Statutory Consultation Document
STATUTORY CONSULTATION DOCUMENT
SCHOOLS IN THE GADER CATCHMENT AREA
10 October – 24 November 2014
www.gwynedd.gov.uk
CONTENTS
SECTION DESCRIPTION PAGE NUMBER 1 Introduction – Explaining the Consultation 4
2 Background Details 7 2.1 How was the proposal developed? 7 2.2 Y Gader Catchment Area Review Panel (CRP) 7 2.3 The Catchment Area Vision 8 2.4 The Democratic Process to Date 8 2.5 Capital Investment 9
3 Existing Arrangements 10 3.1 Ysgol Brithdir 10 3.2 Ysgol Clogau 10 3.3 Ysgol Cynradd Dolgellau 11 3.4 Ysgol Dinas Mawddwy 11 3.5 Ysgol Friog 12 3.6 Ysgol Ganllwyd 12 3.7 Ysgol Ieuan Gwynedd 13 3.8 Ysgol Llanelltyd 13 3.9 Ysgol Machreth 14 3.10 Ysgol Y Gader 14 3.11 School Categories 14 3.12 Summary 15
4 Evaluations of Different Models 19 4.1 Why Change Education in the Gader Catchment Area? 19 4.2 Possible Models 20 4.3 Sites Considered 22 4.4 Long List of Possible Models 24 4.5 Options Appraisal 26
5 The Proposal 32 5.1 Quality of Education 32 5.2 Class Size and Age Range 35 5.3 Pupil Population and Projections 37 5.4 Management and Leadership 40 5.5 Condition and Suitability of Buildings 42 5.6 Transport and Travelling Times 51 5.7 Surplus Places 52 5.8 Financial Resources 54 5.9 The Welsh Language 57 5.10 The Community 58 5.11 Governance and Staffing Matters 59 5.12 Impact on Equality 60 5.13 Likely Advantages for Children and Young People 61 5.14 Proposed Admissions Arrangements 62 5.15 Proposed Transport Arrangements 62 5.16 Information regarding pupils’ special needs 63 5.17 After use of sites 63 5.18 Possible Risks 64
6 Legal Category of The Proposal 65 6.1 Legal Category 65 6.2 Other Church in Wales Schools 65 6.3 The need for different types of schools 66 6.4 Land Ownership 67 6.5 Pre-consultation with the Church in Wales 67 6.6 The Favoured Legal Category 68
7 Summary of the Proposal 69
8 Explaining the Statutory Processes 70
9 Proposed Timetable 72
Response Form
2 Pennaeth Addysg (Dros Dro) Head of Education (Interim) Owen Owens
Gofynnwch am / Ask for: Swyddfa Trefniadaeth Ysgolion School Organisation Office (01286) 679247 Ein Cyf / Our Ref: Trefniadaeth Ysgolion School Organisation [email protected] 10 October 2014 [email protected] Dear Consultee,
Between 10 October 2014 and 13:00 on 24 November 2014 , we shall be undertaking a period of statutory consultation on a proposal for the reorganisation of schools in the Gader catchment area. The schools involved are: Ysgol Y Gader, Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau, Ysgol Llanelltyd, Ysgol Clogau, Ysgol Ganllwyd, Ysgol Machreth, Ysgol Ieuan Gwynedd, Ysgol Dinas Mawddwy, Ysgol Friog and Ysgol Brithdir. Gwynedd Council would like you to put forward your views so that these can be considered before a decision is reached. At the end of the consultation period we shall submit a report to the Cabinet of Gwynedd Council.
This consultation is based on a proposal to close the 10 present schools and establishing a community, Welsh medium all-through catchment area school for all 3-16 pupils in the Gader catchment area. It would be one school, with one governing body, one headteacher and one staffing structure but located on six separate sites, specifically the current sites of Gader, Dolgellau Primary, Llanelltyd, Friog, Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Dinas Mawddwy Schools.
At its meeting on 16 September 2014, the Cabinet of Gwynedd Council resolved to undertake a process of statutory consultation in accordance with the requirements of Section 48 of the Schools standards and Organisation Act 2013.
This statutory consultation aims to serve all the communities within and surrounding the Dolgellau area.
Please note that there are open days being held on Wednesday 5 th November and Thursday 6 th November between 11:00am and 7:00pm at The Glan Wnion Leisure Centre, Dolgellau. Here there will be an open opportunity for anyone to receive information and/or present comments. Any comments can be presented until the end of the consultation period.
A copy of this document, and other background papers, are available on the Council’s website www.gwynedd.gov.uk/schoolorganisation and in your local school and library. If you require further copies you are welcome to contacting the School Organisation Office by telephone on (01286) 679247 or by e-mailing [email protected]
PLEASE NOTE – any comments on the statutory consultation document should be sent to the School Organisation Office by 13:00 on Monday 24 November 2014. See the relevant contact details at the end of this statutory consultation paper. Sincerely,
Owen Owens Owen Owens Head of Education (Interim)
Swyddfa’r Cyngor Caernarfon Gwynedd LL55 1SH 01766 771000 www.gwynedd.gov.uk
3 GWYNEDD COUNCIL
PROPOSAL FOR THE RE-ORGANISATION OF SCHOOLS IN THE GADER CATCHMENT AREA IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 48 OF THE SCHOOLS STANDARDS AND ORGANISATION ACT 2013
1. INTRODUCTION – EXPLAINING THE CONSULTATION
At its meeting on 16 September 2014, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet resolved to undertake a process of statutory consultation in accordance with the requirements of Section 48 of the Schools Standards and Organisation Act 2013.
This period of statutory consultation will be held between 10 October 2014 and 13:00 on 24 November 2014 . Gwynedd Council would like you to put forward your views so that these can be considered before a decision is reached.
This consultation is based on the proposal to close the 10 present Schools and establishing a community, Welsh Medium all-through catchment area school for all 3-16 pupils in the Gader catchment area. It would be one school, with one governing body, one headteacher and one staffing structure but located on six separate sites, specifically the current sites of Gader, Dolgellau Primary, Llanelltyd, Friog, Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Dinas Mawddwy Schools.
As Dolgellau Primary and Machreth schools are voluntary controlled (Church in Wales) schools, in accordance with the Welsh Government School Organisation Code, a pre-consultation was held with the Church in Wales Bangor Diocesan Authority. This is to ensure that the Diocese could present their views on the direction of discussions before the Cabinet decided on whether to approve a period of statutory consultation on a preferred option. The Cabinet considered the response received from the Church in Wales in its meeting on 16 September 2014.
The consultation document will be distributed, in accordance with the Welsh Government School Organisation Code 006/2013, to the following prior at the beginning of the statutory consultation period:
Requirements of the Organisation Code 006/2013 Distributed to… Retaining authority or proposed retaining authority of any Gwynedd Council is presenting the proposal school which the proposals are likely to affect Any other local authority which the proposals are likely to Powys, Denbigh, Conwy and Anglesey Councils affect – including, in the case of designated LEA provision, any authority which places or is likely to place pupils on statement within it Church in Wales Diocesan Authority and the Catholic Church in Wales Bangor Diocesan Authority Church for the area where any school likely to be affected Church in Wales St. Asaph Diocesan Authority by the proposal is located Any other relevant religious body for any school which the - proposal is likely to affect The governing body of any school which is the subject of Governing Bodies of Ysgol Cynradd Dolgellau, Ysgol Y Gader, Ysgol proposals and the governing bodies of other schools Clogau, Ysgol Llanelltyd, Ysgol Ganllwyd, Ysgol Friog, Ysgol which the proposal is likely to affect, including those Machreth, Ysgol Brithdir, Ysgol Ieuan Gwynedd and Ysgol Dinas which could receive any pupils who have been displaced Mawddwy Parents (and future parents, where possible), carers and Parents, carers, guardians, and the staff of Ysgol Cynradd Dolgellau, guardians, and the staff of those schools Ysgol Y Gader, Ysgol Clogau, Ysgol Llanelltyd, Ysgol Ganllwyd, Ysgol Friog, Ysgol Machreth, Ysgol Brithdir, Ysgol Ieuan Gwynedd and Ysgol Dinas Mawddwy.
Welsh Ministers Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM First Minister of Wales Edwina Hart AM OStJ MBE Minister for Economy, Science and
4 Transport Prof Mark Drakeford AM Minister for Health & Social Services Huw Lewis AM Minister for Education and Skills Jane Hutt AM Minister for Finance & Government Business Leighton Andrews AM Minister for Public Services Lesley Griffiths AM Minister for Communities & Tackling Poverty Carl Sargeant AM Minister for Natural Resources Assembly Members (AMs) and members of Parliament AM for Dwyfor-Meirionnydd Constituency (MPs) representing areas served by any school which is Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM the subject of proposals Regional AMs for Mid and West Wales Rebecca Evans AM William Powell AM Simon Thomas AM Joyce Watson AM
MP for Dwyfor-Meirionnydd Constituency Rt Hon Elfyn Llwyd MP Estyn Anne Keane – Education and Training in Wales Chief Inspector Teachers’ Unions and relevant staff unions representing Representatives of ASCL, ATL, UCAC, GMB, NUT, NAHT, UNSAIN, schools and other staff in any school which is the subject NASUWT of proposals The relevant Regional Education Consortium Huw Foster-Evans – Chief Officer GwE Anwen Williams – North Wales Consortium Co-ordinator The relevant Regional Transport Consortium Taith (North Wales Regional Transport Consortium) The Police and Crime Commissioner for the area served, Winston Roddick – North Wales Police Commissioner or intended to be served by any school which is the subject of proposals Any community or town council for the area served, or Arthog Community Council intended to be served by any school which is the subject Brithdir, Llanfachreth and Rhydymain Community Council of proposals Dolgellau (Town) Community Council Ganllwyd Community Council Llanelltyd Community Council Mawddwy Community Council In the case of proposals affecting the nursery provision, Seren Fach Nursery (Brithdir) any independent provider that the proposals could affect Ti a Fi Group (Rhydymain) Dol y Bont (Dinas Mawddwy) Ti a Fi Group (Friog) Ti a Fi (Dolgellau) In the case of proposals affecting the nursery provision, GwyneddNi the Children and Young People Partnership and/or The Nursery Movement – early years specialists Early Years Development and Child Care Partnerships, where these partnerships exist In the case of proposals affecting the LEA provision, any Representative for Betsi Cadwalader Health Board health body or relevant third sector body with interest in the proposals.
In the case of proposals affecting the secondary provision, Representative of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai any further education establishments which serve the school area. In the case of proposals affecting the secondary provision, Parents, carers, guardians of Clogau, Llanelltyd, Ganllwyd, Y Friog, parents of pupils attending primary schools and who Machreth, Brithdir, Ieuan Gwynedd and Dinas Mawddwy and would normally transfer to that secondary school. Dolgellau primary schools Other Meri Huws – Welsh Language Commissioner, Head teachers of all Gwynedd schools, All Gwynedd Council Councillors Mantell Gwynedd Catholic Diocesan Authority
5 This consultation document will be published on the Gwynedd Council website at www.gwynedd.gov.uk/schoolorganisation and copies will be available on request from the School Organisation Office.
Two open days for the whole catchment area will be held in Dolgellau on 05 and 06 of November 2014 , at the Glan Wnion Leisure Centre between 11:00am – 7:00pm . Everyone is welcome at the open days to express their views and present comments.
Arrangements will also be made to obtain the views of children and young people that attend all the schools under consideration. A specialist facilitator will visit each school to run sessions specifically so that the children can give their opinion. There is a consultation document for children and young people on the Council’s website www.gwynedd.gov.uk/schoolorganisation as well as a suitable response form/questionnaire. This means that individual children and young people that do not attend a session can respond to the consultation as well.
Comments received during the consultation period will be considered by the Cabinet, before a decision is reached on the next steps. Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet will decide whether to continue with the proposal or not, and whether or not Statutory Notice on the proposal should be published.
As part of the consultation process, a background information pack would be available at all local school, in local libraries and on the Council’s website www.gwynedd.gov.uk/schoolorganisation. The pack includes: • School Organisation Code 006/2013 • School Standards and Framework Act (Wales) 2013 • Excellent Primary Education of the Best Quality for the Children of Gwynedd Strategy • Priorities Plan – Organisation of Education Provision • Welsh Government’s Faith in Education Document • Agenda and Minutes of Y Gader Catchment Area Review Panel Meetings • Statistics pack • Language Impact Assessment Report • Community Impact Assessment Report • Equality Assessment • Assessment of need for different types of schools • Cabinet Report and Decision Notice - 16 July 2013 • Cabinet Report and Decision Notice - 17 December 2013 • Cabinet Report and Decision Notice - 16 September 2014
If you wish to receive this document in a different form, please contact the School Organisation Office on 01286 679247.
Please address all responses to [email protected] or School Organisation Office, Gwynedd Council Headquarters, Caernarfon, Gwynedd. LL55 1SH
All responses, whether by post or e-mail, must arrive at the Council Headquarters by no later than 13:00 on Monday 24 November 2014.
6 2. BACKGROUND DETAILS
2.1 How was the proposal developed?
The Strategy “Excellent Primary Education of the Best Quality for the Children of Gwynedd” was unanimously approved by the Full Council on 2 nd April 2009 . The strategy outlines the aim of reviewing primary schools in line with secondary catchment areas, and a criteria was established in order to prioritise the catchment areas which should be reviewed. In accordance with the criteria, the Gader catchment was the third catchment to be reviewed.
The Strategy outline’s the vision to: "Provide education of the highest possible quality that will provide the county's children with the experiences, skills and confidence to develop into bilingual, successful and well-rounded citizens ".
Six principal aims are identified in the strategy, namely: 1) Appropriately-sized classes and high quality school leadership 2) Promote and strengthen the Welsh language 3) Develop a pro-active and creative long-term scheme 4) Make the best use of available resources 5) Create a learning environment of the best possible quality for the County's children and teachers 6) Develop schools into establishments that are central to community activity
In accordance with the Strategy, in 2010 discussions commenced regarding education provision in the catchment area of Ysgol Y Gader, Dolgellau.
Numerous discussions in Y Gader catchment area were held, which included: • 7 meetings of Y Gader Catchment Area Review Panel • A series of meetings with governors, staff and parents of all schools in the catchment area • A session for the catchment’s children and young people • A meeting to discuss the advantages of an all through school (also referred to as a Lifelong School model) with the staff of Ysgol Y Gader and Ysgol Cynradd Dolgellau • An assessment of the impact of the proposals on the language and the communities
2.2 Y Gader Catchment Area Review Panel (CRP)
Y Gader CRP was established during April 2010 and 7 meetings have been held since. Representatives – headteacher, chair of the governors and a parent governor – were invited from each of the 10 schools within the catchment area. An invitation was also extended to local councillors, a representative of the Church in Wales (Bangor Diocese) and a representative from Coleg Meirion Dwyfor.
A wide range of evidence was received and discussed by the panel, including school statistics, financial background, information on developments at national level (including Government guidance on dealing with proposals for school reorganisation) and new regulations on establishing patterns of collaboration/federations between schools.
A long list of possible options for school reorganisation in the area was compiled, which included variations of: • Developing collaboration models • Models of rural area schools (single or multi-site) • All through school (also known as a Learning Community or Lifelong School)
The most recent CRP meeting was held on 21 st May 2014 where the background work, based on the whole catchment was presented. This included an updated long list of catchment models, the proposed way forward (direction at the time) and an explanation of the process. 7
2.3 The Gader Catchment Area Vision
The re-organisation of schools within the Gader catchment area has been underway for some time. During all these discussions, a vision for the catchment became apparent. This vision notes what the Council aims to achieve in the area and does not presume any specific plans which could develop and would be subject to consultations.
In essence, the vision would aim at ensuring the following outcomes: • Ensuring fair experiences for children, education standards and equal opportunity • More sharing of expertise between schools and sectors • More stability within the area • More opportunities in terms of professional development and opportunities for improving leadership • Co-ordinated public services
This vision includes developing a central education centre in the town of Dolgellau, within the context of other developments by the College (Llandrillo Menai Group), which is a step towards developing Dolgellau as a Learning Centre.
There is a wish to ensure a strong and sustainable education provision within the whole catchment area, and across all the sectors. This will involve rationalising the number, nature and status of the schools in some parts of the catchment area. If the vision is fully realised it will be possible to strengthen the education provision within Y Gader catchment area by setting foundations for collaboration, joint planning and joint development into the future.
2.4 The Democratic Process to Date
The Council approved a previous consultation on the proposal to implement a multi-site area school plan in the Brithdir and Dinas Mawddwy area. A statutory notice on the proposal was published and as objections were received, the matter was transferred to the Welsh Government’s Education Minister for a final decision. In November 2012 a decision in favour of the proposal was received.
In the meantime, after extensive technical assessments on the site adjacent to the Brithdir School, it became apparent that any development on it would be extremely expensive due to technical problems relating to planning restrictions. To continue with the development would require extensive excavation which would cause unforeseen costs. As a result it was concluded that the original proposal would not be implemented and that an alternative plan would have to be developed.
A review of the plans for this catchment area has been conducted, and a meeting of local representatives – Local Members, Head Teachers, Chairs of Governors and representatives from the Church – was held on the 9th of May 2013 to explain the delay and to discuss the best way forward.
Although there had been a consensus from the start regarding the principle of a consultation on establishing an all through school in the town, there was considerable delay in moving the plan forward due to a technical matter regarding the legal status of the establishment.
A report was submitted to the Cabinet on 16 July 2013 in order to: • Convey the vision for the catchment’s education provision • Seek permission to move ahead and undertake a statutory consultation in the town of Dolgellau • Carry out substantial background work on the situation in the rural areas within Y Gader catchment area – with the aim of holding further discussions with local representatives early in the autumn term of 2013.
8 Following further background work and discussions with Local Councillors a further report was presented to the Cabinet in December 2013 where the following recommendations were approved;
i. Support for extending the work in order to create a range of models which will serve the catchment area in its entirety, with the aim of putting before the Cabinet specific recommendations for statutory consultation in accordance with Section 48 of the Schools Standards and Organisation Act 2013.
ii. Authority to undertake an assessment in order to identify and measure the need within the catchment area for education provision of a specific category and designation as part of, and to meet the requirements of, the process of identifying recommendations in accordance with i. above.
iii. To consider the possible financial implications and the options for meeting those implications, and thus guarantee that any further requirements for implementing this plan are included in the review of the asset management plan.
iv. Since the Church Voluntary Schools come within the remit of the process, delegate to the Education Cabinet Member the task of conducting a pre-consultation with the Church if necessary, in accordance with the Schools Organisation Code 2013 requirements, before submitting a further report to the Cabinet on the favoured option, requesting permission to undertake a statutory consultation period on this option.
Following the pre-consultation with the Church in Wales, a report was presented to the Cabinet in September 2014. The Cabinet approved the recommendation to conduct a period of statutory consultation on the favoured option: an all-through community Welsh medium catchment area school for all 3-16 year olds in the Gader catchment.
2.5 Capital Investment
Another important context is the capital investment available for this catchment area. Since the start of the discussions in this catchment area, a programme of capital investment was adopted by the Welsh Government under the banner of Twenty First Century Schools Programme. Through this programme the Council has an envelope of £3.6 million agreed in principle for the catchment area. Comprehensive business cases will need to be completed to confirm the funding. Careful consideration is needed regarding the best way of utilising that money, and as discussed in the Cabinet in December 2013, as the whole catchment area is being re-organised any further financial requirements will be included in the review of the asset’s management plan.
9 3. EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS IN Y GADER
This proposal involves all 10 schools in the Gader catchment area. There is 1 secondary school (Ysgol Y Gader) and 9 primary schools (Ganllwyd, Llanelltyd, Y Clogau, Y Friog, Brithdir, Ieuan Gwynedd, Dinas Mawddwy and Dolgellau Primary schools. These schools are situated in and surrounding Dolgellau town, in Meirionnydd. The primary schools each have their own admission catchment areas and these combined make up a secondary school catchment for Ysgol Uwchradd Y Gader.
3.1 Ysgol Brithdir
Ysgol Brithdir is located within the village of Brithdir, approximately 3 miles to the East of Dolgellau town. It is a community category school.
The area the school serves is agricultural and, to a certain extent, continues to be an area where Welsh is the main language. In September 2013 93% of pupils were fluent Welsh speakers. 20 pupils come from the Brithdir catchment area (illustrated on the adjacent map) whilst the remaining pupils come from Dolgellau, Friog and Machreth catchment areas.
The school describes the area as one that is comparatively prosperous. In January 2013 2% of pupils were entitled to receive free school meals, a figure that is substantially lower than the comparative figures for Gwynedd and Wales.
Pupils are accepted into the school on a part time basis in the September following their third birthday and on a full time basis in the September following their fourth birthday. In September 2013, 46 children had been registered at the school, including 7 nursery pupils. There are two classes at the school, a class of 25 3- 7 year old pupils and a class of 21 7-11 year old pupils.
3.2 Ysgol Clogau
Ysgol Clogau is located within the village of Bontddu, approximately 5 miles West of Dolgellau town. It is a community category school.
Welsh is the schools usual mode of daily communication and the main teaching medium. In September 2013 60% of pupils were fluent Welsh speakers. 6 pupils come from the Clogau catchment area (illustrated on the adjacent map) whilst the remaining pupils come from the Dolgellau, Traeth (in Barmouth), Dyffryn Ardudwy and Llanelltyd catchment areas. The catchment area is neither prosperous nor economically disadvantaged. In January 2013 15% of pupils were entitled to receive free school meals.
Pupils are accepted into the school on a part time basis in the September following their third birthday and on a full time basis in the September following their fourth birthday. In September 2013, 25 children had been registered at the school, including 2 nursery pupils. There are two classes at the school, a class of 11 3- 7 year old pupils and a class of 14 7-11 year old pupils.
10
3.3 Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau
Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau is located within Dolgellau town. It is a voluntary controlled, Church in Wales category school.
In September 2013 34% of pupils were fluent Welsh speakers. 140 pupils come from the Dolgellau catchment area (illustrated on the adjacent map) whilst the remaining pupils come from Brithdir, Dinas Mawddwy, Ieuan Gwynedd, Bro Hedd Wyn and Machreth catchment areas.
In January 2013 15% of pupils were entitled to receive free school meals.
Pupils are accepted into the school on a part time basis in the September following their third birthday and on a full time basis in the September following their fourth birthday. In September 2013, 147 children had been registered at the school, including 13 nursery pupils. There are six classes at the school, their sizes range from 17 to 32 pupils per class.
3.4 Ysgol Dinas Mawddwy
Ysgol Dinas Mawddwy is situated in the middle of the village of the same name, approximately 10 miles to the East of Dolgellau town. It is a community category school.
Pupils are taught through the medium of Welsh and English and one of the schools aims is to ensure that all the pupils are bilingual before they go to secondary school. In September 2013 76% of pupils were fluent Welsh speakers. 19 pupils come from the Dinas Mawddwy catchment area (the village and surrounding area) whilst the remaining pupils come from the Pennal catchment area and from out of the County (Powys).
According to the school, the area is neither prosperous nor economically disadvantaged. In January 2013 14% of pupils were entitled to receive free school meals.
Pupils are accepted into the school on a part time basis in the September following their third birthday and on a full time basis in the September following their fourth birthday. In September 2013, 21 children had been registered at the school, including 3 nursery pupils. There are two classes at the school, a class of 12 3- 7 year old pupils and a class of 9 7-11 year old pupils.
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3.5 Ysgol Friog
Ysgol Friog is located within the village of Friog, approximately 9 miles from Dolgellau town. It is a community category school.
Welsh is not used as the social language as English is the home language of all the schools’ pupils. In September 2013 61% of pupils were fluent Welsh speakers but do not speak Welsh at home. 26 pupils come from the Friog catchment area (illustrated on the adjacent map) whilst the remaining pupils come from Ysgol Craig y Deryn’s catchment area. The area is neither prosperous nor subject to economic disadvantage. In January 2013 26% of pupils were entitled to receive free school meals, this is higher than the LEA average and the all-Wales percentage.
Pupils are accepted into the school on a part time basis in the September following their third birthday and on a full time basis in the September following their fourth birthday. In September 2013, 28 children had been registered at the school, including 3 nursery pupils. There are two classes at the school, a class of 16 3- 7 year old pupils and a class of 12 7-11 year old pupils.
3.6 Ysgol Ganllwyd
Ysgol Ganllwyd is located within the village of Ganllwyd, approximately 3 miles North of Dolgellau town. It is a community category school.
Welsh is the main medium of education. In September 2013 75% of pupils were fluent Welsh speakers. 17 pupils come from the Ganllwyd catchment area (illustrated on the adjacent map) whilst the remaining pupils come from the Dolgellau and Bro Hedd Wyn catchment areas.
The catchment area is described as being neither economically privileged nor underprivileged and the pupils neither advantaged nor disadvantaged. In January 2013 0% of pupils were entitled to receive free school meals.
Pupils are accepted into the school on a part time basis in the September following their third birthday and on a full time basis in the September following their fourth birthday. In September 2013, 20 children had been registered at the school, including 1 nursery pupils. There are two classes at the school, a class of 7 3-7 year old pupils and a class of 13 7-11 year old pupils.
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3.7 Ysgol Ieuan Gwynedd
Ysgol Ieuan Gwynedd is located within the village of Rhydymain, approximately 6 miles from Dolgellau town. It is a community category school.
The area’s linguistic background is strongly Welsh and Welsh is the school’s medium of instructions. In September 2013 94% of pupils were fluent Welsh speakers. 11 pupils come from the Ieuan Gwynedd catchment area (illustrated on the adjacent map) whilst the remaining pupils come from Dolgellau, Dinas Mawddwy, Bala and Dyffryn Ardudwy catchment areas.
In January 2013 0% of pupils were entitled to receive free school meals.
Pupils are accepted into the school on a part time basis in the September following their third birthday and on a full time basis in the September following their fourth birthday. In September 2013, 18 children had been registered at the school, including 0 nursery pupils. There are two classes at the school, a class of 6 3-7 year old pupils and a class of 12 7-11 year old pupils.
3.8 Ysgol Llanelltyd
Ysgol Llanelltyd is located within the village of Llanelltyd, approximately 2 miles from Dolgellau town. It is a community category school.
In September 2013 73% of pupils were fluent Welsh speakers. 14 pupils come from the Llanelltyd catchment area (illustrated on the adjacent map) whilst the remaining pupils come from Clogau, Brithdir, Ieuan Gwynedd, Friog and Dolgellau catchment areas.
According to the school, pupils come from backgrounds that are neither prosperous nor economically disadvantaged. In January 2013 0% of pupils were entitled to receive free school meals.
Pupils are accepted into the school on a part time basis in the September following their third birthday and on a full time basis in the September following their fourth birthday. In September 2013, 41 children had been registered at the school, including 4 nursery pupils. There are two classes at the school, a class of 17 3- 7 year old pupils and a class of 24 7-11 year old pupils.
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3.9 Ysgol Machreth
Ysgol Machreth is located within the village of Llanfachreth, approximately 4 miles from Dolgellau town. It is a voluntary controlled, Church in Wales category school.
Teaching is conducted mainly through the medium of Welsh. In September 2013 100% of pupils were fluent Welsh speakers. 7 pupils come from the Machreth catchment area (illustrated on the adjacent map) whilst the remaining pupils come from Dolgellau, Brithdir and Ganllwyd catchment areas.
The catchment area is described as being neither prosperous nor economically disadvantaged and the pupils are neither advantaged nor disadvantaged, and they represent the full ability range. In January 2013 13% of pupils were entitled to receive free school meals, a figure that is substantially lower than the comparative figures for Gwynedd and Wales.
Pupils are accepted into the school on a part time basis in the September following their third birthday and on a full time basis in the September following their fourth birthday. In September 2013, 16 children had been registered at the school, including 1 nursery pupils. There are two classes at the school, a class of 5 3-7 year old pupils and a class of 11 7-11 year old pupils.
3.10 Ysgol Y Gader
Ysgol Y Gader is a naturally bilingual community comprehensive school for 11-16 year old pupils located within Dolgellau town.
In September 2013 61% of pupils were fluent Welsh speakers. 244 pupils come from the Gader catchment area (illustrated on the adjacent map) whilst the remaining pupils come from Ardudwy, Berwyn, Moelwyn, Eifionydd, Tywyn and Powys catchment areas. In September 2013, 402 children had been registered at the school.
3.11 School Categories
Gwynedd schools are defined as Community, Voluntary Aided or Voluntary Controlled. Further to this, Voluntary Aided or Voluntary Controlled Schools can be designated with religious character i.e. as Church Schools.
Ysgol Cynradd Dolgellau and Ysgol Machreth has the category Voluntary Controlled with religious designation. Ysgol Y Gader, Ysgol Brithdir, Ysgol Ieuan Gwynedd, Ysgol Ganllwyd, Ysgol Clogau, Ysgol Friog and Ysgol Dinas Mawddwy have the category ‘Community’ School without religious designation.
The school category matter is discussed in more detail in section 6 of this document.
14 3.12 Summary School
Cynradd Dinas Ieuan Brithdir Clogau Friog Ganllwyd Llanelltyd Machreth Y Gader Dolgellau Mawddwy Gwynedd
Location of the school Brithdir, Dolgellau, Bontddu, DM, SY20 Fairbourne, Ganllwyd, Rhydymain, Llanelltyd, Llanfachreth Dolgellau, LL402RH LL40 2YW LL40 2UA PLN LL38 2RQ LL40 2TG LL40 2AS LL40 2TA LL40 2DY LL40 1HY Age range 3-11 3-11 3-11 3-11 3-11 3-11 3-11 3-11 3-11 11-16 School’s category (community, voluntary Community VC (Church Community Communit Community Community Community Community VC (Church Secondary aided[VA] , voluntary controlled [VC]) School in Wales) School y School School School School School in Wales) School Language Medium Category Welsh Welsh Welsh Welsh Welsh Welsh Welsh Welsh Welsh Biling ual Number of pupils on Nursery 7 13 2 3 3 1 0 4 1 the register – Reception – Yr6 39 134 23 18 25 19 18 37 15 402 September 2013 Total 46 147 25 21 28 20 18 41 16 Number of pupils on September 2012 44 150 32 22 31 20 18 45 16 380 the register for the September 2011 45 156 33 22 31 21 16 42 16 385 previous four years September 2010 40 149 36 25 33 22 19 40 22 392 September 2009 37 167 39 24 39 27 24 44 23 344 Change in numbers between September -112 -17 -12 25 (119%) 4 (19%) 1 (5%) -13 (-42%) 12 (41%) -1 (-6%) 63 (19%) 1975 and September 2013 (- 43%) (-45%) (-30%) Capacity Nursery 4 19 4 6 4 4 5 6 5 Reception – Yr6 34 194 32 63 54 43 40 44 41 488 Total 38 213 36 69 59 47 45 50 46 Surplus places September 2013 0 (0%) 66 (31%) 11 (31%) 48 (70%) 30 (52%) 27 (57%) 27 (60%) 9 (18%) 30 (65%) 86 (18%) Pupil Projections September 2014 47 147 26 24 26 18 17 42 12 372 September 2015 47 143 27 28 26 13 14 38 9 332 September 2016 43 137 26 28 24 12 11 36 8 312 September 2017 45 135 27 29 26 11 13 36 9 284 September 2018 45 133 24 32 21 12 15 36 8 271 Schools performance data /details from 3 x Grade 1 4 x Grade 2 5 x Grade 1 7 x Grade 4 x Grade 3 5 x Grade 2 5 x Grade 2 5 x Grade 1 3 x ‘Good’ 3 x ‘Good’ Estyn inspection reports 4 x Grade 2 3 x Grade 3 2 x Grade 2 2 3 x Grade 2 2 x Grade 1 2 x Grade 1 2 x Grade 2 Category condition of buildings (according B B B A B A A B B B to Gwynedd Council criteria 2013) Category condition of buildings (according to Welsh Government EC Harris criteria D C D B C B C B B B 2010) 2013/14 Financial Allocation £170,666 £560,111 £189,710 £192, 778 £169,167 £174, 786 £185,144 £186,321 £126,949 £1,949,804 Cost per pupil 2013/2014 £4,142 £4,003 £6,143 £9,756 £5,882 £9,541 £10,616 £ 4,536 £8,865 £5,131
Ex-catchment area pupils 2012-2013 (based 158 (based on on data from the September 2012 census) 26 7 19 2 2 3 7 27 9 September 2013 data) 15 Schools East of the Catchment YSGOL IEUAN GWYNEDD – 201 3/14 DATA Disgybl / Pupil 18 YSGOL MACHRETH – 201 3/14 DATA Llefydd Gwag / Surplus Places 60% (27 ) Disgybl / Pupil 16 Capasiti Ysgol / School Capacity 45 Llefydd Gwag / Surplus Places 65 % (3 0) Outside Catchment 39 % ( 7) Capasiti Ysgol / School Capacity 46 £ Per Pupil £10,616 All-ddalgylch / Outside Catchment 56 % (9) £ y Pen / Per Pupil £8,8 65
YSGOL DINAS MAWDDWY – 201 3/14 DATA Disgybl / Pupil 21
Llefydd Gwag / Surplus Places 70% (48 )
Capasiti Ysgol / School Capacity 69
All-ddalgylch / Outside Catchment 10 % ( 2) All -ddalgylch /from outside catch YSGOL BRITHDIR – 2013/14 DATA £ y Pen / Per Pupil £9,756 Disgybl / Pupil 46
Llefydd Gwag / Surplus Places 0% (0)
Capasiti Ysgol / School Capacity 38
All-ddalgylch / Outside Catchment 57% ( 26 ) All -ddalgylch / Outside £ y Pen / Per Pupil £4,1 42
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Dolgellau Town Schools
YSGOL DOLGELLAU – 201 3/14 DATA
Pupil 147
Surplus Places 31 % (66 )
School Capacity 213
Outside Catchment 5% ( 7)
£ Per Pupil £4,003
YSGOL Y GADER – 201 3/14 DATA
Disgybl / Pupil 402
Llefydd Gwag / Surplus Places 19 % (63 ) Capasiti Ysgol / School Capacity 488
All -ddalgylch / Outside Catchment 158 (39%) £ y Pen / Per Pupil £5,131
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Schools West of the Catchment
YSGOL Y GANLLWYD – 201 3/14 DATA
YSGOL Y CLOGAU – 201 3/14 DATA Disgybl / Pupil 20
Disgybl / Pupil Llefydd Gwag / Surplus Places 57 % (27 ) 25 Llefydd Gwag / Surplus Places 31 % Capasiti Ysgol / School Capacity 47 (11 ) Capasiti Ysgol / School Capacity 36 All -ddalgylch / Outside Catchment 15% (3)
All -ddalgylch / Outside Catchment 76% (19) £ y Pen / Per Pupil £9,541
£ y Pen / Per Pupil £6,143
YSGOL FRIOG – 201 3/14 DATA Disgybl / Pupil 28
Llefydd Gwag / Surplus Places 52 % (30 ) Capasiti Ysgol / School Capacity 59 YSGOL LLANELLTYD – 201 3/14 DATA All -ddalgylch / Outside Catchment 7% (2) Disgybl / Pupil 41
£ y Pen / Per Pupil £5,882 Llefydd Gwag / Surplus Places 18 % (9 ) Capasiti Ysgol / School Capacity 50 All -ddalgylch / Outside Catchment 66% (27)
£ y Pen / Per Pupil £4,536
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4 EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT MODELS
4.1 Why Change Education in the Gader Catchment Area?
The case for any change in the Gader catchment area has been made in several forums already, as many discussions have already taken place at a local level and in democratic forums. Over a period of time a consensus has been reached that there is a need to change the current education provision in the catchment.
The area has been targeted for re- organisation as there are numerous challenges regarding the education provision; • there are low pupil numbers in most of the schools in the catchment area • Pupil projections forecast a further decline; in fact by September 2016 it is expected that there will be 637 primary and secondary pupils in the catchment area, a decline of 127 pupils • 6 out of the 9 primary schools receive additional funding through the minimum staffing policy (safety net); this totalled £199,929 in 2013/14. This figure may increase further in the future as pupil numbers continue to decline • The per pupil cost in each of the catchment’s primary schools is higher than the County average of £3,910 • There is a huge range in primary cost per pupil within the catchment area; £4,003 - £10,616 • There are issues recruiting head teachers in the area • 6 of the primary head teachers teach for over 70% of their time, which limits time for leadership and management • Not all of the school buildings are in the best condition or suitable for teaching in the twenty-first century • The majority of the primary classes contain age ranges of four year groups • Projections show that 3 of the primary schools will have fewer than 15 pupils within the next 5 years – this will result in additional finance to finance a head teacher and senior classroom assistant only (whereas they currently have a head teacher and teacher) – this inevitably will affect the standard of education • 26% of primary pupils attend schools beyond their natural catchment • 8 out of the 9 primary schools have significant surplus places – over 30% • Standard of education in the catchment is variable with some schools doing better than others due to some particular issues.
The aim is that the the school organisation will address Gwynedd Council and Welsh Government strategic goals to deliver sustainable bilingual education provision: • Consistency in the size of classes and reducing the age range within primary school classes • Substantially reducing the number of surplus places in the schools and increasing efficiency • Responding to the challenge of changes in population which is likely to occur in the future
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• Improving the learning environment for more pupils and ensuring a school which can fulfil the needs of the Twenty First Century Schools Programme • Ensuring strong leadership and management • Ensuring a new, fit for purpose and sustainable resource • Reducing the range of primary cost per pupil for the provision of education in the area • Reconcile the number of schools in the area to match the need • Rationalise cost per pupil in schools • Releasing funding to be spent on children within the education system rather than on buildings and maintaining the existing infrastructure • Will ensure substantial investment in education provision
4.2 Possible Models
A number of models were discussed prior to creating the long list. Those options were based on the possible way forward by considering all 10 schools in the catchment. This encompassed: • Developing co-operation/federation models between some or all of the current schools without closing schools • Developing co-operation/federation models between some of the current schools after closing some schools • Close some primary schools by transferring pupils to nearby schools without capital investment or co-operation between the schools remaining. • Close some primary schools by transferring pupils to nearby schools without capital investments, and establish a collaboration between the schools remaining • Close some primary schools and establish area schools following capital investment • Close some rural primary schools and establish multi-site area schools following capital investment • Upgrade Dolgellau Primary with a capital investment to create an educational centre for primary education in the catchment area • Establish one school for primary pupils in the entire catchment area on a single site, the current school site or a new site • Establish one 3-16 although school on one site for the pupils of the entire catchment area • Establish an all through school on the present sites of Y Gader and Dolgellau Primary • Establish an all through school on more than one site • Establish an all through school for the entire catchment on a number of sites
Many of these have a number of different variations depending on the school and sites chosen
Developing a Co-operation Model/ Federation
It was discussed that this model could be developed in more than one form. Informal co-operation between the schools and more formal co-operation is possible through a federation arrangement.
The advantages of this type of model would be that it would ensure that education provision would remain in every site where education is provided at present. There would be opportunities to share expertise, resources and share good practice.
On the other hand, there are disadvantages to this type of model. It wouldn’t solve the problem of declining pupil numbers, the situation with high surplus places in individual schools, class sizes and age range in current classrooms, high teaching time for head teachers nor would it impact the financial situation. The teaching and learning environment would stay the same and the building maintenance
20 costs for the same number of buildings would continue – ensuring the substantial investment necessary to upgrade every building wouldn’t be possible.
Developing the Area School Model
An Area School is defined as a school that replaces other schools, creating a new school to serve in its place.
Some of the advantages of this model include revenue savings, more consistent per pupil costs in a particular area, impacting the size and age range within the classrooms, and releasing the head teacher from the classroom to enable him/her to prioritise time to lead and manage. This model also reduces surplus places.
Some of the disadvantages of this model is that pupils have to travel substantial distances to school, which makes their day long. For example, in Y Gader catchment area, if Ysgol Dinas Mawddwy site closed some pupils would have to travel nearly 45 minutes to school, which equals the Government Regulations’ maximum. Furthermore, substantial traveling distances results in high transportation costs which in turn reduces revenue savings. This model also negatively impacts the community losing the presence of a school.
Developing a Multi-Site Area School Model
A multi-site area school is statutorily defined as one school; however can have more than one site. The school replaces other schools by creating a new school to serve in its place.
The main benefit of this type of model is the possibility of maintaining education provision in more than one community. It’s a model that reacts well in very rural areas where there are long travelling distances to the alternative schools. It also means that sites of small schools are not isolated, rather they are part of a larger educational establishment enabling better use of resources i.e. one head teacher on both sites, sharing resources and staff between both sites and bringing pupils from both sites together to hold activities with a higher number of pupils. This model also produces revenue savings and keeps the presence of school sites in more than one community.
There are certain disadvantages to this model, firstly the fact that the size and range of the classes in some educational sites remain unchanged. Also, this model does not offer the highest possible revenue savings (often there would be more savings with an Area School). But it does make better use of resources and it does rationalise the cost per pupil. This model also has a negative impact on the communities which lose the presence of a school.
All Through School Model
In this case, an All Through school is defined as a school for pupils between 3-16 years of age which does away with the gap between primary and secondary schools. Statutorily, it is recognised as a ‘middle school’. An All through school can occupy one or more sites.
Some advantages of this model are the fact that it allows flexibility to make the most effective use of funding and resources e.g. use secondary school teachers’ subject expertise to teach specialist subjects to primary school pupils, or extend the use of primary literacy and numeracy teaching methods to the secondary sector. The aim would be to reduce the gap which exists between pupils’ achievement during the transitional phase from the primary into the secondary. (year 6 to year 7)
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One disadvantage is the fact that this type of school is not common in Wales (4 from September 2014 onwards) which means that there are concerns regarding a model which is still under development.
Catchment Area All Through School Model
In this case a Catchment Area All Through School is defined as one school for all the 3-16 year old pupils within the entire catchment area. This model could occupy one or several sites, and would involve one head teacher, one staff team, one governing body and one budget for the entire catchment area.
This model is assessed in full later on in the document as the model favoured for Y Gader catchment area and the subject of this statutory consultation period.
Other options put forward
An alternative option was put forward as part of the research work carried out by local representatives. This model would involve the closure of Brithdir, Llanelltyd and Machreth schools and the distribution of pupils to neighbouring rural primary schools. Following this, there would be a collaboration network between the remaining primary schools (namely Ganllwyd, Clogau, Friog, Ieuan Gwynedd, Dinas Mawddwy and Dolgellau primary schools) so that joint timetabling and joint preparation would take place. This option has been included as part of the full options appraisal.
Also put forward by a representative of the Church in Wales was the option of a “collaboration trust”. This option has also been included as part of the full options appraisal.
4.3 Sites Considered
In order to make a long list of realistically possible models, the school sites were then considered. Extensive research has been undertaken to discover a site in the Dolgellau area for centralising the education provision. Unfortunately it was not possible to locate a large enough site due to constraints such as National Park planning areas, geographical features of the land regarding vast areas that flood regularly and suitable access. This resulted in the property department concluding that the development would be restricted to the current school sites.
Regarding the rural schools sites, the schools in the Eastern part were assessed fully as part of a previous scheme to create a multi-site area school in Brithdir and Dinas Mawddwy.
As part of this research, Machreth school site was ruled out as a possible site for a single-site or multi- site area school, due to its location compared to the pupil population, and difficulties getting to the site considering the access roads and the requirement to transport much higher pupil numbers.
The Dinas Mawddwy school site is a good school site but is geographically far for a large number of pupils to travel daily. The site was retained as part of the original proposal – multi-site area school in Brithdir and Dinas Mawddwy.
The Ieuan Gwynedd school site was on the short list as a main site for the area school but wasn’t chosen as the Brithdir school site was considered more favourable due to its established popularity. Regarding technical matters, there were no issues with the Ieuan Gwynedd school site in Rhydymain.
Unfortunately after extensive technical assessments on the site adjacent to the Brithdir School, it became apparent that any development on it would be extremely expensive due to technical problems 22 relating to planning restrictions. To continue with the development would require extensive excavation which would cause unforeseen costs. This resulted in the proposal being withdrawn (as was previously reported to Cabinet).
Based on this research, as the situation regarding sites has not altered, it is not possible to develop the Machreth and Brithdir school sites. It is possible to develop the Ieuan Gwynedd school site and Dinas Mawddwy school site can be kept.
Research during summer 2013 on the Western rural school sites revealed which sites in the area were suitable for possible development. The Clogau school site is not possible as it is too small, has a rock face at its back and a main road at its front – there is no room for suitable expansion.
Ganllwyd school site is considered too small to develop without the purchase of additional land. There are significant issues regarding the land adjacent to the school as it is on a sharp incline and owned by The National Trust. The school and the Authority have had discussions in the past, trying to buy a small parcel of land so that the school would have a playing field, these discussions were unsuccessful. The property department are of the opinion that there are insurmountable issues regarding development of this site and do not recommend it.
The Friog site could be developed but due to its distant location from the majority of the pupil population it is not recommended as pupil travelling time would be high and the distance could threaten the long term viability of any development. It is however considered a site to retain due to the travelling distances pupils in the Friog / Fairbourne area would have to complete should it close. The standard of the road from Dolgellau through Arthog to Friog was also a consideration in this decision, as it is narrow, and windy.
It would be possible to develop the Llanelltyd site. With the purchase of a small strip of land to the West of the school, it would be possible to extend it to receive approximately 70 pupils. This site could therefore be used.
Dolgellau primary is the main primary school in Dolgellau and currently a split site school with the infants on one side of a road and the juniors on the opposite side. The junior building is a listed building and the infants building is owned by the Church in Wales. A development to bring the school together on one site (the present juniors) was considered but at £4.2m was considered too costly. Moving Dolgellau Primary to the Gader school site was a considered option but not feasible due to lack of suitable space (an alternative proposal to locate all key stage 2 pupils in Y Gader School was also considered). Therefore improvement and substantial upgrading to both Dolgellau Primary sites seemed favourable as a primary school in Dolgellau must be retained due to the pupil numbers (and lack of room for pupils elsewhere).
Y Gader secondary school is a reasonably large site but is on a steep incline with buildings at different levels. Locating primary pupils on the site has been considered. There is no new site in the area suitable for a single site all-through school of any combination of schools, therefore continuing with the Ysgol Y Gader site is the only feasible option.
Therefore, the sites under consideration when creating the long list were: • Ysgol Dinas Mawddwy • Ysgol Y Gader • Ysgol Ieuan Gwynedd in Rhydymain • Ysgol Llanelltyd • Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau • Ysgol Friog
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4.4 Long List of Possible Models
Based on these sites the following long list of 8 options was made. Although the case for change has already been established, the ‘Do Nothing’ model is included for comparison purposes.
Model 1 – Do nothing Continue with the ‘status quo’ namely one Secondary School (Y Gader) and 9 Primary Schools. No change to the structure, location, designation, management or catchment areas of the present schools. Model 2: “Collaboration trust” between Ysgol Y Gader, Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau, Multi-Site School in Ysgol Friog and Llanelltyd and a Multi-Site School in Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Dinas Mawddwy • Retain Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau • Closure of Ganllwyd, Clogau, Llanelltyd, Friog, Machreth, Ieuan Gwynedd, Brithdir and Dinas Mawddwy schools • Establishing one multi-site area school in Llanelltyd and Friog to accommodate pupils from the present Ganllwyd, Clogau, Llanelltyd, and Friog catchment areas • Establishing one multi-site area school in Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Dinas Mawddwy to accommodate pupils from the present Machreth, Ieuan Gwynedd, Brithdir and Dinas Mawddwy catchment areas • Establishing a “collaboration trust” between Ysgol Y Gader, Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau and the two multi-site area schools. • Schools with head teacher, governing body and budget of their own Model 3: Collaboration Network between the following schools: Clogau, Friog, Ganllwyd, Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain), Dinas Mawddwy, Cynradd Dolgellau and Y Gader • Closing Ysgol Brithdir and moving the pupils to Ysgol Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Ysgol Dinas Mawddwy • Closing Ysgol Machreth and transferring the pupils to Ysgol Ganllwyd • Closing Ysgol Llanelltyd and transferring the pupils to Ysgol Clogau, Ysgol Ganllwyd and Ysgol y Friog • Retain Ysgol Y Gader, Cynradd Dolgellau, Clogau, Friog, Ganllwyd, Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Dinas Mawddwy schools • Establishing a collaboration network between all the school and jointly timetabling the curriculum for all the primary schools • All the schools with their own head teacher and governing body Model 4: All-through school in the town of Dolgellau, Multi-site school in Friog and Llanelltyd, Multi- site school in Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Dinas Mawddwy • Closure of Ysgol Y Gader and Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau • Establish an All-through school for 3-16 year olds on the present sites of Ysgol y Gader and Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau • Close the schools at Ganllwyd, Clogau, Llanelltyd, Friog, Machreth, Ieuan Gwynedd, Brithdir and Dinas Mawddwy • Establish one multi-site area school in Llanelltyd and Friog to serve the pupils of the existing catchment areas of Ganllwyd, Clogau, Llanelltyd, and Friog • Establish one multi-site area school at Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Dinas Mawddwy to serve the pupils of the existing catchment areas of Machreth, Ieuan Gwynedd, Brithdir and Dinas Mawddwy • This would mean 3 schools in the catchment area with their own head teacher, governing body and budget. • Careful consideration is required to the designation of the new schools since 2 Church schools would close – either the All-through school or one of the area schools could be designated with Church status. 24
Model 5: All-through School in the town of Dolgellau, Multi-site School in Friog and Llanelltyd, Multi- site School in Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Dinas Mawddwy – Federation of the 3 schools. • Closure of Ysgol Y Gader and Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau • Establishing an All-through school for 3-16 year olds on the present sites of Ysgol y Gader and Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau • Closure of the schools at Ganllwyd, Clogau, Llanelltyd, Friog, Machreth, Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain), Brithdir and Dinas Mawddwy • Establishing one multi-site area school in Llanelltyd and Friog to serve the pupils of the existing catchment areas of Ganllwyd, Clogau, Llanelltyd, and Friog • Establishing one multi-site area school at Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Dinas Mawddwy to serve the pupils of the existing catchment areas of Machreth, Ieuan Gwynedd, Brithdir and Dinas Mawddwy • The designation of the new schools will have to be given careful consideration as it will either abolish Church primary school provision or abolish primary and secondary community provision (according to the new federation regulations it is not possible to federate schools of different categories). • This will create a “Federation of Y Gader catchment area schools” Model 6: One All-through School in the town of Dolgellau and one rural Multi-site School (sites in Friog, Llanelltyd, Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Dinas Mawddwy – Federate the 2 schools) • Closure of Ysgol Y Gader and Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau • Establish an All-through school for 3-16 year olds on the present sites of Ysgol y Gader and Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau • Closure of the schools at Ganllwyd, Clogau, Llanelltyd, Friog, Machreth, Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain), Brithdir and Dinas Mawddwy • Federate the 2 schools which will mean one head teacher and one governing body for all the schools in the entire catchment area. • Establish one multi-site area school at Llanelltyd, Friog, Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Dinas Mawddwy to serve the pupils of the existing catchment areas of Ganllwyd, Clogau, Llanelltyd, Friog, Machreth, Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain), Brithdir and Dinas Mawddwy • The designation of the new schools will have to be given careful consideration as it will either abolish Church primary school provision or abolish primary and secondary community provision (according to the new federation regulations it is not possible to federate schools of different categories). • This will create a “Federation of Y Gader Catchment Area Schools” Model 7: Retain Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau, and create a 3 – 16 year All-through catchment area School (on the existing sites of Y Gader, Friog, Llanelltyd, Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Dinas Mawddwy schools with a choice for the pupils of Machreth to attend Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau or the All-through School) . • Retaining Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau • Closure of the schools at Y Gader, Ganllwyd, Clogau, Llanelltyd, Friog, Machreth, Ieuan Gwynedd, Brithdir and Dinas Mawddwy • Establishing an All-through school for 3-16 year olds on the present sites of Ysgol y Gader, Llanelltyd, Friog, Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Dinas Mawddwy to serve secondary pupils from Y Gader catchment area and primary pupils from the existing catchment areas of Ganllwyd, Clogau, Llanelltyd, Friog, Machreth, Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain), Brithdir and Dinas Mawddwy schools • The all-through school to be a community school and Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau to remain a Church school • It is not possible to federate the 2 schools (according to the new federation regulations it is not possible to federate schools of different categories). Therefore close collaboration will be needed. • This will entail two schools, two head teachers and two governing bodies.
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Model 8: Catchment Area All-through School on the existing sites of Y Gader, Cynradd Dolgellau, Friog, Llanelltyd, Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Dinas Mawddwy schools • Closure of Y Gader, Cynradd Dolgellau, Ganllwyd, Clogau, Llanelltyd, Friog, Machreth, Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain), Brithdir and Dinas Mawddwy schools • Establishing a 3 – 16 All-through School on the existing sites of Y Gader, Cynradd Dolgellau, Llanelltyd, Friog, Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Dinas Mawddwy schools to serve all the primary and secondary pupils of Y Gader catchment area • Detailed consideration will have to be given to the designation of the new school, it would involve either abolishing Church primary education provision or abolishing both primary and secondary community education • There will be one head teacher and one governing body
4.5 Options Appraisal
A full options appraisal was undertaken on the 8 possible models. This took into consideration factors from the School Organisation Code, the County’s School Organisation Strategy, the vision for the catchment area and other relevant factors. The full options appraisal is in the table that follow:
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Within these tables bold text indicates advantages, italic text indicates disadvantages and regular text indicates facts or comments 2 3 Considerations “Collaboration trust” between Collaboration Network between 4 Ysgol Y Gader, Ysgol Clogau, Ysgol Friog, Ysgol Ganllwyd, All-through School in Dolgellau town 1 Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau, Ysgol Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain), Multi-site school in Friog and Llanelltyd Do Nothing Multi-site school in Friog and Llanelltyd and a Ysgol Dinas Mawddwy, Multi-site school in Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Dinas Multi-site school in Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Ysgol Cynradd Dolgellau and Mawddwy Dinas Mawddwy Ysgol Y Gader The present educational standard There would be opportunities to share expertise between The collaboration network intends to allow for timetabling There would be a formal mechanism an opportunity to share continues. the different site staff of the multi-site area schools. the primary schools’ curriculum across the catchment so that expertise and resources between the different site staff at
Education Standard It will remain a challenge to ensure Opportunity for improved continuation for education all pupils have completed the same work. the multi-site area schools. equal opportunity and access to a broad between the primary and secondary age range within the No guarantee of co-operation between the different staff at Opportunity for improved continuation for education and balanced curriculum for the pupils of all-through school. the different schools. No way to guarantee that the between the primary and secondary age range within the all- the catchment area. No guarantee of co-operation between the different staff at opportunities given to the primary children of the all-through through school. the different schools. No way to guarantee that the school are also given to the primary children of the area No guarantee of co-operation between the different staff at opportunities given to the primary children of the all- schools’ - there will be no formal mechanism to ensure sharing the different schools. No way to guarantee that the through school are also given to the primary children of the of expertise and resources. opportunities given to the primary children of the all-through area schools’ - there will be no formal mechanism to ensure school are also given to the primary children of the area sharing of expertise and resources. schools’ - there will be no formal mechanism to ensure sharing of expertise and resources.
Co-operation No change to the present situation – the There would only be an informal agreement to co -operate, There would only be an informal network of collaboration There would be no way of guaranteeing co -operation between Catchment present schools have had ample any of the schools would be able to withdraw from the between the schools. The present schools have had ample the three schools. opportunity to co-operate, examples of collaboration trust at any point. opportunity to co-operate and share expertise informally co-operation are very limited. examples of co-operation are very limited. There would be no way of enforcing the co-operation.
10 schools would remain. Buildings and facilities that are new, modern, and fit for There would be 7 schools. Buildings and facilities that are new, modern, and fit for Condition and
Suitability of No capital investment, current school purpose for children in the area. Upgrading and No Capital investment, current school sites used, some of these purpose for children in the area. Upgrading and remodelling
Buildings sites used, some of these are not fit for remodelling work, with all the relevant elements are not fit for purpose in the 21 st century and do not provide all work, with all the relevant elements available for staff and purpose in the 21 st century and do not available for staff and pupils; multi-purpose hall, the relevant resources to all staff and pupils e.g. staff rooms, pupils; multi-purpose hall, foundation phase area, outdoor provide all the relevant resources to all foundation phase area, outdoor play area, staff room etc. outdoor playing areas, suitable multi-purpose hall etc. play area, staff room etc.
staff and pupils e.g. staff rooms, outdoor Gader catchment pupils able to take advantage of modern Gader catchment pupils able to take advantage of modern playing areas, suitable multi-purpose provision. provision. hall etc. There would be 4 schools and 6 sites. There would be 3 schools and 6 sites. Six schools will remain in the staffing Pupil numbers would stabilise in the whole catchment. Pupil numbers would stabilise in the rural areas. Pupil numbers would stabilise in the whole catchment.
Pupil Numbers & financial safety net. Projections show Surplus places in the area would reduce significantly. Surplus places in the area would reduce significantly. Surplus places in the area would reduce significantly. Surplus Places that numbers in three schools will fall Under the same leadership and governance the sites with Complex issues regarding the schools’ new catchment areas Under the same leadership and governance the sites with below 15 making them extremely fewer pupils would receive mentorship from the site with and problems with school admissions. Llanelltyd pupils would fewer pupils would receive mentorship from the site with vulnerable and unsustainable. more pupils. transfer to 3 existing schools and Brithdir pupils would transfer more pupils. Over 300 surplus places will remain, with Some challenges regarding the multi-site element. May be to 2 existing schools. Deciding which pupils attend where Some challenges regarding the multi-site element. May be this figure increasing in the next few some issues regarding pupil admissions to the multi-site would be complex and a highly controversial issue. some issues regarding pupil admissions to the multi-site school years. school – this would need addressing through clear guidance – this would need addressing through clear guidance from the from the onset as it is a new concept. onset as it is a new concept.
Class Size and The majority of classes will remain to Class sizes will be more appropriate with the fewer school Classes sizes would improve compared to the current Class sizes w ill be more appropriate with the fewer school Age Age Range have an age range of up to 4 years. sites, compared to the current situation. Reduced age situation. Slightly reduced age range in some classes but not a sites, compared to the current situation. Reduced age ranges Class sizes will continue to vary between ranges in most classes making the delivery of the major difference as 2 classes (including 4 year groups) will in most classes making the delivery of the curriculum more 5-32. curriculum easier. remain in a number of schools. effective. It will not enable single age classes in all the sites – mixed It will not enable single age classes in all the sites – mixed age age classes would remain on some site. classes would remain on some site. 27
Governanc 10 governing bodies will remain. Will reduce the number of headteachers required in the 7 governing bodies continue with 7 headteachers. Will significantly reduce the number of headteachers No effect on the problem regarding area. A high number of headteachers still required. required in the area, alleviating the headteacher recruitment e e headteacher recruitment. 4 governing bodies, 4 headteachers, 2 of which will run two issue. sites. 3 governing bodies, 3 headteachers, all of which will run two sites. Continues with both community and Continues with both community and Church in Wales Continues with both community and Church in Wales primary Could provide both community and Church in Wales primary Category
School Church in Wales primary education, primary education, continuing parental choice. education, continuing parental choice. education provision, dependant on the category choice for the continuing parental choice. different schools established. The Church in Wales could object to this model and refer the proposal to the Education Minister, should Church in Wales education be removed. No change to the current management More non teaching time for headteachers to lead and Need for fewer posts. Staff expertise can be shared. More non teaching time for the structure. manage. Although there would be fewer headteachers, the size of the headteacher. More opportunity to strengthen and develop No change to the current situation Need for fewer posts. schools would still mean that they would need to teach for a leadership role. Opportunities to co-operate on professional
Leadership & Staffing where primary headteachers are There will be no formal mechanism to allow leaders to high percentage of their time, not allowing them to matters and develop plans together for the benefit of pupils. teaching for most of their time. share expertise and resources within the catchment area or concentrate on leadership and management. Allow formal mechanism to share expertise and plan There will be job losses as the pupil to plan common aspects of a catchment area curriculum. There will be no formal mechanism to allow leaders to share curriculum within each of the three schools. numbers decline and the school budget’s expertise and resources within the catchment area or to plan Need for fewer posts. cannot afford the current staff. There common aspects of a catchment area curriculum . 2 sites to manage. More staff to lead and manage. Staff will will be no formal mechanism to allow need to be managed from afar. Budget enables headteacher leaders to share expertise and resources based on pupil numbers, however 2 site managers needed - within the catchment area or to plan any savings would go on running the education structure common aspects of a catchment area rather than being spent on pupils. There will be no formal curriculum. mechanism to allow leaders to share expertise and resources within the catchment area or to plan common aspects of a catchment area curriculum. No schools will close in any village. Brings children from different villages together to be Brings children from different villages together to be Brings children from different villages together to learn and Impact Report = No Effect educated. Extends opportunities for children to have educated. Extends opportunities for children to have access socialise. Extends opportunities for children to have access to
Community Uncertainty will remain regarding the access to wider community facilities. to wider community facilities. wider community facilities. Keeps a school site presence in 4 sustainability of education provision in Keeps a school site presence in 4 rural villages. Keeps a school site presence in 5 rural villages. rural villages. the area. Impact Report = -10 score and -4 following alleviating Impact Report = -11 score and -6 following alleviating Impact Report = -11 score and -4 following alleviating measures measures measures Loss of school presence of in 4 rural villages. For Loss of school presence of in 3 rural villages. For communities Loss of school presence of in 4 rural villages. For communities communities where the schools will close, the Council could where the schools will close, the Council could adopt some where the schools will close, the Council could adopt some adopt some alleviating measures to minimise effect. alleviating measures to minimise effect. alleviating measures to minimise effect . Impact Report = No Change Impact Report Impact Report Impact Report - “collaboration trust” between Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau - Continue with Ysgol Y Gader, Dolgellau Primary, Clogau, Friog, - Establish a 3-16 All-through school on the existing sites of and Ysgol y Gader and the following multi-site schools, Ganllwyd, Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Dinas Mawddwy Ysgol y Gader and Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau = Positive Language namely = No Change = No change - Multi-site area school at Llanelltyd (pupils from Ganllwyd, - Multi-site school on Llanelltyd site (pupils from Ganllwyd, - Close Ysgol Brithdir and move the pupils to Ieuan Gwynedd Clogau, Llanelltyd) and Y Friog = Negative Low Clogau, Llanelltyd) and Y Friog = Negative Low and Dinas Mawddwy schools = Positive / Neutral - Multi-site area school at Ieuan Gwynedd (combining pupils - Multi-site school on Ieuan Gwynedd site (pupils from - Close Ysgol Machreth and transfer the pupils to Ysgol from Machreth, Ieuan Gwynedd, Brithdir) and Dinas Machreth, Ieuan Gwynedd, Brithdir) and Dinas Mawddwy Ganllwyd = Positive High Mawddwy = Positive High = Positive High - Close Ysgol Llanelltyd and transfer the pupils to Clogau, Ganllwyd and Y Friog schools = Negative Low
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Cost of maintaining 10 sites. Revenue Savings = £244,050 Revenue Savings = £253,000 Revenue Savings = £244,050 Financial Factors No revenue savings. Capital investment to upgrade sites. More effective Cost per pupil will be a little more equal in the area. More Capital investment to upgrade sites. More effective provision 3 schools financially vulnerable within 2 provision of resources. Cost per pupil in the area would be effective provision of resources. of resources. Cost per pupil in the area would be more equal years (numbers below 15). more equal and less than the present situation. No Cost of maintaining 7 sites. and less than the present situation. No schools in the No investment from Welsh Government. schools in the minimum staffing protection scheme. No capital investment to upgrade sites. Transport costs would minimum staffing protection scheme. Range in cost per pupil remains Cost of maintaining 6 sites. be extremely high. Schools would remain in the minimum Cost of maintaining 6 sites. extremely high. High maintenance costs staffing protection scheme due to low pupil numbers. of 10 sites. No child will travel further to school as No pupil in the area will have to travel an unreasonable Education provision would be available within a reasonable No pupil in the area will have to travel an unreasonable time Geographical there is no change to their current time to school. travelling distance. to school. Factors travelling arrangements. Some pupils will travel further to school (compared to Some pupils will travel further to school (compared to current Some pupils will travel further to school (compared to current current arrangements). arrangements). Numerous issues regarding transport arrangements). arrangements as pupils from the same areas would need transport to different receiving school e.g. Llanelltyd pupils will go to Clogau, Ganllwyd and Friog.
7 Considerations 5 6 Continue with Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau, Create a 3-16 All-through school in Dolgellau town 8 All-through school in Dolgellau town All-through school (on the present sites of Y Gader, Multi-site school in Friog and Llanelltyd All-through School on the present sites of Y Gader, One rural Multi-site area school (sites in Friog, Llanelltyd, Friog, Llanelltyd, Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Multi-site school in Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Cynradd Dolgellau, Friog, Llanelltyd, Ieuan Gwynedd Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Dinas Mawddwy Dinas Mawddwy schools with a choice for Dinas Mawddwy (Rhydymain) and Dinas Mawddwy schools Federate the 2 Schools Llanfachreth pupils to attend Ysgol Gynradd Federate 3 schools Dolgellau or the All-through school There would be opportunities to share expertise There would be opportunities to share expertise between There would be opportunities to share expertise Opportunity for improved continuation for education between the different site staff at the multi-site area the different site staff at the multi-site area school. between the different sites staff. between the primary and secondary age range within the Educational Standard schools. Opportunity for improved continuation for education Opportunity for improved continuation for education all-through school. As all the sites are governed and Opportunity for improved continuation for between the primary and secondary age range within the between the primary and secondary age range within managed by the same team it would facilitate the sharing education between the primary and secondary age all-through school. the all-through school. of staff expertise, sharing of resources, timetabling across range within the all-through school. It would be a challenge to ensure that the same It would be a challenge to ensure that the same the primary sites and improving the primary/secondary It would be a challenge to ensure that the same opportunities given to the primary children of the all- opportunities given to the primary children of the all- age gap to ensure improved continuation and hopefully opportunities given to the primary children of the all- through school were also given to the primary children of through school were also given to the primary children maintain and improve standards. through school were also given to the primary children the area school. of Ysgol Cynradd Dolgellau. of the area schools’.
The schools would be formally federated and The schools would be formally federated and therefore There would b e no way of guaranteeing co -operation There would be only 1 school in the catchment, that would Co-operation
Catchment therefore they would have to co-operate. they would have to co-operate. between the two schools. share resources across the catchment and would aim for New federation legislation means that Local New federation legislation means that Local Authorities can fairness regarding experiences and opportunities for all Authorities can instigate the establishment of instigate the establishment of federation but that it is not pupils within the catchment. federation but that it is not possible to federate possible to federate schools of different categories i.e. a schools of different categories i.e. a community and community and Church in Wales school could not be Church in Wales school could not be federated. federated.
Suitability of Buildings Buildings and facilities that are new, modern, and fit Buildings and facilities that are new, modern, and fit for Buildings and facilities that are new, modern, and fit Buildings and facilities that are new, modern, and fit for for purpose for children in the area. Upgrading and purpose for children in the area. Upgrading and for purpose for children in the area. Upgrading and purpose for children in the area. Upgrading and Condition and remodelling work, with all the relevant elements remodelling work, with all the relevant elements available remodelling work, with all the relevant elements remodelling work, with all the relevant elements available available for staff and pupils; multi purpose hall, for staff and pupils; multi purpose hall, foundation phase available for staff and pupils; multi purpose hall, for staff and pupils; multi purpose hall, foundation phase foundation phase area, outdoor play area, staff area, outdoor play area, staff room etc. foundation phase area, outdoor play area, staff room area, outdoor play area, staff room etc. room etc. Gader catchment pupils able to take advantage of modern etc. Gader catchment pupils able to take advantage of modern Gader catchment pupils able to take advantage of provision. Gader catchment pupils able to take advantage of provision. modern provision. There would be 2 schools and 6 sites. modern provision. There would be 1 school and 6 sites. There would be 3 schools and 6 sites. There would be 2 schools and 6 sites. 29
Pupil numbers would stabilise in the whole Pupil numbers would stabilise in the whole catchment. Pupil numbers would stabilise in the whole Pupil numbers would stabilise in the whole catchment. Pupil Numbers & Surplus catchment. Flexibility with the structure so it could Flexibility with the structure so it could withstand catchment. Flexibility with the structure so it could Flexibility with the structure so it could withstand withstand demographic changes into the future. demographic changes into the future. Significantly reduce withstand demographic changes into the future. demographic changes into the future. Significantly reduce Significantly reduce surplus places. Under the same surplus places. Under the same leadership and governance Significantly reduce surplus places. Under the same surplus places. Under the same leadership and governance
Places leadership and governance the sites with fewer the sites with fewer pupils would receive mentorship. leadership and governance the sites with fewer the sites with fewer pupils would receive mentorship. pupils would receive mentorship. There would be some challenges regarding the multi-site pupils would receive mentorship. There would be some challenges regarding the multi-site There would be some challenges regarding the multi- element. There may be some issues regarding pupil There would be some challenges regarding the multi- element. There may be some issues regarding pupil site element. There may be some issues regarding admissions – this would need addressing through clear site element. There may be some issues regarding admissions – this would need addressing through clear pupil admissions – this would need addressing guidance from the onset as it is a new concept. pupil admissions – this would need addressing through guidance from the onset as it is a new concept. through clear guidance from the onset as it is a new clear guidance from the onset as it is a new concept. concept.
Class Size and Class sizes will be more appropriate with the fewer Class sizes will be more appropriate with the fewer school Class sizes will be more appropriate with the fewer Class sizes will be more appropriate with the fewer school Age Age Range school sites, compared to the current situation. sites, compared to the current situation. Reduced age school sites, compared to the current situation. sites, compared to the current situation. Reduced age Reduced age ranges in most classes making the ranges in most classes making the delivery of the Reduced age ranges in most classes making the ranges in most classes making the delivery of the delivery of the curriculum more effective. curriculum more effective. delivery of the curriculum more effective. curriculum more effective. It will not enable single age classes in all the sites – It will not enable single age classes in all the sites – mixed It will not enable single age classes in all the sites – It will not enable single age classes in all the sites – mixed mixed age classes would remain on some site. age classes would remain on some site. mixed age classes would remain on some site. age classes would remain on some site. Will significantly reduce the number of headteachers Will significantly reduce the number of headteachers Will significantly reduce the number of headteachers Will significantly re duce the number of headteachers required in the area, alleviating the headteacher required in the area, alleviating the headteacher required in the area, alleviating the headteacher required in the area, alleviating the headteacher Governance recruitment issue. recruitment issue. recruitment issue. recruitment issue. 1 governing body, number of headteachers would be 1 governing body, number of headteachers would be the 1 governing body, number of headteachers would be 1 governing body, 1 headteacher would run all the school’s the federated governing bodies decision but 1 would federated governing bodies decision but 1 would be the federated governing bodies decision but 1 would sites with the help of site managers or deputies. be recommended. The headteacher would run all the recommended. The headteacher would run all the sites be recommended. The headteacher would run all the Would need a high calibre headteacher . sites with the help of site managers or deputies. with the help of site managers or deputies. sites with the help of site managers or deputies. Would need a high calibre headteacher. Would need a high calibre headteacher . Would need a high calibre headteacher. The designation of the new schools will have to be The designation of the new schools will have to be given Continues with both community and Church in Wales The designation of the new schools will have to be given
School Category given careful consideration as it will either abolish careful consideration as it will either abolish Church primary primary education, continuing parental choice. careful consideration as depending on the category, it will Church primary school provision or abolish primary school provision or abolish primary and secondary remove either community secondary or Church in Wales and secondary community provision (according to the community provision (according to the new federation primary education provision in the Gader catchment, new federation regulations it is not possible to regulations it is not possible to federate schools of different limiting parental choice. federate schools of different categories). categories). The Church in Wales could object to this model and refer The Church in Wales could object to this model and The Church in Wales could object to this model and refer the proposal to the Education Minister, should Church in refer the proposal to the Education Minister, should the proposal to the Education Minister, should Church in Wales education be removed. Church in Wales education be removed. Wales education be removed.
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Model will allow formal mechanism to share Model will allow formal mechanism to share expertise and Model will allow formal mechanism to share Model will allow formal mechanism to share expertise and expertise and resources and plan curriculum within resources and plan curriculum within each of the two expertise and resources and plan curriculum within resources and plan curriculum across the whole catchment each of the three schools and also to an increased schools and also to an increased degree between the each of the two schools and also to an increased area. More non teaching time for the headteacher to lead degree between the different school within the different school within the catchment area. More non degree between the different school within the and manage. The budget will allow for appropriate
Leadership and Staffing catchment area. Staff expertise can be shared. More teaching time for headteacher to lead and manage. catchment area. Staff expertise can be shared. More managerial framework structure. non teaching time for the headteacher. More Need for fewer posts. non teaching time for the headteacher. More Better opportunities for staff career development. opportunity to strengthen and develop leadership The two schools will still have some individual autonomy opportunity to strengthen and develop leadership Need for fewer posts. role. Opportunities to co-operate on professional which could create a challenge to the efficient catchment role. Opportunities to co-operate on professional A number of sites to manage. More staff to lead and matters and develop plans together for the benefit area management of staffing and resources and curriculum matters and develop plans together for the benefit of manage. Staff will need to be managed from afar. of the pupils. planning. the pupils. Need for fewer posts. A number of sites to manage. Headteacher will need to Need for fewer posts. The three schools will still have some individual manage staff from afar. The two schools will still have some individual autonomy which could create a challenge to the autonomy which could create a challenge to the efficient catchment area management of staffing and efficient catchment area management of staffing and resources and curriculum planning. resources and curriculum planning. A number of sites to manage. More staff to lead and A number of sites to manage . More staff to lead and manage. Staff will need to be managed from afar. manage. Staff will need to be managed from afar Brings children from different villages together to Brings children fr om different villages together to learn Brings children from different villages together to Brings children from different villages together to learn learn and socialise. Extends opportunities for and socialise. Extends opportunities for children to have learn and socialise. Extends opportunities for and socialise. Extends opportunities for children to have children to have access to wider community access to wider community facilities. Keeps a school site children to have access to wider community facilities. access to wider community facilities. Keeps a school site facilities. Keeps a school site presence in 4 rural presence in 4 rural villages. Keeps a school site presence in 4 rural villages. presence in 4 rural villages.
Community villages. Impact Report = -11 score and -6 following alleviating Impact Report = -9 score and -4 following alleviating Impact Report = -11 score and -6 following alleviating Impact Report = -11 score and -6 following alleviating measures measures measures measures Loss of presence of a school in 4 rural villages. For those Loss of presence of a school in 4 rural villages. For Loss of presence of a school in 4 rural villages. For those Loss of presence of a school in 4 rural villages. For communities where the schools will close, the Council could those communities where the schools will close, the communities where the schools will close, the Council could those communities where the schools will close, the adopt some measures in order to alleviate the negative Council could adopt some measures in order to adopt some measures in order to alleviate the negative Council could adopt some measures in order to effect. These alleviating measures will be considered for alleviate the negative effect. These alleviating effect. These alleviating measures will be considered for alleviate the negative effect. These alleviating inclusion in the work programme. measures will be considered for inclusion in the work inclusion in the work programme. measures will be considered for inclusion in the work programme. programme. Impact Report = Positive Impact Report = Positive Impact Report Impact Report = Positive - Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau = No change Language - Establish a 3-16 All-through school on the existing sites of Y Gader, Friog, Llanelltyd, Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Dinas Mawddwy; close Ganllwyd, Clogau, Machreth and Brithdir, with a choice for Machreth pupils to attend Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau or the All-through School = Positive
Financial Factors Revenue Savings = £244,050 Revenue Savings = £246,550 Revenue Savings = £246,550 Revenue Savings = £255,625 Capital investment to upgrade sites. More effective Capital investment to upgrade sites. More effective Capital investment to upgrade sites. More effective Capital investment to upgrade sites. More effective provision of resources. Cost per pupil in the area provision of resources. Cost per pupil in the area would be provision of resources. Cost per pupil in the area provision of resources. Cost per pupil in the area would be would be more equal and less than the present more equal and less than the present situation. No schools would be more equal and less than the present more equal and less than the present situation. No schools situation. No schools in the minimum staffing in the minimum staffing protection scheme. situation. No schools in the minimum staffing in the minimum staffing protection scheme. protection scheme. Cost of maintaining 6 sites. protection scheme. Cost of maintaining 6 sites. Cost of maintaining 6 sites. Cost of maintaining 6 sites.
Factors Geogra No pupil in the area will have to travel an No pupil in the area will have to travel an unreasonable No pupil in the area will have to travel an No pupil in the area will have to travel an unreasonable phical unreasonable time to school . time to school. unreasonable time to school. time to school . Some pupils will travel further to school (compared to Some pupils will travel further to school (compared to Some pupils will travel further to school (compared to Some pupils will travel further to school (compared to current arrangements). current arrangements). current arrangements). current arrangements).
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5. THE PROPOSAL
Following an opstions appraisal, the favoured model and the proposal subject to this consultation is the establishment of a Welsh medium, community 3-16 all-through catchment area school on the present sites of Y Gader, Dolgellau Primary, Friog, Llanelltyd, Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain) and Dinas Mawddwy schools. Catchment Area All Through School
The name of the school will be decided upon by the Name school’s shadow governing body Existing sites of Ysgol Y Gader, Ysgol Cynradd Dolgellau, Location Ysgol Llanelltyd, Ysgol Friog, Ysgol Dinas Mawddwy and Ysgol Ieuan Gwynedd in Rhydymain. Age range 3-16 years The school’s category (community, voluntary aided, voluntary controlled, Community foundation) Language Category Welsh Medium Implementation Date 1 September 2017 Nursery Reception – Yr 6 Yr 7 – Yr 11 Predicted numbers - September 2017 41 289 284 Nursery Reception Yr 7 Admission Number 44 53 80 Capacity (based on Welsh Assembly Nursery Reception – Yr 6 Yr 7 – Yr 11 Government Circular 21/2011 ‘Measuring the Capacity of Schools in Wales’) 44 390 402 Dolgellau Dinas Building Condition Llanelltyd Rhydymain Gader Friog Primary Mawddwy Quality of the Category buildings and (A = Good with no deterioration, classrooms A A A B B B B = Satisfactory with minor deterioration)
Some of the reasons why this model is the favoured option and the subject of this statutory consultation period follow in this section.
5.1 Quality of Education
The Council is committed to providing education of the best possible quality that will provide the County’s children with the experiences, skills and confidence to develop into bilingual, successful and well-rounded citizens.
It remains a high priority to provide the best possible learning experiences - for all learners within the County, ensuring an exciting and broad curriculum, as well as the extra-curricular activities, that motivate them to learn and comprehend, which leads to improved standards.
In noting the present quality, there is concern over the ability to maintain these standards, for a number of reasons: • Standards of the learning environment • Current pupil numbers in some schools and the predicted decline • Range in class sizes 32
• Range in cost per pupil • Non-contact time for the head teachers for leadership and management purposes
Estyn inspection reports note that the standard of education provision in the catchment area varies. The tables below include the rating scores on key questions within each report. Inspection Grade Cynradd Dinas Brithdir Clogau Ganllwyd Llanelltyd Machreth Dolgellau Mawddwy Friog (2007) (2008) (2010) (2008) (2010) (2010) (2009) (2010) 3 x Grade 1 5 x Grade 1 4 x Grade 2 3 x Grade 2 2 x Grade 1 2 x Grade 1 5 x Grade 1 Summary 7 x Grade 2 4 x Grade 2 2 x Grade 2 3 x Grade 3 4 x Grade 3 5 x Grade 2 5 x Grade 2 2 x Grade 2
Ysgol Ieuan Gwynedd was inspected in 2013 under the new guidelines: Key Question Judgement 1. How good are outcomes? Good 2. How good is provision? Good 3. How good are leadership and management? Good
Ysgol Y Gader was inspected in December 2010 under the new guidelines: School Estyn Inspection Result Inspection Date Y Gader 3 ‘Good’ Grade December 2010
Maintaining all the current school sites would create challenges when trying to maintain the standard of education and the same opportunities for all the area’s pupils. Especially as some of the schools have extremely low pupil projections, in fact three of the nine schools are projected to have fewer than 15 pupils by September 2016. This would mean that under the minimum staffing protection policy that there will only be sufficient funds for a headteacher and senior classroom assistant, rather than a headteacher and teacher. This would be very challenging for the individuals trying to maintain educational standards at these schools.
This type of proposal could provide an opportunity to improve educational standards across the catchment. Establishing one school could enable the flexibility across all the ages so that sharing resources, staff and facilities, becomes standard practice. There are reasons why this doesn’t happen to a greater extent at present such as multiple headteachers and governing bodies had to agree before any sharing could occur. These are some of the possibilities: • Specialist secondary teachers can travel to the primary sites to teach their subjects e.g. music • Primary pupils of certain ages can be taught in specialist teaching rooms in the Gader site e.g. year 5 and 6 pupils can be taught science together in the laboratories • The primary curriculum and timetable can be arranged across all the sites so all pupils of the same age are learning the same things at the same time – this would ensure they are all at the same level when entering year 7 at the secondary site • Primary staff from all sites can meet to discuss and share best practice, support, encourage and learn from each other • There would be improved continuation in all aspects of the curriculum as it is programmed across the catchment ensuring the same experiences and opportunities to all pupils
The all through school model should provide a more effective context for managers to manage resources and to plan education within the establishment. This in turn could provide a strong foundation for improving quality, the standard of education and the welfare of pupils. • Evidence shows that there is a closer relationship between the school and parents, and that a closer community is thus established. Research work in Scotland has revealed that “…the strong relationship with parents often has its roots in connections established during the early years of the 33
children’s education ” (Learning Together HMIe (Scotland), 2010). Such a relationship cannot be anything but healthy for the pupil and indeed for the wider community. • The welfare of pupils could be supported by reducing the concern and fear over the transition from the familiar primary sector into the secondary sector. A support system appropriate for the age and needs of pupils is established and thus a long term relationship is formed between parents and staff. • It has been found that teachers can get to know pupils better under the all through school system. • The experiences of other areas show that there is an opportunity to support families by providing integrated services including health, child care, adult training services as well as a range of other services. • A comprehensive language policy could be developed through the primary and secondary sectors, to include community activities and adult education. This is especially true in the case of Dolgellau in view of the results of the language assessment carried out on this model.
An all through school could provide additional opportunities for maintaining the ethos and general values across the school and these should provide a more effective context for improving the quality of teaching and learning. In short: • It is advantageous to use a combination of teaching and learning methods in both primary and secondary schools, in order to improve the pupils’ learning across the transition from the primary to the secondary school. • Consistency can be ensured in teaching, learning and in assessment methods and opportunities given for developing ways of promoting innovative skills. • The transition from the primary to the secondary sector can be a challenging experience for some learners unless the transition is dealt with in a co-ordinated way. An all through school can ease the transition since it would not involve a change of establishment between the primary and the secondary phases when the pupil reaches 11 years of age. There would naturally be differences in ethos and culture between primary and secondary sectors and for some pupils this can contribute towards difficulties in the transition between KS2 and KS3. • Progression could be ensured and also support and care for pupils with additional educational needs. This would ensure better continuity and consistency in the support given across all the key stages. There would also be more opportunities for early intervention – and thus a framework for tracking throughout the system. • This could offer an opportunity for appointing specialist teachers to ensure consistency in the curriculum across all age groups. • Research reveals that the transition period from primary to secondary school is challenging for children and that attainment in general suffers during this period. By creating a close relationship between the primary and secondary sectors, this period of uncertainty could be made easier for the pupils. In an all through school different phases could be used instead of the traditional Key Stages. There are several choices for arranging an all through school in age related phases. Some of these – based on the National Curriculum key Stages – reflect the primary/secondary division. These are not likely to have considerable effect on the pupil’s experience of moving from KS2 to KS3 and therefore they are less likely to lead to an improvement in a pupil’s progress. The more innovative choices offer ‘bridging’ between the stages in order to give the pupil a seamless experience in terms of curriculum planning, teaching and learning. • There is an opportunity to take advantage of staff expertise across the age groups. • There are more opportunities for ensuring that children are taught according to their needs rather than according to their age group. • Experience of a secondary school is not a necessary qualification for all through school leaders, such a school can be led by special school head teachers or primary school head teachers. Regarding the management structures, it is important to ensure that there is appropriate balance between the different sectors. 34
• Professional development, training programmes and specific development plans are advantageous as support measures for the whole-school ethos. Sharing expertise can improve knowledge of the curriculum across the various phases, together with support for best practice. • A number of responsibilities - curricular and managerial, which can be onerous for small establishments - can be centralised e.g. maintenance, health and safety, performance management, appraisal arrangements, development plans. • More effective managerial use can be made of human resources when teaching some specialist subjects to pupils.
5.2 Class Size and Age Range
Our expectation is that there will be appropriately sized classes in Gwynedd primary schools so that children within the County receive the best possible experiences and opportunities. It is the Council’s ambition to have classes between 12-25 pupils.
The age range within classes is also a reason for ensuring an appropriate provision for the future. When there is a higher age range among pupils in the same class there are increasing challenges in terms of effective teaching and learning. For example, the challenge is greater when there are 20 children between 7 and 11 years in one class, than if there were 20 children who are all 10 years old.
At the moment the size of classes varies from school to school and affects the educational experiences of the pupils - class size varies from 5 to 32. There are currently 4 classes that include 4 year groups and have fewer than 10 pupils in them. In the Gader catchment area the majority of primary schools have 2 classes with a mixed age range of four years - in fact there are 16 classes like this.
The exception to this is Ysgol Cynradd Dolgellau which has 6 classes, 2 of which only contain pupils of the same age group and 4 of which contain two year groups. One of the classes has 32 pupils for part of the day when the nursery pupils attend.
Pupils have been put in the following classes in the Gader primary schools for the academic year 2013/14:
Average Recepti No. of Largest Smallest School Nursery Yr 1 Yr 2 Yr 3 Yr 4 Yr 5 Yr 6 Total Class on Classes Class Class Size
7 5 8 5 3 9 5 4 Brithdir 46 2 25 21 23 25 21
2 3 1 5 3 3 4 4 Clogau 25 2 14 11 12.5 11 14
Dinas 3 5 1 3 4 4 0 1 21 2 12 9 10.5 Mawddwy 12 9
3 4 3 6 1 4 3 4 Friog 28 2 16 12 14 16 12
1 3 3 0 2 2 6 3 Ganllwyd 20 2 13 7 10 7 13
Ieuan 0 1 5 0 0 5 3 4 18 2 12 6 9 Gwynedd 6 12
4 7 3 3 5 6 10 3 Llanelltyd 41 2 24 17 20.5 17 24
1 2 0 2 0 2 4 5 Machreth 16 2 11 5 8 5 11
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Average Recept Yr No. of Largest Smallest School Nursery Yr 1 Yr 2 Yr 3 Yr 4 Yr 5 Total Class ion 6 Classes Class Class Size
23 21 Cynradd 13 19 17 19 19 16 7 16 11 10 147 6 32 17 24.5 Dolgellau 32 17 19 26 27 26 Class Sizes Source: Analysis by Gwynedd Education Department based on statements from individual schools, 2013/2014
The catchment area school model could mean the closure of four school sites which would affect the class size and age range in the area. The Council foresees that Brithdir and Machreth school pupils would receive their education in the Rhydymain site, while Ganllwyd and Clogau school pupils would receive their education at the Llanelltyd site. (It must be noted that the Authority would control admission to the school and the governors the site pupils attend.)
Class sizes and the distribution of staff resources at each site would be a matter decided upon by the school’s governing body. Based on September 2017 pupil projections, class sizes could be similar to the following: Average Recept No. of Largest Smallest Site Nursery Yr 1 Yr 2 Yr 3 Yr 4 Yr 5 Yr 6 Total Class ion Classes Class Class Size
8 8 8 7 8 9 12 7 Rhydymain 4 4 67 3 23 21 22 23 21 23
Dinas 4 4 3 5 4 3 5 1 29 2 16 13 25 Mawddwy 16 13
10 13 9 11 10 7 7 8 Llanelltyd 5 5 8 5 74 3 25 20 23 25 25 20
3 2 3 2 3 4 3 6 Friog 26 2 16 10 13 10 16
Average Recept No. of Largest Smallest Site Nursery Yr 1 Yr 2 Yr 3 Yr 4 Yr 5 Yr 6 Total Class ion Classes Class Class Size
17 Cynradd 17 17 16 13 19 17 19 8 9 135 6 26 13 21 Dolgellau 26 17 16 13 19 17 19
This model completely removes classes with fewer than 10 pupils, reduces the number of classes containing 4 year groups by 75%, ensure all the classes have fewer than 30 pupils and provides much more flexibility as there are more sites and staff under the same management.
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5.3 Pupil Population and Projections
Gwynedd is committed to the future proofing of education in the area through the delivery of sustainable provision and ensuring a fairer distribution of resources
Pupil numbers in Gwynedd schools have varied since 1975, however in general there has been a decline of around 18% in pupil numbers across the County. As a consequence, resources are spent each year on maintaining inefficient buildings and systems rather than on education for children and young people. A review was established to ensure that the schools within the County were adequate in numbers and appropriately located.
Evidence from other rural Welsh local authorities indicates that the risk to the effective delivery of educational provision rises as school numbers decline. The aim is that any change in the educational provision for the area would provide greater resilience in the event that pupil numbers fluctuate in the future.
Pupil numbers have varied at the schools in the Gader catchment since 1975, but in general (with the exception of 1985) there has been a steady decline in primary pupil numbers, with an overall 113 pupil 24% decrease since 1975. In the past five years the secondary school has had an increase in pupil numbers.
Number [Nursery - Yr.6 Age 3-11]
1975-2013 1975-2013 School 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2013 growth % growth Brithdir 21 18 23 24 22 43 38 40 46 25 119% Clogau 21 26 33 35 37 25 29 36 25 4 19% Cynradd 259 230 230 197 221 180 165 149 147 -112 -43% Dolgellau Dinas Mawddwy 38 43 38 52 44 37 34 25 21 -17 -45% Friog 40 55 49 53 57 45 42 33 28 -12 -30% Ganllwyd 19 13 20 20 12 30 22 22 20 1 5% Ieuan Gwynedd 31 31 32 28 24 17 26 19 18 -13 -42% Llanelltyd 29 31 38 25 29 32 37 40 41 12 41% Machreth 17 11 18 25 32 27 26 22 16 -1 -6%
Primary Total 475 458 481 459 478 436 419 386 362 -113 -24%
Y Gader 339 325 303 313 323 331 303 392 402 63 19%
Catchment Total 814 783 784 772 801 767 722 778 764 50 -6% Source: Data from annual (September) school census
Currently there are 102 pupils (28%) that attend a school which is not their catchment area school. This could be for a variety of reasons and when planning for school places the Council must ensure that there are sufficient places provided across the catchment to meet the demand.
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Lives in School Catchment Area (September 2013)
Friog Friog Dinas Ieuan Total Other Other Clogau Clogau School School Brithdir Brithdir Cynradd Ganllwyd Ganllwyd Dolgellau Gwynedd Gwynedd Llanelltyd Llanelltyd Machreth Machreth perSchool Mawddwy Mawddwy Catchment of Out Total 8 19 Clogau 6 - - - 3 - - - 8 (7 T, 1 25 (76%) DA) 26 Brithdir - 20 - - - - 6 1 19 - 46 (56%) 2 Dinas 2 - - 19 ------(1 P, 1 21 Mawddwy (10%) Po) 1 3 Ganllwyd - - - 17 - - - - 2 20 (BHW) (15%) 27 Llanelltyd 1 1 - - 14 1 2 - 22 - 41 (66%) 2 Ieuan 7 - - 1 - - 11 - - 4 (1 B, 1 18 Gwynedd (39%) DA)
School School September 2013 2 Friog ------26 - - 28 2 (8%) (CyD) 9 Machreth - 2 - 1 - - - 7 6 - 16 (56%) Cynradd - 1 - 2 1 - 1 - 2 140 147 7 (5%) Dolgellau (BHW) 2 1 Other ------(1 Pb, 1 - Key (T) CyD) T Traeth Catchment Total 7 25 21 18 17 13 36 10 202 DA Dyffryn Ardudwy P Pennal Total Out of PO Powys 1 5 3 2 10 3 Catchment per 2 (10%) 1 (6%) 62 (31%) BHW Bro Hedd Wyn (14%) (20%) (18%) (15%) (28%) (30%) Catchment Area B Bala Total Out of CyD Craig y Deryn
Catchment Pupils 89 (26%)
The table below summarises the number of primary pupils that live in each catchment, the number that live in each catchment and attend the catchment school, and the number attending the school but living outside the school’s catchment area. The out of catchment movement in Y Gader is unusually high. It will be a challenge to ensure that a suitable number of primary places are available in the short term to accommodate the pupil movement and for the long term.
Number of catchment area Number attending the Number living in the School children attending the school but living outside the catchment area catchment area school catchment Clogau 7 6 19 Brithdir 25 20 26 Dinas Mawddwy 21 19 2 Ganllwyd 18 17 3 Llanelltyd 17 14 27 Ieuan Gwynedd 13 11 7 Friog 36 26 2 Machreth 10 7 9 Dolgellau Primary 202 140 7 TOTAL 349 260 102
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Pupil numbers at Ysgol Y Gader have increased by 63 (19%), it must be remembered that a large number of these are from out of catchment and that this trend could change at any point. The number of secondary age pupils that live in Y Gader catchment and attend the school is 244, whereas 402 currently attend the school. This influx could be for a variety of reasons and must be remembered when planning for secondary places.
The Council is committed to ensuring that delivery solutions will offer more resistance to any fluctuations in pupil numbers within the area. Reducing the number of surplus places and ensuring robust school of suitable size, would provide opportunities to develop inclusive and community-focused elements. Such a course of action is crucial if equal opportunities are to be promoted across the County and the impact of poverty in children and young people’s lives is to be reduced.
The reduction in pupil numbers over the past years has created a significant number of primary surplus places in the Gader catchment area schools – a total of 41% (or 248 in number). There is also a number of secondary surplus places, 18% (86 places) which means the number of surplus places across the catchment is 31% (334 school places).
Three year pupil number projections are provided by the school headteachers (2014-2016). As any change in the area is proposed for September 2017, the projections are also required for this year. To calculate these the headteacher projections for 2016 are used and a 3 year average for the nursery number.
Currently 39% of the pupils attending Ysgol Y Gader come from outside the catchment area. Based on actual figures of primary school pupils from the Gader primary schools, there would be 36 pupils in year 7. Factoring in a proportion of out of catchment pupils (20%), we can estimate there could be approximately 43 in year 7- resulting in 284 pupils in 2017.
There is an overall reduction in pupil numbers in the area by September 2017: School 2013 2017 2013-2017 Brithdir 46 45 -1 Friog 28 26 -2 Clogau 25 27 +2 Ganllwyd 20 11 -9 Llanelltyd 41 36 -5 Machreth 16 9 -7 Dinas Mawddwy 211 29 +8 Ieuan Gwynedd 18 13 -5 Cynradd Dolgellau 147 135 -12 Y Gader 402 284 -118 Total 764 608 -149
These projections cause concern regarding the viability of some schools as they will become extremely vulnerable. Ganllwyd, Machreth and Ieuan Gwynedd schools are all predicted to fall below 15 pupils (Machreth as low as 8 pupils in 2016). This will mean that the minimum staffing protection scheme will only fund a headteacher and senior classroom assistant (rather than a headteacher and a teacher). This will put pressure on the headteachers and cause significant challenges for them to try and maintain standards and provide quality experiences and opportunities for pupils.
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There is an overall reduction in pupil numbers in the area by September 2017, but should the new catchment area school be implemented it could future proof and create a firm educational establishment that should be able to withstand future demographic changes. Pupil Age 2017 Projections Pupil numbers in the catchment in September 2017 Primary 331 could be approximately: Secondary 284 Total 615 These projections eliminate the concern that some of the schools in their present state would become extremely vulnerable below the 10 pupil mark. Although Friog and Dinas Mawddwy site pupil numbers remain as they are within this model, they still remain above 20 pupils. They should benefit greatly from the new managerial structure and gain access to new resources and experiences as teachers from other sites can teach them specialist subjects e.g. music. They could also travel to other sites on occasion for some lessons e.g. science in the laboratories at Y Gader secondary site.
Although the numbers in the secondary sector have decreased significantly, the catchment area school structure could ensure the viability of the sector. The new management structure and sharing specialists should reduce the impact of the low numbers. There should be enough flexibility within the school’s structure to enable to maintain and improve the current standards.
5.4 Management and Leadership
Our expectation is that headteachers will have a fair opportunity to provide professional leadership and management for their schools.
Our aim is for head teachers to be able to lead and manage their schools in a professional manner. Also, we expect school governing bodies to lead schools effectively within their budgets for the benefit of the pupils. We expect schools to have the best staff for providing education of the highest quality.
All the schools employ head teachers, teachers, classroom assistants, admin, cleaning and catering staff. The number of teaching staff is reflected below:
School Full Time Equivalent Teaching Staff Brithdir 2.6 (0.1 is supply) Clogau 2.3 (0.3 is supply) Cynradd Dolgellau 6.8 (0.4 is supply) Dinas Mawddwy 2.3 (0.1 is supply) Friog 2.2 (0.2 is supply) Ganllwyd 2.3 (0.3 is supply) Ieuan Gwynedd 2.3 (0.2 is supply) Llanelltyd 2.3 (0.3 is supply) Machreth 2.4 (0.4 is supply)
Y Gader 27.10
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In September 2013, head teachers of the Gader catchment schools taught for the following amount of time: School Comments Teaching Time Brithdir Headteacher in Charge 0.5 10% Clogau Permanent Full Time Headteacher 80% Cynradd Dolgellau Permanent Full Time Headteacher 70% Dinas Mawddwy Headteacher of Ysgolion Dinas Mawddwy, Dyffryn Dulas and Pennal 20% Friog Temporary Headteacher in Charge 85% Ganllwyd Permanent Full Time Headteacher 80% Ieuan Gwynedd Headteacher in Charge 0.5 30% Llanelltyd Permanent Full Time Headteacher 80% Machreth Headteacher in Charge 70%
Y Gader Permanent Full Time Headteacher 0%
At the moment most primary head teachers are expected to teach a class for a large part of their time, which reduces the time available for them to attend professionally to leadership and staffing matters. As the need for effective leadership and management increases in the schools it is vitally important that any change proposed takes into consideration leadership and management time for head teachers.
Six of the primary headteachers spend over 70% of their time teaching. Two other headteachers only have less teaching time as they are responsible for more than one school. It is a core aim to ensure a reduction in headteacher teaching time, so they can concentrate their efforts on management and leadership.
In such situations, we have to consider ways of strengthening elements of collaboration and to ensure an effective system for the provision of education in the future. Consideration is given to the best methods of ensuring co-ordinated management and careful use of staff skills in shouldering cross-sector responsibilities for specific curricular fields as a way of raising standards and reducing the use made of staff working outside their main area of expertise.
Research has shown that the specific needs of small schools can impact negatively on the ability of head teachers to provide effective leadership and to manage school affairs. An increased teaching load can also affect their capacity to offer staff training, career development opportunities, and complete activities such as curriculum planning.
An all-through catchment school could provide ample new opportunities regarding the management and leadership structure, combining all the resources in the area under one school opens many new possibilities.
The exact management structure will be decided upon by the shadow governing body. However, following research on an educational establishment in South Wales where a secondary and four primary schools have been federated, we have been able to adapt their management structure to illustrate the type of management structure which could be implemented:
Head
Secondary Primary Phase Leader Phase Leader
Head of Core Llanelltyd Site Rhydymain Site Dinas Mawddwy Dolgellau Primary Learning Leader Pastoral Leader Friog Site Leader Subjects Leader Leader Site Leader Site Leader
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A catchment area all-through school could lead to better co-ordination and progression in the child’s education: • There is progression in terms of leadership across the age range. There could be one governing body, one team of staff, one management team, which could ensure managerial savings, avoid duplication and make effective use of financial and human resources. • Leaders could develop a general ethos which can provide a purpose and direction for all the staff and pupils, progression in the teaching methods and behaviour control and consistency in class management and practice. With one management structure it would be possible to develop general systems for assessing, recording and tracking pupils’ progress. • One team of staff, while the primary and secondary have been separate traditionally – opportunity to benefit more from each other’s expertise. • There should be more stability at all sites by being part of a larger establishment • all through school leadership gives positive advantages for children and young people. In order to realise the vision, senior and middle managers must seriously embrace the work involved during the transition period. • The skills needed by the leaders of an all through school are the same as those for any single school, but more complex, namely: - effective communication across all the key stages and establishing an effective team culture - the ability to lead an establishment through a period of substantial change
5.5 Condition and Suitability of Buildings
The Council aims to provide quality primary education buildings within the County through structured planning, providing headteachers and teachers with appropriate rooms and access to playing fields and an appropriate hall for children. Buildings will also need to comply with foundation phase and curriculum requirements.
The ESTYN report “Evaluation of the performance of schools before and after moving into new buildings or renovated property ” (2007) confirms the above opinion. The report notes that schools which have seen their buildings being renovated have noticed an improvement in pupils’ achievement and attainment. It notes that Estyn reports on individual schools show that the quality of the teaching has improved, that staff morale is higher, that attendance has been maintained and that behaviour has improved. In addition to this, buildings which have been improved offer better choice and provision in terms of education within the school and activities held before and after school hours.
The condition of the Gader catchment area school buildings, along with the cost of backlog maintenance required is in the table below: Cynradd Dinas Ieuan School Brithdir Clogau Friog Ganllwyd Llanelltyd Machreth Gader Dolgellau Mawddwy Gwynedd Maintenance Backlog £58,000 £40,000 £485,000 £37,000 £15,000 £12,500 £15,000 £64,500 £86,500 £439,000 (September 2014) Condition Category B B B A B A A B B B (Council Criteria 2013) Condition Category D D C B C B C B B B (EC Harris Criteria 2010) Category Key A = GOOD (No Deterioration) B = SATISFACTORY (Minor Deterioration) C = POOR (Major Deterioration) D = BAD (Life Expired)
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Not all the primary schools in the catchment area are completely suitable for twenty first century teaching. There is no hall in Brithdir, Clogau, Ganllwyd, Llanelltyd and Machreth schools and there are no green playing areas in Brithdir and Ganllwyd. Some are not completely adapted for foundation phase teaching, some have no staff room and others do not have small rooms for group work or SENco. Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau currently has numerous small classrooms that are not flexible.
Under this direction three school sites could be designated for capital investment (Dolgellau primary, Rhydymain and Llanelltyd) while the other three school sites (Friog, Dinas Mawddwy and Gader) receive the necessary backlog maintenance required at the sites.
The intention would be to invest £4.34 million of capital funding in the catchment’s school sites. £3.6 million of this money would be part of the Welsh Government’s Twenty First Century Schools Programme fund. This is funded 50% by the Welsh Government and 50% by Gwynedd Council. It is necessary to complete and submit comprehensive business cases which would require Welsh Government approval before the money is awarded. The remaining £740,000 (£4.34M-£3.6M=£0.74M) would be funded by the Council through the review of the asset’s management plan.
Dolgellau Primary
This school site could be greatly improved with a £2.7milion investment, improving it from category B (Council criteria) to a category A. It will be adapted for the needs of those with access requirements and meet twenty first century school standard requirements. Details of the proposed work with some of the associated benefits of the work are listed below:
Element Description Advantages Adapt class sizes to accommodate up to 30 pupils. Establish a suitable teaching Class area, improve teaching provision by establishing classrooms which can be adapted This will improve the children’s to provide suitable areas for different numbers of pupils. learning environment and offer Foundation Establish a purpose built building with suitable resources. new learning opportunities. Phase Classes Ensure openings from the foundation phase classes to the outside. Specific areas located close to the classes. It will be possible to undertake tasks Enable modern methods of using the latest technology and equipment in these areas. teaching to the highest Resources New furniture and information technology equipment, fit for purpose in a 21st standard with the appropriate century school. resources and equipment. The Junior Hall will be adapted and extended. Two halls will remain and will be fit Staff and pupils will gain from School Hall for purpose areas – suitable for holding services, performances and indoor physical these multi-use areas education classes as well as daily use as a dining room. Stores Build suitable stores New and modern toilets, suitable for different age groups in various locations These improvements will improve Toilets within the building. the standard of the learning New entrance into the site with measures to ensure that pedestrians and traffic are environment, health and safety Traffic and separated, together with designated parking space for staff and visitors. There will precautions and access matters. Parking be a specific area for buses to drop off/pick up and space for disabled parking. The improved efficiency will give Improved use of energy by improving the building’s performance and including General the school the best possible renewable energy technology where appropriate. environmental grade
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As the building front of the junior building is listed, it’s outer appearance will remain as it is no matter what design option is chosen:
The initial conceptual plan below shows the proposed work (this is for illustration purposes only, there is no guarantee that any proposed development would look exactly as shown):
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Llanelltyd Site
Llanelltyd School buildings are currently category B but the site has insufficient parking area. There would be a £1.02million investment to increase the capacity and to improve the resources and facilities.
The school site is to the South of the A496 between Llanelltyd and Bontddu. On the map (right) the red arrow illustrates the direction in which the photograph below was taken.
There would be a designated staff parking area located away from the main road outside the site, to enable a designated pick up and drop off area for buses and cars directly outside. There will be a small area of land purchased to the South (slightly South West) to ensure access all the way around the extension that will be the new classroom and hall. There will be a yard and multi use games area of sufficient size for the pupil numbers. These outdoor facilities and the overall site layout is illustrated in the proposed site plan below (this is for illustration purposes only, there is no guarantee that any proposed development would look exactly as shown):
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Regarding the building facilities, in order to accommodate more pupils, there will be an additional classroom and the hall will be extended and refurbished. Adjacent to the hall there is a proposed storage area for chairs from the hall. The new classroom will have a cloakroom and toilets adjoining it with direct access to the outdoors to an external play area. The whole school will be upgraded as part of the project and will meet twenty first century school standard following the work. The proposed changes are illustrated below (this is for illustration purposes only, there is no guarantee that any proposed development would look exactly as shown):
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Rhydymain Site
Ieuan Gwynedd School in Rhydymain is currently category A according to the Council’s criteria. Most facilities expected in a modern primary school are in fact already present. There will be a £620,000 investment to increase the capacity and address any key deficiencies.
The school site is within the village of Rhydymain just off the A494 between Dolgellau and Bala. The map right has coloured arrows that illustrates the direction in which the photographs below were taken.
There is currently fixed outdoor play equipment and a rugby pitch that the school use regularly.
As the capacity of the site would be increased, creating a new, safe and suitable parking area would be part of the improvement work. In fact the parking would be located on the area illustrated around the telephone box on the blue photograph (above). This can also be seen in the proposed site plan below (this is for illustration purposes only; there is no guarantee that any proposed development would look exactly as shown):
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The pink area in the floor plan below illustrates the new extension which would provide a new foundation phase classroom, with direct access outdoors, a covered outdoor playing area and external storage. As well as a staff room, disabled toilets, toilets, storage areas and a cloakroom. Further details are in the proposed floor plan below (this is for illustration purposes only, there is no guarantee that any proposed development would look exactly as shown):
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Friog Site
Friog school buildings, according to the Council’s criteria, are in condition category B. The hall is used for group work, the staff room and headteacher’s office is combined as one room. It has suitable class storage areas and other storage areas. In recent years it has received improvement work to make a classroom suitable for the foundation phase - with an opening directly from the classroom to the outdoors.
Regarding the site in its entirety, there is a vast playing field with a designated garden area used for educational purposes. There is also plenty of hard play area which is completely contained by a fence. The map right has coloured arrows that illustrates the direction in which the photographs below were taken.
In September 2014 there is £15,000 of backlog maintenance spending required, and this being spent in due course. The school has received some investment recently. In fact, over the 2014 summer holidays improvements to the kitchen, new radiators and new windows. The building as a whole is suitable and fit for purpose in its present state.
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Dinas Mawddwy Site
Dinas Mawddwy school buildings, according to the Council’s criteria are category A. In September 2014 the backlog maintenance required is £37,000. Last year the site received some improvement work in the kitchen and outside regarding the tarmac area in the front. Over the 2014 summer, work was done on the roof, on the windows and painting was carried out. The hall is used for group and SENco work, and the staff room and headteacher’s office is combined as one room. It has suitable class storage areas and other storage areas.
Regarding the site in its entirety, there is a vast playing field and there is also plenty of hard play areas. The site plan above illustrates the area in question and the blue arrow illustrates the direction in which the photograph was taken:
The Gader Site
The Gader school site has 13 general teaching rooms, 3 science laboratories, 3 music rooms, 2 information technology rooms, an art room and 3 technology rooms. There are 2 science preparation rooms, an art preparation room, as well as a general teaching preparation room. It has a large hall with a fixed stage and chair store as well as a gymnasium and a canteen. There is a designated reception area at the main entrance with a secretary room and 3 administrative rooms. There are 2 medical rooms, a room for the headteacher and a staff room. There is a room designated to video conferencing and 2 additional learning needs rooms. There is appropriate classroom and teaching storage areas adjoining most classrooms.
In September 2014 there is £439,000 backlog maintenance, and this will be spent in due course. The overview below shows the Gader school site and buildings in relation to its surroundings.
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5.6 Transport and Travelling Times
Gwynedd Council’s Strategy for primary education notes the aims to limit home to school travel to a maximum one way journey of 45 minutes.
Transport is always provided in accordance with the school’s transport policy which notes that free transport will be provided for: • primary school learners who live 2 miles or more from the school in their catchment area, or the nearest school • secondary school learners below 16 who live 3 miles or more from the school in their catchment area, or the nearest school
The Gader catchment area is a rural, geographically vast area which means consideration of transport and travelling times is crucial. In some instances, although distances are short, the condition and nature of roads means that the journey time is longer than expected. Although there is a high number of pupils that travel outside their catchment area to receive their education, no pupil attending their catchment school travels longer than 45 minutes (in line with national guidelines).
The table below highlights pupil distance and time travelling to school:
Number of pupils Furthest distance a Longest time a pupil Number of pupils that that travel more pupil travels to the spends travelling to travel more than 30 than 20 minutes School school one way school one way (minutes) minutes (one way) within (miles) within school within school catchment (one way) within school school catchment catchment area area catchment area area Brithdir 2 miles 5 minutes 0 0 Clogau 2.9 miles 7 minutes 0 0 Cynradd 4.6 miles 12 minutes 0 0 Dolgellau Dinas Mawddwy 5.5 miles 21 minutes 2 0 Friog 2 miles 10 minutes 0 0 Ganllwyd 5.4 miles 21 minutes 4 0 Ieuan Gwynedd 1.5 miles 5 minutes 0 0 Llanelltyd 0.7 miles 2 minutes 0 0 Machreth 2.1 miles 8 minutes 0 0
Transportation in relation to any proposal would be provided in accordance with the County’s schools’ transport policy. Regarding travelling times, the Council’s policy and national guidelines note that no pupil should travel in excess of 45 minutes one way.
Should this proposal for a catchment area all-through school be implemented, the transportation costs for the Rhydymain and Llanelltyd sites would be estimated on the cost of buses large enough to transport pupils from the areas in question, approximately £45,000 and £30,000 respectively.
The County foresees pupils currently attending Ganllwyd and Clogau schools could travel to the Llanelltyd site and pupils currently attending Brithdir and Machreth schools could travel to the Rhydymain site. The Authority will control admission to the school and the governors will decide attendance to specific sites.
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In order to ensure that implementing the proposal would not exceed the policy travelling time, the travelling time from the further most points in the catchment were estimated. The maps below show the estimated distance and travel times for distant locations to their nearest school site:
All the sites that are included as part of the proposal are current school sites, which means that the current walking routes will remain the same. When pupils live within 2 miles to their nearest school site, but travel to school along a road that is considered by the Council to be especially dangerous, free school transport is provided. Each of these situations would be assessed by the Council to decide whether free transport would be provided.
5.7 Surplus Places
Research conducted by Gwynedd Schools Service revealed that there has been a reduction of 21% in pupil numbers across the County since 1975. There are over 2,000 fewer children in the County’s schools (5-10 years of age) than in 1975. Surplus places in the education system in Gwynedd is 28% - the highest percentage in Wales.
Planning for the future of education in different catchment areas therefore needs to reflect trends in terms of population and primary pupil numbers. Gwynedd Council has set an ambitious target of reducing the number of surplus places to 18.5%-21.6% by January 2015.
The Council has already taken initial steps to respond to this challenge and any proposed plans in the area will further contribute towards reducing the County’s surplus places percentage. Although reviewing schools is challenging, according to Estyn: “Closing and combining schools can be difficult and lengthy procedures but these are the most effective examples of strategies which can get rid of surplus places and release savings for reinvestment aimed at raising standards ”
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The number of surplus places in the Gader catchment area schools can be seen in the table below: School Full Capacity (N-Yr6) Number of Surplus Places % of Surplus Places Brithdir 38 0 0 Clogau 36 11 31% Cynradd Dolgellau 213 66 31% Dinas Mawddwy 69 48 70% Friog 58 30 52% Ganllwyd 47 27 57% Ieuan Gwynedd 45 27 60% Llanelltyd 50 9 18% Machreth 46 30 65%
Primary Total 602 248 41%
Y Gader 488 86 18%
Total 1,090 334 31 %
If the Council did nothing in the Gader catchment area, due to declining pupil numbers, surplus places would increase significantly by September 2017:
2013 % 2017 Number 2017 % 2013 2013 Number of School of Surplus of Surplus of Surplus Capacity Surplus Places Places Places Places Brithdir 38 0 0 0 0 Clogau 36 11 31% 9 25% Dolgellau 213 66 31% 78 37% Primary Dinas 69 48 70% 40 58% Mawddwy Friog 58 30 52% 33 57% Ganllwyd 47 27 57% 36 77% Ieuan Gwynedd 45 27 60% 32 71% Llanelltyd 50 9 18% 14 28% Machreth 46 30 65% 37 80%
Primary Total 602 248 41% 279 46 %
Y Gader 488 86 18% 204 42%
Total 1,090 334 31 % 483 44 %
All but Brithdir would have over 25% surplus places, while Ieuan Gwynedd, Machreth and Ganllwyd would have over 70%. The number of surplus places in the catchment would increase further from the current high of 31% to 44%. This is an increase in 149 surplus places – a significant amount, nearly half the school places in the catchment would be empty.
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By implementing the all-through catchment area school it could help prevent the predicted rise in surplus places. Below are the details for the sites following implementation:
2017 Pupil 2017 2017 2017 Site Numbers Capacity Surplus Places % Surplus Places Friog 26 45 19 42% Llanelltyd 74 75 1 1% Dinas Mawddwy 29 49 20 41% Ieuan Gwynedd 67 70 3 4% Dolgellau Primary 135 195 60 31%
Primary Total 331 434 103 24%
Y Gader 284 402 118 29% Catchment Total 615 836 221 26%
Creating a new catchment area all-through school could reduce the overall capacity in the catchment by 475 school places (44%). This reduction is essential as there is a significant overall reduction in pupil numbers by 2017. This means that although the amount of places is reduced, as the number of pupils also falls, it minimises the reduction effect on surplus places.
The number of primary surplus places could significantly reduces from 41% to 24%. The percentage of surplus places in the catchment could reduce from 31% in 2013 to 26% in 2017. This halves the number of surplus places currently in the catchment.
5.8 Financial Resources
Our expectations are that Gwynedd make the best possible use of financial resources available for primary education in the County. Ensure greater fairness with regards to the use of resources across the County by reducing the range of cost per pupil.
Given the extremely challenging financial climate at present, it is critical that every effort is made to utilise resources as effectively as possible within the education and training system for the benefit of children and young people. This includes all resources – human, technical, construction or financial. A substantial proportion of the education budget is currently spent on maintaining a very expensive infrastructure. In addition, there is substantial expenditure on schools where there is a large percentage of empty places. Action will need to be taken to rationalise the number of schools throughout the County, as well as identify opportunities to ensure overall improved effectiveness.
A total of £1,955,632 was allocated to the Gader catchment primary schools for 2013/14. This corresponds to £7,054 per pupil on average. There is a range of cost per pupil between Ysgol Ieuan Gwynedd at £10,616 to Ysgol Cynradd Dolgellau at £4,003. This is a range in per pupil spend within the same catchment of £6,613. All the primary schools in the catchment have a cost per pupil which is higher than the county average of £3,910. In fact, four of the schools (Dinas Mawddwy, Ganllwyd, Ieuan Gwynedd and Machreth) have a cost per pupil which is over double the County average.
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The Gader also has a cost per pupil which is above the County average of £4,632, as it spends £5,131.
SHARE OF BUDGET Minimum Staffing School Total Budget Cost Per Pupil Protection* Brithdir £170,666 £4,142 £0 Clogau £189,710 £6,143 £19,799 Cynradd Dolgellau £560,111 £4,003 £0 Dinas Mawddwy £192,778 £9,756 £42,423 Friog £169,167 £5,882 £22,740 Ganllwyd £174,786 £9,541 £46,079 Ieuan Gwynedd £185,144 £10,616 £45,201 Llanelltyd £186,321 £4,536 £0 Machreth £126,949 £8,865 £23,687 Gader Average / £1,955,632 £7,054 £199,929 Total County Average £3,910
SHARE OF BUDGET Minimum Staffing School Total Budget Cost Per Pupil Protection* Y Gader £1,949,804 £5,131 £0 County Average £4,632 Source: Report Section 52 Gwynedd 2013/14
Clogau, Dinas Mawddwy, Friog, Ganllwyd, Ieuan Gwynedd and Machreth schools all receives additional sums to the usual allocation through the minimum staffing protection policy. This policy guarantees at least a head teacher and teacher in every school with more than 15 pupils, and a head teacher and senior assistant in schools with fewer than 15 pupils. The total of this additional sum in the Gader catchment area is £199,929.
The majority of primary schools in the catchment have a substantial number of surplus places (as defined by the Welsh Government. A report by Estyn ( How do surplus places affect the resources available for expenditure on improving outcomes for pupils? - May 2012) states that there is a cost per available place. The report notes that the cost of one surplus place in a primary school is £262 and the cost of one surplus place in a secondary school is £510.
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The cost of the surplus places present in the Gader catchment area, based on Estyn’s data is as follows: Potential Cost of Surplus Places per School School Capacity Surplus Places Total Cost - Primary x £262, Secondary x £510 Brithdir 38 0 0 Clogau 36 11 £2,882 Cynradd Dolgellau 213 66 £17,292 Dinas Mawddwy 69 48 £12,576 Friog 58 30 £7,860 Ganllwyd 47 27 £7,074 Ieuan Gwynedd 45 27 £7,074 Llanelltyd 50 9 £2,358 Machreth 46 30 £7,860
Primary Total 602 248 £64,976
Y Gader 488 86 £43,860
Catchment Area Total 1,090 334 £108,836
The all-through school could provide £255,625 of revenue savings. The £255,625 was calculated after considering the multi-site factor and its merits, and also after consideration of additional transport costs. The technical matter of the method of allocating the budget will be through an all through school formula, which is already being developed, in accordance with Section 52 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.
By using the cost per surplus places (defined by Estyn), implementing the catchment area all-through school would mean a saving of £21,671.
The number of sites that require maintenance would be reduced by 40% and It is envisaged that the three sites that receive capital investment would require less maintenance in the future. Whilst there would be a slight increase in transport costs, it is still the most cost efficient model. The cost per pupil would be rationalised in the whole catchment, ensuring fairness and equality for all.
In the current unprecedented financial climate, with a possibility that the school budget will not be protected in the years to come, ensuring savings from this project will help minimise any financial cuts to Gwynedd schools.
Regarding capital expenditure, there are planned investments of £2.7 million to modify and upgrade the Dolgellau Primary site, £1.02 million to extend and upgrade the Llanelltyd site, and £620,000 to extend the Rhydymain site. This means a significant investment of £4.34 million to ensure exceptional education provision for the catchment area. An Investment of £3.6 million has been approved in principle by the Welsh Government as part of the Twenty First Century Schools Programme, and in December 2013 the Council’s Cabinet committed to the additional finance as part of assets management plan review. There will also be improvements made to the Friog, Gader and Dinas Mawddwy site through the Council’s asset’s management plan.
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5.9 The Welsh Language
Our expectation is that the County’s Primary Schools support and improve the use of Welsh as an educational and social language among children.
In developing any school organisation proposals, full consideration must be given to the possible impact on the Welsh language. Maintaining and improving the use of the Welsh language as the educational and social language among the children is always a key consideration when forming proposals and assessing options.
The current figures regarding the language background of the Gader catchment area pupils is in the table below: Speak Do not speak Do not speak Speak Welsh Welsh Welsh at Welsh at Do not speak School at home but Total fluently at home but are home and are Welsh at all not fluent home fluent not fluent Brithdir 29 14 0 1 2 46 Clogau 4 11 0 6 4 25 Cynradd 30 3 21 24 19 97 Dolgellau Dinas Mawddwy 12 4 4 1 0 21 Friog 0 17 0 7 3 28 Ganllwyd 11 4 3 0 2 20 Ieuan Gwynedd 11 6 0 1 0 18 Llanelltyd 17 13 1 9 1 41 Machreth 14 2 0 0 0 16
Y Gader 164 65 26 116 7 378 Fluent Welsh - 230 Some Welsh - 142 No Welsh - 7
The Council employed an independent consultant to complete a language impact assessment on all 8 of the possible long listed options in order to compare the impact they would have on the Welsh Language in the area. A copy of the language assessment report is included in the background pack or is available on the Council’s website www.gwynedd.gov.uk/schoolorganisation.
The report summarises the effect of the catchment area school on the Welsh Language as follows: “Model 8: Catchment Area All-through School on the existing sites of Y Gader, Dolgellau Primary, Friog, and Dinas Mawddwy schools and closure of Ganllwyd, Clogau, Machreth and Brithdir schools. One head teacher, one governing body. Conclusion of positive impact which offers an opportunity to ensure consistency across the entire catchment area . Whilst it is not possible to place every model in order according to linguistic impact, we gather that this model offers special advantages in terms of planning and providing statutory education which is consistent and stems from one holistic vision rather than from the direction of various establishments which will inevitably have different standpoints in terms of the desire to successfully achieve the county language policy and create bilingual, proficient young citizens. In a catchment area where Welsh is facing a number of basic challenges, it might be that planning the provision on the basis of one organisational vision is the best way to try and fulfil the requirements of the language policy, making best use of the larger staffing and teaching resources that a single establishment would possess across the various sites within the catchment area.”
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5.10 The Community
Our expectation is that the County’s Primary Schools serve as a focal point for community based activities, enriching pupils’ experiences and opportunities.
In developing school organisation proposals, full consideration must be given to the possible community impact. Most schools have interactions with the local community, with the community using the school buildings to host events.
Use by the Community Additional use by the School School Weekly Occasional Daily Weekly Fortnightly Occasional Breakfast Urdd, Clogau Clogau - Meetings - - Club Children’s Club Urdd, Campau’r Brithdir - - - - - Ddraig Young Farmers, Urdd, Dinas - Exhibitions/ - Campau’r Ddraig - - Mawddwy Presentations Ganllwyd - Summer/ Winter Fair - - - - School Fair, Llanelltyd - - - Drama Club Urdd Parents Meetings Ieuan Urdd, Campau’r - - - - - Gwynedd Ddraig Breakfast Friog - - Club, After - - - School Club Urdd, Campau’r Summer/ Summer/ Winter Fair, Ddraig, Sports Christmas Fair, Machreth - Thanksgiving, Christmas - - Clubs, Reading Sports Day, Concert Club Cyfarfod Bach Cynradd ------Dolgellau Gymnastics, Friends of the school, Y Gader Dance, Zumba, Nursery School, Young - Football Club - Concerts Karate Clubs Farmers, Urdd
The Council undertook a community impact assessment on all 8 of the possible long listed options in order to compare the impact they would have on the communities affected. The full community assessment report is included in the background pack or on the Council’s website www.gwynedd.gov.uk/schoolorganisation.
The assessment compared the effect the models had on key criteria, these were: • Designation of the school • The school’s connections with the community • Impact on the pupils • Impact on the parents and families • Travelling implications for pupils/parents • Impact on community activities • Impact on community amenities • Impact summary
58 Community Impact Score The effect the model had on the criteria was then Very Positive +2 determined as positive or negative and a matching score Positive +1 was given so that there was a total impact score for each Neutral 0 model (the table opposite reflects the scores). Negative -1 Very Negative +2 The report notes: “The models with the most impact on the communities within the catchment area are models 3, 5, 6 and 8 which give a score of negative -11 and then a score of negative -6 following the alleviation measures…The main difference between models 5, 6 and 8, and the others is that these models abolish either Church primary education or community secondary education provision. This model involves less choice for parents, whilst all the other models make it possible for the choice of community or Church education to continue. There is no way of alleviating this impact and that is why the impact remains at -6. The Council would have to undertake an assessment of need, in order to ascertain whether there is a need for a choice of different educational provision or whether it would be acceptable to choose a model which would abolish the choice. ”
All the models, apart from the ‘Do Nothing’ model had a negative effect. Although the catchment area school model has a high negative effect, the report elaborated:
“The impact of the models on the communities, and how far reaching the impact is, depend on the alleviation measures adopted in response to the change. This is true of all the 8 models.
In the case of the communities whose schools will close, we suggest the adoption of some measures which will alleviate the negative impact. These alleviation measures will be discussed by the Council as measures to be borne in mind if the decision is taken to implement the proposals in the catchment area: • In order to create an inclusive spirit and a feeling of ownership, it should be ensured at the start of - and throughout - the transferral process that the Governors of every school are an integral part of the developments and decisions and that regular updates are circulated to parents. • Appropriate consultations should be held with the local villages and communities regarding agreement on suitable use for school buildings for the future. • It should be arranged that some social events held by the new schools (concerts, coffee evenings etc) are held in the villages where the schools close as well as in the villages where a school site will remain. • The Council should ensure that school transport arrangements are suitable.”
Should the model be implemented, there could be suitable consideration of the alleviation measures mentioned.
5.11 Governance and Staffing Matters
Shadow Governing Body Should the proposal to create a new all-through catchment area school be implemented, it would be necessary to establish a shadow governing. This shadow governing body would be established in accordance with national guidance, well before the proposed implementation date of September 2017. They would need sufficient time to be able to create all relevant policies, an instrument of governance, to appoint a headteacher and then to create a staffing structure in conjunction with the headteacher. The shadow governing body could include representatives from all parts of the catchment.
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Staffing Implications Should the proposal be approved, there would be staffing implications which could lead to uncertainty and redundancies. Under a catchment area all-through school model, the posts of all staff members at all 10 schools would come to an end. New appointments would be made by the shadow governing body of the new all-through catchment area school.
Gwynedd Council has developed a redeployment policy model for schools, in conjunction with the Trade Unions and head teachers. It would be up to the shadow Governing Body to adopt this policy, amend or decide not to adopt the policy. Any redundancies resulting from a proposal would have to conform with necessary employment law and Gwynedd Redundancy scheme. Clear and open communication with staff will play a core part in implementing any proposal.
Staff from the Council’s Human Resources department will be present at the open days held in Dolgellau should any member of staff wish to discuss their situation. Staff are also welcome to contact the Human Resources department directly should they wish one to one discussions. A support package, including training if appropriate, will be offered during the transition period to all staff affected by the proposal.
Teaching Staff Should a new catchment school be established, it would be necessary to establish a shadow governing body who will then appoint staff. It would include representatives from all parts of the catchment area. The exact details of the staffing structure would be a matter for the Shadow Governing Body, the post of head teacher would be the first appointment, and the remainder of the posts would follow.
Auxiliary Staff The Council appoint and employ auxiliary staff (kitchen, caretaking and cleaning staff) who work in the primary schools within the catchment. The Gader governing body appoint and employ the auxiliary staff who work in the Gader school.
This means that the shadow governing body of the new all-through catchment area school would have to decide whether they wish the school governors or the Council to be responsible for employing auxiliary staff in the new school.
5.12 Impact on Equality
An equality assessment was carried out on the long list of possible models. The assessment pays specific attention to different equality elements such as race, gender, disability, language, religion or belief and age. The assessment notes the current situation and the policies and arrangements already in place to ensure that the proposal considers and abides by equal rights.
Because a number of models note the possibility of impact on Church primary school provision, the Council commissioned a further equality assessment from an independent consultant. This assessment measured the need for different types of schools within the catchment area, so that local wishes could be considered when deciding on the favoured option. The legal category of the favoured option would have an impact on the choice of educational provision in the catchment area - that is, either community or Church education. This factor is given full consideration in section 6 of this document, with the equality assessment and the assessment of need for various types of schools reports available in the background pack.
With the exception of the status/category of the school, having weighed and measured the relevant factors, the conclusion reached is that equal opportunities are positively promoted in the proposal and that there will be no illegal discrimination and harassment. Arrangements are in place to monitor and review the situation. 60
5.13 Likely Advantages for Children and Young People
Core Aim of the United Nations Conference Advantages on Child’s Rights Having a fair start in life Better resources and amenities, and policies for nursery and foundation phase education provision being implemented to twenty first century standards. Having a comprehensive variety of education Opportunities for sharing staff expertise in specific fields across the learning sectors, in and learning opportunities order to ensure a range of opportunities as well as providing new curricular advantages. Enjoying the best possible health and not Appropriate plans and policies to ensure progression in these matters in the catchment being abused, victimised or exploited school. Having access to play, leisure, sports and Opportunities to share expertise in these fields across the learning sector, and also to cultural activities share resources and good practice, thus improving access for pupils into the leisure, sport and culture provision. Being heard, treated with respect, and their School council forums would ensure that pupils’ voices are heard. culture, race and identity recognised Living in a safe home and community which Interagency teams could be developed around the children to ensure care and support physical and emotional welfare communication progression throughout the child’s time at the catchment schools. Not being disadvantaged on account of There would be an opportunity to develop cross-agency plans in order to tackle child poverty poverty in Dolgellau.
A catchment school could offer curricular advantages by creating an ethos and similar expectations for pupils, staff and parents by maintaining flexibility when planning and implementing the curriculum. Research shows that the transition period from the primary to the secondary school is challenging for children and that achievement deteriorates during that period. By creating a closer relationship between the primary and secondary sectors, uncertainty for children can be reduced.
A catchment area curriculum partnership between all primary and secondary phases in the catchment would ensure equal opportunity for the primary age pupils of the catchment are. By means of careful planning it could ensure that all Key Stage 2 pupils within the catchment have access to the same resources and experiences, including aspects such as learning a modern language, the use of science, technology and sport equipment. One formal managerial structure for the catchment would allow curricular aspects such as maintenance, health and safety, appraisal and performance management to be included within one co-ordinated system.
A catchment school could allow a new and co-ordinated structure to be established with whole school responsibilities for specific curricular aspects such as literacy, numeracy and ITC development. The size of the staff team as one unit would be considerably bigger and this in turn would give a wider range of expertise and more effective use of individual team members’ strengths. Carefully planned use would be made of staff skills in order to shoulder cross-sector responsibilities for specific curricular fields and this should be a way of raising standards and reducing the level of use made of staff working outside their main field of responsibility.
Pupils’ welfare could be supported by reducing the concern over the transition from the familiar primary regime to the secondary sector. A pupil support system, suitable for the age and the needs of the pupils, would be established and this would ensure a long term relationship between parents and staff. Experience in other areas has shown that there is an opportunity to support families by providing integrated health, child care and adult training services along with a range of other services.
Also, a catchment school – subject to the wishes of the governors – could introduce a range of public services and have a catchment area management team over education, training, public services, and social ventures. An administrative managerial unit could be utilised to a larger degree and this would strengthen the school e.g. leisure centre, library, child care, local training sessions, arts centre.
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The additional advantages of this concept could include maintaining management and administrative teams of viable size which would assist schools to develop as a focal point of the community. This could be a means whereby the Council could maintain standard services in rural areas and reduce the number of surplus places. The challenges of this element include successful management of a range of responsibilities and ensuring that such responsibilities do not affect the main responsibility of the establishment, namely to promote education.
5.14 Proposed Admission Arrangements
The Education Department of Gwynedd Council would be the Admission Authority and would operate in accordance with the County School’s admissions policy. The Authority would control admission to the school, and would work in conjunction with the shadow governing body to decide on an admissions policy regarding specific site admissions.
All through schools are regarded as “middle schools” according to admission rules. Therefore this type of model would have an admission number for Nursery, Reception and Year 7.
Should the catchment area all-through school be implemented, nursery and reception age pupils would need to apply for admission, in accordance with the existing policy and arrangements. No admission application would be needed for year 7 admission period for pupils attending any of the primary sites, as they would automatically transfer from primary to secondary phase within the school. At the end of the academic year 2016/2017 (Summer 2017) pupils in reception to year 10 at the schools proposed for closure would not need to apply for a place in the new catchment area school as they would automatically transfer. Pupils entering nursery or reception in September 2017 would need to make an admissions application in accordance with the County’s admissions policy.
5.15 Proposed Transport Arrangements
Free transport to schools in the County is provided in accordance with the school transport policy operated by Gwynedd Council. This means the County provides free transport for pupils under the following circumstances:
Primary Age Pupils – for pupils living 2 miles or more from the school in their catchment area, or the nearest school. Secondary Age Pupils – for pupils under 16 living 3 miles or more from the school in their catchment area or the nearest school.
There may be a minor adjustment to the transport policy should the new all-through catchment area school be established:
Primary Age Pupils – for pupils living 2 miles or more from the nearest school site in their catchment area, or the nearest school site. Secondary Age Pupils – for pupils living 3 miles or more from the nearest school site in their catchment area or the nearest school site.
This would mean that every primary pupil within the school’s catchment area that live further than 2 miles from their nearest school site, would receive free school transport to that site. To follow are some hypothetical examples for clarification.
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Example 1 A primary age pupil living in Dolgellau, the Authority allows admission to the catchment-area school and upon request from parents the school governors allow the pupil to attend the Rhydymain site. In this instance the pupil would not receive free school transport as they live closer to the Dolgellau Primary site. This is the same as the current situation when any pupil living in Dolgellau chose to attend any rural school – they do not receive free school transport.
Example 2 A primary age pupil living within the catchment and over two miles from the Friog site, the Authority allows admission to the catchment-area school and the school governors allow the pupil to attend the Friog site. This pupil would receive free school transport to the Friog site. It should be highlighted that should the parent make a request for the pupil to attend any other primary site in the catchment other than Friog, and the governors allow it, free school transport would not be provided.
Example 3 A primary age pupil living in Barmouth outside the school’s catchment area, the Authority allows admission to the catchment-area school and governors allow the pupil to attend the Llanelltyd site. This pupil would not receive free school transport as they do not live in the catchment and Ysgol Y Traeth in Barmouth is nearer to their home than the Llanelltyd site.
Example 4 A primary age pupil living in Ganllwyd, the Authority allows admission to the catchment-area school and governors allow the pupil to attend the Rhydymain site. This pupil would not receive free school transport as they live closer to the Llanelltyd site, than the Rhydymain site. This is the same as the current situation when any pupil choses to attend a school further away than their nearest school.
5.16 Information regarding pupils’ special needs
There is an establishment attached to Ysgol Y Gader, namely Tŷ Meirion and an establishment attached to Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau, namely Tŷ Aran. Tŷ Meirion provides education for secondary age pupils with special educational needs and Tŷ Aran provides education for primary age pupils with special educational needs. In the academic year 2012/13 there were 3 pupils in Tŷ Aran and 10 pupils in Tŷ Meirion.
As part of the proposal which is subject to this consultation, there would be no change to the existing provision at Tŷ Aran and Tŷ Meirion. The future of Tŷ Aran and Tŷ Meirion has been considered under a different project dealing with the future provision of SEN education in Meirionnydd and Dwyfor. A statutory consultation has been held on the preferred option in June and July 2014, and report presented to the Cabinet in September 2014 where it was approved to publish a statutory notice on the proposal. Information can be seen on the Council’s website www.gwynedd.gov.uk/schoolorganisation.
Ysgol Ieuan Gwynedd in Rhydymain is currently the catchment primary school designated to receive pupils with physical disabilities, but there is no unit at the school. Should the proposal be implemented the new school would be able to receive pupils with physical disabilities.
5.17 After use of sites
Should the proposal be implemented there would be four sites that would cease to provide education. The Council has a post-use policy for school buildings and this would be followed. The Council would need to discuss and consider any legal binding terms or limitations which could come into effect should any of the site cease to be a site for education provision.
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5.18 Possible Risks Risk Possible Impact Action to Mitigate Risk Lack of decision making Inability to implement change due Timetable with clear milestones that note when key decisions are to lack of decisions which increases required from the Education Cabinet Member and the Project likelihood of disruption pupils’ Board education. Could cause reputational damage to the Council Insufficient qualified staff Understaffing and/or inadequate Plan the staffing structure and job descriptions at an early stage to run the new education quality of teaching Plan resource, training needs assessment and recruitment strategy establishment e.g. well in advance recruiting and appointing Appoint a headteacher to the new establishment months before a suitable it’s official opening Insufficient transport for Children unable to access the new Prepare and plan a timetable with clear milestones for planning the new arrangements education provision transport tenders well before opening day. Local reluctance to This could decrease pupil numbers Sustained community contact, informing them of developments support new school and available financial resources and resource benefits included in the plan. Quality of education in Decrease quality which could affect Monitor the schools in line with the Education departments’ the short term while any new educational establishments policy. Any new educational establishment will be inspected by schools are under review while in their infancy Estyn within its first year. Late completion of Delayed implementation, potential Close monitoring of building projects with regular updates to building projects disruption to pupils’ education and project board. requirement of extra short term funding Over-run in building Requirement for additional funding Detailed planning with project costs subject to robust scrutiny at contract costs every stage and expenditure monitored regularly Possible Site Issues e.g. Could delay the building work Sites in question are existing school sites. archaeological or Contract will require all essential checks to be completed before environmental construction begins. Site Safety Any complications or issues could A full Health & Safety plan will be prepared by the contractor in cause delays consultation with Council Health and Safety Officers. It will ensure full separation of children from working areas on any existing school sites that are developed. Officers will continue to assess health and safety as the development progresses. Long term financial Area vulnerable in the future The favoured option reduces educational running costs in the area viability of the option and reduces the range in cost per pupil. Gwynedd Council or Delays the project, a significant Gwynedd Council’s contribution has already been confirmed by Welsh Government delay could cause project the Cabinet. Creation of robust business cases and ensure funding delays abandonment continued discussion with Welsh Government. Cabinet does not approve Delay to timetable, any significant Ensure Cabinet are updated regularly the proposal delay could mean that the project must be abandoned Decision referred to the Delay to timetable Ensure adequate resources and expertise is available when Education Minister required. Keep the key consultees' up to date as the project develops and timetable the possibility of referral into the project timetable Education & Skills Significant delay to the timetable Consideration should be made to identify the most financially, Minister rejects proposal which means that the 21 st century economically and educationally beneficial option is selected. (if proposal is referred) schools funding window is missed Failure to obtain planning Delays Officers will maintain contact with relevant planning authorities consent in a timely from an early stage to ensure all information/documentation is manner available as required to avoid unnecessary delays. The planning process will be closely monitored and a good working relationship needs to be maintained with designated planning officers. Project Management Could cause delays The job will be managed jointly by a client office and the Project Issues Manager, under the supervision of the Project Board. A community support officer will foster relationships with the communities involved and keep them apprised of developments. The project team will provide administrative support.
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6. LEGAL CATEGORY OF PROPOSED DIRECTION
6.1 Legal Category
In developing this proposal, the legal category of any new model will have to be discussed. At the moment there is a choice of primary education under the following legal categories: - Community - Voluntary Controlled with religious designation (Church in Wales)
Schools are defined as Community, Voluntary Assisted or Voluntary Controlled. Also, Voluntary Assisted or Voluntary Controlled Schools can be designated with a religious character i.e. a Church School.
Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau and Ysgol Machreth are Voluntary Controlled (VC) schools with a religious character (Church in Wales). Ysgol Y Gader, Ysgol Brithdir, Ysgol Ieuan Gwynedd, Ysgol Ganllwyd, Ysgol Clogau, Ysgol Friog and Ysgol Dinas Mawddwy are ‘Community’ schools without a religious character. The religious character of a Voluntary Controlled school is important in terms of: • The character • Governing • Site ownership of the school Body membership
The table below shows the school categories in the Gader catchment area, and the number of pupils in the categories: PRIMARY (September 2013) SECONDARY (September 2013) CATEGORY Number of Number of Number of Number of Schools Pupils Schools Pupils Community 7 199 1 402 Voluntary Controlled School (VC) 2 163 0 0 Total 9 362 1 402 Throughout discussions the Council has maintained a close working relationship with representatives of the Church in Wales. Some models on the long list would entail either voluntary controlled primary education or community education being removed from the catchment area.
6.2 Other Church in Wales Schools
It is important for the Council to consider the wider context of the provision as well as ensuring that the provision meets the level of demand. Below are given the details of all the other Church in Wales schools across the County. Ysgol Beuno Sant is a VA (voluntary aided) school whilst all the others are VC
(voluntary controlled): Distance Pupil Projections from Age Numbers Surplus 2014 2015 2016 School Capacity Dolgellau Range September Places Pupil Surplus Pupil Surplus Pupil Surplus (Miles) 2013 Numbers Places Numbers Places Numbers Places Pont y Gôf 46.8 3 - 11 117 122 5 (4%) 113 9 (8%) 106 16 (14%) 96 26 (22%) Maesincla 43.8 3 - 11 309 360 51 (14%) 324 36 (10%) 336 24 (7%) 340 20 (6%) Y Faenol 50 3 - 11 261 232 0 262 0 264 0 245 0 Foelgron 43.6 3 - 11 30 60 30 (50%) 35 25 (42%) 36 24 (42%) 38 22 (37%) Llandygai 54 3 - 11 158 176 18 (10%) 163 13 (7%) 160 16 (9%) 155 21 (12%) Llandwrog 40 3 - 11 68 86 18 (21%) 55 31 (36%) 53 33 (38%) 52 34 (40%) Llanystumdwy 31.1 3 - 11 40 53 13 (35%) 36 17 (32%) 34 19 (36%) 36 17 (32%) Tregarth 49.4 3 - 11 140 181 41 (23%) 136 45 (25%) 134 47 (26%) 134 47 (26%) Cae Top 51.5 3 - 11 240 254 14 (6%) 240 14 (6%) 240 14 (6%) 240 14 (6%) Machreth 3.8 3 - 11 16 46 30 (65%) 12 34 (74%) 9 37 (80%) 8 38 (83%) Beuno Sant 17.8 3-11 53 89 36 (40%) 53 36 (40%) 59 30 (34%) 57 32 (36%)
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6.3 The need for different types of schools
To help the Council reach a decision regarding local demand for education under different categories, an independent consultant was commissioned to undertake an assessment. This was carried out by distributing a questionnaire to parents of children attending all 10 schools in Y Gader catchment area. Discussions were held with Church representatives while the questionnaire was being prepared and a meeting was held with every party to discuss the nature of the questions and how they would be worded. Then the independent consultant produced a report providing the results and interpreting the data. A draft copy of this report was shared with the Council and the Church in Wales in order to obtain comments and suggestions.
The number of responses was heartening with 326 questionnaires being completed and returned. The full report, which includes all the core data, is included as a separate document in the background pack (for information). Some key points to note are the fact that the quality of the education was the most important factor for parents as they chose a school for their child – this is explicit with 79% of the respondents stating that this was the most important factor.
One question in the questionnaire specifically asked for the views of parents regarding the choice of a different category of school within the catchment area. Four choices were given and they were asked to choose the one that best conveyed their wishes. The results were as follows: Number of Percentage Statement Responses Response It is important to me that my child attends a school that is maintained by Cyngor 27 8% Gwynedd only It is important to me that my child attends a school that is maintained by Cyngor 14 4% Gwynedd in partnership with the Church in Wales It is important that schools maintained by Cyngor Gwynedd in partnership with the 26 8% Church in Wales are available in my area in order to provide choice for parents The only thing that matters to me is that my child has a good education 253 79% No response 6
Another question asked parents what factors relating to their school are important to them, and then in a subsequent question they were asked to list the different factors in relation to each other. By combining the responses, the report sets the factors in the following order of importance: Scale Factor 1st The quality of education 2nd That there is a good relationship between parents and teachers 3rd That the school buildings and resources are of a high standard 4th The importance of the school supporting pupils’ moral and spiritual development 5th The travelling distance to the school 6th The importance of additional provision 7th The importance of the formal expectation that Christian values are integral in the schools life
This assessment is available in its entirety on the Council website (www.gwynedd.gov.uk/schoolorganisation) or in the background pack for this consultation document.
As part of the long list of possible models for Y Gader catchment area there are options to continue with Church and community primary education and to abolish either Primary Church education or primary and secondary Community education.
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6.4 Land Ownership
Whilst they continue to be used for the provision of education, the sites at Y Gader, Friog, Dinas Mawddwy, Llanelltyd and Rhydymain are the property of Gwynedd Council.
Ownership of the land at Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau is shared between Gwynedd Council and the Church in Wales. The Council owns the junior buildings and the play areas whilst the Church in Wales owns the Infants building. The playing field on the Infants site is leased to the Council by the Church in Wales.
If the catchment area school was designated a Church school it would be necessary to transfer the ownership of Y Gader, Friog, Dinas Mawddwy, Llanelltyd, Rhydymain sites and the Junior building at Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau to the Church in Wales. The Council would continue to pay maintenance costs for the sites. This means that discussions would have to be undertaken with the Church in Wales, as the owners, when discussing any options to develop alternative use for the site e.g. if the site at Y Gader needed to be developed as a community centre and social or community elements were to be located there.
If the catchment area school was designated a Community school, the Council would need to gain ownership of the Infants building. The Council understands the importance of continued discussions with Church in Wales representatives on legal matters regarding restrictions or reversion clauses which could be relevant to the direction of the plans, and to this end, discussions are still being held.
6.5 Pre-consultation Period with the Church in Wales
The Council has held regular discussions with Church in Wales representatives since the start of school reorganisation in the catchment area.
In accordance with the School Organisation Code (006/2013) the Authority is required to hold a pre- consultation period with the Church in Wales. This consultation period was held between 19 June 2014 and 1 August 2014. At the beginning of the period the following documents were presented - an example of a statutory consultation document, a draft copy of the assessments (need for different types of schools, language, community and equality) and a copy of the presentation given at the CRP meeting on 21-05-14, so that the direction could be conveyed clearly to the Diocese. The example consultation document explained the proposal which is the subject of this consultation document.
The Authority received a letter from the Diocese of Bangor and an e-mail from the Diocese of St. Asaph supporting their comments. The Diocese of Bangor made four main points:
1) The Diocese of Bangor is proud of its role and provision in the Gader Catchment Area (Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau and Ysgol Machreth, Llanfachreth). The Diocese believes that there is evidence to continue church school provision in the Gader Catchment Area which is clear as any evidences against it. The Diocese also appreciates that this is a time of change in the educational provision of our country.
2) The Diocese will accede to the proposal as outlined in the pre-consultation document, ONLY on the grounds that there is a proposal to enhance the Church school provision in the adjoining Berwyn catchment area in Bala (which is in the Diocese of St. Asaph).
3) The Diocese of Bangor asks Cyngor Gwynedd to arrange the timetable for the consultation in the Gader and Berwyn Catchment areas in such a way that the Diocese is not expected to forego its Church school provision in the Gader catchment area before the make-up of the enhanced church school provision in the Berwyn Catchment Area is known. 67
4) If it becomes clear that there will not be an enhancement of Church school provision in the Berwyn Catchment Area, then the Diocese of Bangor reserves the right to challenge and respond in a negative manner to any Statutory Consultation in the Gader catchment area, which proposes the abolition of Church school provision in this catchment area.”
The Council is aware of the concerns expressed by the Diocese, and has considered the timetable in former discussions. An agreement has been reached to aim that the timetables of the processes allow the Diocese of Bangor and St. Asaph to be clear on the direction in Y Gader and Y Berwyn catchment area.
The Council is fully aware that the Diocese, in accordance with the School Organisation Code (006/2013), is one consultee which can refer the proposal for the attention of the Education and Skills Minister.
6.6 The Favoured Legal Category
It is no longer possible to federate schools of different categories, according to the Federation of Maintained Schools Regulations (2014). Therefore creating a catchment area federation that would continue with community and Church primary education is not an option.
In terms of land ownership, we have to be aware that if a Catchment Area All through School was designated a: • Community school – the Council would need to be the owners of the infants building on the site of Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau • Church school – the Council would need to transfer the ownership of the junior building at Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau and the other 5 sites to the ownership of the Church in Wales
In choosing a category for the Catchment Area All through School we have to be aware of and to consider the matter in detail since there could be implications regarding the choice of educational provision in the future. By designating the status of the school to be: • Community – Church primary provision will be removed from the catchment area • Church – primary and secondary community provision will be removed and new Church secondary education will be established in the catchment area
In terms of legal category, the favoured option on which to hold a statutory consultation is community, considering that: • The majority of the schools at present (8 out of the 10) are community schools • There is no strong demand for Church primary education provision (based on the assessment of need for various types of schools and on local discussions) • Changing the status of educational provision for the entire catchment area to Church would have implications in terms of resources, management and ownership of a considerable number of sites • The favoured option is one Catchment Area All through School which offers advantages at catchment area level since there is no way of establishing a catchment area federation to include a community school and a Church school, according to the Federation of Maintained Schools Regulations (2014)
We welcome all comments regarding the proposals’ favoured category, whether consultees are in favour or against the favoured community category.
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7. SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSAL
This proposal would mean that all the schools in the Gader catchment area would close and one catchment area school would be opened.
CLOSE CLOSE CLOSE CLOSE CLOSE Ysgol Gynradd Ysgol Ysgol Ysgol Ieuan Ysgol Dinas Dolgellau Y Gader Brithdir Gwynedd Mawddwy
CLOSE CLOSE CLOSE CLOSE CLOSE Ysgol Ysgol Ysgol Ysgol Friog Ysgol Llanelltyd Clogau Machreth Ganllwyd
OPEN One Catchment Area School on Six Sites
Friog Llanelltyd Rhydymain Site Site Site
Y Gader Site Dolgellau Dinas Mawddwy Primary Site Site
This would involve: • Closing 10 Schools: - Ysgol Y Gader - Ysgol Gynradd Dolgellau - Ysgol Clogau - Ysgol Brithdir - Ysgol Dinas Mawddwy - Ysgol Ganllwyd - Ysgol Llanelltyd - Ysgol Ieuan Gwynedd Ysgol Friog - Proposed Catchment A rea Map - Ysgol Machreth • Establishing one Welsh medium, community 3-16 all-through catchment area school on multiple sites • The Llanelltyd, Friog, Ieuan Gwynedd (Rhydymain), Dinas Mawddwy, Gader and Dolgellau Primary school sites would remain open as sites of the new school • The Ganllwyd, Clogau (Bontddu), Machreth and Brithdir schools would close and their sites not re-opened
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8. EXPLAINING THE STATUTORY PROCESSES
A period of pre-consultation with the Church in Wales was held July-August 2014. Then a report, containing the Church’s comments from the pre-consultation, was presented to the Council’s Cabinet for consideration in September 2014.
The Cabinet approved the recommendation to proceed to a period of statutory consultation on the favoured option. This is the consultation document, which contains the proposal’s details. This document was published on 10 October and responses can be received until 13:00 on Monday 24 November 2014. These responses will not be counted as objections, but comments. If anyone wishes to object they must do so following the publication of the statutory notice (should one be issued). During this consultation responses may include comments or questions on any aspect of the proposal (e.g. the model, sites involved, category etc.) or suggest alternative options.
Following this statutory consultation period a report will be submitted to the Cabinet in January 2015 where a decision will be made whether or not to proceed with this proposal. This consultation report will summarise the issues raised by consultees and contain the Council’s response to the issues. The report will be published on the Council’s website and hard copies will be available on request. Parents, carers and guardians, staff and governors of all ten schools will be informed that the report is available. A number of representatives from other agencies will be informed that the consultation report is available e.g. the Church in Wales Bangor Diocesan Authority, Powys Council, Estyn, Welsh Ministers, relevant Assembly Members and Members of Parliament etc.
If the Cabinet decides to proceed following consideration of the consultation report, the proposal will have to be issued in the form of a statutory notice. The notice will be published on a school day and there will be an “objection period” of 28 days from the date when the proposal is published. Anyone can object to the proposal. The notice will be posted on the Gwynedd Council website and also close to the main reception in all 10 schools involved in the proposal; copies will be sent to the schools to be distributed to pupils, parents, carers and guardians, staff and governors. Hard copies will be available on request to the school organisation office.
After the objection period closes, the Council will publish a summary of the statutory objections and the Council’s response to the objections in an “objection report”. The objection report will be posted on the Council’s website and hard copies will be available on request. Parents, carers and guardians, staff and governors of all ten schools will also be informed that the objection report is available. A number of representatives from other agencies will be informed that the objection report is available.
The Council Cabinet will make the final decision on the objection report within 28 days of the end of the objection period. When the Cabinet has reached its final decision, the decision will be put in writing along with explicit reasons for the decision. The decision will be posted on the Council’s website, and parents, carers and guardians, staff and governors of all ten schools will be informed of the decision. A number of representatives from other agencies will also be informed of the decision.
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In some instances – following the Cabinet’s final decision - it is possible for the following bodies to refer the proposal to the Welsh Ministers for their consideration: • Another Local Authority affected by the proposal • Appropriate religious body for any school affected • Governing body of a voluntary or foundation school which is the subject of proposals • Any Trust which holds land on behalf of a voluntary or foundation school which is the subject of proposal • Further education establishment affected by the proposals
The bodies which refer the proposal need to note the reason why they are of the opinion that the decision reached by the Local Authority is incorrect. The Welsh Ministers will decide whether the proposals affect the bodies and whether they need to consider the proposals.
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9. PROPOSED TIMETABLE
19 June 2014 Start of Pre-consultation with the Church in Wales
28 days for response 1 August 2014 End of Pre-consultation with the Church in Wales
16 September 2014 Cabinet Report – requesting permission to conduct a statutory consultation
10 October 2014 Statutory consultation period begins
At least 42 days for consultees to respond, at least 20 of those days being school days
5 and 6 November 2014 Consultation days in Glan Wnion Leisure Centre, Dolgellau
13:00 on 24 November, 2014 Closing date for receiving comments during the statutory consultation
13 January 2015 Cabinet to discuss the report following the consultation and to decide whether or not to proceed with the proposal (i.e. whether or not to publish a Statutory Notice)
Proceed with the proposal? Yes No
No – will not proceed with February/March 2015 Publish a Statutory Notice the proposal.
Period of 28 days to If a new option appears and
object the Council wishes to
consider it, then a new March/April 2015 End of the Formal Objection Period statutory consultation is
undertaken
May 2015 Cabinet to discuss the Objection Report
Confirm the proposal?
Yes No – will not proceed with the proposal
Period of 28 days
Welsh Ministers decide if they need to The Authorities’ decision is referred? discuss the proposal and can approve, Yes reject or approve with adaptations. Ministers approve the proposal? No No Proposal Implemented Yes
Proposal Rejected
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GWYNEDD COUNCIL PROPOSAL FOR THE RE-ORGANISATION OF SCHOOLS IN THE GADER CATCHMENT AREA IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 48 OF THE SCHOOLS STANDARDS AND ORGANISATION ACT 2013
RESPONSE FORM (Please Place Comments Overleaf or Attach this Form to your Full Response if Seperate) Please provide the following information:
1. Name:
2. Address:
3. E-mail address:
4. I respond as (please note):
Parent / Carer / Governor Staff Pupil Other Guardian (please note):
______of the following school (please note): Brithdir Clogau Cynradd Dinas Friog Ganllwyd Ieuan Llanelltyd Machreth Y Gader Dolgellau Mawddwy Gwynedd
Note below if you agree for the Council to publish your response. Affix this page to the front of your response to the statutory consultation. With your permission, we shall reproduce responses, in full or having taken out personal details such as names and addresses, in a report to the Cabinet on the statutory consultation.
According to the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 we need to inform you of the following. Gwynedd Council is seeking your views on this proposal as part of a statutory consultation process. Your personal information will be used for this reason only, and the information might be shared with agencies (e.g. the Welsh Government) which are part of the consultation solely in order to respond to specific matters which you have raised. We will continue to consider your comments whatever option is chosen.
Yes, I agree the Council can Yes, I agree to the Council can No, the Council should publishing my response in full, publishing my response after not publish my response including personal information removing personal information
Please return responses to: School Organisation Office, Cabinet will discuss a report on the consultation, tick the box Gwynedd Council, if you would like to receive an electronic copy of the report Headquarters, Caernarfon, Gwynedd.
LL55 1SH or [email protected] Please note these responses are comments and not objections to the proposal. There will be an opportunity to object to the proposal should a statutory notice be published. Closing date 13:00 on 24 November 2014 73
COMMENTS
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