynllwyd PRU pupils (Brynllwyd PRU, Bangor was destroyed by fire in December 2011)
5.8.2 In the long term the aim is to relocate the new PRU in a central geographical area e.g. Porthmadog or Penrhyndeudraeth, although this is subject to planning permission. This would make it possible for pupils from the southern part of Meirionnydd to benefit from the resource as well.
5.8.3 Some parents of secondary school pupils with behavioural problems in Gwynedd are already refusing to allow their children to attend Ysgol Coed Menai on account of the geographical location of the school.
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6. The Proposal’s Implications
6.1 It is proposed to close Ysgol Coed Menai which provides specialist emotional and behavioural education for children and young people from the counties of Gwynedd, Conwy and Anglesey. The implications of the closure will be to provide emotional and behavioural education from a PRU at Hen D ŷ, Llanwnda near Caernarfon for young people from 11 to 16 years old from Gwynedd only. Children and young people from Anglesey and Conwy will receive special education within their own counties. Ysgol Coed Menai Conwy Pupils Anglesey Pupils Gwynedd Pupils
Provision in Conwy Provision in Ynys Môn PRU Llanwnda
PRU location at Llanwnda
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7. TIMETABLE FOR THE STATUTORY PROCESS AND THE NEXT STEPS
21 May 2012 Start of the Statutory Consultation Period
21 May 2012 Consultation meetings with Staff, Governors and Parents
22 June 2012 Closing date for receiving comments on the proposal
September 2012 The Cabinet to decide whether or not to publish the Statutory Notice
Yes No
September 2012 Publish the Statutory Notice Reject the proposal
Period of One month
October 2012 End of the formal objection period
Objections received?
Yes No
Tr ansfer any objections to Meeting of the Council Welsh Government – the Cabinet proposal could be approved,
rejected or revised
Proposal confirmed ?
Yes No – Proposal rejected
Proposal implemented by 31 August 2013
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