EXTENSION OF AGE RANGE OF YSGOL GYFUN GWYNLLYW TO 3 - 18 CONSULTATION REPORT
March 2019
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Contents
1. Background……………………………………………………………………2
2. Methodology………………………………………………………………… 3
3. Responses and comments………………………………………………….4
4. Estyn response……………………………………………………………….13
5. Consultation with children and young people…………………………… 16
Appendix 1 ……………… List of consultees Appendix 2 ……………… Letter to Parents/carers Appendix 3 ………………. Summary list of responses Appendix 4 ………………. Results of consultation with pupils
1 Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw | Torfaen County Borough Council
1. BACKGROUND
As part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to the goal of a million Welsh speakers by 2050 the Cabinet Secretary for Finance announced on 16 January 2018 that £30 million would be allocated to support capital projects dedicated to supporting and growing the use of the Welsh language in education. This is on top of the existing allocation announced for Band B of the 21st Century Schools and Education Programme.
Torfaen County Borough Council bid for funding and on 19th September 2018 it was announced that its bid had been successful and £6M had been allocated to provide additional Welsh Medium primary provision on the Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw site subject to the outcome of statutory consultation.
The proposal, now the subject of the appropriate statutory consultation, is as follows: Torfaen County Borough Council propose to extend the age range of Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw from 11 - 18 to 3 - 18 with effect from the 1st September 2021.
Although not directly linked, this particular proposal does align with the Council’s 21st Century Schools programme, the aim of which is to provide appropriate places and choices through investment in new and/or refurbished school buildings. As mentioned above it also supports the Welsh Government’s goal to achieve one million Welsh speakers by 2050.
All children currently attending Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw would transfer to the new 3 – 18 school.
The primary provision within the school will be for 210 full time pupils, therefore a 1 form entry with an admission number of 30. The secondary element of the school would remain as it is with a capacity of 1107 and 186 places each for Year 7 to Year 11 and 88 for Year 12 and 13.
It is proposed that the nursery will cater for 30 (Full time equivalent) children.
The new provision on the existing school site will be specially designed and purpose built with facilities that are fit for the curriculum now and in the future. The existing school will be invited to contribute to the design from the early stages and the school council will also be consulted. The design and operation of the site will consider and manage the needs for all pupils and separation of age groups. Design will be established in early 2019 following the appointment of a design & build contractor.
The environment will be nurturing as pupils move through their educational journey from the age of 3 until they leave school at the age of 18.
In terms of leadership and management of the new 3 – 18 school there will still be one governing body, one Head teacher and one group of staff. The governing body would include, parent governors, local education governors, teachers and staff governors, and link pupil governors.
2 Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw | Torfaen County Borough Council
Prior to the opening of the new school, on 1st September 2021, the Governing body will take key decisions required regarding the staffing structure, uniform, policies etc. as a consequence of the extending the age range.
There were therefore three elements to the proposal contained within the consultation document which was published on 14th January 2019, specifically:
i) To extend the age range of Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw from 11 – 18 to 3 - 18. ii) As part of i) above, establish a nursery provision on site for 30 (full time equivalent) 3 and 4 year olds. iii) Amend the catchment areas of Ysgol Bryn Onnen, Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran, and Ysgol Panteg to reflect the additional primary provision within Torfaen, and as a consequence ensure all schools remain viable and are able to benefit from a balanced intake each year.
2. METHODOLOGY
Consultations on these proposals were undertaken with prescribed consultees contained within the School Organisation Code 2018. A list of those consultees is attached at Appendix 1 to this report.
The consultation ran from Monday 14th January 2019 to Monday 25th February 2019and was conducted through a consultation document and accompanying response form. The document outlined the changes being considered, the rationale for these, details of the consultation process and incorporated a response form.
Letters were also delivered to all of Torfaen’s Welsh Medium Primary and Secondary schools for distribution to pupils and their parents/carers advising of the availability of the consultation document (letter attached as Appendix 2 to this report).
In view of the fact Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw is a “Regional” provider the letter was also sent to the Welsh Medium primary schools serving Blaenau Gwent and the North of Monmouthshire.
Consultation was also undertaken at the same time with children and young people. Separate arrangements were made which included seeking the views of school councils. Pupils were issued with their own version of the consultation document with the opportunity to discuss the proposals and submit their views and comments.
To support this element of the process, additional support was also offered by the council’s Participation & Research Officers to help facilitate arrangements with individual school councils, if required.
The consultation process was also promoted online via the Torfaen council website, and social media channels.
Finally, consultation events in relation to these proposals were held as follows (these took the form of “drop in” events allowing consultees to attend at a time that is convenient to them):
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DAY/DATE TIME VENUE INTENDED AUDIENCE Monday 11th 4.00pm to Ysgol Gymraeg Staff (teaching, non- February 2019 6.00pm Cwmbran, teaching & support), Henllys Way, St Governors, parents/carers Dials, and other interested Cwmbran. parties. NP44 3NB Tuesday 12th 4.00pm to Ysgol Bryn Staff (teaching, non- February 2019 6.00pm Onnen, teaching & support), Varteg Road, Governors, parents/carers Varteg, and other interested Pontypool. NP4 parties. 8TY Wednesday 20th 4.00pm to Ysgol Panteg, Staff (teaching, non- February 2019 6.00pm Station Road, teaching & support), Griffithstown, Governors, parents/carers Pontypool. NP4 and other interested 5JH parties. Thursday 21st 4.00pm to Ysgol Gyfun Staff (teaching, non- February 2019 6.00pm Gwynllyw, teaching & support), Folly Road, Governors, parents/carers Trevethin, and other interested Pontypool. NP4 parties. 8JD
Officers from the council were in attendance at these sessions to answer questions and ensure comments/views made were recorded to allow Elected Members to make an informed decision at the appropriate time.
3. RESPONSES AND COMMENTS
The council received a number of responses to the consultation exercise.
A file of all the comments and views received during the consultation period has been made available to Elected Members as part of this process ahead of any decisions being made.
A list of those who responded to the consultation is summarised at Appendix 3.
There were many supportive of the proposals, but some were not and concerns were raised which along with the council’s responses are summarised below.
COMMENT RESPONSE
Educational Achievement/Performance
My child is due to attend Ysgol The council is monitoring and evaluating Gyfun Gwynllyw in September the progress of Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw’s 2021. The school’s performance progress on a half termly basis. is not that great at the moment
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and I am concerned that The monitoring is to ensure that the school additional provision at the school is receiving the support it needs to make will impact on Ysgol Gyfun improvements. It is also to check that the Gwynllyw’s pace of the improvement is appropriate. performance/improvement at that time. Will this be a Monitoring is through a collaborative constraint/distraction to the approach between the council, the school in terms of the secondary Education Achievement Service (regional provision? school improvement service) and the school itself, with a very clear focus on improving the quality of teaching and learning which will raise the standards for all pupils at Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw.
The council fully expects the majority of the improvements to be in place before the opening of the primary setting. The council does not see the addition of the primary setting being a distraction or constraint to the school.
Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw needs See above attention on improving their own standards first before thinking of opening as a 3 – 18 school. The school may have to focus on raising standards before trialling a revolutionary scheme.
In what way will the curriculum / All schools in Torfaen are well planning be implemented? How supported by the Education will the school implement basic Achievement Service with planning for subjects / lessons? and the implementation of the new curriculum. This includes Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw currently and will continue when the school becomes a 3-18 school.
Why was Pontypool Nursery The proposal relates to statutory School Estyn report/performance provision and the impact of the proposal not noted in the consultation on teaching and learning in schools document? affected by the proposal. It was not therefore necessary or appropriate to include other reports and/or performance.
The consultation document These are valid issues and are very identifies a number of benefits to much within the gift of the cluster to the proposal, including improved ensure that no pupils are disadvantaged transition between key stages, as a result of the proposed changes.
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decrease in duplication of learning between KS 2 and 3 The cluster has a good history of and access to a broader range working together on the curriculum and of curriculum areas. However, we see no reason why that should the majority of pupils from year 7 change. onwards will have transitioned from feeder schools. We are The cluster and feeder schools from concerned that consideration is outside the county borough have also given to ensuring parity of developed strong transition experience for pupils from feeder arrangements. Whilst for some learners schools. With regard to reducing i.e. those already in 3-11 provision at duplication of learning, this Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw, the experience implies co-ordination of will be considerably easier, those curriculum between phases. coming from the feeder schools should How will cluster working be not expect or see any deterioration in protected to ensure that pupils their experience, and the cluster should from feeder schools are not continue to work to ensure the best disadvantaged? possible experience for all learners wherever they come from.
Staffing
As a school governor, I am It is true that recruiting Welsh speaking concerned that it dilutes the pool teachers can be more difficult than of available Welsh speaking recruiting their English speaking teachers unless the Assembly counterparts. It is an issue the council puts something in place to has had, and will continue to have an encourage training & ongoing dialogue with Welsh recruitment. Government about.
Welsh medium schools already For our aspirations and Welsh face challenges in recruitment Government’s aspirations to be which will be exacerbated by the achieved though we have to face up the extended provision. Will there be challenge, or provision of Welsh any support to schools? Medium places will simply not increase.
The Education Minister has announced, in January 2019, that the existing financial incentives for teacher training will be extended into the academic year 2019 -20.
Although aimed at secondary school education, Welsh Government is also extending the Iaith Athrawon Yfory incentives to help increase the numbers teaching Welsh and through the medium of Welsh, to help achieve the aims in Cymraeg 2050.
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There would be fewer children in The aim of the proposal is to increase the Y G Cwmbran catchment the overall supply of Welsh Medium 3- area that would mean less 11 places in Torfaen, consistent with funding. Does this affect the Welsh Government’s Cymraeg 2050. staffing situation? The expectation is that these places will lead to an increase in the overall number of Welsh Medium learners but ultimately that will depend upon parental choice. Current projections show that demand for Welsh Medium education from parents for their children is still growing and the impact on other schools of increasing provision by an extra 30 places per year is not expected to have a significant or lasting impact.
How will staff provision work? This would be part of the re-structuring E.g. specialist staff teach all age process that will take place before the ranges or two separate schools? opening of the new Primary provision.
Pastoral Support/Ethos
I’m worried that a school with so This is an understandable concern and many children would lose the one which the council, Ysgol Gyfun “small” school atmosphere and Gwynllyw and others involved in the is very impersonal design of any new provision on the site will need to consider carefully. There will be several options for development on the site but all of them will be capable of ensuring a degree of separation between the 3-11 and 11-18 age groups such that it does not feel impersonal and children will be able to feel safe, secure and comfortable in their respective settings.
Primary schools are The extent to which a school is a communities. I worry that the community is down to all those involved ethos in such a large school will in its operation – teachers, non- not be the same. teaching staff, support staff, children, parents and the wider community. There is no reason why all those who would be involved in extended provision at Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw could not and would not achieve the same ethos and feeling of community as at any other site.
7 Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw | Torfaen County Borough Council
Investment
Could £6M be better spent Parents are entitled to choose Welsh rather than teaching children Medium education for their children if Welsh which will only have that is their wish. The council, like all limited use? other councils in Wales, is legally obliged to ensure there are sufficient places to meet that demand.
The council, in partnership with Welsh Government, has however also been investing heavily in its wider provision, with over £90,000,000 complete or underway as part of the first band of its 21st Century Schools Programme, and a further £49,500,000 already agreed in principle for the second band (by 2024).
There is great demand for Welsh The site at Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran is Medium in Cwmbran with many not suitable for creating what is new houses being built in the proposed for the Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw area. The town would benefit site, when you factor in its general from having another a new limitations and the internal and external Welsh medium school in the space that would be required. area. Could the large area of land above Ysgol Gymraeg Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran (and Ysgol Cwmbran be used for building a Bryn Onnen) are identified in Band B of new part to the existing school? the 21st Century School Programme for investment (c£3.5M each) between 2019-2024, but the focus is expected to be on refurbishing the existing premises rather than increasing the capacity of the schools.
If demand for Welsh Medium places continued to grow, to the point that it would exceed the overall number of places available in the county borough, then the council would need to secure further provision.
Choice
Does this mean Ysgol Bryn Ysgol Bryn Onnen is not closing. This Onnen will close with all pupils proposal is to add new provision, not transferred to the new provision replace existing provision. at Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw?
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Will the admission criteria The admission criteria will not change change? as a result of this proposal. Regardless of any pre-school setting attended, an application will need to be made for a reception place as is the case now with the published admission criteria applied accordingly.
The catchment areas of Ysgol Bryn Onnen, Ysgol Panteg and Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran will be amended as a result of the proposal, to reflect the additional primary provision that would be available at the Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw site.
Impact on existing provision
There is a concern that the new The aim of the proposal is to increase provision will impact on existing the overall supply of Welsh Medium 3- schools. Numbers might fall 11 places in Torfaen, consistent with making classes less viable. Has Welsh Government’s Cymraeg 2050. the proposal taken this into The expectation is that these places will account? lead to an increase in the overall number of Welsh Medium learners but ultimately that will depend upon parental choice. Current projections show that demand for Welsh Medium education from parents for their children is still growing and the impact on other schools of increasing provision by an extra 30 places per year is not expected to have a significant or lasting impact.
With the proposed changes to The council annually reviews its pupil the catchment areas what are projections to ensure there is sufficient the potential pupil intakes likely capacity to meet demand with schools to be? Have new housing of the right size in the right place. developments been factored in? The proposed changes to the catchment areas takes account of known housing developments (current and future) and seeks to ensure an equal/viable balance across all the provisions, as well as considering travel to school arrangements.
The new catchment area will See above. In addition, the expectation have a negative impact on new behind this proposal is that there will be children numbers. In the case of increase in the overall number of Welsh 9 Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw | Torfaen County Borough Council
Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran it Medium learners as a consequence of looks like the school will rely on adding more provision albeit ultimately the construction of new houses that will depend upon parental choice. to increase numbers. However, current projections do show that demand for Welsh Medium education from parents for their children is still growing and the impact on other schools of increasing provision by an extra 30 places per year is not therefore expected to have a significant or lasting impact.
If the Panteg catchment area is The intention of the proposed changing and they have many catchment areas is to ensure more pupils already, how are equal/viable intakes for the four primary you going to make space for all settings. Where parents express a the pupils? preference to attend an “out of catchment” school and it is oversubscribed, the published admission criteria will be applied to manage numbers in line with the schools admission number. This should prevent any issues of overcrowding.
With the proposed new Based on the proposed catchment catchment areas are the council areas, new housing developments able to provide pupil forecasts currently identified in the areas are as based on the new catchments? follows up to 2023: How many new residential properties are expected to be Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran = 760 units completed by 2023 in these Ysgol Panteg = 1042 units catchment areas? Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw = 56 units Ysgol Bryn Onnen = 113 units
(Source: Torfaen Joint Housing Land Availability Study for 2018)
Based on current Supplementary Planning guidance 29 primary aged pupils per 100 dwellings might be generated (or 0.29 per dwelling).
In terms of forecasting numbers, it is not an exact science as the council has no way of knowing until the houses are occupied; what the age of the children moving in will be; whether they are new to the area, already on roll at a school (with no intention to transfer); or whether they will be seeking a Welsh Medium, English Medium or faith based education setting.
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For the purpose of managing and planning school places provision it is assumed they will all be new pupils to the area. This along with Health Authority live birth data and current parental preference/admission trends, then supports the process for annually reviewing projected numbers for a five year period.
The Consultation Process
It is a poor form of information The consultation, the process for which regarding the proposal; not all is confirmed at the beginning of this have access to the internet and report, has been undertaken in are not aware of the proposal; accordance with the Welsh more consideration should be Government’s School Organisation given to postal letters or hand Code. It was promoted through lots of delivery to local residents. different channels and did not rely on people having access to the internet,
Why weren’t the registered pre- All registered private/voluntary early school providers named in the years settings were notified of the consultation document? consultation. It was circulated to the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership group and sent to childcare providers and umbrella organisations for their information.
Location/Access/Transport
As a local resident (St Cadoc’s The introduction of a fourth setting in Road), how many more buses the county borough should, over time, are we expected to put up with actually reduce the overall need for twice daily? transportation to Welsh Medium settings. The more settings there are, With two schools already in the greater the likelihood the learners close proximity to each other this will live closer to the school (as is the proposal will only increase more case with English Medium primary greatly congestion issues. schools which are more prevalent in the county borough). The change in catchment areas will mean schools will be serving At the moment, because there is no extended areas until pupils on Welsh Medium provision in the area roll move from Year 6 to Year 7. proposed, there are currently 63 This is likely to increase traffic to primary aged pupils bussed out of the the school. Will the affected area to Ysgol Panteg and 18 to Ysgol Bryn Onnen. It is expected that over
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schools receive support in traffic time this will reduce as children attend management? the new local provision, and at the same time remove the need for school Has the school crossing patrol transport. (at the junction of St Cadocs Road) been taken into The council will nonetheless be consideration? required to carry out a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) as part of the planning application process if the proposal goes ahead. The TIA will highlight any issues that might need to be addressed, whether by physical changes to the infrastructure and/or in the operation of the site e.g. varying the start and finish times of the younger and older pupils.
No, any primary aged children who did Will 3 year olds have to share a qualify for free home to school transport bus with 16, 17 year olds? would be transported on contracted vehicles, while secondary aged children will be issued with season tickets for public services, as is the case now.
Access to the site is generally good but Has contractors, material managing deliveries in a way that delivery, heavy plant machinery minimises the impact on the school and needed for the new build been the surrounding area is an integral part considered? of any development scheme. As part of the planning application process, the contractor would be required to submit a construction traffic management plan which the planning authority would have to be satisfied with.
.
Alternative Options
Is there a point in combining two The proposal goes beyond simply schools (primary and secondary) sharing a site. It is for a single 3-18 if the two are only sharing a site? school for which there will be one head teacher and one governing body. The design and operation of the new provision will need to allow for appropriate separation between the 3- 11 and 11-18 age groups but overall the site will be operated as a single school.
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Early Years Provision
Why were the early year The information for the consultation providers not contacted when paper was available within the council, collating figures and information and derived in the main from the most in appendix 3? recent Child Sufficiency Assessment.
4. ESTYN RESPONSE
The report received during the consultation period, and based on the consultation document is provided below in its entirety.
Estyn’s response to the proposal to extend the age range of Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw to 3 – 18 years from 1st September 2021
This report has been prepared by Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Education and Training in Wales.
Under the terms of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 and its associated Code, proposers are required to send consultation documents to Estyn. However, Estyn is not a body which is required to act in accordance with the Code and the Act places no statutory requirements on Estyn in respect of school organisation matters. Therefore as a body being consulted, Estyn will provide their opinion only on the overall merits of school organisation proposals.
Estyn has considered the educational aspects of the proposal and has produced the following response to the information provided by the proposer and other additional information such as data from Welsh Government and the views of the Regional Consortia, which deliver school improvement services to the schools within the proposal.
Introduction This is a proposal by Torfaen County Borough Council.
The proposal is to extend the age range of Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw from 11 – 18 years to 3 – 18 years from 1st September 2021.
As part of the above proposal, nursery provision is intended to be established on the site for thirty 30 3 and 4 year olds (full-time equivalent).
In addition, the catchment areas of Ysgol Bryn Onnen, Ysgol Gynradd Cwmbrân and Ysgol Panteg are proposed to be changed to reflect the additional primary provision in Torfaen.
Summary/Conclusion The proposal corresponds with the Welsh Government’s objective of having a million Welsh speakers by 2050 by increasing the use of the Welsh language in education in Torfaen.
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The Council has given appropriate consideration to six options and has chosen the proposal above.
Estyn is of the opinion that this proposal is at least likely to maintain the current standards of education.
Description and benefits The proposer has provided a clear rationale for the reasoning behind the proposal.
The proposer has given appropriate consideration to other options and has identified the advantages, disadvantages and risks that are associated with the proposal clearly.
The proposer has given a good outline of the reasons for extending the school’s age range. They list the advantages appropriately. These appear to be reasonable and include: the financial viability of a larger school, the ability to create a leadership structure that provides an effective transition between primary and secondary school and encourages more pupils to continue with Welsh-medium education, the benefit of buildings with modern conveniences, and the opportunity to create an all-through school with a strong community ethos.
They identify that the school will have one headteacher and one governing body that will include parent governors, local authority governors and teacher and staff governors. However, the proposer does not refer to the use of link pupil governors.
The proposer draws due attention to the increase in nursery and primary places at the site and the potential to extend and increase in the future. However, the proposer recognises correctly that the capacity of the school’s secondary element will remain the same.
The proposer identifies in a well-balanced manner the effect on pupils who transfer from primary schools in nearby counties, as the number of places that are available in Year 7 will reduce by the number of Year 6 pupils who are already enrolled at the school. They state clearly that any potential effect of the new provision on these schools will not be immediate. This is because the new primary provision will start as a ‘seedling’ school, which will offer places only in the nursery and reception classes during the first year of operation. However, the proposer recognises appropriately that the education authority needs to work closely with neighbouring authorities to ensure that the capacity of Welsh-medium secondary education in the region meets future demand.
The proposer has given suitable consideration to the proposal’s effect on Welsh- medium provision in the county. They claim fairly that the proposal would have a positive effect on the number of places that are available within Welsh-medium education in Torfaen County Borough.
Educational aspects of the proposal The proposer has given appropriate consideration to the effect of the proposals on the quality of outcomes, provision and leadership at the school.
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The proposer refers appropriately to the outcomes of the most recent Estyn inspection reports of the schools in question, in addition to their categories and support bandings.
The proposer claims reasonably that the new provision will be able to provide a broad and balanced curriculum for pupils, from the foundation phase to key stage 4. They identify correctly, as a result of a decision in December 2017 to establish a single sixth-form centre in Torfaen, that Gwynllyw is the only school that will retain its sixth form. This has been done to ensure that pupils are immersed in the Welsh language throughout their studies, from nursery to key stage 5.
The proposer claims robustly that, in a 3 – 18 school, progress and attendance will be able to be tracked efficiently as pupils develop throughout the age range. They state that education will be able to be provided that is appropriate in terms of pupils’ ability levels. This is done by producing policies and practices across the age range that will encourage able and talented pupils, and support pupils who need additional support. They also note appropriately that consistent policies will be able to be produced in terms of pastoral care and facilitating effective management and governance methods, as there will be one governing body for the whole school.
The proposer has conducted an assessment of the proposal’s impact on equality, and claims reasonably that the proposal should not have a detrimental effect on any specific groups. They state clearly that the proposal will ensure that specialist facilities are available for children with additional learning needs across the different key stages.
The proposer has given appropriate consideration to the possible disruption to current pupils. It identifies fairly that because the catchment area for the three Welsh-medium primary schools in Torfaen will change to reflect the new provision, distances to Welsh-medium education will decrease, and this will provide more opportunity for pupils and their parents/carers to walk to school.
The proposer has given suitable consideration to the proposal’s effect on staff and the implications for them as a result of implementing this proposal.
Council response to Estyn comments
The council welcomes that Estyn recognises that the proposal corresponds with the Welsh Government’s objective of having a million Welsh speakers by 2050 by increasing the use of the Welsh language in education in Torfaen.
The council also welcomes that, importantly, Estyn is of the opinion that this proposal is at least likely to maintain the current standards of education.
Whilst Estyn has identified that as proposer, the council has not referred to the use of link pupil governors in terms of the make-up of the governing body, the council can confirm that this will be addressed when the governing body of the school review its membership particularly when the school has the proposed extended age range.
Currently the Head Boy and Head Girl are the pupil representatives and this will then be extended to take into account the primary sector as it develops. This will be
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an important role as the pupil link governor will provide the voice of the school council at governing body meetings and vice versa.
5. CONSULTATION WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
The Head teachers of the Welsh Medium secondary and primary schools were contacted at the start of the consultation period (Monday 14th January 2019) to facilitate consultation with their respective school councils and pupils.
Pupils were issued with their own version of the consultation document which included a questionnaire so they could submit their views and comments on the proposal.
The questionnaire asked:
Which school do you go to now? How do you feel about Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw becoming an “all-through” 3 – 18 school? How do you feel about having more buildings on the school site? How do you feel about sharing a school with primary aged children? Is there anything else you would like to see happen instead of what we are planning?
Additional support was also offered by the council with the Participation & Research Officers making themselves available to help facilitate arrangements with individual school councils.
A reminder was sent to Head teachers in respect of this particular aspect of the consultation process on Friday 1st February 2019.
Attached at appendix 4 of this report are summaries of the outcomes of consultation with those children and young people who responded.
A number of themes exist in this feedback, which largely mirror those raised by others and covered on preceding pages. There was a mixed response with positive and negative views expressed across the questions asked. They include:
Concerns about potential bullying Primary aged children might feel overwhelmed with the amount of pupils on one site The needs of reception and Year 11 pupils are completely different, so many more staff are needed. Year 11 and revision time for GCSE’s. Younger pupils will need to understand Changes to catchment areas and impact on existing provision Transport Will the new school mean ours will close Invest the money in a school that is already flourishing.
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These are really important issues for young people (particularly those relating to bullying, being overwhelmed and examinations) and if the proposal goes ahead will be something that the school will need to pay particular attention to.
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Appendix 1 - Distribution List for the Consultation Document and Consultation Report
The Governing body (via Chair of Governors) of each school maintained by Torfaen LA The Headteacher of each school maintained by Torfaen LEA Specifically, the Headteachers of Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw and its “feeder/partner” primary schools (i.e. Ysgol Bryn Onnen, Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran, Ysgol Panteg, Ysgol Gymraeg Y Fenni (Monmouthshire) and Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Helyg (Blaenau Gwent)) Individual governors from those specific schools mentioned above. The Arcdiocesan Director of Education of the Roman Catholic Church The Diocesan Director of Education of the Church in Wales Awdurdod Cynwysterau, Cwricwlwm ac Asesu Cymru (the Qualifications, Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales) The Welsh Joint Education Committee The Welsh Language Commissioner The Higher Education Funding Council for Wales Welsh Government (Welsh Ministers) ESTYN Pan - Gwent Chief Education Officers (Caerphilly, Newport, Monmouthshire, Blaenau Gwent, to distribute to schools in their areas as appropriate) The Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership Children & Young People’s Partnership Coleg Gwent The Careers Service Torfaen Association of school Governors Libraries; (Blaenavon, Cwmbran and Pontypool) Other Directorates of Torfaen County Borough Council Schools Library Service Blaenavon Community Council Cwmbran Community Council Pontypool Community Council Ponthir Community Council Henllys Community Council Croesyceiliog and Llanyrafon Community Council Welsh Government( Schools Management and Effectiveness Division) All relevant Professional Associations (NUT; NASUWT; ATL; UCAC; UNISON; GMB) Local AM – Lynne Neagle Local MP – Nick Thomas-Symonds Other AMs and MPs representing the area served by/intended to be served by any school which is the subject of the proposals. All Elected Members of Torfaen County Borough Council Parents/Carers of all pupils affected by proposals RhAG (Parents for Welsh Medium Education) Registered Private/Voluntary Early Years Settings/Providers in Torfaen Torfaen Voluntary Alliance Communities First Partnership Board CYDAG (Cwmdeithas Ysgolion Dros Addysg Gymraeg)
Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin Education Achievement Service (EAS) The Police and Crime Commissioner for the area The relevant Health Authority (Aneurin Bevan Health Board)
Appendix 2 – Consultation letter distributed to Pupils and their parents/carers and other interested parties
EDUCATION SERVICE GWASANAETH ADDYSG Chief Officer, Education & Lead Director for Children and Young People Prif Swyddog, Addysg & Cyfarwyddwr Arweiniol ar gyfer Plant a Phobi Ifanc Dermot McChrystal BA (Hons) PGCE MSc
Your re/Eich cyf: Please contact/Cysyllter â Mark Horton Our ref/Ein cyf: MH/ Direct line/Llinell ffôn: 01495 766910 Date/Dyddiad: 14th January 2019 Email/Ebost: [email protected]
To:- i) Staff (teaching, non-teaching & support) of Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw, Ysgol Bryn Onnen, Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran and Ysgol Panteg. ii) The Governing Bodies of Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw, Ysgol Bryn Onnen, Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran and Ysgol Panteg. iii) Parents/carers of pupils attending Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw, Ysgol Bryn Onnen, Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran and Ysgol Panteg. iv) Staff, Governors and parents/carers of pupils attending Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Helyg (Blaenau Gwent) and Ysgol Gymraeg Y Fenni (Monmouthshire). v) Statutory Consultees and Other Interested Parties.
Dear Consultee,
PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THE AGE RANGE OF YSGOL GYFUN GWYNLLYW FROM 11 - 18 TO 3 – 18.
Welsh Government has recently confirmed funding in principle for this project, which would specifically see:-
i) An extended age range of Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw from 11 – 18 to 3 – 18.
ii) As part of i) above, the establishment of a nursery provision on site for 30 (full time equivalent) 3 and 4 year olds.
iii) An amendment to the catchment areas of Ysgol Bryn Onnen, Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran, and Ysgol Panteg to reflect the additional primary provision within Torfaen, and as a consequence ensure all schools remain viable and are able to benefit from a balanced intake each year.
It is proposed that these changes will be implemented on 1st September 2021.
The proposal is being advanced following an announcement by Welsh Government on 19th September 2018 that Torfaen County Borough Council had been successful in its bid for £6M to provide additional Welsh Medium primary provision on the Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw site, subject to the outcome of statutory consultation.
The regulations require that consultees must be given at least 42 days to respond to the document, with at least 20 of these being school days. Taking this into account, the consultation period will begin with the issue of this letter (Monday 14th January 2019), and will close on Monday 25th February 2019.
Any comments/observations on the proposals can be made:
i) By writing to Mr Dermot McChrystal, Chief Officer, Education & Lead Director for Children and Young People (FAO Mark Horton) c/o Torfaen County Borough Council, Civic Centre, Pontypool, Torfaen NP4 6YB.
ii) By email: [email protected]
iii) By attending a “drop in” consultation event (details below) and completing a response proforma (attached to the Consultation document) and returning it to the above address.
Separate arrangements will be made for children and young people to participate in the consultation, which will include the views of the school councils. Pupils will be issued with their own version of the consultation document and will have an opportunity to discuss the proposals and submit their views and comments.
Consultation events in relation to these proposals will be held as follows (these will take the form of “drop in” events allowing consultees to attend at a time that is convenient to them):-
DAY/DATE TIME VENUE INTENDED AUDIENCE Thursday 21st 4.00pm to Ysgol Gyfun Staff (teaching, non- February 2019 6.00pm Gwynllyw, teaching & support), Folly Road, Governors, parents/carers Trevethin, and other interested Pontypool. NP4 parties. 8JD Tuesday 12th 4.00pm to Ysgol Bryn Staff (teaching, non- February 2019 6.00pm Onnen, teaching & support), Varteg Road, Governors, parents/carers Varteg, and other interested Pontypool. NP4 parties. 8TY Monday 11th 4.00pm to Ysgol Gymraeg Staff (teaching, non- February 2019 6.00pm Cwmbran, teaching & support), Henllys Way, St Governors, parents/carers Dials, and other interested Cwmbran. parties. NP44 3NB Wednesday 4.00pm to Ysgol Panteg, Staff (teaching, non- 20th February 6.00pm Station Road, teaching & support), 2019 Griffithstown, Governors, parents/carers Pontypool. NP4 and other interested 5JH parties.
Officers from the council will attend these sessions to answer questions and ensure all comments/views made are recorded to allow Elected Members to make an informed decision at the appropriate time.
Information on this specific proposal (including the consultation document) and the authority’s 21st Century Schools programme can also be found on the Council website at: http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/en/EducationLearning/21st-Century-Learning/Latest- News.aspx
If you require a paper copy of the consultation document or if you are unclear about anything or require further information please do not hesitate to contact me on 01495 766910.
Yours sincerely
MARK HORTON, PRINCIPAL OFFICER LONG TERM CAPITAL STRATEGY
Appendix 3 – Summary of responses received during the consultation period
The following have responded to the consultation:-
21 Pupils from Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran 24 Pupils from Ysgol Bryn Onnen 12 Pupils from Ysgol Panteg 11 members of staff from Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran 1 member of staff from Ysgol Panteg The Governing Body of Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran A Governor from Ysgol Bryn Onnen The Governing Body of Ysgol Panteg The Governing Body of Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw Mudiad Meithrin Estyn Ysgol Feithrin Pontypwl The Elected Member on behalf of constituents in the St Cadocs/Penygarn Ward 4 other Interested Parties
Appendix 4 – Results of consultation with pupils
Pupil consultation – Summary School: Ysgol Bryn Onnen Number of returns:- 24
Q1 – Which School do you go to now? Ysgol Bryn Onnen Q2 – How do you feel about Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw becoming an “all-through” 3 – 18 School? I do not really like the idea as I think the younger children will become influenced by the older children’s behaviour – regardless of good or bad. I would feel quite sad as we would not be able to meet new people and make new friends. Not good. Not good because older kids be nasty to the younger. I feel good about it because there’s not many Welsh schools about. I think it’s a good idea because the students will in a way not move schools and it will help the parents. I think it will be a bit busy. I feel that it will be a better place for a school because people live close to Gwynllyw. I think it’s not good because it is a big school already. OK, but it’s full of big people and they could take advantage of them. I would like it to stay as it is because the older kids could be bad influence. I think it’s wrong. Okay because you could learn lots, but it would be good to meet new people. That this is a good idea. Bad idea. I like the idea of Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw becoming an all through school. I think it’s a good idea. It will be easy for parents because there children go to school on the same site. I think it’s a great idea but there’s some down sides like the older ones bullying the younger ones so it might be a good idea to keep them a bit separate. Good. I don’t think we should just think we should keep it as it is. Good. Scared, nervous, excited. Q3 – How do you feel about having more buildings on your school site?
I think the school grounds isn’t big enough to add on another school. There would be less space to do activities. Not good. No because school popularity will go down. I don’t mind because I know that people will get good educations. I think it would be very good if the buildings match the comp. but also it might mean less space. I don’t know because I am not at Gwynllyw yet. I feel fine it might be better. No. Not good. I wouldn’t like it because it would take more space up. I have no opinion. I would feel nervous but excited to have a bigger community. Not a good idea. Not good. I feel ok about all the buildings. Ok. I don’t think it will affect me. Fine. Good. I think it’s fine as it is. Not good has it works in other schools. Q4 – How do you feel about sharing a school with primary school aged pupils? Again, I think this is a bad idea, I think the primary and secondary schools should stay separate. In my opinion I think it’s a bad idea as going up to a bigger school like Gwynllyw it’s a sign of growing up and you’ll have a better chance to develop your skills if there are no younger children there. Terrible. No. I don’t mind. I feel like it would be cool but also it might be a bit annoying for the people with siblings. Not great because a bigger school with more children might get scared. I think it would be a mess because everyone will be stressing and everyone everywhere. No, because there’s too much people. No because it will be bad. I don’t think I’d like to. I think primary school children would feel overwhelmed with the amount of pupils, so therefore should stay in separate schools. Great but then for the rest of my school year I would be with them. No because there will be too many people.
I don’t mind. I feel fine about it. Fine. I will be looking forward to it. Alright. Good. Not so good because older people could bully or say inappropriate language! It might be fun. Annoyed. Q5 – Is there anything else you would like to see happen instead of what we are planning? Make Gwynllyw better for the children it already has there. Better sports facilities etc. For this not to happen! No. Yes, it not happening. No, I’m happy with what is planned. Personally, I would like the primary building connected to the comp. in a way. That is all. No, I don’t think so. Maybe a library. No. No not really. Just to keep it how it is. Not really. No, keep things as it is now. No I think it should stay how it looks. No. Stay the same. I would not like a different plan. Make my school better. No. Not really. No. Not really no? A swimming pool. No.
Pupil consultation – Summary School: Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran Number of returns:- 21 (Note: There are a few “??” in the following text, where the translation service were unable to make out certain words. However, it is hoped that the comments made are clear to understand).
Q1 – Which School do you go to now? Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbran Q2 – How do you feel about Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw becoming an “all-through” 3 – 18 School? It would be a good idea as more children can learn and an easier process. Negative point –concerned about bullying may increase. I don’t want to see a new school in Gwynllyw because we don’t want anyone in Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân moving. Also, perhaps the school would have to close. I don’t want to see a new school at Gwynllyw because the bullies at the school could bully the younger children. Also, perhaps Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân would have to close. I don’t want a new school at Gwnllyw because I like Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân and people would need to move to Gwynllyw. I think this is a daft idea as older children would bully younger ones because they can’t defend themselves. On the other hand it’s a good idea because there’s no need to change schools. In my opinion it’s a good idea but the catchment area for Gwynllyw would get bigger and the only green (?) school (in the county) (us) would have a smaller one. The staff at Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân could lose their jobs because of the amount of money and children at the school. It’s a good idea but it would decrease our catchment area and add to theirs and more people would go to other schools. It’s a good idea but ?? decrease our catchment area Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân. Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân with a green school and there will be less money ????? can open ??? It’s a good idea but if you do this maybe our school will close and our school is the only green school in Torfaen. There will be fewer staff and ??? THIS ISN’T FAIR. I think a 3-18 school is an excellent idea because the bus route will stay the same and usually you would stay with friends, also you wouldn’t need to find ??? new bus. Good idea but it reduces the number of people in other schools and our catchment area. Also all the money would go to Gwynllyw so in a way Gwynllyw is trying to steal numbers from other schools. This isn’t fair and Gwynllyw hasn’t thought and discussed (?) with other people. It’s good because the children could stay in the same school. It’s good because they will know the teachers.
In my opinion turning Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân into a 3-18 school is an excellent idea because if parents have more than one child they can bring their children to the same school instead of taking them to different schools. It’s a good idea. BUT this extends the catchment area of other schools and decreasing Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân which means less money and fewer staff. Why can’t Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân maintain the care of children and extend the Cwmbrân site – Panteg ???? I feel that Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân is an excellent school but if you want to create a 3-18 school will children move from our school if there are fewer than 250 children. We would close and staff would lose their jobs. I don’t want to see a new school at Gwynllyw because the older children wouldn’t ??? with the younger children. I don’t think it’s a good idea because fewer people would go to Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân. So perhaps the other Welsh schools would need to close (?). Also the equipment would cost a lot. More people would be bullied because a lot are already. The school is too small to be a 3-18 school. Perhaps Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân would close. There isn’t a lot of room at Gwynllyw. The school would cost a lot to build. Equipment would be needed as well. Children couldn’t get to Gwynllyw on time. Money would be needed for more buses. Maybe build a new school in Cwmbrân. I think fewer children would come to Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân and perhaps the school would close. Also it will take more time for children to get to Gwynllyw and they could be late arriving? Q3 – How do you feel about having more buildings on your school site? Curious to what is happening. Rather than build a new school at Gwynllyw why not build one in Cwmbrân because there’s lot of room there to do that. Rather than build a new one in Gwynllyw there is room to build at our school. There’s room to put years 7, 8 and 9 on the Cwmbrân site. There’s room at Cwmbrân ?? because there’s more land near Ysgol Cwmbrân. N/A Not at Gwynllyw Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân can care for children 0-3 years and nursery and we could have a through school instead of Gwynllyw. It’s a good idea because our site would get more and we can offer care to children 0-3 years and our school would be bigger. I feel an extension is needed to the Cwmbrân site including children 0-3 years. Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân is the only green school. It’s a good idea to extend the Cwmbrân site because we can offer care to 0-3 year children. And this would make sure the pupil numbers don’t go down. I think it’s a good thing because there will be more room to play games and it will be the same building for the primary school so they can find it more easily.
It’s a good idea to have an extension in every area and have the number of pupils ?? in every school and increase the catchment area of each school. As we are the only green school in the county we can increase the size of our site and have more pupils and also get a 0-3 site. It’s good because I will know people from the primary school and they will know me and others over 11. I think having more buildings on the site is a good thing because it will make the school look better. We could have an extension to the Cwmbrân site including care for children 0-3 years with the money. In my opinion Panteg should come to Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân – the only green school in the county. Also, the number and size of the catchment areas should be equal. I feel this is a good idea. But can we have an extension to the Cwmbrân school site to make us a 0-3 school. Instead of building a new building in Gwynllyw there is already room at Cwmbrân.
Q4 – How do you feel about sharing a school with primary school aged pupils? Nervous and uncertain. Doesn’t think it’s the children’s decision as it will be other people voting. I worry that secondary and primary won’t get on together. I worry that the little children won’t like sharing with children who are 10 years older. I’m worried that ?? smaller than Cwmbrân Older children won’t want ?? smaller children. The site isn’t suitable. Fine, thank you. I think the smaller children will be fearful of the Year 7 pupils and because ??? than them and they couldn’t ?? In my opinion opening a through school will be difficult because there will need to be more staff for each class and milk will be needed for reception and nursery and year 11 children will need to revise for GCSEs. In my opinion not a good idea because reception will need milk and years 9- 11 are doing GCSEs and it will need staffing. How will Gwynllyw manage that. There will need to be more staff. The needs of reception and year 11 are different. There will need to be a lot more staff and a male and female teacher for each class so there will need to be more money. There will need to be more room and classrooms. There may be more problems on the bus with primary age children winding the older ones up. It’s a very bad idea because Gwynllyw will need to do everything bigger and staff ?? and everyone will go to Gwynllyw and other schools will close. And there will need to be more staff at Gwynllyw. Also there will need to be a lot more buildings and equipment which will cost a lot more. In my opinion it’s good because more children can learn and go to school. By sharing a school with primary age children the younger ones could be bullied by the older ones.
In my opinion this is an idea that hasn’t been thought through. Where are the staff going to come from and how would we get the money to get milk every day ?? ?? Also maybe the younger children will be scared of the older ones. In my opinion this isn’t a good idea because reception and ?? need milk and year 11 need to revise for GCSEs. There will need to be more staff. How will Gwynllyw provide for everyone? I’m worried the site isn’t suitable as the land is at the top of a hill. I wouldn’t be happy as the school will need a lot more staff and perhaps if the older children are bad the younger children ?? ?? No because there will be more people and not many members of staff to look after them. It’s not a good idea because there are men at the school and perhaps they will stand (?) on the children. Year 7 children don’t want to think ?? but then there are people who are 3. There will be more bullying because there are more children. There will need to be more staff helping at the school. Because there will be more children there will need to be more staff. An older boy could slip and hurt a smaller child. Bullying perhaps children will follow and they will remember older children.
Q5 – Is there anything else you would like to see happen instead of what we are planning? Not really – happy as it is and doesn’t want anything to change. At Cwmbrân our numbers are increasing so why not another building at Cwmbrân. What about investing in a new nursery at Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân rather than at YGG What about investing the money on the site of a school which is flourishing? The standards and numbers at Cwmbrân are going up. Infants separate to the primary school and less bullying. If there are fewer than 250 children at our school (Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân) our school will close down and the staff will lose their jobs. If you want a through school some children will perhaps fear the older ones. Our catchment area will be smaller and the school will need to close. The money will go to the north of the county. People going to Bristol and Cardiff will be able to ?? their children to Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân. This isn’t fair because the catchment area will decrease and the money will all go to YGG. There will be fewer going to Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân and if there’s fewer than 250 the school will close. More money for other schools e.g. Croesyceiliog and the sixth form next to Morrisons. And also more money to Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân and primary schools like Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân because schools like Panteg have had a new school. I don’t want Gwynllyw to turn into a super (?) school because a lot of schools will close because of the numbers at the schools. Also the younger children
would be scared of the older ones. Gwynllyw hasn’t thought it through at all and I think it’s a very bad idea. More money to Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân. They could spend the money on the primary schools to make them bigger and have more classrooms too. If all the money is going to the north of the county and the schools in the south of the county go under 250 they will close down and there won’t be a green school in the county. All the money will go to the north of the county and we are the only green school in the county. There is a lot of call for Welsh education in Cwmbrân because of the town and attractions. Ti a Fi in Cwmbrân for the little children. ?? ?? Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân. Improve the Welsh schools. Deal with bullies better. Create a school ?/ Gwynllyw somewhere else not at the top of a mountain. Use the money to improve the school at Cwmbrân. Ti a Fi in Cwmbrân for little children to get a Welsh education. Turn Mathryn (?) into a Welsh school Cwmbrân for Ti a Fi. Improve Welsh schools. Deal better with bullying. Swings on the top yard. Welsh Ti a Fi at Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân. Deal better with bullying (bullying system) Buddy Meeter (speak to people if you’re feeling sad). Ti a Fi at Ysgol Gymraeg Cwmbrân for the little children. Use the money to improve other schools. ?? on the yard for the older and younger children. Deal better with bullying. Buddy meter. Speak Welsh not English.
Pupil consultation – Summary School: Ysgol Panteg Number of returns:- 12
Q1 – Which School do you go to now? Ysgol Panteg Q2 – How do you feel about Ysgol Gyfun Gwynllyw becoming an “all-through” 3 – 18 School? I believe it’s an excellent idea. Not sure Not sure but a chance for little children to learn Welsh I think it’s a good idea. In my opinion it’s a good idea as there’s more chance the people in the area can speak Welsh. It’s new and it’s a good idea. Not sure I think it’s a good idea. Not sure In my opinion I don’t know if it’s a good idea. In the middle
Q3 – How do you feel about having more buildings on your school site? No comments made Q4 – How do you feel about sharing a school with primary school aged pupils? No comments made Q5 – Is there anything else you would like to see happen instead of what we are planning? I agree I want to see more Welsh people No I agree with having a new school and I think everything is fine at the moment. I like the idea I agree with your scheme I agree with having a new school I agree but I don’t know much about the scheme I don’t know if it would be a good idea I agree because we would achieve our goal of a million Welsh speakers