City and County of Cardiff Dinas a Sir Caerdydd
CITY AND COUNTY OF CARDIFF DINAS A SIR CAERDYDD
COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL 25 April 2002
CABINET PROPOSAL AGENDA ITEM:
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007
Background
1. Section 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act requires each local education authority to prepare and adopt a School Organisation Plan for its area. School Organisation Plans inform the local education authority and others about the need to add or remove school places within the local authority area. They are also intended to help Local Authorities and others to take a strategic view of the planning of school places across their area.
2. The School Organisation Plan presents information relevant to a five-year period following its publication each year, and is subject to review and revision on an annual basis.
3. The School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 for Cardiff (Draft for Consultation) was published on 1 October 2001 and over 500 copies were circulated to Council Members, School Governing Bodies and Headteachers and a wide variety of individuals and organisations. It was also made available for inspection in Council offices. The consultation period ran between 1 October and 3 December 2001. Arising out of this, 18 responses were received.
4. The draft plan has built on the 2001-2006 School Organisation Plan, drawing together demographic and other statistical information relevant to the planning of school places, including information about the demand for schooling in the primary, secondary, sixth form and nursery sectors, in specially resourced schools and units and for pupils who are out of school.
Page 1 of 5 5. The Plan outlines the commitment of the Council to the raising of standards of achievement, and to keeping schools at the heart of local communities. Furthermore it presented the school planning considerations that are brought to bear in providing for parental preference, providing for sixth form pupils, early years pupils and pupils with special educational needs.
6. As identified in the plan, the principal issue for Cardiff is an overall surplus of places within the LEA area, and forecasts show that numbers of primary age pupils are likely to decline further over the period of the plan. Furthermore, there is a significant excess of demand over capacity in some areas of the city.
7. The conclusions of the Plan confirm the long-term requirement to remove capacity at a number of primary schools. Reference is also made to the intention to progress work on identifying the need to add or remove school places within individual areas of the County. 8. The comments received through consultation have led to some modifications and additions to the plan, as detailed in the Issues section below. It is now ready for adoption and publication as a final version. 9. Preparations will begin in April 2002 for the publication of the next plan (for 2003- 2008). This next plan will be published in Draft form on 1 September 2002. There will be further consultation on the next plan and this process of consultation and amendment will continue on an annual cycle. Issues
10. Consultation responses Responses received during the consultation period are listed at Appendix 1. Each of these was analysed and given careful consideration. Listed below are those that have been incorporated in the plan. Others were at a level of detail inappropriate for the plan, comments requiring no action or suggestions appropriate for possible inclusion in the next plan. All responses will receive written replies confirming action taken or otherwise proposed. Modifications to the plan The principal modifications that have been made are as follows: · Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee expressed concern about the number of provisional school capacity figures used to determine the number of surplus places in schools. Following consultation with schools, some of these figures have now been confirmed and that for Cantonian High School has been amended. · In response to comments from Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee, the table showing the capacities within specially resourced schools has been amended to delineate the numbers of pupils with Moderate Emotional and/or Behavioural Difficulties and those with Moderate Speech and Language Difficulties in Special Classes and units. In response to comments from the Welsh Assembly Government the plan now cross references this table with that detailing current pupil placements in out of Authority schools.
Page 2 of 5
· As recommended by Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee, a map showing the supply and demand for school places has been amended to show the location of secondary school catchment areas, with the exception of those for Voluntary Aided and Welsh Medium schools. · A table has been added detailing the percentage of primary and secondary schools with different levels of unfilled places and overcrowding. · As recommended by the Welsh Assembly Government, a table has been amended to show the overall level of surplus places in Cardiff. · As recommended by the Welsh Assembly Government, the plan now incorporates the Audit Commission Performance Indicator of occupancy levels of more than 110% of capacity in place of the 125% level previously quoted. · As recommended by the Welsh Assembly Government, the section on Welsh Medium Education has been amended to remove the reference to the Council not normally authorising a pupil’s transfer from an English medium primary school to a Welsh medium primary school once the child has completed the first year of primary education. In its place the plan states that it is not usual for a pupil in such circumstances to transfer. · As recommended by the Welsh Assembly Government, references to ELWa have been amended to National Council for Education and Training for Wales (National Council). The reference to local consortia of partners has also been amended to Local Consortia for Education and Training (CCETs); and reference to the Partnership Fund has been replaced by CCET Development Fund. · As recommended by the Welsh Assembly Government, reference has been made to the Additional Revenue Funding which has been made available to facilitate the reduction of KS2 class sizes and to the Assembly’s target that these classes should also be below 30 pupils in size by September 2003. · Targets for the removal of surplus places have been revised and whilst these show a reduction in the number to be removed in order to reduce surpluses to 15% there nevertheless remain substantial challenges. 11. Additional information has been added to the plan following publication of the draft version · A table has been now been added showing the percentage of primary and secondary pupils whose preferences were satisfied, along with the number of admission appeals and their outcomes.
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ADVICE This report has been prepared in consultation with Corporate Managers and reflects their collective advice. It contains all the information necessary to allow Members to arrive at a reasonable view, taking into account the advice contained in this section.
The Corporate Manager with responsibility for this report is Jeff Hobden.
Achievability
Legal Implications Section 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act requires each local education authority in Wales to prepare and adopt a School Organisation Plan for its area.
Financial Implications The application of policies of providing local places for local children could result in the need for additional accommodation at some schools and the reduction of surplus places at others. The capital costs will be determined on agreement of specific proposals and considered for inclusion in the annual capital programme.
Consequences The consequence of the continuation of changes to admission arrangements, as confirmed in the Plan, will be a reduction in the over all number of surplus school places.
BYRON DAVIES Chief Executive
8 February 2002
Background Papers: Draft School Organisation Plan 2002-2007. Final School Organisation Plan 2002-2007.
CABINET PROPOSAL
That Council agrees the modifications and additions to the draft School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 in order that the final version of the plan may now be published.
Page 4 of 5 Appendix 1
Responses to Draft School Organisation Plan 2002 - 2007
Cantonian High School.
Cardiff Catholic Primary Headteachers.
Cathays High School.
Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee.
Sue Essex AM.
Fitzalan High School.
Glan Yr Afon Primary School.
Kitchener Primary School.
Llanishen Fach Primary School.
Millbank Primary school.
Diocese of Monmouth.
NASUWT.
Welsh Assembly Government.
Ninian Park Primary School.
Pontprennau Residents’ Association.
Jenny Randerson AM.
St Phillip Evans RC Primary School.
Councillor Freda Salway.
Page 5 of 5 Cardiff County Council Schools Service
Foreword
This Final School Organisation Plan for 2002-2007 has been prepared by Cardiff County Council under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 and the Welsh Regulations and Guidance accompanying this act.
In establishing the requirement for each local education authority to draw up a School Organisation Plan for its area of concern, the 1998 Act has provided the legislative framework within which schools, parents and the local community can become more closely involved in the planning of school places within each local authority area.
Each Local Authority in Wales must draft, consult upon, where necessary modify and adopt the School Organisation Plan on an annual basis. Each adopted plan covers the five-year period immediately following its publication.
School Organisation Plans must provide information relevant to the planning of school places locally, and draw conclusions about the need to add or remove school places within the local authority area during the next five years. These Plans help the local education authority, schools, parents and local communities to understand factors that influence the need for school places.
This Plan was published in draft form on 1 October 2001. Copies were sent to a comprehensive range of consultees and made available for public inspection at County premises and libraries. Comments were invited during the consultation period from 1 October to 1 December 2001.
This Final Plan for 2002-2007 incorporates modifications made to the Draft Plan in the light of comments received and further information that has become available since October 2001.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 Foreword Cardiff County Council Schools Service
Table Of Content
Part 1 Introduction...... 1 1.1 Individuals and Organisations Consulted upon Preparation of this Plan...... 2 Part 2 Demographic Information Relevant to the Supply of School Places...... 5 2.1 Numbers of Schools and Pupils in Cardiff...... 5 2.1.1 Pupils and maintained schools in Cardiff...... 5 2.1.2 Primary and Secondary School Capacity and Pupils Attending ...... 6 2.1.3 Analysis of School Places by Area...... 7 2.2 Projected Pupil Numbers for the Five-Year Period of the Plan...... 10 2.2.1 Forecasting methodology ...... 10 2.2.2 Projected pupil numbers...... 10 2.3 Current Schemes and Proposals to Add or Remove School Places...... 12 2.3.1 Nursery and Primary Schemes...... 12 2.3.2 Secondary Schemes...... 12 2.3.3 Additional Places 2000/2001...... 13 2.4 Housing Developments...... 13 2.4.1 Developments that are currently under construction...... 13 2.4.2 Future housing developments...... 14 2.5 Early Years Places in Maintained Nursery Schools and Units...... 15 2.6 Provision for Pupils with Special Educational Needs ...... 15 2.7 Provision for Pupils not Educated in Maintained Schools...... 16 2.7.1 Pupils out of school because of illness or injury or for other reasons...... 16 2.7.2 School and Student Support Centres...... 16 2.7.3 Pupils educated in psychiatric units...... 18 2.7.4 Pupils educated at home by their parents or guardians...... 18 2.7.5 Provision for pupils looked after by local authorities ...... 20 2.7.6 Young offenders in secure provision...... 20 2.8 Sixth Form Provision...... 20 2.9 Factors that cause volatility in pupil numbers...... 21 Part 3 Policies and Principles Relevant to the Planning of School Places ...... 22 3.1 Raising Standards of Achievement...... 22 3.1.1 The Education Strategic Plan...... 22 3.1.2 Overall Sufficiency of Places ...... 23 3.1.3 School Organisation and the Raising of Standards of Achievement ...... 23 3.1.4 Addressing the Principle of Local Schools for Local Children...... 23 3.1.5 Home to school travel distances...... 24 3.2 New Housing...... 24 3.2.1 Unitary Development Plan - Supplementary Planning Guidance Relating to the Provision of School Places...... 24 School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 Table of Content Cardiff County Council Schools Service
3.2.2 New Housing Areas - Surveys of Demand for School Places...... 24
3.3 Responding to Parental Preference...... 25 3.3.1 The Circumstances in which Popular Schools Might Be Enabled to Expand...... 25 3.3.2 Preference for Welsh Medium Education...... 25 3.3.3 Providing for Denominational Diversity...... 26 3.4 Joint Provision for Pupils and Students Aged 16+...... 28 3.5 Provision of Early Years Places...... 28 3.5.1 Early Years Development Partnership...... 28 3.5.2 Places for Four-Year-Olds...... 29 3.5.3 Places for Three-Year-Olds...... 30 3.5.4 Arrangements for the Integration of Early Years Education and Childcare...... 31 3.6 The Appropriate Size of a Primary or a Secondary School within the Context of Provision made in the LEA Area...... 31 3.7 Policy for Amalgamation of Schools...... 32 3.8 The Appropriate Size of a Class or Teaching Group ...... 32 3.9 Provision for Pupils with Special Educational Needs ...... 34 3.9.1 Policy for Special Educational Needs...... 34 3.9.2 Determining the Required Number of Specially Resourced Places...... 34 3.9.3 Access to Specially Resourced Places...... 34 3.10 The Importance of School Provision in Relation to the Needs of the Wider Community...... 35 Part 4 Conclusions ...... 36
Appendices...... 39 Appendix 1 Capacities and Pupils in Primary Schools (i)...... 39 Appendix 2 Pupils in Nursery and Special Schools (vi)...... 39 Appendix 3 Capacities and Pupils in Secondary Schools (vii)...... 39 Appendix 4 Summary of School Data (viii)...... 39 Appendix 5 Sizes of Cardiff’s Primary and Secondary Schools (ix)...... 39 Appendix 5a School Place Supply and Demand in Cardiff by Area (x)...... 39 Appendix 6 Total Pupils in Maintained Schools, Historical Summary and Forecast (xi).39 Appendix 7 Number of places in Special Units, Classes and Specially Resourced Provision (xii)...... 39 Appendix 8 Current Placements Independent or Out of Authority Schools, according to category of special educational need (xii)...... 39
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 Table of Content Cardiff County Council Schools Service
Part 1 Introduction
The Final School Organisation Plan for 2002-2007 consists of four parts, plus an appendix, and broadly follows the structure suggested by the National Assembly for Wales in its guidance to the preparation of plans.
The Plan was published in draft form on 1 October 2001. Copies have been sent to a comprehensive range of consultees and made available for public inspection at County premises and libraries. Comments were invited during the consultation period from 1 October to 1 December 2001.
This final plan incorporates modifications made to the draft plan in the light of comments received and from further information that has become available since September 2001.
A list of modifications appears in Section 1.2 below.
This Final School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 will not be subject to further consultation or modification, as the modifications that have been made to the draft version are not significant enough to merit a further consultation stage. However the School Organisation Plan is subject to annual revision and fresh draft and final versions are published every year. The next School Organisation Plan (for 2003-2008) will be published in draft form for consultation on 1 September 2002.
Part 2, Demographic Information Relevant to the Supply of School Places follows this introduction. This section provides facts and figures, including information about the numbers and sizes of maintained schools within the County plus details of the current and projected pupil age population and factors that cause the population to change. It also describes the way in which provision is made for pupils with special educational needs, or who are not able to attend school.
The Plan attempts to identify the relationship between school capacity and demand for places on an individual area basis and draws conclusions about the need to add or remove places within different localities across the County. Further progress in this area will be reported in Plans for subsequent years.
Part 3, Policies and Principles Relevant to the Planning of School Places outlines the commitments that have been made by this Council to the raising of standards of achievement, and to keeping schools at the heart of local communities. This part also outlines the school planning considerations that are brought to bear in providing for parental preference, providing for sixth form pupils, early years pupils and pupils with special educational needs.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 1 Part 1 - Introduction Cardiff County Council Schools Service
This section also describes the Council’s aims to ensure that school places are provided in Cardiff in a way that promotes the raising of standards of achievement, that facilitates the meeting of requirements to reduce the size of infant classes and that permits efficient use of resources.
Part 4, Conclusions summarises the principal implications for school organisation and the planning of school places that can be drawn from the information gathered in parts 2 and 3. This Final School Organisation Plan provides a basis upon which the local education authority, the National Assembly for Wales and others can consider proposals for opening, closing, or changing the character of schools. However the Plan cannot cover every eventuality over a five-year period. It is possible that proposals may come forward in the future that do not emerge from its conclusions, such as the need to provide additional school places where there is a sudden and unexpected increase in demand.
1.1 Individuals and Organisations Consulted upon Preparation of this Plan
The following organisations and individuals are being consulted:
Archdiocese of Cardiff Diocesan Schools Commission (Roman Catholic Schools) Assembly Members Lorraine Barrett Jane Davidson Sue Essex Pauline Jarman David Melding Jonathan Morgan Rhodri Morgan Jenny Randerson Owen John Thomas Association of Teachers and Lecturers Board of Mission of the Church in Wales Caerphilly County Borough Council Cardiff Governors' Association Careers Wales (Cardiff and Vale) Chairpersons of Governing Bodies of maintained Cardiff Schools Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee Coleg Glan Hafren Diocese of Llandaff (Church in Wales Schools) Diocese of Monmouth (Church in Wales Schools) Early Years Development and Child Care Partnership (including Wales Pre-School Play Group Association) ELWa Headteachers of maintained Cardiff Schools Higher Education Funding Council for Wales - ELWa Members of Parliament School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 2 Part 1 - Introduction Cardiff County Council Schools Service
Kevin Brennan Kim Howells Alun Michael Julie Morgan John Owen Jones Merthyr Tydfil Borough Council National Association of Head Teachers National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education National Union of Teachers National Council for Education and Training in Wales - ELWa Newport County Borough Council Parent Teacher Association Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales Race Equality First Rhonnda Cynon Taf County Borough Council Secondary Headteachers Association The National Assembly for Wales The Vale of Glamorgan Council Undeb Canedlaethol Athrawon Cymru University of Wales Institute Cardiff Wales Primary Schools Association Welsh Joint Education Committee Welsh Language Board Welsh Secondary Schools Association
1.2 Modifications to the Draft School Organisation Plan 2002-2007
The principal modifications that have been made to the Draft School Organisation Plan published on 1 October 2001 are as follows: · Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee expressed concern about the number of provisional school capacity figures used to determine the number of surplus places in schools. Following consultation with schools, some of these figures have now been confirmed and one has been amended. · In response to comments from Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee, the table showing the capacities within specially resourced schools has been amended to delineate the numbers of pupils with Moderate Emotional and/or Behavioural Difficulties and those with Moderate Speech and Language Difficulties in Special Classes and units. In response to comments from the National Assembly for Wales reference the plan now cross references this table with that detailing current pupil placements in out of Authority schools. · As recommended by Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee, a map showing the supply and demand for school places has been amended to show the location of secondary school catchment areas, with the exception of those for Voluntary Aided and Welsh Medium schools. · A table has been added detailing the percentage of primary and secondary schools with different School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 3 Part 1 - Introduction Cardiff County Council Schools Service
levels of unfilled places and overcrowding. · As recommended by the National Assembly for Wales, a table has been amended to show the overall level of surplus places in Cardiff. · As recommended by the National Assembly for Wales, the plan now incorporates the Audit Commission Performance Indicator of occupancy levels of more than 110% of capacity in place of the 125% level previously quoted. · As recommended by the National Assembly for Wales, the section on Welsh Medium Education has been amended to remove the reference to the Council not normally authorising a pupil’s transfer from an English medium primary school to a Welsh medium primary school once the child has completed the first year of primary education. In its place the plan states that it is not usual for a pupil in such circumstances to transfer. · As recommended by the National Assembly for Wales, references to ELWa have been amended to National Council for Education and Training for Wales (National Council). The reference to local consortia of partners has also been amended to Local Consortia for Education and Training (CCETs); and reference to the Partnership Fund has been replaced by CCET Development Fund. · As recommended by the National Assembly for Wales, reference has been made to the Additional Revenue Funding which has been made available to facilitate the reduction of KS2 class sizes and to the Assembly’s target that these classes should also be below 30 pupils in size by September 2003. · Targets for the removal of surplus places have been revised and whilst these show a reduction in the number to be removed in order to reduce surpluses to 15% there nevertheless remain substantial challenges. Information that has been added to the Draft Plan:
· A table has been now been added showing the percentage of primary and secondary pupils whose preferences were satisfied, along with the number of admission appeals and their outcomes.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 4 Part 1 - Introduction Cardiff County Council Schools Service
Part 2 Demographic Information Relevant to the Supply of School Places
2.1 Numbers of Schools and Pupils in Cardiff
2.1.1 Pupils and maintained schools in Cardiff
(Please note that, unless otherwise stated, all population figures relate to January 2001.)
Within the County’s total area of 13,898 hectares, the LEA provides for 52937 pupils between the ages of 3 and 20 in its maintained schools. All of the LEA’s 139 schools are co-educational. Pupils are admitted to nursery provision at age three, usually within a nursery school or unit attached to a primary school. Pupils are admitted to reception classes in the September of the school year in which they will reach their fifth birthday.
The table below provides detail on the types of LEA school within the County and age ranges catered for at these schools.
Primary Schools
School Type Official Age Range Community Infant 3-7 11 Community Infant 4-7 1 C.W. Voluntary Aided Infant 4-7 1 R.C. Voluntary Aided Infant 4-7 1 Community Junior 7-11 12 R.C. Voluntary Aided Junior 7-11 1 Community Primary 3-11 43 C.W. Voluntary Aided Primary 3-11 4 R.C. Voluntary Aided Primary 3-11 3 Community Primary 4-11 14 C.W. Voluntary Aided Primary 4-11 5 C.W. Voluntary Controlled Primary 4-11 1 R.C. Voluntary Aided Primary 4-11 9 Total Primary Schools 106
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 5 Part 2 - Demographic Information Relevant to the Supply of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
Secondary Schools
Community Secondary 11-18 11 C.W. Voluntary Aided Secondary 11-18 2 Community Secondary 11-16 4 R.C. Voluntary Aided Secondary 11-16 3 Total Secondary Schools 20
Nursery Schools
Community Nursery 3-4 5 Total Nursery Schools 5
Special Schools
Primary 3 Secondary 2 Primary and secondary 2 Total Special Schools 7
School and Student Support Centres
School and Student Support Centres Secondary 1 Total SSSCs 1
Grand Total 139
Appendices 1 and 3 list numbers on roll and capacities for all maintained primary and secondary schools within Cardiff. Appendix 5 provides charts showing the relative sizes of Cardiff’s Primary and Secondary Schools.
2.1.2 Primary and Secondary School Capacity and Pupils Attending
The Council undertakes a review of school capacity each year. During 2000/2001, it has been possible to calculate and verify formula-based capacity figures for 79% of schools. Amongst those for which this has not been possible are schools which have very recently undergone substantial adaptations, where there are plans for a radical re-organisation, or where schools are due to be partially or fully rebuilt. The school capacity figures published in this document represent the most up-to-date figures that are available.
Review of capacity in Cardiff’s primary and secondary schools involves the following procedures:
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 6 Part 2 - Demographic Information Relevant to the Supply of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service q The updating and verification of premises details, room sizes and room uses, in consultation with headteacher or school staff with responsibility for premises (this may involve some re-measurement of rooms) q The calculation of notional school capacity using the formulae stipulated in the Education (School Organisation Proposals)(Wales) Regulations 1999 q Consultation with schools to mutually agree the accuracy of information used in calculation of the capacity figure and to resolve any size or use anomalies
The table below summarises the total primary and secondary capacity across the County, and the numbers of pupils on roll within maintained schools of each of these types at January 2001:
School Type Pupils Capacity Surpus Primary Schools 27,107 32,491 5,384 Secondary 21,860 23,811 1,951 All Primary and Secondary Schools 48,967 56,302 7,335
Please note that these figures do not include nursery pupils, pupils attending special schools or St David’s Sixth Form College
Pupil numbers and capacity for each school are listed in detail in Appendices 1 and 3.
The table below expresses the percentage occupancy of Cardiff schools in accordance with Audit Commission performance indicators.
Unfilled Places Over-crowding Percentage Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of of schools schools with schools with schools with schools with where occupancy occupancy occupancy occupancy occupancy = below below 75% of above above 110% capacity capacity capacity capacity of capacity Primary 82% 23% 17% 8% 1% Schools Secondary 60% 20% 40% 10% 0% Schools
2.1.3 Analysis of School Places by Area
In the tables below schools have been grouped into three discrete areas within which supply and demand for places can be compared: Cardiff East, Cardiff West and Cardiff North (referring to maintained English medium Community Schools). In addition Welsh medium schools and Voluntary schools have been grouped separately.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 7 Part 2 - Demographic Information Relevant to the Supply of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
School place supply and demand by County area (Primary)
Cardiff Primary Total MOE Total Number on Total vacancies % Vacancies Schools capacity Roll East 7940 5961 1979 25% West 6481 5063 1418 22% North 9315 8330 985 11% Welsh Medium 2641 2391 250 9% Voluntary 6115 5363 752 12%
The figures emphasise the need to address surplus places in primary schools in all areas of the County with the exception of Welsh medium schools. The Audit Commission has quoted the maximum vacancy level as 15%.
To reduce the over-capacity in primary schools as a first step to 15% would require the removal of 927 places in East Cardiff and 525 places in West Cardiff.
However, in East Cardiff, new housing developments are proposed and it is therefore felt necessary to retain the current over-capacity in the primary schools. In another part of this area continued growth in housing developments will require the development of a new primary school in the next few years.
In West Cardiff, consideration will be given to increasing the use of surplus accommodation by community groups and the possibility of primary school amalgamations.
In North Cardiff, additional accommodation may be needed at one primary school to meet the demand from new developments whereas in another district the level of surplus primary places is excessive and it will be necessary to give consideration to options for addressing the situation.
School place supply and demand by County area (Secondary)
Cardiff Secondary Total MOE Total Number on Total vacancies % Vacancies Schools capacity Roll East 4980 3626 1354 27% West 4798 3974 824 17% North 7306 7688 -382 -5% Welsh Medium 1848 1817 31 2% Voluntary 4879 4755 124 3%
To reduce the over-capacity in secondary schools as a first step to 15% would require the removal of 714 places in East Cardiff and 123 places in West Cardiff.
In the Cardiff East area adaptations at one high school will be considered to reduce the existing excess capacity. In the Cardiff West area the over-capacity will be alleviated as a result of the recently
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 8 Part 2 - Demographic Information Relevant to the Supply of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service published proposals to change the nature of one high school to form a new community college which will increase use of the accommodation by post-16 students.
Whereas there is some surplus accommodation at one of the schools in the Cardiff North area, it will be necessary to determine the need for additional accommodation at another school as a result of new housing developments.
Demand for Welsh medium primary education continues to grow and consultation is currently being undertaken on the proposal to establish a new primary school in East Cardiff (see 2.3). Plans for completion of the second phase of a primary school in West Cardiff will be progressed. In the Voluntary sector there are significant vacancies in primary schools in some areas of the County. At secondary level, one school has vacancies above 28% whilst another is over-subscribed by 18%. The other schools are close to or over capacity to a moderate extent.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 9 Part 2 - Demographic Information Relevant to the Supply of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
2.2 Projected Pupil Numbers for the Five-Year Period of the Plan.
2.2.1 Forecasting methodology
Pupil number forecasts are made using methodology recommended by The Audit Commission in its publication Trading Places: A Management Handbook on the Supply and Allocation of School Places (1997).
The method is based upon the application of two factors, as follows: q Weighted catchment ratios (the relationship between the number of children admitted to the school in the admission year group and the identified catchment population) q Cohort survival ratios (the relationship between the numbers of pupils in one cohort in one school year, and the same cohort in the following school year)
These factors are applied to known local population information, taken from Bro Taf Health Authority G.P. register data, historic numbers on roll and transfer patterns. This forecasting methodology is applied at individual school and county level.
Forecasts derived using the basic formula are improved using additional information, including changing local trends, housing stock and admission arrangements.
A matrix of pupil yield factors has been developed as a set of tools for use in estimating the likely pupil yield from new housing developments. Such estimates are used in forecasting pupil numbers on the individual school level.
2.2.2 Projected pupil numbers
Primary age groups
A future decline is anticipated in the primary age population (4-11) attending Cardiff’s maintained schools*, as indicated in the table below:
School Year Primary age Pupils* (forecasts at January 2001) 2000/2001 (actual) 27,368 2001/2002 26,971 2002/2003 26,622 2003/2004 25,984 2004/2005 25,372 2005/2006 25,476 2006/2007 25,461
*All pupils in maintained schools (including special schools).
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 10 Part 2 - Demographic Information Relevant to the Supply of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
The anticipated decline is due to a decrease in the local fertility rate, which is only slightly offset by the County’s increasing population.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 11 Part 2 - Demographic Information Relevant to the Supply of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
There is clearly an oversupply of school places in the primary sector. The number of places in primary schools exceeds the number of pupils by 16.6%. If primary school capacities were to remain at current levels then these forecasts would indicate a potential increase to more than 22% by 2004/5.
Secondary Age Groups
The secondary age population (11-18) is expected to stay fairly constant in the short term up to 2003/4. After this time, the effects of the 1990s decline in fertility are likely to become evident within the secondary age population, and pupil numbers in the secondary sector will then begin to decline very gradually. Forecast numbers for maintained secondary schools* are as follows:
School Year Secondary age Pupils* (forecasts at January 2001) 2000/2001 (actual) 23,069 2001/2002 22,948 2002/2003 23,030 2003/2004 23,079 2004/2005 22,773 2005/2006 22,481 2006/2007 21,981
*All pupils in maintained schools (including special schools and St David’s College).
A historical summary and forecast of pupil numbers for each age group appears in Appendix 6.
There is currently a small vacancy margin in the secondary sector of 8.2%. It is anticipated that the secondary age pupil population will remain fairly static over the next two to three years, after which the recent decline in primary cohort sizes is likely to be felt in the secondary sector. If secondary school capacities were to remain at current levels then vacancy levels are likely to increase to 13% by 2007.
2.3 Current Schemes and Proposals to Add or Remove School Places
The Council has a number of schemes/proposals currently in progress to add school places.
2.3.1 Nursery and Primary Schemes q Ysgol Gwaelod y Garth – Development of a nursery unit to provide 26 places for children attending part-time is being planned, subject to approval of a statutory notice. q A Welsh Medium Primary School to be built in the grounds of Llanedeyrn Primary School, subject to approval of a statutory notice.
2.3.2 Secondary Schemes q Whitchurch High School – A new accommodation block providing approximately 200 additional places. This is due to be completed for January 2002. School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 12 Part 2 - Demographic Information Relevant to the Supply of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
2.3.3 Additional Places 2000/2001 q Ysgol Plasmawr – A new accommodation block with approximately 230 pupil places from the beginning of the school year in September 2001.
2.4 Housing Developments
2.4.1 Developments that are currently under construction
There are a number of housing developments that were identified within the 1996 Local Plan, or have since become the subject of developer interest, which are currently under construction, or where building is likely to begin soon. Some of these developments may cause significant local pupil age population variations.
It is anticipated that there will be effects on schools within the Cathays, Splott, Caerau, Riverside, Fairwater, Llandaff North, Ely, Canton, Pentwyn, Pentyrch and Trowbridge Electoral Divisions, though vacancies currently exist in these schools to a sufficient level to accommodate new pupils moving into their catchment areas. Pupils moving to new housing developments within the Lisvane and Llanishen Electoral Divisions should also be able to be accommodated within existing facilities at local schools.
Cardiff Bay Significant progress continues to be made in the development of housing within Cardiff Bay. Most of the new dwellings in this area are luxury flats and apartments, which are unlikely to affect the demand for school places locally. However, there may be substantial family housing elements in developments in Grangetown and Butetown over the next four years, and the supply of school places will need to be closely monitored, with a view to making adjustments to local catchment boundaries or providing additional school accommodation if necessary.
Whitchurch Developments are likely to begin in this area within the next two years, and will create pressure on certain primary schools, at which it may be necessary to add classroom accommodation. Secondary schools in North Cardiff have historically admitted a number of pupils from outside their catchment areas, and the effect of these developments is likely to mean that the numbers of non-local pupils obtaining places will be less in the future, as growing numbers of pupils living within each school's catchment area will be given priority for admission to that school. When dates for commencement of construction of these sites are known, the supply of school places in this area will need to be closely monitored.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 13 Part 2 - Demographic Information Relevant to the Supply of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
Radyr A large number of homes are currently under construction in the Radyr and Morganston Electoral Division. The Council has recently agreed that the developments at Radyr Farm and Radyr Sidings are to be included in the Radyr Primary School catchment area, and the development at Rhydlafar will be included in the Pentyrch Primary School catchment area. Some additional classroom accommodation will be necessary at both Radyr Primary and Radyr Comprehensive Schools to cater for the new pupils. Developers of the Rhydlafar site have agreed to make financial contributions towards the provision of community facilities for new residents, including schools. These funds will be used to enhance facilities at the catchment schools for this development.
2.4.2 Future housing developments
Outline proposals for a Unitary Development Plan (UDP) for Cardiff were agreed by the Council on 5th April 2000. The UDP will replace existing Structure and Local Plans and provide a guide to development within the County to 2016. The proposals within the plan show how the Council expects, in principle, to meet Cardiff's future need for new homes, jobs, community and transport facilities, and at the same time, help to protect interests of conservation and environmental importance.
The plan is currently being considered by a group of important consultees, including the National Assembly for Wales, community councils and adjacent local authorities. This consultation stage includes public exhibitions and meetings. Once this consultation stage has passed, the proposals will be reviewed by the Council, prior to being placed on ‘deposit’. ‘Deposit’ provides an opportunity for anyone who wishes to formally support or object to the content of the plan.
The plan identifies the need for the allocation of land sufficient for building 13,215 houses before 2016. This land is in addition to land already permitted or allocated for housing. The UDP aims to provide 60% of new housing (7,215 homes) on previously developed land. This leaves 6,000 homes to be developed on greenfield sites. The following locations have been identified as potentially suitable for these greenfield developments:
· between Pontprennau and Lisvane – approx. 4000 dwellings; · west of Pentrebane – approx. 1000 dwellings to be developed post 2011; · Trowbridge Mawr – approx. 500 dwellings; · Smaller sites (<100 dwellings) to be proposed in the deposited plan – approx. 500 dwellings in total.
It has been noted within the plan that new schools are likely to be required in areas of major developments to cater for the increased demand for school places. However, the decision to build new schools will not be made until detail is available concerning the nature of any housing development, likely numbers and sizes of dwellings, construction schedule, and the availability and accessibility of places at existing local schools.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 14 Part 2 - Demographic Information Relevant to the Supply of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
2.5 Early Years Places in Maintained Nursery Schools and Units
Nursery schools and units are funded according to the number of full-time-equivalent (FTE) places provided at each facility. The number of places available is set annually according to the known demand for places at each facility.
For the 2001-2002 school year, there will be a total number of 2038 FTE places provided within Cardiff’s nursery schools and units, as follows:
Type of Nursery Facility Number of Facilities Number of Places (FTE) Schools 5 220 Units Attached to Community Schools 54 1664 Units Attached to Voluntary Schools 7 154 Total 66 2038
Schools with nursery units are identified in Appendix 1, with details of the number of places.
2.6 Provision for Pupils with Special Educational Needs
The majority of pupils with special educational needs are educated within the scope of provision available in Cardiff. Such provision includes special schools, special classes and units attached to mainstream schools and support services for pupils educated in mainstream classes.
Capacities within specially resourced schools and units are as follows:
Category of Special Educational Need Setting Places Riverbank School 70 Moderate/Severe Learning Difficulties Woodlands High School 125 Moderate Learning Difficulties Special Classes and units 553 Greenhill School 56 Severe Emotional and/or Behavioural Difficulties The Court School 35 Special Classes and units 26 Meadowbank School 36 Severe Speech & Language Difficulties Special Classes and units 42 Severe/Profound/Multiple Learning Difficulties Ty Gwyn School 82 The Hollies School 16 Physical Disabilities Special Unit 12 Assessment Unit The Hollies School 55 Autism Unit (Primary) The Hollies School 20 Significant Visual Impairment Special Unit 8 Significant Hearing Impairment Special Unit 26 SEN – taught through the medium of Welsh Special Classes and Units 20 Total places 1182 School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 15 Part 2 - Demographic Information Relevant to the Supply of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
This information was updated in December 2000 Places within these specially resourced schools and units are provided on a daytime-only basis.
Appendix 7 shows a list of special class and unit places by County area.
For pupils whose needs are not met by the above provision, alternative arrangements are made in schools that are not part of Cardiff LEA. Following the identification and assessment of a pupil's special educational needs a referral is made to a multi-agency forum known as the Joint Panel, which is set up to approve these placements. Appendix 8 provides a list of independent and out-of-county schools at which Cardiff pupils are currently placed.
Cardiff LEA does not make specific provision for pupils in other authorities, but can make places available for purchase when not needed for Cardiff pupils.
2.7 Provision for Pupils not Educated in Maintained Schools.
2.7.1 Pupils out of school because of illness or injury or for other reasons
The information provided is correct at April 2001 but may be subject to change during the year.
Pupils who are sick or injured in hospital or at home, pupils who are unable to attend school because of emotional difficulties or who refuse to attend structured group provision receive individual tuition at home, in a local community facility or in hospital.
Average numbers of pupils who are at any one time receiving individualised tuition programmes are as follows:
Provision Average Pupils per Month In hospital 15 Sick taught at home 20 Sick taught in tuition centre 9 (14 Available) Pregnant and Young Mother Pupils 4 (12 Available) Permanently excluded primary age pupils 5 Individualised programme 5 Total 58
2.7.2 School and Student Support Centre
Cardiff’s School and Student Support Centre caters for secondary age pupils who have been permanently excluded and some pupils who are at risk of permanent exclusion.
Provision for pupils who are excluded, or at risk of exclusion from secondary schools was re-organised in September 1999 and replaced by two Key Stage 3 and 4 School and Student Support Centres, each providing for 14 permanently excluded pupils and 14 pupils at risk of permanent exclusion. This School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 16 Part 2 - Demographic Information Relevant to the Supply of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service provision has now been further re-organised into one School and Student Support Centre catering for permanently excluded pupils at KS3 and KS4. Pupils at risk of permanent exclusion attend for two full days each week.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 17 Part 2 - Demographic Information Relevant to the Supply of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
Cardiff LEA’s School and Student Support Centre provides pupil places as follows:
Provision for Places Permanently excluded pupils 28 Pupils at risk of permanent exclusion 14 Total 42
Year 11 permanently excluded pupils attend a differentiated course at the local tertiary college involving core skills, and vocational education and training.
Provision for Places Year 11 students attending college course 14 Total 14
The Unit for Pregnant and Young Mother Schoolgirls has been de-registered as a Pupil Referral Unit on the advice of Estyn. It is now properly known as a tuition centre.
2.7.3 Pupils educated in psychiatric units
Cardiff pupils normally attend the Harvey Jones Adolescent Unit where education is available on site. A very small number of pupils may be placed in specialist units outside the County when their needs cannot be met within the Harvey Jones Unit:
Provision for Cardiff Pupils Attending Harvey Jones Adolescent Unit (16 places) 3-4 Out of County Provision 2 Total 5-6
2.7.4 Pupils educated at home by their parents or guardians.
Parents or guardians expressing a wish to home educate their child(ren) are informed by the LEA of their rights and responsibilities under education legislation. They are encouraged to first consider carefully their reasons for this, and to be aware of the investment required in providing an adequate education. In cases where the decision to home educate has been precipitated by a disagreement with the school, then parents or guardians are advised to discuss the issue with the headteacher or governors, or with the LEA.
When parents or guardians have decided upon education at home, a LEA adviser visits them to discuss their plans. Parents are asked to draw up a curriculum statement outlining the means by which the child’s learning experiences will be provided. The education provided for these children is monitored closely by LEA advisers, who visit them at least annually in fulfilment of their duties under the 1996 Education Act to check that each child is being educated effectively.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 18 Part 2 - Demographic Information Relevant to the Supply of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
As of July 2001, a total of 16 primary and 74 secondary age children were being educated at home by their parents or guardians.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 19 Part 2 - Demographic Information Relevant to the Supply of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
2.7.5 Provision for pupils looked after by local authorities
Most pupils within this group attend either a mainstream or special Community school. The specialist Children and Youth Partnership Fund project ‘Supportive Learning’ supports a small number of these pupils both in residential units and looked after in the community in a positive re-engagement manner. One of the members of staff is a qualified teacher who provides individual tuition as necessary. These pupils may be on a school roll but refusing to attend or refusing to enrol. Other pupils are looked after in out-of-county provision where education is provided on-site.
Provision Cardiff Pupils (approx.) Supportive Learning (C&YPF Project) 28 Out-of-County 15 (Estimate) Total 43
2.7.6 Young offenders in secure provision
Young people in secure provision and young offenders’ institutions are educated on the premises. In the recent past the number of Cardiff pupils attending provision of this type has been relatively small. The prediction that this number might rise has not yet been realised but there are indicators that this may happen in the near future.
Provision Cardiff Pupils (approx.) Secure Provision 3 (Estimate) Young Offenders Institutions 6 (Estimate) Total 9
2.8 Sixth Form Provision
Thirteen of Cardiff’s twenty LEA secondary schools are designated as 11-18 High Schools but three of the schools (Glyn Derw High, Ysgol Plasmawr and Glan Ely) do not have sixth form pupils currently. The remaining ten schools, together with two 11-16 High Schools (Llanrumney and Willows High), provided courses to 2622 students of sixth form age as of January 2001. Further maintained institutions providing for sixth formers within the County are a Roman Catholic Sixth Form College, which provides principally for students leaving the County’s three 11-16 Roman Catholic Voluntary Secondary Schools (as well as students from the Vale of Glamorgan), and Coleg Glan Hafren, Cardiff’s Tertiary College. 1045 students were enrolled at St David’s College in September 2000, and 2879 Students between the ages of 16 and 18 enrolled at Coleg Glan Hafren during the 2000/2001 academic year.
Seven of the LEA schools currently providing for sixth formers do so autonomously, providing mainly ‘A’ level with some GNVQ courses to 2039 pupils.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 20 Part 2 - Demographic Information Relevant to the Supply of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
The remaining schools providing post-16 courses do so through the Cardiff Collegium. The Collegium is a collaborative federation consisting of the LEA, Coleg Glan Hafren, these schools and the local CCET, delivering rationalisation of post-16 vocational education. A total of 583 students were following sixth form courses at these Collegium schools in January 2001.
In four of the County’s Collegium Schools, courses are provided on a franchise basis on behalf of Coleg Glan Hafren, and are funded by the Further Education Funding Council for Wales. 48 students received franchised Collegium courses in 2000/2001.
2.9 Factors that cause volatility in pupil numbers
Being an area of urban nature with dense population, the demand for places at many schools is apt to fluctuate each year due to changing patterns of parental preference, volatility in housing letting rates in certain county areas, and changes in the school age population that are due to temporary increases or decreases in local fertility rates.
There are also factors which cause longer term increases or decreases in local populations. These include new housing and alteration in the demographic composition of certain areas. Sections 2.2.1 and 3.2.2 describe the methods used to calculate pupil yield from new housing, and to survey new estates where pupil yield estimates are problematic.
Housing within certain localities may also be apt to change tenure and occupancy, thereby causing the local demographic composition to change. In areas traditionally popular with students, families may gradually become less common, as family homes are sold and converted for multiple occupancy. The national trend towards smaller household sizes may be more significantly felt in such areas.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 21 Part 2 - Demographic Information Relevant to the Supply of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
Part 3 Policies and Principles Relevant to the Planning of School Places
3.1 Raising Standards of Achievement
3.1.1 The Education Strategic Plan
The Education Strategic Plan (1999-2002) for Cardiff County Council was finalised and presented to the National Assembly for Wales in September 1999. This Plan sets out the means by which standards of achievement within the County’s educational establishments will be raised within the three year period.
The Education Strategic Plan identifies that there is a need to raise standards of achievement in all schools, in line with national expectations, and describes the means by which the LEA and its schools will secure the raising of these standards in Cardiff.
The plan acknowledges that standards will only be raised through an open and accountable relationship between schools and the LEA and through effective and efficient distribution of resources and the provision of high quality support by the LEA for its schools.
The plan also identifies that there are wide differences in the performance of schools within Cardiff in both the primary and secondary phases that need to be addressed specifically. The differences in standards are particularly wide between schools in the secondary phase and to some extent, derive from the varying socio-economic circumstances and other characteristics of different local communities within the LEA.
Many schools with lower standards of achievement provide for catchment areas in which socio- economic, linguistic and cultural factors create increased challenges for the maintenance and improvement of achievement standards. A good number of these schools are challenged further by a tendency of parents to seek non-local places for pupils. The effect of this tendency is to cause pupil numbers to decline in certain schools, despite sustained levels of local pupil age population. A declining pupil population within a school has the inevitable consequence of budget cuts, the loss of staff and entry into a spiral of decline regarding financial viability and morale. In such a situation, these schools are not well placed to improve pupil achievement standards, and pupils that remain in them suffer relative educational disadvantage.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 22 Part 3 – Policies and Principles Relevant to the Planning of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
3.1.2 Overall Sufficiency of Places
School capacity information has revealed that there is a sufficiency of school places to meet the needs of the current school age population in most areas of Cardiff, yet previous admission arrangements for the county's schools have created the conditions whereby there are a large number of under-subscribed schools, and a number that are over-subscribed. The revision of the secondary admission arrangements from September 2001 will alleviate the effect of the feeder arrangements which have meant that some schools have had to admit pupils above a level where achievement standards can be maintained and improved, and which have caused other schools to suffer a decline in pupil numbers, causing financial insecurity, staff redundancies and consequent problems in maintaining standards.
3.1.3 School Organisation and the Raising of Standards of Achievement
The manner in which the supply of school places is co-ordinated across the County to meet the needs of the pupil age population can play an important part in the raising of standards of achievement. The members of the County Council have agreed a fundamental principle that local communities within the City and County of Cardiff should be served by local schools. It is through the pursuit of the principle of local schools for local children that the central role of schools within each community is being re- established. It is hoped that families will be increasingly attracted towards their local schools and the negative effects of falling rolls and over-subscription will be stemmed.
3.1.4 Addressing the Principle of Local Schools for Local Children.
This principle has been addressed by revising the secondary school admission arrangements. · The County Council has changed from September 2001 the secondary admissions arrangements by withdrawing the feeder school system and applying secondary catchment boundaries. Eligibility for admission to a secondary school therefore depends upon residence within the catchment boundary, and the primary school attended is no longer amongst the eligibility criteria. This will ensure that the policy of local schools for local children is carried through into the secondary sector. · Wherever possible, boundaries have continued to be based upon the catchment boundaries of primary school groups within the former feeder arrangements. However, it may be necessary in the future to revise primary and secondary catchment boundaries to ensure that local populations are appropriate to the capacity of secondary schools.
Section 2.1.3 indicates the need for action in both the primary and secondary sectors to reduce surplus accommodation in the three areas of the County. To reduce the vacancy level to at least 15%, the maximum quoted by the Audit Commission, will involve removing 927 primary places and 714 secondary places in East Cardiff and 525 primary places and 123 secondary places in West Cardiff. In North Cardiff the Section refers to the need in one district to consider the options to reduce excessive surplus capacity. School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 23 Part 3 – Policies and Principles Relevant to the Planning of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
3.1.5 Home to school travel distances
The County Council endeavours to provide places for primary age children within two miles, and secondary age children within three miles of their homes. It is more difficult meeting this objective where parents choose denominational or Welsh medium school places for their children. In line with statutory requirements, the Council offers free transport to pupils under the age of eight travelling two miles or more and pupils aged 8 to 16 travelling three miles or more to the nearest appropriate school.
3.2 New Housing
3.2.1 Unitary Development Plan - Supplementary Planning Guidance Relating to the Provision of School Places.
The Unitary Development Plan, which is currently passing through consultation and deposit stages, identifies areas for residential development within the boundaries of the County to the year 2016. In addition to these identified areas, land may become the subject of a ‘windfall’ planning application from a developer at any time, for example where a business closes and land becomes available.
The progression of any such development may lead to a local increase in demand for school places. Where this increase in demand cannot be accommodated within existing local schools, a contribution towards the provision of required additional local school places is sought from potential developers.
3.2.2 New Housing Areas - Surveys of Demand for School Places
Where new housing areas are of substantial size, where the impact of resultant population changes upon local schools is likely to be significant or where the pupil yield from such a development is difficult to estimate, the Council undertakes a Survey of Demand for School Places. Surveys have recently been undertaken in the new housing areas of Cwm Farm in Radyr, Pengam Green in Tremorfa and Pontprennau.
Dependent upon the number of dwellings concerned and estimated response rates, surveys are undertaken either on a postal or door-to-door basis. Detailed information for each dwelling is obtained concerning the number of children of school and pre-school age, the schools currently attended and for under fives the denomination and language medium of parents’ preferred school.
The detailed information provided by Demand for School Places Surveys plays an important role in implementation of the Council’s commitment to providing sufficient school places on a local basis.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 24 Part 3 – Policies and Principles Relevant to the Planning of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
3.3 Responding to Parental Preference.
3.3.1 The Circumstances in which Popular Schools Might Be Enabled to Expand.
The Council is committed to raising standards of achievement in all schools as its first priority, and also to specifically addressing the differences in levels of achievement between the highest and lowest achieving schools. The Council is also keen to allow parents seeking places for their children in popular schools to be successful where space exists.
The following table indicates the number of applications received for admissions in September 2000 which shows that there is a sufficiency of places in most areas across the County. However, the expansion of popular schools may easily create and exacerbate educational disadvantage amongst less popular schools. A popular school would therefore only be permitted to expand where such an expansion would not jeopardise the raising of standards in other schools.
SCHOOL ADMISSIONS 2000/2001
Preferences Appeal Hearings
Received Approved Approved Held Allowed Allowed (%) (%)
Secondary 3004 2959 98.50 8 6 75.00
Primary 3051 2995 98.16 44 18 40.90
3.3.2 Preference for Welsh Medium Education.
The key objective of the Council in respect of providing education through the medium of Welsh is to make the provision available to all children whose parents wish it.
There are currently 8 Welsh medium primary schools, 2 Welsh medium primary units and 2 Welsh medium secondary schools in Cardiff. Nursery provision is available in 6 primary schools. In addition there are proposals for a new primary school in the east of the city to be established in September 2002. Starter classes have been established on a temporary basis on the site of an English medium primary school. Parents whose children do not attend the County's nursery classes or Cylchoedd Meithrin can make a written application to the Schools Service for admission to Welsh medium education.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 25 Part 3 – Policies and Principles Relevant to the Planning of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
Admissions to Welsh medium primary schools and units are dealt with by the Schools Service in consultation with headteachers. In determining requests for places particular regard is given to parental preference, geographical factors, place of residence, exceptional medical or exceptional social factors and children with older siblings in the school. If parents are unable to obtain a place at their preferred school they may appeal to an Appeal Committee, which is independent of the Council. It is not usual for a pupil to transfer from an English medium primary school to a Welsh medium primary school once the child has completed the first year of primary education. Pupils attending a Welsh medium primary school or unit normally transfer to one of the County’s Welsh medium secondary schools.
The majority of pupils with special educational needs who wish to receive a Welsh medium education are provided for within the current Welsh medium mainstream schools. To enable pupils with significant special educational needs to maintain their education in a Welsh medium school additional specialist Welsh medium provision is made in Welsh medium units at one primary and one secondary school. The Council regards Welsh medium education as a natural and integral part of its work. It recognises that only proactive planning based on the reasonable assumption of continuing growth in demand for Welsh medium education can avoid past uncertainties.
During the last five years the demand for Welsh medium primary education has continued to grow. On the basis of growth during this period, future demands can be estimated. It is predicted that more than 420 children aged 4-5 will be applying for places in Welsh medium schools in 2001. The annual intake for Welsh medium schools at present is approximately 400. The Council has reviewed the forecasting methodology for Welsh medium education. Projections indicating the potential demand for Welsh medium education for the following 3 years will be produced. This information will help to identify the subsequent future requirements for additional accommodation for primary and secondary education.
In order to avoid further problems of uneven provision, long and costly travel arrangements and the fragmentation of communities of Welsh medium school children, the Council will endeavour to create a citywide network of schools serving this sector, subject to the availability of suitable accommodation.
A copy of the Welsh Education Scheme is available from the Adviser for Welsh. A new scheme will be produced in 2002.
3.3.3 Providing for Denominational Diversity.
The Council is keen to support the growth of Roman Catholic and Church in Wales schooling where there is a proven requirement for places of this type, and where the development of new places at denominational schools will not undermine existing school provision.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 26 Part 3 – Policies and Principles Relevant to the Planning of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
3.3.3.1 Church in Wales Provision
The Church in Wales Authorities in Cardiff have raised the issue that schools of that denomination in the County’s suburbs are over-subscribed. In the suburb of Radyr in particular some demand for a Welsh medium Church in Wales primary school has been registered.
Although the LEA offers a maintained nursery placement for all children, the concern has also been raised that some denominational schools would benefit from the development of nursery provision, as some of the pre-school settings actually attended by children promoting to these schools do not offer an appropriate pre-school curriculum.
Some of the existing Church in Wales schools are becoming dilapidated and are badly in need of repair. Discussions are taking place between the Diocese of Llandaff and the National Assembly for Wales with regard to replacement of certain schools. Discussions are also taking place between the Diocese of Monmouth and the Assembly over remodelling two schools.
3.3.3.2 Roman Catholic Provision
The provision of nursery places at Roman Catholic Primary Schools
At present, nursery education is provided at only three of the County’s Roman Catholic Primary Schools. As in the past the Diocese will continue to press for an increase in the provision at additional schools. It is suggested by the Diocese that there is increasing demand for denominational places, and that authority has expressed a wish to liaise closely with this Council in order to consider ways in which provision might be extended across the County.
New housing developments and demographic change
New developments, particularly at North Cardiff, continue to place increasing pressure on provision at some primary schools. Measures have been undertaken to ensure that accurate forecasts of future demand for denominational places are available in order to achieve a sufficiency of provision at these schools.
Buildings, repairs, maintenance and capital projects
The condition of school buildings will continue to be monitored closely by school governors and the Diocesan Projects Team. Currently the Diocese is working together with the National Assembly for Wales and Cardiff County Council in the pursuit of major building projects at two of the secondary schools. One of these projects has been completed and the other is well advanced. Work on a new building for one inner City primary school has now been completed. In addition consultation is being undertaken with governing bodies regarding a forecast of likely repairs and maintenance over a five-year period.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 27 Part 3 – Policies and Principles Relevant to the Planning of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
Regular meetings are now taking place between the Council and the Church in Wales and Roman Catholic diocesan authorities and there is an improved flow of empirical information about the local demand for school places of different types, and the likely effects of any new provision upon pupil numbers in existing schools.
The Council’s Demand for School Places Surveys of new housing areas provide information concerning parents’ preferences for denominational schools. The Council is committed to continuing this series of surveys in new housing areas (these surveys are described in more detail in Part 3, section 3.2.2).
3.4 Joint Provision for Pupils and Students Aged 16+.
The Learning and Skills Act became law in July 2000. The Act provides for the formation of a single National Council for Education and Training in Wales to co-ordinate the delivery of the Education and Training Action Plan (ETAP). From April 2002 it will also embrace public funding for all sixth form provision.
Primary responsibility for delivering plans to meet the needs of individuals, communities and employers in the locality will now lie with Local Consortia for Education and Training. ELWa will issue public funding to these (voluntary) partners on the basis of consortia's local delivery plans dovetailing with the national plans.
In Cardiff a consortia of representative partners has been meeting on a voluntary basis since September 2000 to prepare the foundations for the new challenges ahead. In May the local consortium was officially launched as Capitalearning.
The Cardiff Collegium has been recognised nationally as a model of good practice and is well placed for further partnership developments to enhance the range and quality of post 16 courses. This has implications for curriculum planning and delivery; funding requirements will need to be addressed through the CCET Development Fund and possibly the Local Initiative Fund to explore common curriculum and timetable models.
The National Assembly ICT strategy will enhance Partnership course provision, as innovative approaches to teaching and learning are further progressed. This may involve distance learning packages, self-supported study, teacher exchanges and video conferencing to meet the needs of learners across Cardiff.
3.5 Provision of Early Years Places.
3.5.1 Early Years Development Partnership
Convened under the School Standards and Framework Act, Cardiff’s Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership has been planning for the provision of pre-school places within the County since November 1997. The Partnership has drawn up the Early Years Development Plan, which outlines how the local authority will meet its responsibilities for early years provision in 2001-2002.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 28 Part 3 – Policies and Principles Relevant to the Planning of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
3.5.2 Places for Four-Year-Olds
Amongst its achievements, the Partnership has agreed the means by which the Local Authority will fulfil its statutory duty from September 2001 to secure the provision of a part time place for every child from the term after their fourth birthday. These places will be generally provided in maintained reception (for rising fives) and nursery classes (for rising fours).
Under the Early Years Development Plan, nursery places are predominantly provided within maintained schools. Where an LEA placement is not available, funding will be provided for a placement provided at a designated voluntary or private pre-school facility.
The key objectives that have been set to secure a place for all four-year-olds whose parents want one, include the following: q To identify where there are no convenient places within the English and Welsh maintained sectors, using information about existing places, (and about parent’s preferences for type and location of provision) demand for provision based on live birth population data, and historical information on parental preferences for education within denominational or Welsh medium schools. q To identify non-maintained providers that meet the required quality standards and are able to offer placements to eligible four-year olds. q To provide funding to recognised providers that offer placements to eligible children. q To seek to develop and open further English and Welsh medium LEA nursery classes, where appropriate, in line with proposals, to provide 100% LEA nursery education provision in Cardiff for the pre-reception year group.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 29 Part 3 – Policies and Principles Relevant to the Planning of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
It is estimated that local demand for nursery places for four year olds during 2001-2002, can predominately be met through maintained provision, as shown in the table below.
Estimated number of places to be provided for four year olds in each sector for 2001-2002
Type of Provision Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term 2001 2002 2002 LEA English medium 3456 2301 1395 Reception Classes LEA Welsh medium 400 269 173 Reception Classes LEA Nursery schools 0 96 169
LEA English medium Nursery 0 1053 1795 classes LEA Welsh medium Nursery 0 117 205 classes Private/Voluntary nurseries – 0 6 10 English medium Private/Voluntary nurseries – 0 29 52 Welsh medium Independent schools 0 0 0
The information for Autumn Term 2001 includes all four-year-olds in reception education placements that were born between September 1997 and August 1998, and for Spring Term 2002, all children that were born between January 1998 and August 1998.
3.5.3 Places for Three-Year-Olds
The Partnership has also agreed the initial steps to be taken to plan provision for three-year-olds within the County, in light of the National Assembly’s recent and final report “Laying the Foundation: Early Years Provision for Three Year Olds”. In Cardiff, the policy of the Council for 2001-2002 is to provide a full year’s part time nursery placement for the school year during which children become four year olds, followed by a full year’s full-time placement in reception.
The Partnership’s key objective ‘To plan towards the provision of a free part-time nursery place for all three year olds from the term following their third birthday’ is set in the context of the guidelines outlined in the National Assembly’s final report and is subject to appropriate and available funding.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 30 Part 3 – Policies and Principles Relevant to the Planning of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
3.5.4 Arrangements for the Integration of Early Years Education and Childcare
The Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership will continue to work during 2001-2002 to secure quality early years and out-of-school childcare provision for children from 0-16 years. Tasks identified focus on: - q Development of integrated early years centres for children 0-5yrs, which provide nursery education, childcare and additional services to support families with young children, through working with a range of partners. q Development of other models of integrated early years education and childcare services, for children aged 3-5 years. q Developing further integrated out of school childcare services for older children (5-14 years).
3.6 The Appropriate Size of a Primary or a Secondary School within the Context of Provision made in the LEA Area.
Cardiff's schools are of widely varying capacities, with relatively few schools that would be classified as 'small'. (Only 2 of 106 primary schools have below 90 pupils on roll, and the smallest secondary school has a roll of 578). Appendix 5 provides a graphical illustration showing the size distribution amongst Cardiff's schools. Due to the urban nature of Cardiff most of the County's communities have a high population density, which permits many schools to be of a substantial size, and also to be within short travelling distance of pupils' homes.
The Audit Commission, in their management document Trading Places (1997) suggest that small schools present challenges for the delivery of a sufficiently broad curriculum (90 pupils generate sufficient income to employ only three or four teachers) and are less likely to have facilities such as halls for drama and playing fields for team sports. The existence of small schools must therefore be justified by local circumstances.
Larger primary schools, unlike their smaller counterparts, facilitate the grouping of pupils into single age groups, the provision of a broader curriculum and financial economies of scale. In such a densely populated area as Cardiff, small schools should not usually be necessary to meet the needs of the school population. The continued existence of schools admitting less than one form of entry per year should be questioned and it is necessary therefore for the position of small schools to be reviewed.
The LEA and diocesan authorities agree that for new schools, a minimum of one form of entry is appropriate.
In implementing the Council's commitment to local schools for local children, work is continuing to identify the current and future demand for places, and will indicate where changes in school capacity are
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 31 Part 3 – Policies and Principles Relevant to the Planning of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service necessary in order to more closely provide for local needs. It is anticipated that the broad spectrum of school sizes in Cardiff will continue.
3.7 Policy for Amalgamation of Schools.
Consideration is given to amalgamation of junior with infant; junior with infant and nursery; or infant with nursery schools where: q Either a headteacher retires or resigns leaving a vacancy Or q There is a steady falling roll over a period of time leading to inefficiencies in the budget and hence to difficulties in maintaining the effective provision of high quality education (the limit to be set at falling below 2 form entry i.e. 60 pupils)
If the above criteria are fulfilled and amalgamation is to be considered the following must also apply: q The layout of the premises must be suitable for amalgamation q The budget of the amalgamated school must be viable
The Council has in place an agreed consultation process for amalgamation of schools. This process involves the presentation by officers of the Council of a proposal for amalgamation, which addresses curriculum, management, finance and accommodation issues, and outlines options for change, to the headteacher and chair of governors of each school affected. The views of staff, governors and parents of directly affected schools, and those of the chair of governors at any neighbouring school are then invited in writing, and are considered by the LEA in the final decision to amalgamate schools.
The amalgamation proposal is then published in the form of a public notice in accordance with the Education (School Organisation Proposals) (Wales) Regulations 1999.
3.8 The Appropriate Size of a Class or Teaching Group
Cardiff County Council endorses the statutory maximum infant class size of 30 (as stipulated in the Infant Class Size Reduction regulations) for all primary classes subject to the availability of additional resources. The regulations restrict classes to 30 or less pupils in reception, year 1 and year 2. All arrangements for admissions are made centrally by the Schools Service and strict monitoring of pupil numbers is therefore maintained.
The recent changes to Standard Admission Numbers (the number of pupils admitted annually) have placed considerable emphasis upon the need for schools to admit pupils in groups of a size that permits efficient organisation in classes of 30 or below.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 32 Part 3 – Policies and Principles Relevant to the Planning of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
The National Assembly for Wales has made available additional revenue funding to facilitate the reduction of KS2 class sizes to achieve its target of all such classes having fewer that 30 pupils by September 2003.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 33 Part 3 – Policies and Principles Relevant to the Planning of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
3.9 Provision for Pupils with Special Educational Needs
3.9.1 Policy for Special Educational Needs
The Cardiff County Council Policy for Special Educational Needs conforms to requirements within the 1993 and 1996 Education Acts and the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of SEN. The policy seeks to promote the integration and inclusion of children with special educational needs.
Relevant paragraphs are as follows:
The LEA will continue to promote the integration of as many pupils as possible with special educational needs within mainstream schools. School policies of inclusion will enhance the potential for such pupils to attend their neighbourhood school. (Para 3.2.i)
The LEA is committed to maintaining Special Schools that make the specialist provision required by children whose needs cannot be met in mainstream schools. (Para 3.2.ii)
Special Schools will also need to develop policies for promoting integration and inclusion and for developing strong collaborative links with mainstream provision, sharing advice and expertise. (Para 3.2.iii)
3.9.2 Determining the Required Number of Specially Resourced Places
Cardiff LEA makes special education places available on the basis of projection of known pupil need, the needs of pupils currently under assessment, expected population, and age-promotions due in any particular year. Consideration is also given to previous trends. In line with Cardiff's policy on inclusion, it is intended to maximise place purchase in the mainstream sector, with a view to gradually reducing the number of special school places available (as appropriate). The ultimate aim of this is to enable more pupils who would normally attend special provision to attend their local mainstream school.
3.9.3 Access to Specially Resourced Places
Access to a special school, unit, class or other specially resourced place for a pupil with special educational needs is via a statutory assessment of need, and the decision of a panel regarding suitable placement.
Transport is provided to the nearest appropriate school where the distance criteria are met, where certain particular special education needs have been identified, or where the LEA Officer responsible is satisfied that there are reasons for agreeing transport on exceptional grounds, in accordance with the Council’s school transport policy. A complete copy of the Council's Policy for Special Educational Needs is available from the Council’s Special Education Section. School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 34 Part 3 – Policies and Principles Relevant to the Planning of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
3.10 The Importance of School Provision in Relation to the Needs of the Wider Community.
Schools have an important part to play within the life of local communities. They have at their disposal facilities that can be utilised to enhance the personal and social development of individuals and groups and are required by law to be sympathetic to the needs of the community served by the school, when deciding on out-of-hours use.
This important role is reflected in Cardiff City Council’s Out of Hours Learning/Learning Centre Strategy, which is based upon the partnership approach to raising levels of achievement.
Ten Learning Centres have been established in targeted areas of disadvantage with the focus on the development of provision for all ages, including adults, in order to effect a long-term impact on educational outcomes.
The Leisure and Lifelong Learning Service works closely with the schools to identify and to promote learning programmes via the Youth Service, Family Learning and Adult Learning. This valuable partnership achieves a synergy through the maximisation of resources, recognising that achievement can be supported through a whole community approach.
Links with the community help schools in raising pupil motivation, expectations and achievement. School premises are used during holiday periods to deliver a range of play opportunities and study support programmes, which include Literacy and Numeracy Summer Schools, and other learning activities. This provision is being further developed using lottery funding and other social inclusion initiatives funding to finance a variety of out of hours and holiday programmes, which are being delivered in tandem with family and community learning.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 35 Part 3 – Policies and Principles Relevant to the Planning of School Places Cardiff County Council Schools Service
Part 4 Conclusions
The regulations governing the publication of School Organisation Plans provide an opportunity for every education authority to focus upon the provision of school places and to provide improved information to schools, parents and the local community about these issues that concern them significantly. Cardiff County Council welcomes this opportunity.
Part 2 of this School Organisation Plan Demographic Information Relevant to the Supply of School Places summarises the nature and quantity of school places that are provided by this Council for its school age population. It is clear that there is a significant oversupply of places within both the primary and secondary sectors. This vacancy margin will continue to increase in the foreseeable future in the primary sector as the primary age population reduces due to recently declining birth rates. The secondary age population will rise to a peak during the 2001/2002 year and from 2004 the effect of the reducing primary school population will be seen with increases in the secondary vacancy margin.
It is clear that the Council’s statutory duty to secure sufficient school places within Cardiff is more than adequately met. However there is an obvious requirement to redress the imbalance across the County, where so many vacancies exist in some schools, whereas others are under pressure for accommodation. Not only does this imbalance make the improvement in achievement standards more difficult to secure in schools with declining rolls and schools that are over-subscribed, but the maintenance and servicing of vacant accommodation is costly and inefficient.
Section 2.1.3 indicates the need for action in both the primary and secondary sectors to reduce surplus accommodation in the three areas of the County. To reduce the vacancy level to at least 15%, the maximum quoted by the Audit Commission, will involve removing 927 primary places and 714 secondary places in East Cardiff and 525 primary places and 123 secondary places in West Cardiff. In North Cardiff the Section refers to the need in one district to consider options to reduce surplus capacity in local primary schools.
Part 3, Policies and Principles Relevant to the Planning of School Places outlines the commitments that this Council has made to ensure that standards of achievement are raised in all schools, to address the wide differences in performance that exist between schools and to provide support for school improvement. The section summarises the means by which parents’ preference for different schools and for Welsh medium education will be addressed, and outlines the school places issues that are of most concern to the denominational authorities in the area. It also describes the Council’s commitment to provision for early years and sixth form pupils, and to pupils with special educational needs.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 36 Part 4 - Conclusions Cardiff County Council Schools Service
The planning of school places in Cardiff plays a crucial role in the raising of standards of educational achievement. The relationship between planning and achievement has been described at length in Part 3 in terms of the difficulties that declining and low pupil numbers create for under-subscribed schools and the difficulties that excess pupils create for over-subscribed schools. The need for these imbalances to be redressed to ensure that schools are to be supported in raising standards of achievement has been recognised and addressed by the changes to the secondary admission arrangement.
Provisional comparisons of population and school places have revealed that sufficient places exist in both primary and secondary sectors in most areas of the County yet many pupils attend schools at some distance from their homes. This Council has agreed that whilst pupils dwelling in a different catchment area should be admitted to a school where space exists, an excess of pupil travel undermines the principle of local schools for local children, whereby schools should play a central role within the local community, being nearby, high quality and therefore attractive to local parents. The capacity of a school should also reflect to some extent the demand for places in terms of the size of the school age population within its local community.
A review of school age population and capacity information has revealed that there is a sufficiency of places in most of the County’s areas and considerable over-capacity in the primary sector. This high and increasing level of primary vacancies must be reduced to avoid a growing number of schools encountering declining budgets.
Part 3 indicates the action taken to date by the recent revision of the secondary school admission arrangements which made residence within a secondary catchment boundary the first criterion so as to ensure that the policy of local schools for local children is carried through into the secondary sector. The Section re-iterates the need to reduce surplus capacity in schools to a maximum of 15% and formal proposals will now be considered in the three areas of the County.
In East Cardiff, new housing developments are proposed and it is therefore felt necessary to retain the current over-capacity in the primary schools. Adaptations at one high school will be considered to reduce the existing excess secondary capacity. In another part of this area continued growth in housing developments will require the development of a new primary school in the next few years.
In West Cardiff, consideration will be given to the possibility of increased use of surplus accommodation by the community, and the possibility of primary school amalgamations. Proposals have recently been published to change the nature of one high school to form a new community college which will increase use of the accommodation by post 16 students
In North Cardiff, in the secondary sector, it will be necessary to determine the need for additional accommodation at one school as a result of housing developments. Additional accommodation may also be needed at one primary school to meet the demand from new developments. In one district the level of surplus primary places is so excessive that it will be necessary to consider the options for addressing the situation.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 37 Part 4 - Conclusions Cardiff County Council Schools Service
The Council will determine the effect of the changes to the school admissions policy which take effect from September 2001 when considering whether further proposals are necessary.
In addition action is proposed in respect of Welsh medium and Early Years education and the position of small schools: q In Welsh medium education, plans to establish a new Welsh medium primary school in East Cardiff will be progressed. Plans for completion of the second phase of a primary school in West Cardiff will be brought forward. q Early Years: proposals will be made to establish an Early Years Centre in West Cardiff and the plans to provide additional Welsh medium nursery places in West and North Cardiff will be progressed. q Small schools: The position of small schools within the County will be reviewed.
It is important that all parties concerned with the planning of school places in Cardiff now and in the future recognise that action taken to address over-capacity in schools will support the Council’s commitment to providing quality local schools for local children and to raising standards of achievement in all schools.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 38 Part 4 - Conclusions Cardiff County Council Schools Service
Appendices
Appendix 1* Capacities and Pupils in Primary Schools ...... (i)
Appendix 2 Pupils in Nursery and Special Schools ...... (vi)
Appendix 3* Capacities and Pupils in Secondary Schools...... (vii)
Appendix 4 Summary of School Data...... (viii)
Appendix 5 Sizes of Cardiff’s Primary and Secondary Schools ...... (ix)
Appendix 5a School place supply and demand in Cardiff by area...... (x)
Appendix 6 Total Pupils in Maintained Schools – Historical Summary and Forecast ...... (xi)
Appendix 7 Number of places in Special Units, Classes and Specially Resourced Provision(xii)
Appendix 8 Current Placements Independent or Out of Authority Schools, according to category of special educational need...... (xii)
* Capacities updated July 2001.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 39 Appendices Cardiff County Council Schools Service
Primary Schools LEA No: 681 LEA Name: Cardiff School School Name Type Age Primary Summer Capacity Surplus Standard Nursery Number of Number of Range age admissions calculated Capacity Admission Provision nursery school pupils on to reception by formula. Number at school places (FTE) roll (Jan classes from 2001) September 2001 2003 Adamsdown Primary School C 3-11 yrs 182 N/A 235 53 30 Yes 13.0 2005 Albany Primary School C 3-11 yrs 290 N/A 320 30 60 Yes 26.0 3357 All Saints C.W. Primary School V 4-11 yrs 212 N/A 185 -27 25 No 2007 Allensbank Primary School C 3-11 yrs 198 N/A 258 60 63 Yes 26.0 2009 Baden Powell Primary School C 3-11 yrs 480 N/A 564 * 84 78 Yes 26.0 2011 Birchgrove Primary School C 4-11 yrs 344 N/A 371 27 56 No 3373 Bishop Childs C.W. Primary School V 4-11 yrs 208 N/A 211 3 30 No 2107 Bryn Celyn Primary School C 3-11 yrs 221 N/A 435 * 214 60 Yes 26.0 2153 Bryn Deri Primary School C 3-11yrs 228 N/A 163 -65 30 Yes 26.0 2065 Bryn Hafod Primary School C 3-11 yrs 329 N/A 426 97 60 Yes 26.0 2058 Caerau Infant School C 3-7 yrs 163 N/A 234 71 60 Yes 26.0 2063 Cefn Onn Primary School C 3-11 yrs 200 N/A 279 79 45 Yes 26.0 3351 Christ The King R.C. Primary School V 4-11 yrs 214 N/A 204 -10 33 No 2072 Coed Glas Primary School C 3-11 yrs 403 N/A 481 78 60 Yes 39.0 2104 Coryton Primary School C 3-11 yrs 178 N/A 215 37 30 Yes 26.0 2305 Creigiau Primary School C 3-11 yrs 352 N/A 367 15 52 Yes 26.0 2068 Cwrt Yr Ala Junior School C 7-11 yrs 235 N/A 275 40 60 No 2172 Danescourt Infant School C 3-7 yrs 160 N/A 154 -6 60 Yes 26.0 2158 Danescourt Junior School C 7-11 yrs 236 N/A 227 -9 60 No School Organisation Plan 2001-2006 i Appendix 1: Capacities and Pupils in Primary Schools Cardiff County Council Schools Service
School School Name Type Age Primary Summer Capacity Surplus Standard Nursery Number of Number of Range age admissions calculated Capacity Admission Provision nursery school pupils on to reception by formula. Number at school places (FTE) roll (Jan classes from 2001) September 2001 2085 Eglwys Newydd Primary School C 4-11 yrs 372 N/A 435 63 60 No 2088 Eglwys Wen Primary School C 3-11 yrs 302 N/A 324 22 45 Yes 19.5 2017 Fairwater Primary School C 4-11 yrs 340 N/A 466 126 60 No 2019 Gabalfa Primary School C 3-11yrs 323 N/A 414 * 91 60 Yes 39.0 2309 Gladstone Primary School C 3-11 yrs 235 N/A 476 * 241 60 Yes 26.0 2310 Glan Yr Afon Primary School C 3-11 yrs 249 N/A 613 * 364 60 Yes 39.0 2105 Glyncoed Infant School C 3-7 yrs 161 N/A 122 -39 60 Yes 26.0 2106 Glyncoed Junior School C 7-11 yrs 240 N/A 246 6 60 No 2024 Grangetown Infant School C 4-7 yrs 132 N/A 198 * 66 60 No 2023 Grangetown Junior School C 7-11 yrs 184 N/A 234 50 60 No 2045 Greenway Primary School C 3-11 yrs 310 N/A 432 122 60 Yes 26.0 2111 Gwaelod-y-Garth Primary School C 4-11 yrs 193 N/A 226 33 29 No 2026 Hawthorn Infant School C 3-7 yrs 105 N/A 138 33 30 Yes 20.0 2025 Hawthorn Junior School C 7-11 yrs 146 N/A 187 41 40 No 2028 Herbert Thompson Infant School C 3-7 yrs 179 N/A 210 * 31 75 Yes 39.0 2027 Herbert Thompson Junior School C 7-11 yrs 227 N/A 366 139 75 No 3354 Holy Family R.C. Primary School V 4-11 yrs 191 N/A 320 129 50 No 2030 Hywel Dda Infant School C 3-7 yrs 159 N/A 196 37 60 Yes 39.0 2029 Hywel Dda Junior School C 7-11 yrs 214 N/A 265 51 60 No 2031 Kitchener Primary School C 3-11 yrs 354 N/A 434 80 60 Yes 45.0 2074 Lakeside Primary School C 3-11 yrs 508 N/A 534 * 26 60 Yes 26.0
School Organisation Plan 2001-2006 ii Appendix 1: Capacities and Pupils in Primary Schools Cardiff County Council Schools Service
2033 Lansdowne Primary School C 3-11 yrs 319 N/A 521 * 202 73 Yes 26.0 3346 Llandaff C.W. Primary School V 4-11 yrs 438 N/A 460 22 62 No School School Name Type Age Primary Summer Capacity Surplus Standard Nursery Number of Number of Range age admissions calculated Capacity Admission Provision nursery school pupils on to reception by formula. Number at school places (FTE) roll (Jan classes from 2001) September 2001 2094 Llanedeyrn Primary School C 3-11 yrs 344 N/A 538 * 194 60 Yes 39.0 2090 Llanishen Fach Primary School C 3-11 yrs 491 N/A 527 36 60 Yes 26.0 2147 Llysfaen Primary School C 4-11 yrs 366 N/A 366 0 49 No 2036 Marlborough Infant School C 3-7 yrs 197 N/A 186 -11 60 Yes 26.0 2035 Marlborough Junior School C 7-11 yrs 303 N/A 255 -48 71 No 2179 Meadowlane Primary School C 3-11 yrs 210 N/A 282 72 60 Yes 26.0 2001 Millbank Primary School C 4-11 yrs 170 N/A 207 37 30 No 2037 Moorland Primary School C 3-11 yrs 452 N/A 582 130 69 Yes 26.0 2084 Mount Stuart Primary School C 3-11 yrs 193 N/A 210 * 17 30 Yes 39.0 2101 Ninian Park Primary School C 3-11 yrs 344 N/A 345 1 52 Yes 39.0 2164 Oakfield Primary School C 3-11 yrs 407 N/A 589 * 182 63 Yes 52.0 2075 Pentrebane Primary School C 3-11 yrs 184 N/A 296 112 42 Yes 26.0 2175 Pentyrch Primary School C 4-11 yrs 198 N/A 266 68 35 No 2069 Pen-y-Bryn Primary School C 3-11yrs 235 N/A 277 * 42 30 Yes 26.0 2061 Peter Lea Primary School C 3-11 yrs 282 N/A 348 66 55 Yes 39.0 2039 Radnor Primary School C 4-11 yrs 290 N/A 337 47 49 No 2132 Radyr Primary School C 4-11 yrs 325 N/A 311 -14 45 No 2092 Rhiwbeina Primary School C 3-11 yrs 524 N/A 548 * 24 81 Yes 39.0 2041 Rhydypenau Primary School C 3-11 yrs 490 N/A 516 26 60 Yes 39.0
School Organisation Plan 2001-2006 iii Appendix 1: Capacities and Pupils in Primary Schools Cardiff County Council Schools Service
2043 Roath Park Primary School C 3-11 yrs 356 N/A 402 46 45 Yes 26.0 2071 Rumney Infant School C 3-7 yrs 180 N/A 158 -22 60 Yes 39.0 2070 Rumney Junior School C 7-11 yrs 239 N/A 263 24 60 No 2049 Severn Infant School C 3-7 yrs 153 N/A 171 18 60 Yes 65.0 School School Name Type Age Primary Summer Capacity Surplus Standard Nursery Number of Number of Range age admissions calculated Capacity Admission Provision nursery school pupils on to reception by formula. Number at school places (FTE) roll (Jan classes from 2001) September 2001 2048 Severn Junior School C 7-11 yrs 206 N/A 257 51 60 No 2096 Springwood Primary School C 3-11 yrs 325 N/A 533 208 90 Yes 26.0 3321 St Alban's R.C. Primary School V 4-11 yrs 224 N/A 264 * 40 31 No 3338 St Anne's C.W. Infant School V 4- 7 yrs 58 N/A 72 14 25 No 3370 St Bernadette's R.C. Primary School V 3-11 yrs 211 N/A 242 31 32 Yes 20.0 3336 St Cadoc's R.C. Primary School V 4-11 yrs 184 N/A 232 48 61 No 3323 St Cuthbert's R.C. Primary School V 4-11 yrs 111 N/A 126 15 25 No 3371 St David's C.W. Primary School V 3-11 yrs 199 N/A 159 -40 30 Yes 19.0 3366 St Fagan's C.W. Primary School V 3-11 yrs 211 N/A 227 16 30 Yes 15.0 3327 St Francis R.C. Infant School V 4-7 yrs 151 N/A 185 34 55 No 3326 St Francis R.C. Junior School V 7-11 yrs 234 N/A 248 14 55 No 3353 St John Lloyd R.C. Primary School V 4-11 yrs 336 N/A 420 84 60 No 3328 St Joseph's R.C. Primary School V 4-11 yrs 292 N/A 325 * 33 42 No 3355 St Mary The Virgin C.W. Primary V 3-11 yrs 100 N/A 226 126 33 Yes 26.0 School 3330 St Mary's R.C. Primary School V 4-11 yrs 236 N/A 345 109 50 No 3000 St Mellons C.W. Primary School V 4-11 yrs 102 N/A 116 14 15 No
School Organisation Plan 2001-2006 iv Appendix 1: Capacities and Pupils in Primary Schools Cardiff County Council Schools Service
3341 St Monica's C.W. Primary School V 4-11 yrs 102 N/A 87 -15 26 No 3332 St Patrick's R.C. Primary School V 4-11 yrs 324 N/A 329 5 45 No 3343 St Paul's C.W. Primary School V 4-11 yrs 209 N/A 206 -3 30 No 3334 St Peter's R.C. Primary School V 3-11 yrs 416 N/A 374 * -42 60 Yes 39.0 3374 St Philip Evans R.C. Primary School V 3-11 yrs 209 N/A 335 126 45 Yes 35.0 2050 Stacey Primary School C 3-11 yrs 195 N/A 204 9 30 Yes 26.0 School School Name Type Age Primary Summer Capacity Surplus Standard Nursery Number of Number of Range age admissions calculated Capacity Admission Provision nursery school pupils on to reception by formula. Number at school places (FTE) roll (Jan classes from 2001) September 2001 2176 Thornhill Primary School C 4-11 yrs 415 N/A 393 -22 60 No 2137 Tongwynlais Primary School C 3-11 yrs 158 N/A 194 36 25 Yes 26.0 2052 Ton-yr-Ywen Primary School C 3-11 yrs 404 N/A 416 12 60 Yes 26.0 3344 Tredegarville C.W. Primary School V 3-11 yrs 191 N/A 217 26 30 Yes 26.0 2015 Trelai Primary School C 3-11 yrs 271 N/A 267 * -4 58 Yes 26.0 2083 Trowbridge Infant School C 3-7 yrs 153 N/A 238 85 60 Yes 26.0 2102 Trowbridge Junior School C 7-11 yrs 207 N/A 239 32 60 No 2103 Viriamu Jones Primary School C 4-11 yrs 86 N/A 92 6 20 No 2174 Willowbrook Primary School C 3-11 yrs 342 N/A 523 181 60 Yes 26.0 2057 Windsor Clive Infant School C 3-7 yrs 190 N/A 284 94 60 Yes 52.0 2056 Windsor Clive Junior School C 7-11 yrs 274 N/A 360 86 60 No 2171 Ysgol Bro Eirwg C 3-11 yrs 391 N/A 436 45 60 Yes 26.0 2170 Ysgol Gymraeg Coed-y-Gof C 4-11 yrs 359 N/A 419 60 60 No 2166 Ysgol Gymraeg Melin Gruffydd C 3-11 yrs 292 N/A 284 -8 45 Yes 19.5 2173 Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna C 4-11 yrs 170 N/A 192 22 25 No
School Organisation Plan 2001-2006 v Appendix 1: Capacities and Pupils in Primary Schools Cardiff County Council Schools Service
2180 Ysgol Mynydd Bychan C 3-11 yrs 192 N/A 201 9 30 Yes 26.0 2177 Ysgol Pencae C 4-11 yrs 200 N/A 188 -12 30 No 2306 Ysgol Pwll Coch C 3-11 yrs 125 N/A 206 * 81 30 Yes 26.0 2169 Ysgol-y-Wern C 3-11 yrs 405 N/A 429 24 60 Yes 26.0 TOTAL 27,107 N/A 32,491 5,384 1818.0
*Capacity figures provisional.
School Organisation Plan 2001-2006 vi Appendix 1: Capacities and Pupils in Primary Schools Cardiff County Council Schools Service
Nursery Schools LEA No: 681 LEA Name: Cardiff
School School Name Age Pupils on roll No of part-time Number Range (January 2001) equivalent places available 2001/2 1016 Caerau Nursery School 3-4 78 80 1003 Grangetown Nursery School 3-4 80 80 1005 Moorland Nursery School 3-4 32 80 1017 Tremorfa Nursery School 3-4 84 120 1007 Vachell Nursery School 3-4 58 80
Special Schools LEA No: 681 LEA Name: Cardiff
School School Name Age Pupils on roll Number Range (January 2001) 7006 Woodlands High 11-18+ 120 7001 Greenhill 11-16 56 7021 Meadowbank 4-11 37 7008 Riverbank 4-11 70 7005 The Court 4-11 36 7019 The Hollies 3-11 92 7011 Ty Gwyn 3-18+ 82
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 vi Appendix 2: Pupils in Nursery and Special Schools Cardiff County Council Schools Service
Secondary Schools LEA No: 681 LEA Name: Cardiff
School School Name Type Age Pupils on Roll Capacity calculated by Surplus Standard Number of Sixth Number of Range (January 2001) formula Capacity Admission form places (Jan school Number 2001) 4608 Bishop Of Llandaff C.W. High School V 11-18 yrs 1140 1189 49 180 225 4049 Cantonian High School C 11-18 yrs 1232 1157 -75 210 206 4039 Cardiff High School C 11-18 yrs 1382 1257 * -125 210 317 4054 Cathays High School C 11-18 yrs 982 1093 111 186 105 4611 Corpus Christi R.C. High School V 11-16 yrs 1065 1007 -58 180 0 4042 Fitzalan High School C 11-18 yrs 1475 1772 * 297 264 183 4040 Glan Ely High School C 11-18 yrs 587 1013 * 426 225 0 4035 Glyn Derw High School C 11-18 yrs 680 856 * 176 165 0 4047 Llanedeyrn High School C 11-16 yrs 850 1162 * 312 274 0 4051 Llanishen High School C 11-18 yrs 1600 1444 * -156 270 237 4052 Llanrumney High School C 11-16 yrs 775 1647 872 221 6 5402 Mary Immaculate High School V 11-16 yrs 697 750 53 150 0 4070 Radyr Comprehensive C 11-18 yrs 1304 1205 -99 180 253 4030 Rumney High School C 11-16 yrs 1185 1200 * 15 270 0 4600 St Illtyd's R.C. High School V 11-16 yrs 655 917 262 150 0 4609 St Teilo's C.W. High School V 11-18 yrs 1198 1016 -182 180 240 4050 Whitchurch High School C 11-18 yrs 2420 2307 * -113 357 448 4041 Willows High School C 11-16yrs 816 971 * 155 180 31 4071 Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf C 11-18 yrs 1239 1172 * -67 210 296
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 viii Appendix 2: Capacities and Pupils in Secondary Schools Cardiff County Council Schools Service
4072 Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr C 11-18 yrs 578 676 * 98 160 0 TOTAL 21,860 23,811 1,951 2,547
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 viii Appendix 3: Capacities and Pupils in Secondary Schools Cardiff County Council Schools Service
Appendix 4
SUMMARY OF SCHOOL DATA
LEA Name Cardiff LEA Number 681 Contact Name Sara James, Research and Information Officer Telephone Number (029) 2087 2823
NOTE: Number on roll (NOR) should include any part-time pupils on a head count basis, but exclude all full-time pupils in a designated nursery class.
Primary Secondary 1. Total number of schools maintained by the Authority as of 1 April of School Organisation Plan Preparation. 106 20
For Which: 1 (a) Total NOR at Jan STATS 1 count date 27,107 21,860
1 (b) Total summer term admissions to reception classes N/A N/A
1 (c) Total capacity* 32,491 23,811
2. Number of schools where in January MOE capacity 87 12 Exceeds NOR For Which: 2 (a) Total NOR at January STATS 1 count date 22,421 10,420
2 (b) Total capacity* 28,202 13,246
2 (c) Total Surplus (2b less 2a) 5,781 2,826
3. Number of primary schools where MOE exceeds NOR after any summer term admissions to reception classes N/A have been added (if applicable) For Which: 3 (a) Total January NOR N/A
3 (b) Total Capacity N/A
3 (c) Total Surplus (3b less 3a) N/A
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 viii Appendix 4: Summary of School Data Cardiff County Council Schools Service
*Some school capacity figures are still under review. Further details are to be found in appendices 1 & 3.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 ix Appendix 4: Summary of School Data Cardiff County Council Schools Service
Appendix 5 Sizes of Cardiff’s Primary and Secondary Schools
Roll Sizes in Cardiff Primary and Secondary Schools January 2001 figures
Secondary School Roll Sizes
>2400 0
1800-2400 1
1200-1800 6
600-1200 11
Roll Size Category <600 2
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 Number of Schools
Primary School Roll Sizes
>450 6
360-450 10
270-360 26
180-270 42 90-180 20 <90 2 Roll Size Category
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 Number of Schools
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 ix Appendix 5: Sizes of Cardiff’s Primary and Secondary Schools Cardiff County Council Schools Service
School place supply and demand in Cardiff by area.
LLANISHEN HIGH LLANEDEYRN RADYR COMPREHENSIVE HIGH
LLANRUMNEY CARDIFF LLANRUMNEY WHITCHURCH HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH RUMNEY HIGH
CATHAYS HIGH
CANTONIAN HIGH RADYR COMP. WILLOWS HIGH
FITZALAN HIGH
GLAN ELY East schools HIGH GLYN DERW North schools HIGH West schools Vacancies Secondary Primary East 1354 (27%) 1979 (25%) North -382 (-5%) 985 (11%) BASED ON ORDNANCE SURVEY MAP West 824 (17%) 1418 (22%) WITH PERMISSION OF THE Welsh Medium 31 (2%) 250 (9%) CONTROLLER OF HMSO CROWN Voluntary 124 (3%) 752 (12%) COPYRIGHT RESERVED LA09005L Aided
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 x Appendix 5a: School place supply and demand in Cardiff by area Cardiff County Council Schools Service
Appendix 6 Total pupils in maintained schools - historical summary and forecast. Methodology - weighted catchment (births-based) and cohort survival rates. Relevant 4/5 5/6 6/7 7/8 8/9 9/10 10/11 4-11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 11-16 16/17 17/18 16-18 Secondary Grand 1 population Totals Total Jan-94 4430 4239 4193 4169 3993 3843 3726 3783 27946 3595 3714 3653 3462 3107 17531 1452 1396 2848 20379 48325 Jan-95 4391 4246 4145 4236 4150 3976 3834 3739 28326 3743 3650 3690 3623 3418 18124 1643 1325 2968 21092 49418 2 Jan-96 4411 4233 4043 4209 4199 4117 3990 3803 28594 3751 3742 3635 3673 3544 18345 1812 1288 3100 21445 50039 Jan-97 4481 4251 4119 4083 4166 4110 4092 3951 28772 3809 3719 3697 3628 3603 18456 1879 1372 3251 21707 50479 Jan-98 4318 3915 4258 4118 4067 4159 4112 4085 28714 3962 3802 3711 3687 3552 18714 1935 1399 3334 22048 50762 Jan-99 4046 3902 3908 4218 4096 4033 4077 4094 28328 4033 3940 3778 3689 3596 19036 1961 1542 3503 22539 50867 Jan-00 3804 3673 3911 3878 4183 4017 3975 4030 27667 4014 4019 3889 3743 3598 19263 1936 1668 3604 22867 50534 Jan-01 3944 3816 3669 3894 3872 4168 3978 3971 27368 3881 4011 4008 3842 3656 19398 1785 1886 3671 23069 50437 Jan -02 F'cast 3856 3726 3816 3646 3877 3835 4114 3958 26971 3863 3871 3984 3967 3750 19436 1899 1613 3512 22948 49919 Jan -03 F'cast 3887 3756 3726 3792 3630 3839 3785 4093 26622 3850 3854 3845 3944 3872 19366 1948 1716 3664 23030 49651 Jan -04 F'cast 3725 3600 3756 3703 3775 3595 3790 3766 25984 3982 3841 3828 3806 3849 19307 2012 1760 3772 23079 49062 Jan -05 F'cast 3784 3656 3599 3732 3686 3739 3548 3771 25732 3664 3972 3815 3789 3715 18956 2000 1818 3817 22773 48505 Jan -06 F'cast 3784 3656 3656 3577 3716 3651 3690 3530 25476 3668 3655 3946 3777 3698 18744 1930 1807 3737 22481 47957 Jan -07 F'cast 3784 3656 3656 3633 3561 3680 3603 3672 25461 3435 3659 3630 3906 3686 18316 1921 1744 3665 21981 47442 3 Birth - R average 96.6%
1 The population of the correct age to be eligible for reception places in the given year. 2 Underlined figure shows NOR at April 1996.The cohort survival ratio shows the average proportion of pupils in each cohort which reappear the following year as one year older. 3 A weighted average St David’s R.C. College figures included (estimate for January 2001). Projected figures based on Bro Taf population data at Autumn 2000 and NOR for the past three years. Unknown birth rate assumed at weighted average of past 3 years.
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 xi Appendix 6: Total Pupils in Maintained Schools – Historical Summary and Forecast Cardiff County Council Schools Service
Cohort survival 100.0% 99.4% 99.6% 99.0% 98.7% 99.5% 97.3% 99.8% 99.3% 99.0% 97.6% 52.0% 90.3% ratio:
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 xi Appendix 6: Total Pupils in Maintained Schools – Historical Summary and Forecast Cardiff County Council Schools Service
Appendix 7
Number of places in Special Units, Classes and Specially Resourced Provision
Category of Special Educational Need East West Central Total Moderate Learning Difficulties 159 179 187 525 Significant Emotional and/or Behavioural Difficulties 8 18 0 26 Significant SEN–taught through the medium of Welsh 0 20 0 20 Severe Specific Learning Difficulties 12 0 0 12 Severe Speech & Language Difficulties 0 0 30 30 Physical Disabilities 8 0 0 8 Significant Visual Impairment 12 0 0 12 Significant Hearing Impairment 0 0 25 25 Total Places 199 217 242 658
Appendix 8
Current Placements in Independent or Out of Authority Schools, according to category of special educational need:
Category of Special Educational Need Facility and number of Cardiff Pupils attending Autism/Challenging Behaviour St Christopher's School, Bristol (3 pupils) Heronsbridge School, Bridgend (5 pupils) Physical Disabilities/SLD Welsh School of Excellence for Conductive Education, Cardiff (1 pupil) Craig-y-Parc School, Cardiff (3 pupils) St Cyres School, Vale of Glamorgan (12 pupils) Deaf/Hearing Impaired Mary Hare Grammar School, Berkshire (1 pupil) Asperger's Syndrome King's Monkton School, Cardiff (8 pupils) Social/Emotional/Behavioural Headlands School, Vale of Glamorgan (2 pupils) Physical Disabilities/PMLD Ysgol Erw'r Delyn, Vale of Glamorgan (23 pupils) Moderate/Severe Learning Difficulties Ysgol Maes Dyfan, Vale of Glamorgan (10 pupils) Autistic/Challenging Behaviour Ashgrove School - Autistic Unit, Vale of Glamorgan (32 pupils) Communication Ashgrove School - Communication Unit, Vale of Glamorgan (8 pupils)
School Organisation Plan 2002-2007 xii Appendix 7: Number of places in Special Units, Classes and Specially Resourced Provision Appendix 8: Current Placements in Independent or Out of Authority Schools according to SEN