CONSULTATION REPORT Llanfynydd Voluntary Aided Primary School

Appendix A

Summary of observations received following publication of the Consultation Document and Local Authority related responses

CONSULTEE COMMENTS RESPONSE

No. 1 1.1 Local Press 1.1 Local Press The consultee expressed concern at the sharing of In response to the consultees concerns, before consultation can information with the Carmarthen Journal in begin on any proposal a report is taken to Executive Board to relation to the proposed closure of Llanfynydd gain approval to proceed with the proposal. It is council school and felt that this information should not be protocol that local papers including the Carmarthen Journal are shared until the consultation period had closed. e-mailed links to Executive Board reports. Executive Board meetings are public meetings which journalists attend and

report on in their local papers.

1.2 Early closure of Llanfynydd VA School 1.2 Early closure of Llanfynydd VA School The consultee raised concern that the school In response, the Local Authority would like to re-iterate that as could close in December 2013 with pupils stated throughout the consultation document and at an transferring to Cwrt Henri school in January 2014. informal consultation meeting with staff, parents and governors in July 2013 our proposal is that formal changes are to be implemented as from the end of the summer term 2014. The consultation document refers to January 2014 under transitional arrangements as a point in time which we capture the number of pupils attending the school known as the PLASC count day to ascertain how many pupils would be transferring to alternative education schools.

1.3 School Standards 1.3 School Standards The consultee enquired how the Local Authority The Authority acknowledges the Estyn report findings in relation could suggest that Llanfynydd VA school was to Llanfynydd VA school however it must be noted that the last

educationally not viable when Estyn reports state inspection undertaken at Llanfynydd was in February 2009 when

3 otherwise. there were 32 pupils on roll. Unfortunately, since the inspection of 2009, pupil numbers have now fallen to 11. This can unavoidably impact upon the potential range of peer activities and opportunities available in support of raising standards. Understandably, school inspection reports comment upon what is witnessed within a school community at a specific point in time. The revised Estyn Inspection Framework (2010) focuses on standards, provision and leadership, placing much emphasis on

a school’s ‘Capacity to Improve.’

1.4 Cwrt Henri School 1.4 Cwrt Henri School The consultee expressed concern at the proposal As an Authority we have a legal responsibility to review the to discontinue provision at Llanfynydd VA school number and type of schools we have and whether or not we and provide for pupils at Cwrt Henri school. The are making the best use of the resources and facilities to consultee notes that during the recent closure of deliver the opportunities that children deserve. We currently a neighbouring school Cwrt Henri was not have no proposals in place to close Cwrt Henri school. considered as an option for the pupils as the consultation document stated that it would unfair to move children twice in their primary education.

1.5 Education Provision 1.5 Education Provision The consultee noted that reference is made in the The Authority agrees that both schools currently operate with consultation document that Llanfynydd VA is a two classes. However, in doing so, they provide directly for small school with two classes which cannot two quite different numbers of pupils –

provide adequate education however Cwrt Henri Llanfynydd:

is also a small school with only two classes which Foundation Phase Class = 2

can provide adequate education. Key Stage 2 Class = 9 Cwrt Henri:

4 Foundation Phase Class = 20 Key Stage 2 Class = 22 Due regard must be given to the potential social and educational benefits available to children through learning and working in partnership with a wider range of peers and staff. In response to the question ‘If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be?’ (posed during a recent

consultation undertaken with the children of Llanfynydd

School) a response received was to have more children. The

authority’s preferred option to provide for Llanfynydd children at Cwrt Henri School will cater for this request directly.

1.6 Building Facilities 1.6 Building Facilities The consultee is of the opinion that the buildings As an Authority we are satisfied that information taken from and outside areas in Llanfynydd V A school are in the most recent property building survey carried out as part of a better state of repair when compared to Cwrt the 21 st Century School Programme of all schools in Wales Henri. reported that both Llanfynydd VA and Cwrt Henri Schools were of comparable standards in relation to building condition.

1.7 Provision at Ysgol Nantgaredig 1.7 Provision at Ysgol Nantgaredig The consultee raised concern that Llanfynydd Before closure was discussed at Brechfa CP School the pupils were not given the choice of attending governors of the school approached the LA to request a Nantgaredig school especially as six pupils from meeting to discuss the future of the school with the impending Llanfynydd had already successfully been retirement of the headteacher. Following the meeting the

admitted. The consultee also questions why all governors requested that a second meeting be held with

the Brechfa pupils were transferred to parents to discuss the future of the school. After discussion, it

Nantgaredig school and given transport. was decided that the parental preference was to be accommodated at Nantgaredig CP School as there was already

5 a steady flow of pupils living in the Brechfa catchment area attending Nantgaredig School. Following this decision, the LA set up its proposal to discontinue Brechfa CP School and provide provision at Nantgaredig CP School. During the formal consultation period for the closure of Brechfa CP School, seven observations were received all supporting the proposal. No observations or comments were received from parents

wishing to send their pupils to alternative schools.

In response to former Llanfynydd pupils being admitted to Nantgaredig school, the pupils were all admitted following an appeal process.

1.8 Changes to Secondary Provision 1.8 Changes to Secondary Provision The consultee is of the opinion that it is unfair to As part of the Dinefwr Tri-level Reform a review was change the Secondary Provision for Llanfynydd VA undertaken on the Dinefwr catchment areas in 2010 which school especially if parents chose to send their resulted in catchment area changes to some primary schools . children to Abergwili VC school as they have As part of this review Cwrt Henri and Llanfynydd V A schools different secondary school provision. catchment areas were identified to change to Maes Y Gwendraeth for category 2A education and Ysgol Bro Dinefwr for category 2B education.

As stated in the Information for Parents Booklet published by the School Governance and Admission Unit, parents of

children in their last year in primary schools will receive a

transfer pack from the LA giving the name of the catchment

area schools which serve the child’s home address .

6 1.9 Community Impact 1.9 Community Impact The consultee expressed concern on the impact The Authority recognises and values the contribution that the on the community should the proposal be school and staff have made to the area and community. implemented to close the school. The consultee states that a local public house and bed and These proposals have been brought forward in response to the breakfast have already closed and that losing the difficulties the school is facing in relation to a deficit budget as school would be devastating on the local well as the fall in pupil numbers.

community as the school building is used as a

location for community gatherings on a regular The principle purpose of a school is to educate the pupils to

basis. the best standards possible and it is not reasonable to expect schools and pupils to carry wider burden of the impact on the community. Ultimately, economic and social factors are non- educational issues and they cannot be allowed to compromise the education of children.

As stated in the consultation document as Llanfynydd V A School is owned by the church the building and associated land will revert under the ownership of the Church in Wales should the proposal be implemented.

1.10 School Preference 1.10 School Preference The consultee questions why the Authority As stated in the Information for Parents Booklet operates a ‘School of Preference’ policy and published by the School Governance and Admission states that if all children went to their local school Unit, the Council advises that the first point of contact in

small school such as Llanfynydd VA and Cwrt making a choice of school would be the local designated

Henri would be full. catchment area school. Whilst, in practice, most

parents send their child to their local catchment area

school, parents have a right to state a preference for

7 different schools. Parents are reminded to contact the school they are considering first before making a final choice and in particular are advised that there are some issues they need to consider prior to making a decision which are;

• If a child does not attend the catchment area school or

the nearest school to the home address and this

decision is based on parental preference, then the

responsibility, as well as the cost, of transporting the pupil to and from school, rests entirely with the parents / carer.

• The LA and school governors will lawfully comply with any preference for a particular school which is expressed. As with all applications a preference for a particular school will need to be considered and assessed as part of the admission process to ensure that the Authority does not exceed the limit for admission of pupils to that school for the relevant year group.

No. 2 2.1 Choice of Religious Education 2.1 Choice of religious Education The consultee is of the opinion that the Council is The Authority acknowledges the consultees concerns however removing the rights of parents to choose a school these proposals have been brought forward in response to the based on religious grounds by closing Llanfynydd VA difficulties the school is facing in relation to a deficit budget as school. well as the fall in pupil numbers.

Should parents wish to send their children to a school offering

8 the same Church in Wales character as is being provided in Llanfynydd VA primary school then their nearest school would be Abergwili VC primary school as stated in the consultation document.

2.2 Community Impact 2.2 Community Impact The consultee expressed concern for the future of The Authority recognises and values the contribution that the the community with an ageing population being school and staff have made to the area and community. more dependent on Council services with young people not being attracted to the village due to These proposals have been brought forward in response to the there being no school. difficulties the school is facing in relation to a deficit budget as well as the fall in pupil numbers.

The principle purpose of a school is to educate the pupils to the best standards possible and it is not reasonable to expect schools and pupils to carry wider burden of the impact on the community. Ultimately, economic and social factors are non- educational issues and they cannot be allowed to compromise the education of children.

2.3 School Transport 2.3 School Transport The consultee has concerns regarding school The Authority acknowledges the consultees concerns however transport with children of a young age having to there is a policy on providing free school transport. Pupils will

9 travel long distances to school with no transport qualify for free transport if they meet all the following criteria; being provided. • are residents of Carmarthenshire; • are of compulsory school age; • attend the LA designated or nearest school; • live over the “statutory walking distance” from the school. The “statutory walking distance” is defined as being 2 miles (3.218 Kilometres) for primary schools. It must be noted that although the distance is referred to as the “statutory walking distance” it does not imply that the learner is necessarily expected to walk, but it is the distance within which a parent/guardian is expected to make their own arrangements for the learner’s journey, at their own cost, to and from school.

No. 3 3.1 Community Impact 3.1 Community Impact The consultee raised concerns that the closure of The Authority acknowledges the consultees concerns and Llanfynydd school will leave the village empty with appreciates the contribution that the school and staff have no facilities. made to the area and community.

10 No. 4 4.1 School Facilities 4.1 School Facilities The consultee is happy with the school facilities The consultees comments are noted. and how the school is run and comments on how its closure would be a great loss to the remaining These proposals have been brought forward in response to the pupils at the school. difficulties the school is facing in relation to a deficit budget as well as the fall in pupil numbers.

No. 5 5.1 Community Impact 5.1 Community Impact The consultee is against the closure of Llanfynydd The Authority acknowledges the consultees concerns and VA school and comments on how the heart is appreciates the contribution that the school and staff have being ripped out of the village by closing the made to the area and community. school. The principle purpose of a school is to educate the pupils to the best standards possible and it is not reasonable to expect schools and pupils to carry wider burden of the impact on the community. Ultimately, economic and social factors are non- educational issues and they cannot be allowed to compromise the education of children.

5.2 Parental Preference 5.2 Parental Preference The consultee advised that if CCC stopped parents As stated in the Information for Parents Booklet taking their children to other schools Llanfynydd published by the School Governance and Admission Unit, VA School would not be faced with closure. the Council advises that the first point of contact in making a choice of school would be the local designated catchment area school. Whilst, in practice, most parents send their child to their local catchment area school, parents have a right to state a preference for different schools. Parents are reminded to contact the school they

11 are considering first before making a final choice and in particular are advised that there are some issues they need to consider prior to making a decision which are;

• If a child does not attend the catchment area school or the nearest school to the home address and this decision is based on parental preference, then the responsibility, as well as the cost, of transporting the pupil to and from school, rests entirely with the parents / carer.

No. 6 6.1 School Closure 6.1 School Closure The consultee is against the closure of Llanfynydd The Authority acknowledges the consultees concerns VA School which will cause pupils from a very however these proposals have been brought forward in young age having to travel further. response to the difficulties the school is facing in relation to a deficit budget as well as the fall in pupil numbers.

6.2 Parental Preference 6.2 Parental Preference The consultee questions how pupils who are As stated in the Information for Parents Booklet within a catchment area of a local school are able published by the School Governance and Admission Unit, to take their children to other schools instead of the Council advises that the first point of contact in

12 attending their local school only. making a choice of school would be the local designated catchment area school. Whilst, in practice, most parents send their child to their local catchment area school, parents have a right to state a preference for different schools. Parents are reminded to contact the school they are considering first before making a final choice and in particular are advised that there are some issues they need to consider prior to making a decision which are;

No. 7 7.1 Community Impact 7.1 Community Impact The consultee is against the closure of the school The Authority acknowledges the consultees concerns and and notes what a detrimental effect its closure appreciates the contribution that the school and staff have would have on local societies such as the Sunday made to the area and community. School and YFC. The consultee explains how the

13 school is supported by the local community and is The principle purpose of a school is to educate the pupils to the involved in many of the village events. best standards possible and it is not reasonable to expect schools and pupils to carry wider burden of the impact on the community. Ultimately, economic and social factors are non- educational issues and they cannot be allowed to compromise the education of children.

7.2 Proposed Alternative Provision 7.2 Proposed Alternative Provision The consultee is concerned that the suggested As stated in the consultation document the alternative provision alternative provision for pupils being Nantgaredig for parents should the proposal to close Llanfynydd VA School and Cwrt Henri Schools where the schools are be implemented would be to provide alternative provision at already full. Cwrt Henri School not Ysgol Nantgaredig.

As can be seen from the consultation document under section 2.13 Management and Organisation, there would be no impact on the management and organisation of Cwrt Henri School to accommodate the additional pupils from Llanfynydd VA School on the maximum class size of 30.

7.3 School Standards 7.3 School Standards The consultee notes the excellent standard of The Authority acknowledges the Estyn report findings in relation education at Llanfynydd VA School and explains to Llanfynydd VA school however it must be noted that the last how the school has historically been an example inspection undertaken at Llanfynydd was in February 2009 when

14 of academic and pastoral excellence. there were 32 pupils on roll. Unfortunately, since the inspection of 2009, pupil numbers have now fallen to 11. This can unavoidably impact upon the potential range of peer activities and opportunities available in support of raising standards. Understandably, school inspection reports comment upon what is witnessed within a school community at a specific point in time. The revised Estyn Inspection Framework (2010) focuses on standards, provision and leadership, placing much emphasis on a school’s ‘Capacity to Improve.’

7.4 Building Facilities 7.4 Building Facilities The consultee notes the excellent school facilities The consultees comments are noted. and the very high standard of building maintenance at Llanfynydd VA School.

No. 8 8.1 School Facilities 8.1 School Facilities The consultee comments on the above average The consultees comments are noted. facilities at Llanfynydd VA School including 1:1 pupil to computer ratio, garden, safe and secure playground and modern toilet facilities.

8.2 Catchment Area 8.2 Catchment Area The consultee suggests that as Llanfynydd VA The consultees comments are noted, however Carmarthenshire school is a church school and accepts pupils from Local Authority (LA) recognises that there is an important all adjacent areas the catchment area should be relationship between a school and its community. The LA has changed to reflect this. therefore identified a designated geographical area which the school serves and is referred to as the school’s catchment area.

15 During 2010 a review of all catchment areas within the Dinefwr area was undertaken and approved by the Executive Board of Carmarthenshire County Council. During consultation with Llanfynydd VA School a map detailing the current catchment area was sent to the Headteacher and subsequently shown to the school governors. The response received from the school indicated that there were no changes to the catchment area.

8.3 Pupil Numbers 8.3 Pupil Numbers The consultee raised concerns at the short period The consultees comments are noted. of analysis undertaken in the consultation document in relation to pupil numbers and notes These proposals have been brought forward in response to the that over the 283 year history of the school difficulties the school is facing in relation to a deficit budget as numbers have fallen only to rise again. well as the fall in pupil numbers.

8.4 Community Impact 8.4 Community Impact The consultee notes the adverse impact on the The Authority acknowledges the consultees concerns and community if the proposed closure of Llanfynydd appreciates the contribution that the school and staff have VA school is implemented. The consultee made to the area and community. comments on how the church would not be able to financially justify keeping the building open for The principle purpose of a school is to educate the pupils to the societies such as the Young Farmers, Community best standards possible and it is not reasonable to expect Council, Clwb Gwawr etc. schools and pupils to carry wider burden of the impact on the community. Ultimately, economic and social factors are non- The consultee added how the school knits the educational issues and they cannot be allowed to compromise community together. the education of children.

16 No. 9 9.1 Local Press / Media 9.1 Local Press / Media The consultee expressed concern at the Council In response to the consultees concerns the Authority has not sharing information with the local press and radio shared any information with the local press or radio with in relation to the future of Llanfynydd VA school. regards the future of Llanfynydd VA school.

An article which appeared in the local edition of the Carmarthen Journal in September 2013 was following a report which was submitted to Executive Board to gain approval to consult on the proposal.

Before consultation can begin on any proposal a report is taken to Executive Board to gain approval to proceed. It is council protocol that local papers including the Carmarthen Journal are e-mailed links to Executive Board reports. Executive Board meetings are public meetings which journalists attend and report on in their local papers.

9.2 School Closure 9.2 School Closure The consultee questions why during the closure of Before closure was discussed at Brechfa CP School the Brechfa CP school pupils were not given the governors of the school approached the LA to request a opportunity to attend Llanfynydd VA school meeting to discuss the future of the school with the impending instead of being transferred to Nantgaredig CP retirement of the headteacher. Following the meeting the school. governors requested that a second meeting be held with parents to discuss the future of the school. After discussion, it was decided that the parental preference was to be accommodated at Nantgaredig CP School as there was already a steady flow of pupils living in the Brechfa catchment area attending Nantgaredig School. Following this decision, the LA

17 set up its proposal to discontinue Brechfa CP School and provide provision at Nantgaredig CP School. During the formal consultation period for the closure of Brechfa CP School, seven observations were received all supporting the proposal. No observations or comments were received from parents wishing to send their pupils to alternative schools.

9.3 Deficit Budget 9.3 Deficit Budget The consultee disagrees with the financial The deficit budget mentioned in the consultation document has difficulties mentioned in the consultation been included to address the current situation at the school. document in relation to Llanfynydd VA school The information has been obtained from the schools working having a deficit budget. budget which is submitted on an annual basis to the LMS (Local Management of Schools) section. Current indications show that there will be a significant deficit budget by the end of the 2013/14 financial year.

9.4 Provision at Ysgol Nantgaredig 9.4 Provision at Ysgol Nantgaredig The consultee questions why former Llanfynydd The consultees comments are noted. pupils have been allowed to attend Ysgol Nantgaredig when the school is at capacity In response to former Llanfynydd pupils being admitted to already. Nantgaredig school, the pupils were all admitted following an appeal process.

9.5 Early closure of Llanfynydd VA School 9.5 Early closure of Llanfynydd VA School The consultee was concerned that the school In response, the Local Authority would like to re-iterate that as could close early and transfer to Cwrt Henri stated throughout the consultation document and at an school in January 2014. informal consultation meeting with staff, parents and governors in July 2013 our proposal is that formal changes are to be

18 implemented as from the end of the summer term 2014. The consultation document refers to January 2014 under transitional arrangements as a point in time which we capture the number of pupils attending the school known as the PLASC count day to ascertain how many pupils would be transferring to alternative education schools.

9.6 School Standards 9.6 School Standards The consultee notes the excellent standard of The Authority acknowledges the Estyn report findings in relation education at Llanfynydd VA School. to Llanfynydd VA school however it must be noted that the last inspection undertaken at Llanfynydd was in February 2009 when there were 32 pupils on roll. Unfortunately, since the inspection of 2009, pupil numbers have now fallen to 11. This can unavoidably impact upon the potential range of peer activities and opportunities available in support of raising standards. Understandably, school inspection reports comment upon what is witnessed within a school community at a specific point in time. The revised Estyn Inspection Framework (2010) focuses on standards, provision and leadership, placing much emphasis on a school’s ‘Capacity to Improve.’

9.7 Education Provision 9.7 Education Provision The consultee disagrees that having low pupil In response to the consultee, due regard must be given to the numbers at a school makes it difficult to provide potential social and educational benefits available to children resources and a breadth of education social life through learning and working in partnership with a wider experiences. range of peers and staff. In response to the question ‘If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be?’ (posed during a recent consultation undertaken with the

19 children of Llanfynydd School) a response received was to have more children. The authority’s preferred option to provide for Llanfynydd children at Cwrt Henri School will cater for this request directly.

9.8 Community Impact 9.8 Community Impact The consultee raised concern in relation to the The Authority recognises and values the contribution that the community impact should Llanfynydd VA school school and staff have made to the area and community. close. These proposals have been brought forward in response to the The consultee added that it would leave a difficulties the school is facing in relation to a deficit budget as generation of young people not knowing people in well as the fall in pupil numbers. their own community. The principle purpose of a school is to educate the pupils to the best standards possible and it is not reasonable to expect schools and pupils to carry wider burden of the impact on the community. Ultimately, economic and social factors are non- educational issues and they cannot be allowed to compromise the education of children.

9.9 School Transport 9.9 School Transport The consultee queries the cost of transporting The consultees comments are noted, however these proposals children to an alternative school when Llanfynydd have been brought forward in response to the difficulties the VA school is their nearest school. school is facing in relation to a deficit budget as well as the fall in pupil numbers.

No. 10 10.1 School Standards 10.1 School Standards The consultee notes the first class education The Authority acknowledges the Estyn report findings in relation

20 provided at Llanfynydd VA school with many to Llanfynydd VA school however it must be noted that the last former pupils going on to be Head girls at inspection undertaken at Llanfynydd was in February 2009 when secondary schools. there were 32 pupils on roll. Unfortunately, since the inspection of 2009, pupil numbers have now fallen to 11. This can unavoidably impact upon the potential range of peer activities and opportunities available in support of raising standards. Understandably, school inspection reports comment upon what is witnessed within a school community at a specific point in time. The revised Estyn Inspection Framework (2010) focuses on standards, provision and leadership, placing much emphasis on a school’s ‘Capacity to Improve.’

10.2 Community Impact 10.2 Community Impact The consultee notes how influential the Welsh The consultees comments are noted. language has been in the education of the pupils attending Llanfynydd school which has continued The principle purpose of a school is to educate the pupils to the to be of significance when becoming active best standards possible and it is not reasonable to expect members of the community. The consultee adds schools and pupils to carry wider burden of the impact on the that there are successful Young Farmers Club and community. Ultimately, economic and social factors are non- Clwb Gwawr associations in Llanfynydd as well as educational issues and they cannot be allowed to compromise a strong community spirit. the education of children.

10.3 School Facilities 10.3 School Facilities The consultee notes the excellent facilities at The consultees comments are noted. Llanfynydd VA school ranging from ICT equipment, outdoor areas and excellent building These proposals have been brought forward in response to the maintenance. difficulties the school is facing in relation to a deficit budget as well as the fall in pupil numbers.

21 10.4 Proposed Alternative Provision 10.4 Proposed Alternative Provision The consultee is concerned at the preferred The consultees comments are noted. alternative school being Cwrt Henri school where one classroom doubles up as a dining room with a As can be seen from the consultation document under section third classroom being on a raised level with no 2.13 Management and Organisation, there would be no impact disability access. on the management and organisation of Cwrt Henri School to accommodate the additional pupils from Llanfynydd VA School on the maximum class size of 30.

In relation to disability access, all issues regarding disability are pupil led, should adaptations be required for any future pupils the Authority is duty bound to make sure that these adaptations are carried out.

10.5 School Transport 10.5 School Transport The consultee questions whether free transport Pupils will qualify for free transport if they meet all the will be given to pupils wishing to transfer to following criteria; Abergwili VC school for similar Church of Wales • are residents of Carmarthenshire; character. • are of compulsory school age; • attend the LA designated or nearest school; • live over the “statutory walking distance” from the school. The “statutory walking distance” is defined as being 2 miles (3.218 Kilometres) for primary schools. It must be noted that although the distance is referred to as the “statutory walking distance” it does not imply that the learner is necessarily expected to walk, but it is the distance within which a parent/guardian is expected to make their own arrangements for the learner’s journey, at their own cost, to

22 and from school.

Applications can be made to the Passenger Transport Unit in relation to attending an alternative school in relation to religious beliefs and will be assessed on an individual basis.

10.6 Consultation with Pupils 10.6 Consultation with Pupils The consultee questions the availability of the A consultation report will be available to view on the report following the consultation undertaken with Carmarthenshire web site which will include the results of the pupils of Llanfynydd VA school. consultation undertaken with the pupils of Llanfynydd VA school.

No. 11 11.1 Pupil Numbers 11.1 Pupil Numbers The consultee queries the short period of analysis The consultees comments are noted. undertaken in the consultation document in relation to the fall in pupil numbers. These proposals have been brought forward in response to the difficulties the school is facing in relation to a deficit budget as well as the fall in pupil numbers.

11.2 New Housing 11.2 New Housing The consultee advised the Authority of planning It is acknowledged that there will be residential development permission which is in place for new housing within the Llanfynydd VA catchment area however it is not within the village and asks if the Authority has anticipated that these will significantly affect the number of taken this into account whilst proposing this pupils expected to attend Llanfynydd VA school. proposal.

11.3 Proposed Alternative Provision 11.3 Proposed Alternative Provision The consultee raised concerns with the proposed As an Authority we are satisfied that information taken from the

23 alternative provision at Cwrt Henri school being most recent property building survey carried out as part of the too small to accommodate further pupils. 21 st Century School Programme of all schools in Wales reported that both Llanfynydd VA and Cwrt Henri Schools were of The consultee added that there was already comparable standards in relation to building condition. mobile accommodation at the school.

11.4 Community Impact 11.4 Community Impact The consultee notes how the school building is The principle purpose of a school is to educate the pupils to the used as a village venue for various clubs, events best standards possible and it is not reasonable to expect and meetings which are on the increase. schools and pupils to carry wider burden of the impact on the community. Ultimately, economic and social factors are non- educational issues and they cannot be allowed to compromise the education of children.

11.5 School Building 11.5 School Building The consultee proposes that the Authority should As stated in the consultation document should the proposal be retain the building for a period of six years to adopted which would lead to the school building no longer allow for future use. being used the building and associated land would revert back under the ownership of the Church in Wales.

No. 12 12.1 Education Provision 12.1 Education Provision The consultee questions why Llanfynydd VA school Currently at Llanfynydd VA school there are 11 pupils on roll is considered educationally unviable based on low with 2 pupils in the Foundation Phase class and 9 pupils in Key pupil numbers only. Stage 2.

Due regard must be given to the potential social and educational benefits available to children through learning and working in partnership with a wider range of peers and staff. In

24 response to the question ‘If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be?’ (posed during a recent consultation undertaken with the children of Llanfynydd School) the response received was to have more children. The authority’s preferred option to provide for Llanfynydd children at Cwrt Henri School will cater for this request directly. In Cwrt Henri the classes are; Foundation Phase class of 20 and a Key Stage 2 class of 22.

12.2 Staffing Issues 12.2 Staffing issues The consultee asks that the Authority makes every The Authority has staffing policies and procedures in respect of effort to find suitable employment for staff should school reorganisation and these will be recommended for the proposal to close Llanfynydd be implemented. implementation. The Authority will support school staff in securing suitable alternative employment if at all possible through reemployment processes.

No. 13 13.1 Education Standards 13.1 Education Standards The consultee advised the Authority that the The consultees comments are noted. education of his children has in no way suffered whilst being at Llanfynydd VA school. The consultee added that the children attend swimming lessons, peripatetic lessons and have opportunities to attend school trips as well as taking part and contributing to local concerts.

13.2 Physical Education 13.2 Physical Education The consultee notes the advantages of a small The consultees comments are noted. school in relation to sporting activities noting that

25 pupils who would lose out on opportunities to take part in a large school would be given the opportunity as part of a small.

13.3 Education Provision 13.3 Education Provision The consultee questions why the Authority feels Currently at Llanfynydd VA school there are 11 pupils on roll that Llanfynydd VA school is educationally with 2 pupils in the Foundation Phase class and 9 pupils in Key unviable when pupils attending the school achieve Stage 2. high standards in their national tests. Due regard must be given to the potential social and educational benefits available to children through learning and working in partnership with a wider range of peers and staff. In response to the question ‘If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be?’ (posed during a recent consultation undertaken with the children of Llanfynydd School) the response received was to have more children. The authority’s preferred option to provide for Llanfynydd children at Cwrt Henri School will cater for this request directly. In Cwrt Henri the classes are; Foundation Phase class of 20 and a Key Stage 2 class of 22.

Appendix B

ESTYN RESPONSE TO CONSULTATION DOCUMENT

Estyn response to the proposal to discontinue Llanfynydd VA primary school and provide alternative provision at Cwrt Henri primary school

This report has been prepared by Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Education and Training in Wales.

Under the terms of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 and its associated Code, proposers are required to send consultation documents to Estyn. However Estyn is not a body which is required to act in accordance with the Code and the Act places no statutory requirements on Estyn in respect of school organisation matters. Therefore as a body being consulted, Estyn will provide their opinion only on the overall merits of school organisation proposals.

Estyn has considered the educational aspects of the proposal and has produced the following response to the information provided by the proposer and other additional information such as data from Welsh Government.

Introduction

The proposal is by Carmarthenshire County Council.

The proposal is that Carmarthenshire County Council discontinues Llanfynydd VA primary school and provides alternative provision at Cwrt Henri primary school.

Summary/ Conclusion

Are the proposals likely to maintain or improve the standard of education provision in the area?

It is Estyn’s opinion that this proposal is likely to at least maintain the present standards of education provision in the area.

Overall, pupil outcomes in both schools appear to be good, with both schools improving in the last three years.

Pupil attendance appears to be good in both schools.

What effect do the proposals have on other schools and educational institutions in the area?

Due to the very small number of pupils at Llanfynydd VA primary school, the proposals are likely to have a limited impact on other schools in the area.

Description and benefits

• What are the expected benefits of the proposals and disadvantages when compared with the status quo as outlined in the report?

28 The expected benefits of the proposal as outlined in the report include the following

• potential revenue savings in the region of £78,755 per annum; • removal of surplus places at Llanfynydd VA primary school; and • reduction of surplus places at Cwrt Henri primary school.

The expected disadvantages of the proposal as outlined in the report include the following:

• the impact on the staff currently employed at Llanfynydd VA primary school; • the proposed alternative provision offered at Cwrt Henri primary school does not offer the same Church in Wales character as is being provided at Llanfynydd VA primary school; and • additional travel time for pupils of 14 minutes on average.

• How well has the proposer managed any risks associated with the proposals?

The proposer has identified the relevant risks relating to the staffing implications, the building facilities, the Church in Wales character of the school, the impact on the local community and the impact on equalities. They have also identified how these risks will be managed.

However, the proposer has not clearly identified how they will manage the risk of parents choosing alternative provision which would be likely to lead to a reduction in pupil numbers transferring to Cwrt Henri primary school.

• Has the proposer considered suitable alternatives and given good reasons as to why these have been discounted?

The proposers have considered a range of alternative options which include maintaining the status quo, federation arrangements and alternative provision at three other primary schools. They have appropriately shown the reasons for discounting these options and the reasons for their preferred option.

However the authority has not fully considered the option of pupils transferring to Abergwili VC primary school which offers the same Church in Wales character as is currently being provided at Llanfynydd VA primary school.

• What would be the impact of the changes on learner travel arrangements and on accessibility of provision.

The proposer appears to have given reasonable consideration to the impact of the proposal on pupils’ travel arrangements and their ability to access the provision.

29 The authority intends to meets the cost of conveying those pupils who were registered at Llanfynydd Voluntary Aided Primary School to transfer to Cwrt Henri Primary School from January 2014, for the period of time they remain and continue to reside within the catchment area.

For all other pupils, the authority’s home to school transport policy would apply.

• Do the proposals effectively show how surplus places will be affected? If surplus places will be increased, does the proposer give adequate reasons for this?

The proposal will remove the surplus places at Llanfynydd and reduce the surplus places at Cwrt Henri.

The current surplus capacity at Llanfynydd is 61% (25 pupil places) and at Cwrt Henri is 37% (23 pupil places) based on January 2013 PLASC data. In January 2013, there were 16 pupils on roll at Lalnfynydd. The projected pupil number in January 2019 for Llanfynydd is 18 and Cwrt Henri is 41. The capacity at Cwrt Henri is for 62 pupils. This indicates that there is sufficient capacity at Cwrt Henri for current and projected pupils including the current and projected Llanfynydd VA pupils.

• Where relevant, has the proposer taken sufficient account of the impact of the proposals on Welsh medium provision within the local authority?

The proposer has taken appropriate account of the impact of the proposals on Welsh medium provision in the area served by the present schools. Both school are Welsh medium schools and have had similar grades in their last Estyn inspection report.

Educational aspects of the proposal

• How well has the proposer considered the impact of the proposals on the quality of the outcomes, provision and leadership and management?

The proposal contains useful detail about the two schools concerned, including the judgements from the most recent Estyn inspection reports.

The proposer has not considered the performance of each school compared to similar schools based on the proportion of pupils entitled to free school meals. However, there may be difficulties of comparing performance with local and national averages due to the very small year groups.

The proposer has not included an evaluation on the current quality of teaching or the quality of leadership and management at each school.

30 No changes are expected to the leadership and management team at Cwrt Henri and the proposal involves only a small number of pupils, so it is expected that the proposal will have little impact in this area.

• How well has the proposer considered the likely impact of the proposals to ensure delivery of the full curriculum at the foundation phase and at each key stage?

The proposal does not say how delivery of the full curriculum will be affected by the changes. However, the proposer has included information from the most recent property building survey carried out at both schools. This shows that both schools are in a similar satisfactory condition.

• How well has the proposer considered the impact of the proposals on vulnerable groups, including children with Special Educational Needs?

The proposer has adequately undertaken an equality impact assessment which considers the impact of the proposal on vulnerable groups including those with a disability. However the proposer has not considered the impact of the proposal on pupils with special educational needs.

• Where proposals involve the transfer of learners to alternative provision, how well has the proposer provided evidence that the alternative would deliver outcomes and offer provision at least equivalent to that which is currently available to those learners (including learners with SEN). How well has the proposer ensured that the disruption to learners is minimised?

The proposal is based on a premise that all pupils will transfer from Llanfynydd VA primary school to Cwrt Henri primary school. For those who do not, the proposal identifies alternative arrangements. However, the proposal does not give any detail about the outcomes or the quality provision in the other schools where pupils might wish to transfer to, or how disruption for these pupils will be minimised.

31 Local Authority Response to Estyn Comments

The Authority has considered the comments provided by Estyn to the Llanfynydd VA School consultation document and would like to comment on the following areas highlighted by Estyn;

• How well has the proposer managed any risks associated with the proposals?

Response

Ensuring appropriate alternative provision for all learners is a fundamental part of the consultation process. Any elements of risk associated with parental choice diverting pupils from Cwrt Henri School have been fully considered and will be managed accordingly.

• Has the proposer considered suitable alternatives and given good reasons as to why these have been discounted?

Response

The Authority has given this option full consideration and has provided appropriate details within the consultation document. In addition, the opportunity for discussion on this point was provided for parents during the informal consultation process.

• How well has the proposer considered the impact of the proposals on the quality of the outcomes, provision and leadership and management?

Response

The Authority has given due regard to performance data for specific groups, including pupils entitled to free school meals, but is of the opinion that very small size of cohorts does not support either a fair or informed comparison.

Current reports on the quality of teaching, leadership and management at each school are readily available at the school and Local Authority. This information is shared annually with each school’s Governing Body.

• How well has the proposer considered the likely impact of the proposals to ensure delivery of the full curriculum at the foundation phase and at each key stage?

Response

The Authority has confirmed that provision at the preferred school (Cwrt Henri) will provide appropriately for both key stages. Delivery and impact of the curriculum will be enhanced by the increase in pupil numbers which will support key aspects of learning through peer collaboration.

32 • How well has the proposer considered the impact of the proposals on vulnerable groups, including children with Special Educational Needs?

Response

The Authority has considered the needs of pupils with SEN within its commentary and comparison of provision at both schools (Llanfynydd VA and Cwrt Henri Schools). Estyn graded both schools at Grade 2 for Key Questions 1,2 and 3 which include specific references to provision for SEN.

Response

The informal consultation with parents and key stakeholders provided the opportunity for discussion of provision at alternative sites. Information on the quality of provision and outcomes of other schools can be readily shared with parents as an integral part of the school transfer process. Any additional level of disruption to pupils caused by a parental decision to transfer to a school other than Cwrt Henri would also be fully discussed. This aspect clearly reinforces the Authority’s decision to present provision at Cwrt Henri school as its preferred option.

Appendix C

Consultation with the Pupils

Consultation undertaken on the 20th September 2013 By

Mrs Llinos Jones

Associate System Leader

Carmarthenshire County Council

34 Camarthenshire County Council

Listening to ‘Learner Voice’

School Llanfynydd Of ficer/s Llinos Date 20/9/13 Jones

Programme: 1. Introduction activity and ‘ice breaker’ (including explanation of visit purpose – the collection of their opinions and thoughts with regard to their school as part of the consultation report. Emphasise confidentiality – no responses will be named) 2. Undertake questionnaire (one officer to question / one to record) 3. Thank you to children and staff (including reassurance that an appropriate ‘children’s version’ of their responses will be returned to them)

1. Do you feel safe in your school?

Always Sometimes Not very often

Comments

Yes, all were very confident that they were safe within the school environment.

“Ydyn, rydym ni yn un teulu bach fan hyn, ac yn teimlo’n saff”

2. What do you like ab out your school?

Comments

• Our Garden, we grow lots of fruit and vegetables. We make things like fruit milkshake using fruit from the garden. • Seeing our friends every day. • Painting, design and Maths • Guitar lessons “Dw i’n gallu ymarfer yn yr Ysgol ac yn cael gwers gyda Mrs Robbins unwaith yr wythnos”

3. What do you think could be done to make your school better?

Comments

• All were happy with the facilities at the school, and felt they had a lot of resources.

4. Do you have lots of chances to enjoy regular exercise at school? What does this involve? (range of individual / group activities / playtime experiences?)

Comments • We love to play outside a lot together to include: football, hockey, tennis, dodgeball, golf, cricket, rounders and tag rugby. • “We 4 boys like to play together, and the 3 girls like to just sit and chat” • “ We do have P.E lessons, you know”

36 5. Do you enjoy your homework and does it help you to understand and improve your work at school?

Comments • “Yes we enjoy our homework and it does help” • “I enjoy my spelling book, sketch book and sums” • Other homework include – history, science, art, Welsh and English

6. How often do you get the opportunity to share and talk about your work with your friends? Do you feel it helps you to learn by ‘sharing work?’

Regularly Sometimes Not very often

Comments • We usually work independently, but we sometimes work in pairs, which helps us learn more.

7. Do you get the opportunity to set your own targets for le arning? Can you tell me how you’re doing?

Regularly Sometimes Not very often

Comments

• “No we do not have our own targets.” Pupils not familiar with the word.

8. If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be?

Comments • More children in the school • Mirrors in the toilets • A school pet • Higher fence to stop the football going over • Do more gymnastics, dance and athletics • Swimming pool • More football equipment • “Licen i fod rhywun arall yn dod i ddysgu’r gitar gyda fi, achos dim ond fi sydd” • More ICT equipment, although they mentioned that they already had a Nintendo Wii, television, computers and individual laptops

AOB – All pupils had every opportunity to voice their views on any aspect of their school life. • Enjoyed going on school trips • Happy with the school meals

Pupils present – 9 Total pupils registered at time of visit – 11

Reception – 2 Yr 3 – 1 Yr 4 – 3 Yr 5 – 3 Yr 6 - 2