Objections to the Statutory Notice to Discontinue Ysgol Y Parc

141 Objections Received 139 Letters (1 Bilingual, 135 Welsh, 3 English) 1 English E-mail 1 Petition containing 144 signatures from staff and pupils of Ysgol y Berwyn who are disappointed with the decision to close Ysgol Y Parc.

Objections were received from pupils, staff, governors and parents of Ysgol Y Parc, from Llandderfel Community Council and Llanycil Community Council, members of the community, Merched y Wawr, NFU, FUW, Ysgol Y Parc Protection Committee, Y Parc Cultural Society, Y Parc Presbyterian Church, and other movements and societies.

objections including

Comment Code

the comments

Number of Number

Observations Cyngor Gwynedd Response

1 Education 1.1 Ysgol Y Parc is a very successful unit providing education 47 Ysgol Y Parc and Ysgol OM Edwards provide education of a high standard. of exceptionally high standard / Ysgol Y Parc offers commendable features such as specialist music Ysgol Y Parc was awarded seven Grade 2 results in its latest Estyn inspection. Ysgol provision / Ysgol Y Parc offers excellent grounding for OM Edwards was awarded seven Grade 1 results in its latest Estyn inspection (Grade 1 pupils to move forward to further education / There is = good with outstanding features, Grade 2 = good features and no important no recommendation or criticism in the Estyn report to shortcomings). support the case for closing the school / The standard of education at Ysgol Y Parc is outstanding (the latest Estyn Regarding the inspection at Ysgol OM Edwards, it was stated: “In comparison with similar schools in Wales, the school’s performance is within the

Page 1 of 35 report is evidence of this) / ESTYN states that it is in the highest 25% in the two key stages according to the benchmarking evidence.” “mediocre” schools that problems arise from the school being too small – since at those schools is not possible There is every reason to expect that the provision of new resources at Ysgol OM to release the Head Teacher from teaching duties. Edwards, establishing larger size and stronger classes, and creating a larger pool of teaching and support staff will support and improve educational standards. The proposal should promote the provision of a wide and balanced curriculum in this rural part of Y Berwyn catchment area.

The numbers at Ysgol Y Parc have been low for a number of years, and at times have been very vulnerable.

The average size of classes at Ysgol Y Parc at the moment is 9 and at Ysgol OM Edwards the average number is 17. The strategy notes that the aim is to ensure classes of between 12 and 25 pupils. If the numbers increase, as is predicted, the budget allocation will also increase and likewise the size of the classes.

Leadership is of key importance if the educational standards are to continually improve. The proposal would lead to an increase in the number of staff at Ysgol OM Edwards and opportunities are predicted for the school to collaborate with other schools in the area so that a broad and high standard of education is ensured for the pupils at Ysgol OM Edwards.

The headteacher will be released more from her teaching responsibilities in order to concentrate on leadership matters in line with national guidelines.

Page 2 of 35 1.2 Very close collaboration between the school and the 2 There is very close collaboration between the local schools and the nursery groups. Nursery Group / high percentage of the Maesywaen nursery group have very successfully continued with Schools within Y Berwyn area currently have the right to provide nursery education their education at Ysgol Y Parc. but they choose not to do this, and the pupils attend nursery groups within the 1.3 Closing Ysgol Y Parc would affect the future of the 2 catchment area, including the Maesywaun group. The same provision could be Maesywaen nursery group and might force it to close, maintained, if that is the wish of the communities, even if Ysgol Y Parc were to close. which would also affect Ysgol Bro Tryweryn since the nursery group feeds the latter school as well. 1.4 Agree with the argument that the main purpose of a 1 It is the Authority’s vision to offer the children of the County education of the highest school is to give a child the best education. Best possible quality which will give them experiences, skills and confidence and enable education involves giving children a sense of belonging them to develop and become bilingual, successful and complete citizens. and purpose. 1.5 Not convinced that educational considerations are the 3 Behind this proposal there are a number of considerations as outlined in the strategy, real reasons behind the decision for closure. and educational considerations are of core importance to the proposal. 1.6 Do larger schools offer every pupil the same 38 It is expected that a broad and balanced curriculum should be offered at every single opportunities? / One of the greatest advantages of a school within Gwynedd. But, at the moment, it appears that this is increasingly small school such as Ysgol Y Parc is individual attention, difficult in some situations since the system is not fit for purpose. and every pupil being included in every aspect of the school activities / Every pupil at the school being given The average size of classes at Ysgol Y Parc currently stands at 9.5 and in Ysgol OM an equal opportunity to gain confidence and to develop Edwards the average number is 17. The strategy notes that the aim is to ensure abilities and social skills which are vital to the classes of between 12 and 25 pupils. If the number of pupils increases, as is foreseen, development of any child / A small school has many the allocation in the budget will also increase and likewise the size of the classes. educational advantages / A small school provides the best education in terms of attention and retaining the According to the latest Estyn inspection report, Ysgol OM Edwards was awarded seven characters of the pupils / Ysgol Y Parc gives due Grade 1 results (Grade 1 = good with outstanding features). attention to the more fringe aspects of education such as nature, life in the area and local history, providing the The report notes the following: children with the real best values / Mixed age classes “The pupils receive excellent opportunities to become aware of the social and cultural give the best opportunity for each and every member of traditions of their area. They obtain a wealth of experiences through the variety of those classes to learn social skills from an early age / extra-curricular activities.”

Page 3 of 35 Research shows that the smaller the school the greatest the chance of pupils reaching University and that the There is every reason to expect that the provision of new resources at Ysgol OM results of tests at small schools are better / There is no Edwards, establishing larger sized and stronger classes and creating a larger pool of proof that the education that pupils can expect at Ysgol teaching and support staff will maintain and improve educational standards. The OM Edwards will be any better than the education proposal should help provide a broad and balanced curriculum and secure the provided in Ysgol Y Parc sustainability of rural education in this area. 1.7 We are very concerned that the number of schools 1 The fact that the number of primary schools is falling will not affect the number of which feed Ysgol y Berwyn can be reduced to a number pupils feeding Ysgol Y Berwyn, since the boundaries of secondary catchment areas will as low as four if the plan to close Ysgol Y Parc is carried not change. As part of the proposal the pupils of Ysgol Y Parc will attend Ysgol OM out and if neighbouring Councils follow Gwynedd’s Edwards which also feeds Ysgol y Berwyn. example and close schools such as Llangwm, Llandrillo and Glyndyfrdwy – schools which in the past have fed Gwynedd Council has no influence over or responsibility for decisions reached by Ysgol Y Berwyn / What forms the character of a school is other Councils but will work closely on any collaboration opportunities. children attending from various villages with their own unique characteristics. 1.8 We believe that the life long plan supports the concept 1 The Authority agrees with this observation. Indeed, the council believes that there is a of small rural schools in close collaboration with the unique opportunity in Y Berwyn catchment area to develop a system for a rural area mother school in Bala, sharing resources and teacher such as Penllyn by anchoring rural educational establishments to a larger sized and expertise. more urban education centre. 1.9 Foundation Phase - how will it be implemented at Ysgol 2 Of course, the numbers in the classes will be higher than the numbers at present – OM Edwards with more than 30 pupils in a class? A ratio but they would be within the national guidelines. Ysgol OM Edwards can respond to of 1:8 staff to pupils between 3-7 years of age / Concern the guideline of providing 1:8 staff per pupil ratio. regarding the numbers in classes at Ysgol OM Edwards Based on the projected numbers for 2013 – the division is as follows:

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1.10 Why so much emphasis on empty places – the aim is to 1 The matter of numbers and surplus places is only one of the factors considered when reduce the size of classes. going through the school organisation process.

Here is the information regarding pupil numbers, number and percentage of surplus spaces:

The average size of classes at Ysgol Y Parc at the moment is 9.5 and at Ysgol OM Edwards the average size is 17. Implementing the proposal will mean that the size of

Page 5 of 35 classes at Ysgol OM Edwards will be more sustainable and that teaching groups will be more equal in terms of age range. 1.11 Moving pupils affects their development. 3 The Council is aware that it must be sensitive during the transition period if the plan is to be implemented – and every effort is being made to ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place. The pupils of both schools are already acquainted because of the collaboration between the two schools – and this will be of help to ease the transition for the pupils.

2 Community 2.1 If Ysgol Y Parc is closed, it is unlikely that young families 16 The Community Impact Assessment carried out notes that the Council needs to be will want to live in the village / Closing the school will aware that the proposal could potentially have a negative effect on the community of lead to an ageing population / How long will young Y Parc. During this process the Council has realised that the school building is all- families with children live in the Parc area if there is no important as a local asset and for holding a number of activities. The building is school? / Closing Ysgol Y Parc would harm the structure protected through lease – and discussions are being held with the community and of the local community / Once the children of the area definite proposals have been put forward to ensure that it will be available should the are distributed to various other schools the close-knit school close. local community would soon disintegrate / Outward migration would set in and our culture and social life There are a number of communities throughout Gwynedd and other areas in Wales would be scattered in more than one direction / What where there is no school, but where young families live within a vibrant community. A kind of families would be attracted to the area then? / It few examples are Caeathro near Caernarfon; Llithfaen near Pwllheli; Sarn on the Lleyn will become a collection of dwellings with no contact Peninsula and Croesor in Meirionnydd. In these places there are vibrant communities between the residents / Many former pupils of with successful local businesses and plenty of community activities.

Page 6 of 35 2.2 Ysgol Y Parc choose to stay in the area and send their 11 In terms of the continuation of rural provision in the area, the proposal will support own children to the school – this in itself proves the the fact that the community is already organically sustainable. It is obvious that the invaluable importance of the local community / a area is attractive as a place of residence and also for running a business. Ensuring a number run their own businesses in the area and the strong, sustainable educational provision in the area will also contribute towards the average age of those involved in agriculture is below the continuation into the future of the present successful and strong community. national average.

We note the aim of Welsh Government to introduce plans which would protect Natural Welsh areas / Gwynedd Council’s plans for reorganising education could counteract and have a negative effect on the structure and future of the community in Y Parc and on other rural communities. 2.3 The importance of the school in the close-knit 57 The majority of the primary school age pupils who live within Y Parc catchment area community of Y Parc / Losing the school would greatly at present attend this school. All the primary school age pupils who live within the OM undermine the community / Losing the school would Edwards catchment area at the moment attend that school. It is likely that take the heart out of the community / Closing the school strengthening the rural education in the Llanuwchllyn area and the investment in the would demolish and destroy a vibrant community / school buildings will retain children within the catchment area. Moving the children out of the their natural surroundings will affect the close relationship between A summary of the community based facilities and the community use made of the the school and the community / Closing the school school resources can be seen in the statistical analysis agreed upon by every school would drown the community as happened in Capel and which can be viewed on the Council website. Indeed, as in a number of other Celyn / Maesywaen is an example of an area which lost communities, including Llanuwchllyn, there is a good relationship between the its school and then lost its community / Agencies and community and the school. societies make use of the hall / There is a strong feeling of belonging to the community, a number of those The Authority has to consider community factors when it puts together proposals for brought up in the area return here to live – the situation the reorganisation of schools. A full and independent Community Impact Assessment in Y Parc is unique and special / The link between the was undertaken with regard to the proposals, in accordance with Welsh Government hall and the school creates a focus for the community / Circular 021/2009 on Schools Organisation Proposals. The assessment pointed out In 10 to 15 years, if the school is closed, I can foresee that closing Ysgol Y Parc and providing places for the Y Parc pupils at Ysgol OM

Page 7 of 35 the Council investing many millions in Y Parc to try and Edwards, Llanuwchllyn could potentially have a negative effect on the community at Y regenerate the Welsh life lost there. Parc. 2.4 The school is central to the entire village life / There is a 48 tradition of maintaining a close link between the school The report makes several recommendations in terms of what could be done to and all the residents of the village / The school fosters alleviate the negative effect of school closure. The Council will strive to implement social awareness / There is a great advantage to having many of these, including support for maintaining the community provision within the a school within the village / There is close and consistent village. It was explained to the Council that a number of cultural activities which are a collaboration between every age group, from pre-school vital part of village life in Y Parc are being held in the building. The Council will work children to the elderly / Communities such as the closely with the community and this work is already under way; definite proposals community in Y Parc are becoming rare, and if it was a have been put forward in order to ensure that the community resource will continue rare plant or animal that was under consideration, every should the school close. effort would be made to create the best circumstances for its survival / This close contact has meant that The Council also has to remember that - geographically - Ysgol OM Edwards is very societies and movements continue to flourish in Y Parc close to Y Parc and that the Council also has a duty to maintain a community resource area / This situation does not exist in many areas in within the village of Y Parc. This will give opportunities for extending current activities Gwynedd / Concern that this contact would be lost if the to include a wider community, but it will also ensure a provision so that the school were to close, and that the social and cultural community of Y Parc can continue with local activities. consequences for the area would be disastrous / The Centre gives the best service to the area / There has As a result of discussions in Y Berwyn catchment area, other proposals have been put been a school in Y Parc for 130 years / The school is the forward which attempt to directly respond to the situation regarding the future of heart of the community - community events are all held Ysgol Uwchradd y Berwyn. Ensuring a strong primary education provision in the rural at the school / Y Parc is one of the most cultured areas Berwyn catchment area is part of the solution. In the opinion of the Council, creating in Wales and cultural events are well attended a strong and sustainable provision for the future at Ysgol OM Edwards is also part of the answer. 2.5 Closing the school in Y Parc would contravene some of 2

the aims of Gwynedd Council, especially the first aim of There are a number of communities in Gwynedd and beyond which maintain a vibrant the plan which aims to strengthen the economy in the community although there is no school in the local village. rural areas within Gwynedd / Closing the school would contravene the plan to regenerate Gwynedd / Closing the school would have a negative effect on businesses and on the local economy

Page 8 of 35 2.6 Retaining Ysgol Y Parc would strengthen the 1 sustainability of neighbouring communities such as Y Bala and would also strengthen Ysgol y Berwyn / We must consider the effect that closing Ysgol Y Parc would have on Ysgol y Berwyn 2.7 I support the community of Y Parc and on account of my 1 background and culture I can understand the feelings of the people of Pen Llŷn and Penllyn 2.8 I admire and support the perseverance of Ysgol Y Parc 4 supporters to keep this education and social resource open. 2.9 The community in Y Parc deserves special treatment. No 9 The Council has a duty towards all the communities within the County . person or thing should be allowed to destroy Welsh communities such as this one / Vibrant communities According to the latest census, 84.7% of the Llanuwchllyn Community Council (Ysgol such as the community in Y Parc are rare and truly need OM Edwards area) population are Welsh speakers, whilst 78.4% of the Llanycil (Y Parc to be protected / When this generation starts to Community Council area) are Welsh speakers. disappear, for how long will the Welsh language survive in rural Gwynedd, even in the existing strongholds?/ We Ensuring the future of the Welsh language is one of the aims of Gwynedd Council and are not asking for favours but asking for consideration to ensuring a strong rural education provision is one way of making sure that the be given to the uniqueness of the school and the language flourishes in those areas. community in Y Parc and for both to receive the support and rights they deserve 2.10 All the cultural activities in the village are connected 30 The Council is aware that a number of cultural activities are held in the village of Y with the school / The school holds many activities e.g. Parc, and that some of those are held in the school building. A community resource the Eisteddfod, the Urdd, cookery club, but it is also will remain in the village. Therefore it will be possible for community activities to be involved with many other community events e.g. Sunday held there in keeping with the desires of the community. Ysgol OM Edwards will offer School / The school gives pupils the first choice of taking cultural opportunities for all the pupils, and with the community resource being part in public events and every pupil is given equal retained in Y Parc it will be possible for community activities to continue within the opportunity to participate / Events can take place latter village in accordance with local desire. naturally after school hours / Every pupil would not

Page 9 of 35 receive equal opportunity at a larger school The latest Estyn inspection report on Ysgol OM Edwards notes as follows: “The school takes full advantage of its very good connection with the community of which it is an integral part, in order to broaden and enrich the pupils’ learning. A number of members and representatives of the community visit the school to share with the pupils their experiences of working life and their interest. The pupils visit a number of different locations in the area and take part in its celebrations and its activities in order to learn about their heritage. The community was also an important part of the recent celebrations when the school marked fifty years since the school was established”.

It also noted the large number of educational and cultural opportunities offered to pupils at Ysgol OM Edwards: “The pupils are given excellent opportunities to become aware of the social and cultural traditions of their area. They receive a wealth of experiences through the various extra-curricular activities such as eisteddfodau, concerts and sports activities, all of which broaden their horizons. The pupils have a strong awareness of their responsibility towards their community.”

“The school provides a wide range of extra-curricular activities and makes effective use of residential centres in order to enrich the school curriculum through various opportunities. Adran yr Urdd provides after school clubs teaching dance, music and games. The tennis and netball teams took part in the Dragon Games Scheme during 2004 - 2006. The pupils gain substantial success in local eisteddfodau and the Urdd eisteddfod and a substantial number took part in various competitions in the Urdd National Eisteddfod this year. The pupils gain good experiences through the numerous visits arranged to locations such as Rhyd y Creuau, Rhyd Ddu, Castell y Bere, Bryncrug, Tŷ Mawr, Sain Ffagan and the Senedd in Cardiff. These activities provide very valuable learning experiences for the pupils.”

Page 10 of 35 2.11 Advisory Services – this community is under-privileged / 7 Residents who live in rural areas throughout Gwynedd do receive a number of The taxpayers in the community already pay substantial services even though those services are not always visible. It is not practical for every and increasing taxes but, apart from the Community service to be available in every community on account of the location of that School, there is no other service or provision / There is community or the size of its population. no public transport service of any value – the nearest regular bus service only comes within 1.5miles of the Having said that, services such as street lighting, refuse collection, recycling service, village / Everyone has to depend on cars / Keeping the highway maintenance and emergency services are only some of the services a large school and the Centre open would secure at least one number of residents receive – not to mention any specialist service such as social resource. care.

If the proposal is implemented, an educational provision of the highest standard within an upgraded building will be provided for this rural community. 2.12 The parents, pupils and residents of Y Parc wish to keep 14 Residents of Y Parc have been very loyal to their school during the discussions on the the school open / No pupil has moved out of the school future of the school. The information given during the discussions has been very clear since plans for closure have been announced and definite so that everyone understands the situation regarding the school and also the timetable for the process so that parents are aware of all the steps involved. The Council notes that the parents’ decision for their children to remain at the school has stabilised the children’s education until a final decision has been taken. 2.13 A school closure assessment was published with regard 2 The Council received this assessment during the statutory consultation period and it to the community at Llanfihangel-ar-Arth, and noted the was also a subject of discussion during that time. implications of closing a school situated within a Welsh community: The community disintegrates, incomers do Indeed, communities can be found throughout Wales where schools have been not become part of the Welsh community, not as many subject to closure in the past – in some cases it can be said that there has been a young parents settle there, difficult process regarding negative effect, whilst other communities have remained strong and vibrant. A few upkeep of the hall due to ownership difficulties, lack of examples of the latter are the communities of Caeathro near Caernarfon, Llithfaen community focus / Concern that closure would have the near Pwllheli and Sarn on the Lleyn Peninsula. same effect as closing small schools in Montgomeryshire and Carmarthenshire Indeed there are a number of communities in areas with a school which have become isolated from community and social closeness because of the changing times and the modern way of life.

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In the case of Y Parc – the Council has already identified the need for a community resource to continue within the village and has stated that the Council will support a centre for community activities in accordance with the wishes of the community. Indeed, the Council has started these discussions, however, Parc community representatives wanted to delay further discussions until a final decision on the future of the school.

3 The Welsh Language 3.1 The Council’s Language Report notes that the effect of 8 An independent Language Impact Assessment was conducted in order to assess the closing Ysgol Y Parc would be detrimental to the Welsh effect of the proposals on the Welsh language. The Language Impact Assessment language and to the Welsh community / Ysgol Y Parc is a carried out by independent consultants on behalf of the Council in the Spring of 2010 unique, rural, naturally Welsh school / If the school is concluded that the proposal would have a positive effect on the use of the Welsh closed the language and cultural pattern of the area will language among primary age pupils. In the study it was shown that 83% of the 49 be destroyed / We further believe that closing a pupils attending Ysgol OM Edwards come from Welsh homes, whilst 83% of the 18 naturally Welsh school in a predominantly Welsh area pupils attending Ysgol Y Parc come from Welsh homes. would undermine the policy of Gwynedd Council to protect the language in rural areas / The consultation According to the latest census, 84.7% of the Llanuwchllyn Community Council (Ysgol regarding language and community participation, OM Edwards area) population are Welsh speakers, whilst 78.4% of the Llanycil (Y Parc commissioned from an independent consultant, is clear Community Council area) are Welsh speakers. evidence of how strong the situation is in Ysgol Y Parc / 90% of residents in the area are Welsh speakers even if The independent Language Impact Assessment predicts that the proposal would there has been a slight reduction lately / Gwynedd strengthen the language at the school – within and outside the classroom. Council and Welsh Government have a duty to protect one of the strongholds of the Welsh language. Without doubt, the Welsh language is very strong in the communities of Y Parc and 3.2 The proposal will have a negative effect on the Welsh 16 Llanuwchllyn (Ysgol OM Edwards area). language in Penllyn / The effect will not be apparent for some years but with time the young families will move Cultural activities form an important part of community life throughout the County, away, and there are locations throughout Gwynedd including Y Parc and Llanuwchllyn. The following was quoted in the Estyn inspection where it has been shown that the people who replace report on Ysgol OM Edwards:

Page 12 of 35 them are less likely to be Welsh speaking / The collapse “The pupils are given excellent opportunities to become aware of the social and of the strongholds will be the death of the Welsh cultural traditions of their area. They receive a wealth of experiences through the language – that is the sad part / A far-reaching negative various extra-curricular activities such as eisteddfodau, concerts and sports activities, blow for the Welsh language in the area. all of which broaden their horizons. The pupils have a strong awareness of their 3.3 With the recent publication of the language strategy by 4 responsibility towards their community.” Welsh Government, following its recommendations would promote and protect the language and the At the moment the pupils of Ysgol Y Parc join their counterparts at Ysgol OM Edwards culture of an area which is among the most Welsh areas for a range of extra-curricular activities and without doubt there are opportunities for in Wales / Y Parc area is famous throughout Wales for its strengthening the cultural activities in the area as the pupils of the area come culture. together at one school. 3.4 Y Parc is a Welsh speaking village and it is a stronghold 22 of Welsh culture at its best / Ysgol Y Parc is one of the most Welsh schools in Gwynedd / 90% of the village Also, with the promise made by the Council that there will be support for the residents are Welsh speaking – such communities are community resource at the Y Parc village to continue, there will be an opportunity for rare in Wales today / One of the most obvious the community there to continue with the cultural activities which are such an strongholds of the language / the results of the most important part of the community. recent census show that between 92% add 94% of the residents in the existing Ysgol Y Parc catchment area speak Welsh. Therefore Welsh is the mother tongue of the vast majority of the pupils at the school and the natural strength of the language ensures that the occasional inward migrants develop Welsh as their second language quickly and naturally / The majority of the residents of Llanuwchllyn cannot speak Welsh because English families have started to move into the village. 3.5 Welsh rural communities are all-important for the 7 Safeguarding the Welsh language and its use, within the Council and outside it, is one survival of the Welsh language and culture / A Welsh of the Council's strategic objectives. The Council shall treat Welsh and English on the community such as the community in Y Parc is basis of equality and both languages shall enjoy the same status and validity. The invaluable for the future of the Welsh language in rural Council’s Welsh Language Plan notes how Gwynedd Council shall put these principles

Page 13 of 35 areas / Y Parc is an ideal location for assimilation of into action. inward migrants who do not speak the language, within the school rather than within any other element of Annually, the Council compiles a report which monitors whether it succeeds in village life / The Council is systematically going about adhering to the Language Plan. The report is presented to the Language Sub- killing the language within villages throughout the committee and to the Welsh Language Board. County by closing the schools. 3.6 The people who argue that this is a matter for education 1 Gwynedd Council Welsh Language Plan: and not a language matter are either fools or deceivers. http://www.gwynedd.gov.uk/gwy_doc.asp?docid=15068&catid=2647&p=1&c=1 The language is an integral part of any question regarding the future of education and the community in Y Parc. Language Action Plan 2010-2013: 3.7 Statistics show that the numbers of fluent Welsh 1 http://www.gwynedd.gov.uk/upload/public/attachments/1040/CYNLLUN_GWEITHRE speakers is decreasing at a rate of around 3,000 per year DU_IAITH_2010_S.pdf therefore it is essential for Gwynedd Council to give equal priority to safeguarding our heritage as it does to The independent Language Impact Assessment on the proposal to close Ysgol Y Parc safeguarding its funds. predicts that the proposal would strengthen the language at the school – both in the classroom and on the school yard. The communities of Y Parc and Llanuwchllyn, although they are not identical in linguistic terms, are very similar as the results of the last census showed.

Ensuring the future of the Welsh language is one of the aims of Gwynedd Council.– and ensuring that sustainable educational provision continues within those areas is one means of contributing towards that aim.

The aim of Gwynedd Council Education Language Policy is to ensure that all pupils in the County are in possession of balanced, age related bilingualism, to enable them to be full members of the bilingual society of which they are part.

Though the aim of the Policy is bilingualism, emphasis is placed on Welsh in the early years (to the end of KS1) in order to lay firm foundations for further development. In practice, this means that the majority of schools begin to introduce English formally at

Page 14 of 35 the end of KS1. In the other key stages, schools are expected to prepare for developing pupil's grasp on the Welsh language.

http://www.gwynedd.gov.uk/gwy_doc.asp?cat=2647&doc=15068&Language=1&p=1 &c=1

Gwynedd Council have prepared a new Welsh Education Scheme that explains how it intends to provide an education service in Welsh and bilingually. To see a copy of the draft scheme and to know how and when to submit comments go to the Welsh Education Scheme web page.

http://www.gwynedd.gov.uk/gwy_doc.asp?cat=7072&doc=26126&language=1&p=1 &c=1

4 Staffing 4.1 The inclusion of Ysgol Y Parc within a federal family will 1 Under the existing proposal, it will not be necessary to appoint a new head teacher, overcome the problem which has existed in the past this will overcome the problem which has in the past been part of the appointment of regarding the appointment of head teachers with CPCP head teachers with CPCP qualification. qualifications. Only one head teacher would be needed for both sites. 4.2 The staff at Ysgol Y Parc stretch the pupils’ ability to the 13 A number of leadership elements were noted in the latest Estyn inspection report on extreme / The children show great respect for their Ysgol Y Parc. There are some suggestions with regard to ensuring a way of sharing teachers / They receive the best care from the teachers good practice and monitoring pupils. At a larger school – and in the context of the / Good teaching staff / Excellent meals / Excellent head remainder of Council plans for Y Berwyn catchment area - there will be a way of teacher ensuring methods for sharing good practice in various aspects of teaching and management.

Estyn’s report on Ysgol OM Edwards (especially key questions 2 and 5) notes that the teaching and managerial staff are exceptional. This proposal would see pupils attending Ysgol OM Edwards which has an outstanding track record in this respect.

Page 15 of 35 4.3 What will happen to the school staff? Will staff lose their 6 If the proposal were implemented, there would be staffing implications which could jobs Is it compulsory to employ staff for a specific length lead to uncertainty and job losses. At the moment there is a full time head teacher, a of time if there are no jobs available? / Very sad if staff full time teacher and support staff at Ysgol Y Parc. As part of the present consultation, are made redundant / Job losses affect the livelihood of staff and Union representatives are specifically consulted. Gwynedd Council has the individuals. developed a detailed staffing policy, in conjunction with the Trade Unions and the head teachers. Any job losses which derive from this proposal will have to conform with this policy. Clear and open communication will play a core part in the successful implementation of any proposals.

5 Transport and Travel 5.1 It is not right for young children to travel so far from 5 The Authority’s transport policy notes that it is acceptable for primary school children their homes for their primary education / Additional to travel up to 30 minutes from their home, whilst the Government policy notes that travel is certain to tire them and this will affect their that it is acceptable for primary school children to travel up to 45 minutes. progress at school / Disadvantages of travelling some miles back and forth every day, especially in winter / The travel time from the Ysgol Y Parc site to the Ysgol OM Edwards site is 8 minutes. Council policy notes no travel in excess of 20 minutes, a From the data on the location of existing Ysgol Y Parc pupils’ homes it takes number of buses will be needed in order to ensure this. approximately 15 to 20 minutes from the furthest home to Ysgol OM Edwards. It is 5.2 Practical research into children’s transport time to Ysgol 4 true that it would take a few extra minutes to pick up/set down pupils but the OM Edwards – a distance of 6.9 miles from the furthest Authority does not believe that the travel time for any Parc pupil will exceed 30 home but this distance could be increased if the bus minutes within this proposal. called at other homes – a round trip of 14 miles each day / Travel time one way only is between 27 and 38 There are many examples across the County of pupils travelling up to 30 minutes to minutes allowing waiting time when picking their nearest school whilst considering the rural nature of the County. up/dropping off children. Is it fair to expect children to travel for 20 minutes by taxi in the early morning each day? / Catching a taxi first thing in the morning is not an ideal start to the day. 5.3 Net savings of £74,000 were quoted. Transport costs 7 Following the closure of Ysgol Y Parc there will be an annual financial saving of would use up almost £40,000 of this sum – and £86,373. But transport for pupils to the new school will have to be provided, in transport costs nowadays increase by the month / What accordance with the Council’s transport policy. On the basis of the current increases

Page 16 of 35 exactly is the transport cost? in fuel prices, an additional cost of around £15,000 is predicted. This would then reduce the expected saving to £71,373. 5.4 If the school is closed, Gwynedd Council will be 2 Ysgol Y Parc pupils will receive transport in accordance with the Council’s transport responsible for transporting the children from their policy. As part of the proposal, Ysgol Y Parc catchment area will be joined with Ysgol homes to school(s) – it is more than likely that some OM Edwards catchment area and will be known as Ysgol OM Edwards catchment children would attend other schools rather than Ysgol area. The choice for pupil parents/guardians continues, but the Council does not OM Edwards. foresee a large number attending other schools. 5.5 There would be an additional implication for the Council 1 Severe weather can affect rural schools throughout the County. to grit the rural roads in the winter time otherwise the children would miss more school days during spells of The Council transport officers have assessed the travel route and they are satisfied hard weather / We predict transport difficulties / During that it is practical and safe and in accordance with the Council’s transport policy to the hard winter of 2009-2010, Ysgol Y Parc was closed provide one mini bus . for 2 days only – one on account of transport failure and the other because of a problem with the heating system The assessment was carried out in January 2011 in the presence of the school Head / The school was only closed for 1 day during December Teacher. A 20 seater bus already makes the journey each day to carry secondary 2010 – the coldest winter on record. The majority school age pupils from Y Parc to Bala. managed to reach school on foot or by agricultural vehicles – if the school is further away they could miss Apart from the driver, at the moment Gwynedd Council does not provide adults to school for a fortnight. supervise the school buses. However, as part of the Council’s response to statutory consultations, the Council has undertaken to ensure that seatbelts are provided on any new bus contracts and to provide adult to supervise when the new arrangements commence. The Council will review the provision of adult supervision after the first full term of the new arrangement. 5.6 The roads in the area are not suitable for any vehicle 2 A tender will be issued to obtain transport for the pupils from their homes, it will not larger than a mini bus / Taking into consideration the be possible to confirm the bus route or the number of vehicles until the transport present numbers at the school and the location of their agreement is confirmed. Since the number of children living in the Ysgol Y Parc homes it is believed that the service of two mini buses catchment area at the moment is 20 it is unlikely that any vehicle larger than a mini and additional connecting car/cars would be needed. bus will need to be used.

5.7 Extra travel for parents to take their children to extra 3 Transport for pupils to the new school will be provided in accordance with the

Page 17 of 35 curricular activities and meetings would lead to an Council’s transport policy. It is likely that there will be occasions when parents will be increase in the local carbon footprint / Low income asked to provide transport for their children – but these occasions will be very rare families would find it hard to meet the cost of running a e.g. extra-curricular meetings and activities. car.

6 Finance 6.1 Spending £900k on extending Ysgol OM Edwards to 6 The Council has decided that rural education provision is to continue in Y Berwyn accommodate children from Y Parc area is not value for catchment area. But, in order to ensure a strong and sustainable provision the Council money, it is equivalent to spending £45k per pupil. This has decided that the education provision in the area has to change. figure can rise even further depending on how many children from Y Parc area will choose to attend Ysgol OM To coincide with this reorganisation, there are plans to upgrade the building at Ysgol Edwards / Why spend money on Ysgol OM Edwards OM Edwards to offer educational facilities which are fit for the twenty first century as when all the pupils from Ysgol Y Parc will not attend it? well as making other improvements, e.g. car park and bus drop off point, new learning 6.2 There is not enough room in Ysgol OM Edwards for the 1 resources area, resource storage area so that better use can be made of the hall, 20 additional pupils therefore money will have to be investment in reducing energy use, upgrading the kitchen, upgraded IT provision to spent on it or the children will have to be distributed to include ‘Wi-Fi' internet connections, investment in the foundation phase area, new more than one school. disabled toilet and improved access for the disabled, improve the existing 6.3 The £59,000 per year saving that is claimed is not worth 4 maintenance system and health and safety matters. saving in comparison with the cost to the community of losing a school / The estimated financial saving claimed The financial factor is only one factor considered when the recommendations were by Gwynedd Council from the closure of Ysgol Y Parc is put together. Undertaking the work on upgrading will not only ensure that the not correct. The practical, cultural and language loss building is suitable for providing education in the twenty first century but will also would outweigh any savings. ensure that there will be sufficient space should there be an increase in numbers in 6.4 It is impossible to place a market price on the 7 the future. In terms of numbers – a small increase in numbers is predicted at Ysgol experiences which a child receives at a school such as OM Edwards by the time the proposal is implemented in 2013. Therefore – the Ysgol Y Parc, and in the long run an additional cost will Council would be keen to invest in the provision at Ysgol OM Edwards and to be paid a hundred times over. The Council should turn strengthen and improve the provision in the area by extending the catchment area to the problem upside down. More and more opportunities include Y Parc. must be secured for young people to settle down in the area, and in doing so, you would obtain the ten The Council intends to invest in Ysgol OM Edwards for the benefit of all the pupils

Page 18 of 35 additional pupils you need to fill the “empty places” / attending the school. The Council is of the opinion that some of the main outcomes of The financial savings claimed will be very small in the reorganisation process will be not only to ensure strong education provision for comparison with losing a cornerstone and a valuable the future, but also to provide the best possible resources available. The Council source of innate culture / It would be wiser from a cannot invest in every existing site run by the Council and indeed the Council – by financial point of view to keep the school open for a means of its Education of the Best Quality for the Children of Gwynedd strategy - is further period of time as a long standing community striving to ensure that the County provides appropriate education provision. resource / the financial cost of closing the school is greater than the cost of keeping it open. 6.5 If the money they intend to invest in Ysgol OM Edwards 8 was given to Ysgol Y Parc, it would be sufficient to maintain it for the best part of a decade. The financial arguments make no sense / I do not understand how the proposal can save money / The financial savings are not substantial / The savings are nothing in comparison with the expenditure on Ysgol OM Edwards 6.6 For too long, lies have been spread regarding inequality 1 During the educational year 2011/2012, some of the larger schools in the County in expenditure per pupil in Gwynedd. The larger schools received the following allocations per pupil: Ysgol yr Hendre received £3,420, Ysgol receive many additional payments towards special Maesincla received £3,647, Ysgol Y Gelli received £2,929 and Ysgol Santes Helen needs education, free dinner pupils, class sizes etc - received £2,969. elements which the smallest schools often have to cope with and solve without any additional financial help. The Average cost per pupil in Gwynedd is £3,352. lack of understanding over “economies of scale” frightens me / It is immoral to think also that the largest Ysgol Y Parc pupils are allocated more than twice the County average at £7,207 per school in the County receives almost the same sum as pupil. would keep Ysgol Y Parc going as it is without any question. 6.7 The Council should not be allowed to play games with 1 It is the Council’s vision to offer education of the best possible quality which will give the children’s future, the community and the language the children of the County the experiences, skills and confidence to enable them to in Y Parc in order to justify an application for develop and become bilingual, successful and full citizens.

Page 19 of 35 improvement funds for another school. What will be the cost of “area regeneration” after the 4/ The regeneration officer in the area will work closely with the community in order to school is closed? / Community funding resources would ensure the sustainability of the community resource in the village of Y Parc and this be needed to regenerate the community and maintain task is already under way. A definite proposal has been put forward by the Council the community centre after the school is closed / What regarding revenue funding to maintain the provision, and discussions regarding the financial support will the Council give towards running finer points of the arrangement are still ongoing. A message has come from the the hall if the school is closed? / There is no contact community in Y Parc that they do not wish to discuss any further until a final decision between the Area Regeneration Officer and Y Parc has been made over the future of the school. Cultural Society.

6.8 We acknowledge that small schools are more costly to 3 The cost of providing education in the schools throughout the County varies from area maintain than larger schools but the values of our to area. Ysgol Y Parc pupils are allocated more than twice the County average at society, our language, our heritage and our culture £7,207 per pupil. The Council has a duty to ensure that the allocation of resources is outweigh any cost / HMI reports state that Ysgol Y Parc fair and to ensure that the resources are channelled towards education rather than provides value for money. towards maintaining ineffective organisations and systems. In some cases the Council will decide to continue with education where the cost is above average – but a large number of factors will be examined before the best option is adopted. 6.9 Inconsistency with Ysgol yr Hendre getting a new school 2 Gwynedd Council in conjunction with the Welsh Government has invested in a new and rural community schools being subject to closure / school in Caernarfon for Ysgol yr Hendre pupils. This is part of the County and The new Ysgol yr Hendre is valued at £10,000,000 and Government vision to ensure that the best education is provided in both rural and their joy rubs salt into our wounds. urban areas.

If the plan for Y Parc and Llanuwchllyn areas is implemented, there will be substantial investment in Ysgol OM Edwards Llanuwchllyn and this will ensure provision and resources of the highest quality for rural education in the twenty first century. 6.10 It is financial considerations, not educational 2 In accordance with the Government’s guidelines and the Education of the Best considerations that drive the agenda. Possible Quality for the Children of Gwynedd strategy a large number of matters were considered when the decision was taken.

7 Other Options

Page 20 of 35 7.01 No objection to the general principle of restructuring 1 The plan for Y Berwyn catchment area includes the establishment of a Lifelong education in Gwynedd or in Y Berwyn catchment area. It Learning Campus in the town of Bala – with plans to provide rural education in was the general consensus agreed upon by parents, satellite areas around the town. The Council wants to ensure that the rural provision governors and teachers of all the schools in Penllyn to is sufficiently strong and sustainable, and also wishes to invest in these sites in order accept the pattern of collaboration in the future – see to ensure that the pupils of the entire catchment area are placed in high standard minutes of ARP Meeting 3 at Y Berwyn 13 June 2006). teaching establishments fit for the twenty first century.

During the Catchment-area Review Panel (CRP) discussions, a large number of different models were discussed – those discussions were very useful in helping the Council decide which model to hold a statutory consultation upon. 7.02 The Council refused other options which would be more 4 During the discussions in the CRP a large number of different models were discussed cost effective and more acceptable to the parents of the for the catchment area - including collaboration models. All the models considered in pupils / They chose another option which would save the discussions are noted. Also, different aspects of these options were discussed. The money. details can be found on the Council website:

Y Berwyn CRP 2 meeting agenda including th possible models document : 7.03 The school and the community supported the 2 http://www.gwynedd.gov.uk/upload/public/attachments/1020/PAD2__Papurau.pdf establishment of a Collaborative / Federal Schools plan in conjunction with local primary school(s) or with the Y Berwyn CRP 3 meeting agenda including th possible models document: local Secondary School (Ysgol y Berwyn) but not at the http://www.gwynedd.gov.uk/upload/public/attachments/1065/PapurauPAD3YBerwy expense of damaging this rural community. / The n.pdf Consultation Panel for schools in Ysgol y Berwyn catchment area did not accept the closure of Ysgol Y Parc as an option within the reorganisation. The options considered during the review process included: No change Collaboration/ Federation of Ysgol Y Parc with Ysgol OM Edwards and one or both other rural schools in Y Berwyn catchment area. Closure of all six primary schools and provide either one primary school or one lifelong learning school in the town of Bala.

Page 21 of 35 7.1 Collaboration 7.1.1 Successful and efficient collaboration exists at the 14 The Authority promotes collaboration between schools throughout the County and moment between pupils and staff of Ysgol Y Parc and welcomes plans by schools to work together and strengthen their pupils’ education. Ysgol OM Edwards / Ysgol Y Parc has already expressed But, when the Council reviews its education provision it has a duty to ensure that the their willingness to further develop the collaboration in resources and the provision are sustainable and fit for purpose. It is likely that some the future and to collaborate and share resources with collaboration plans are suitable for some schools due to circumstances e.g. lack of the Lifelong School / Conwy has decided to give small numbers or lack of teaching expertise. The Council cannot ignore a situation where schools an opportunity to collaborate before a decision there is a weakness in the provision in terms of standard, sustainability or efficiency. is made on school closure / It is possible to collaborate with other schools through careful planning, this type of In some circumstances – collaboration (in its various forms) is the way forward – be procedure would be successful because Ysgol OM that on account of the geographical nature of the area or on account of travel Edwards and Ysgol Y Parc have worked together in the distances. But it is the Council’s duty to look at all the options and to balance all the past / Working in collaboration with Ysgol OM Edwards factors before reaching a conclusion regarding the best way forward in specific would meet the educational and community needs of circumstances. the two areas and would protect the language, cultural and heritage needs of Ysgol Y Parc pupils without In the case of Ysgol Y Parc – there is another option which involves the provision of affecting their natural community. education at a location approximately 3 miles from the existing school. The Council regards this option as the best way of ensuring that a strong and sustainable education is provided in this part of Y Berwyn catchment area. 7.1.2 There should be an opportunity for collaboration and 2 As part of the investment in Ysgol OM Edwards the latest technology will be installed use should be made of modern technology such as video in the school building. The next step in implementing the plan for Y Berwyn catchment conferencing / It would be possible for the school to area will be to establish the central hub for the area by creating a Lifelong Learning share resources with other schools in the area Campus which will be central to collaboration within the area. The Council will promote and support the sharing of resources within the catchment area and beyond.

7.2 Federation 7.2.1 Neither Gwynedd Council nor the political leaders have 4 During the discussions in the CRP a large number of models were discussed, including listened to the opinions of the majority of people in the collaboration models. Also looked at were the different aspects of these options. The areas – it was the wish of the people to join Ysgol Y Parc details can be viewed on the Council’s website: and Ysgol OM Edwards, Llanuwchllyn within a federal

Page 22 of 35 system (one head teacher and one governing body). Y Berwyn CRP 2 meeting agenda including th possible models document : Also join Ysgol Bro Tryweryn and Ysgol Ffridd Y Llyn in a http://www.gwynedd.gov.uk/upload/public/attachments/1020/PAD2__Papurau.pdf similar federal system, close two schools in the town of Bala and establish a Lifelong School in Bala itself / Y Berwyn CRP 3 meeting agenda including th possible models document: Everyone in the area supported a federal family / http://www.gwynedd.gov.uk/upload/public/attachments/1065/PapurauPAD3YBerwy Geographically, Ysgol Y Parc fits in neatly with the n.pdf federal family. Ynys Môn Council noted the advantages of a federal system and a study carried out by the The options considered during the review process included: Council shows that savings can be obtained from a No change federal system i.e. it would be a way of retaining Ysgol Y Collaboration/ Federation of Ysgol Y Parc with Ysgol OM Edwards and either Parc / or both other rural schools in Y Berwyn catchment area. 7.2.2 By federating Y Parc, OM Edwards, Bro Tryweryn and 2 Closure of all six primary schools and provide either one primary school or Ffridd y Llyn, maintaining four schools rather then three one lifelong learning school in the town of Bala. under this system would be cheaper for the County. The cost of three federal schools would be a neutral cost in During the discussions it was explained why the proposal to support Ysgol Y Parc as a comparison with the savings from administrating four school or site within a federal arrangement was not put forward. There were a federal schools – this was the opinion of the County number of reasons, including: Treasurer. It would not increase the size of the teaching groups on the site to a size 7.2.3 Once a site becomes part of a federal family, the 1 consistent with the Council’s strategy Education of the best Quality for the number of children on that site is not as important in Children of Gwynedd, and Welsh Government Circular 021/2009. terms of a full education as would be the case should Other schools in the catchment area provide education of comparable quality the school be outside the federal system – reference at a lower cost. was made to the federal system on the Scilly Isles as an It would not affect the wide difference in the cost per pupil between Ysgol Y example Parc and other schools in the area and it would not contribute towards savings 7.2.4 Ysgol Y Parc could become part of a federal system 1 that could be reinvested in school budgets. either with the lifelong school or with Ysgol It would not reduce the number of surplus places. Llanuwchllyn. This is a system which would please Schools with fewer than 15 pupils do not receive sufficient funding to provide everyone in the area. a head teacher and one teacher. 7.2.5 I believe that federation is a practical way of keeping 13 Ysgol Y Parc from closure / Willing to consider

Page 23 of 35 federation The option that is recommended ensures rural education in this part of Y Berwyn 7.2.6 The community supports federation which would ensure catchment area on a site located 3 miles from the existing site of Ysgol Y Parc that every pupil could remain at his/her school and community whilst at the same time the resources and expertise of different teachers could be shared / Federation has not been sufficiently discussed.

7.3 Multi-Site School 7.3.1 Establish an Area Community School on two sites for 3 As noted above, a large number of models were considered for the area – including 3-11 year olds with one unit located on the existing site methods of collaboration and federation. Indeed, the Council has suggested the of Ysgol OM Edwards and the other on the existing site Multi-Site School model in other parts of the County where there is no other model to of Ysgol Y Parc. Proceed with the upgrading of Ysgol OM satisfy the requirements and strategy. With regard to the situation in that area – the Edwards in order to obtain a modern provision for the geographical distances and travel times were factors which caused genuine concern. pupils at the school as the two units come together for However, the situation is different in the case of Ysgol Y Parc – the alternative choice educational activities. is only 3 miles from the existing provision.

The advantages of this system would be: The Authority agrees with the observation in terms of the advantages of combining Employing one headteacher - reducing costs, pupils the provision, and that is what the present proposal would achieve by closing Ysgol Y would be fully challenged as similar age groups are Parc and giving pupils the opportunity of being part of larger groups. taught together, possibility of sharing resources, creating a wider range of teachers to share expertise Increasing the number of pupils at Ysgol OM Edwards will mean that the school can regarding curriculum, facilitating the transition from employ more teachers. Also, the Council will promote and support further primary to secondary sector collaboration between schools in the area in the future in order to ensure that there is a wide range of learning experiences for the pupils. If it became necessary to discuss combining the educational provision on one site in the future, it would be a matter for the governors of the local community school to decide upon.

Page 24 of 35 8 Quality and Suitability of Buildings 8.1 It seems that the buildings are in good condition and 5 The building at Ysgol Y Parc is not in poor condition – but it does not reach the that the children receive the best possible opportunities. requirements of twenty first century schools standard. The latest Estyn inspection / The building is in excellent condition / The building was report notes that the school acknowledges that it is a challenge to ensure sufficient substantially renovated following the floods of 2001 / space for the foundation phase. The building is suitable / There is no graffiti on the building – the pupils respect it. The investment in Ysgol OM Edwards will ensure a modern provision which is suitable for rural education in the twenty first century.

8.2 If the school was closed – what would happen to the 1 The Council has a policy for after-use of school buildings. The Council has already building? It has been stated at meetings that the embarked upon consultations on after-use matters with representatives from Y Parc maintenance of the buildings and their facilities would community. Officers from the Property and Area Regeneration Department have be transferred immediately to the community. No contacted representatives from Y Parc – and definite proposals have been put before consultation or research has been carried out regarding the Hall Committee with a view to continuing with the resource at local level. The this. committee in response stated that they would not continue with the discussions until How would the community provision be funded? the future of the school had been finally resolved. Without financial resources the area would suffer a double blow of losing the school and also losing the community centre. 8.3 It seems that the majority of the “resources” at Ysgol Y 1 The building at Ysgol Y Parc does not reach the requirements of twenty first century Parc are already sufficient. schools. There is no green space, staff room or space for the foundation phase at Ysgol Y Parc for example.

9 Research and Statistics 9.1 A number of young families live in the village of Y Parc 5 The Council is aware that there is a number of young families in the area, but it is not and in the near vicinity within the catchment area / believed that this would have any great effect on the numbers at Ysgol Y Parc. The during the last five years at least 12 young families have Council believes that this fact will support the proposal and will ensure a healthy settled down within the school catchment area and it future for the local community in a rural setting. appears that more will follow

Page 25 of 35 9.2 The Council has not taken into consideration the 5 At the moment there are 20 pupils at Ysgol Y Parc, and forecasts show that there will predicted growth in the number of children that will be 20 pupils there during the school year 2016-17. There will be sufficient space at attend the school in the years to come / There are 13 Ysgol OM Edwards to accommodate any foreseen increase in pupil numbers in the children under school age in the area and this number is area during the years to come. forecast to increase. There will be 25 pupils at the school in two years’ time – which will mean 8 surplus places. The numbers at Ysgol Y Parc have been low for a number of years, and have been very 9.3 18 pupils at the school at the end of the school year 10 vulnerable. 2009-2010, 20 by September 2011. There has been a consistent annual increase in the numbers since 2008 and it is predicted that there will be consistency and further increase over the coming years / There will be 25 children attending the school in the near future / There are not many surplus places / The number of children in Predictions for the school are as follows: the nursery group is increasing and the numbers transferring to Ysgol Y Parc is predicted as follows: September 2012 =1, September 2013 =4, September 2014 = 3, September 2014 = 4 / The number of pupils at the school is higher than it has been for many years and the number of nursery age and under nursery age children who will eventually attend is in double figures. There are plans to build 4 or 5 new dwellings in the village. Certainty that the school will remain open would

strengthen the local economy situation. 9.4 The Council would not be able to sell the building for 1 The Council is aware of this fact, there is no intention to sell it. Indeed, the Council revenue purpose due to the 99 year lease on the Hall. intends to offer every support so that community use of the building will continue.

10 The Process 10.1 The Council has followed all the right steps, tribute was 1 The Council has followed the statutory procedure and Government guidelines. paid to the Council for following a consultation process which was far beyond their statutory responsibilities.

Page 26 of 35 10.2 The consultation process was shameful, sad and a total 1 The Council has followed the Welsh Government guidelines and statute in forming the failure, and I ask Welsh Government to change the proposals. Gwynedd Councillors have made the final decision based on information consultation system so that the Local Authority will not received from reports and other background documentation. be in charge of it. It should also be ensured that right of appeal is part of the process. 10.3 Only some of the Gwynedd councillors want to close the 1 This matter has been discussed by Gwynedd Councillors several times (more than 10 school. times in various forums). On each occasion the majority of councillors have voted for consultation on the proposal for closure and to issue statutory notices for closure. 10.4 Council officers did not make a fair analysis of the 1 A full analysis of the responses received during the statutory consultation was information gathered during the consultation process presented to Councillors together with a full copy of all correspondence. leading up to the decision, therefore members of the Council did not obtain the right information for making All such documentation has been available to the public through the Council’s website decisions since all the options available for the Council as any other supporting documentation for Council meetings. were not discussed. 10.5 Three local councillors oppose closure of Ysgol Y Parc, 1 The opinions of these three members do not reflect the opinion of the majority of together with Community Council members and local Gwynedd Councillors. governors. 10.6 Gwynedd Council has acted contrary to local democracy 1 The majority of councillors voted in favour of holding a statutory consultation on the principles / There is no trace of democracy to be seen in proposal to close the school and in favour of publishing the statutory notice to close the decision to close Ysgol Y Parc, / It goes against any the school. policy ever formed for ensuring fair play for the Welsh language and rural areas and equality among people throughout the County. 10.7 The reorganisation process needs to be brought to an 1 The Council has decided to implement its strategy Education of the Best Quality for end the Children of Gwynedd – the strategy was unanimously accepted by all Gwynedd Councillors. 10.8 The Council had decided to close Ysgol Y Parc long 2 Different options were discussed at the CRP meetings before a decision was reached before the consultation. Increasingly we feel that regarding which proposals to hold statutory consultations upon. objecting is of no avail – responses never change any decisions. The CRP, Penllyn Partnership, Councillors and During the statutory consultation period widespread consultation was undertaken,

Page 27 of 35 the governing body of Ysgol y Berwyn were all opposed and the information gathered was presented to the Councillors. Following a to the proposal. discussion the majority of the councillors voted in favour of consultation on the proposal for closure, and following the outcome of the consultation to publish statutory notices. This vote was based on fair and unprejudiced information.

No evidence was received which would change the opinion of the Councillors regarding the proposal to close Ysgol Y Parc, but a number of matters were noted as a result of the consultation e.g. ensure that the development of Ysgol OM Edwards would be completed before Ysgol Y Parc was closed and that definite steps should be taken to ensure that the community resource in Y Parc would still be available for the community, together with precautions regarding arrangements for transporting children to school. 10.9 There is no trace of democracy to be seen in the 2 The matter of the future of Ysgol Y Parc has been discussed before the Council’s decision to close Ysgol Y Parc, only complete democratic bodies more than 10 times. On each occasion, the majority of councillors totalitarianism at local government level, which cannot voted in favour of the proposal for closure and to publish the statutory notice for be contested in any way. It goes completely against any closure. policy that was ever formed for ensuring fair play for the Welsh language and rural areas and equality among people throughout the County / The decision was made by people who are not acquainted with the area. 10.10 I would like to have confirmation that every letter will 1 A full copy of all correspondence received and also this summary of observations be presented to Leighton Andrews word for word and table will be submitted for the attention of the Minister for Education and Skills, not in summary form. Leighton Andrews through the Schools Management and Effectiveness Division. 10.11 No consideration was given to the letters sent to you 1 The comments received during the statutory consultation were read, analysed and opposing the plan. responded to. Every Councillor received a full copy of all correspondence before they voted on the proposal. 10.12 Gwynedd’s “Statutory Consultation” has not considered 3 When putting together the proposals, the Council followed Welsh Government the full picture or listened to the voice of the local guidelines and other legal guidelines. The Councillors of Gwynedd made the final community / The consultation process has been decision based on information received from reports and other background papers deficient and unfair / The status of Ysgol Y Parc as a prepared as required.

Page 28 of 35 Community School has been ignored throughout the initial consultation period / Meetings with officers have Councillors and Officers attended a number of meetings with representatives from been heartless and frustrating Ysgol Y Parc and the local community. A number of aspects and factors were discussed and every question was answered fairly and honestly.

The community status of Ysgol Y Parc - due to the community role of the school building - was acknowledged. The Council has clearly stated its intention to continue with this provision if that is the wish of the community. 10.13 We find the aim of spending as much as £1m on 1 The Council is committed to upgrading schools in the future and as part of the developing Ysgol OM Edwards to accommodate Ysgol Y reorganisation in Y Berwyn catchment area money will be spent on the following rural Parc pupils a doubtful economic presumption. We do schools: OM Edwards, Ffridd Y Llyn and Bro Tryweryn. The expenditure on Ysgol OM not oppose the improvements to Ysgol OM Edwards Edwards is not solely driven by the proposal for the closure of Ysgol Y Parc, neither is it in order to accommodate all the pupils of that school. The predictions for Ysgol OM Edwards show an increase in the next few years, indeed the forecast for September 2013 is 70 and the present capacity is only 69. Therefore, in accordance with the strategy, the Council aims to ensure that modern education provision is available at the school and to extend it to accommodate the pupils from Ysgol Y Parc if this plan is implemented.

In accordance with Gwynedd Councils School Admissions Policy, parents can choose which school their children will attend.

However, the Council does not foresee nor agree that the majority of the 20 pupils would attend other schools rather than OM Edwards, based on the proximity of the school (3 miles from y Parc) and on the basis of the location of the current pupil’s homes. 10.14 The proposal to close Ysgol Y Parc should not have been 2 The proposal for the closure of Ysgol Y Parc is a separate proposal from the one for made before the new provision for the schools in the establishing a Lifelong Learning Campus in the town of Bala. It was designed to town of Bala had been established. accomplish the vision for education within the area, step by step. But if it is to be fully accomplished the urban and rural centres will be expected to support each other to

Page 29 of 35 provide the most effective educational provision. 10.15 Because of the Community Status of the school, the 1 The statutory consultation document was distributed to all members of Y Berwyn CRP community of Y Parc should have been a direct part of (head teacher, chair of the governors and a parent governor from all schools) and the consultation process from the start / We notice once local societies such as Merched y Wawr and Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin (Nursery again that no place was allocated for the community of Groups Movement). Sufficient copies for every staff member and parent were sent to Y Parc in the series of Consultation Meetings 10th the school along with spare copies. Additional copies were available from the Schools January, 2011 – Only Staff, Governors and Parents Organisation office.

At the request of the school – the statutory meeting for parents was extended to include the entire community. 10.16 An official complaint was presented from Y Parc 1 The complaint was researched and replied to by the Head of the Democracy and Legal Community School Protection Committee, dated 28 Department at the Council. May, 2010, to Gwynedd Council regarding the poor administration and lack of order at the Scrutiny Committee of 25 May, 2010 which discriminated and steered the views of the Councillors against the case of Y Parc Community School. No response was received from the Head of the Democracy and Legal Department of the County Council until 10 July, 2010 and the response received was not acceptable to us. 10.17 The Council was asked – through the Chief Executive – A copy of the report on the condition of the building at Ysgol Y Parc was sent direct to on 7th June, 2010 for the “latest Architect’s Report” a representative from Ysgol Y Parc Protection Committee on 6th July 2010. regarding the condition of the buildings – it seems that no such report exists. The maintenance inspection was carried out in January/February 2010 by the buildings inspector. The report identifies the cost of work that is still needed to be The Council was asked for an analysis of the undertaken at the school, namely electrical work, repairs to flat roofs and painting, maintenance expenditure for the school/hall buildings which would cost around £12,000. over the last 5 years / Copies of the final accounts for the school were obtained from the head teacher but the These costs do not reflect the expenditure required to upgrade the building to twenty accounts only included total expenditure and not details first century standards

Page 30 of 35 of individual items / A leaflet was received containing “estimated” expenditure on the buildings by the Council, on June 29, 2010. It is not dated. As it is, it is not suitable for making any kind of assessment regarding the buildings. 10.18 The impression was given that keeping Ysgol Y Parc open 2 This is a reference to an explanation of the context of an application by the Council for would be disastrous to the application by the Authority Twenty First Century Schools Programme funding. An explanation was given on the for capital funding from Welsh Government to establish contents of the application and the business case for the investment - concern had a Lifelong School in the town of Bala. been expressed that the strategic case would be weakened because the Council was keen for the full application to be successful in order to attract all the relevant capital funding. 10.19 A letter was sent to the Education Portfolio Leader (19th 1 The Council has been corresponding regularly and through various methods during October, 2010) with reference to the fact that no the discussion period on the future of schools in Y Berwyn catchment area. The response had been received from the Council following information has been communicated directly through the schools, the Council website a Full Meeting on 15th July, 2010. No response was and press releases. One specific example – there was a large representation from the received until 18th November, 2010 – a newsletter was community of Y Parc present at the meeting of the Full Council. On account of the published stating that the statutory period would timing of the Full Council meeting at the end of the school term, the Council’s decision commence “before the end of November” and that it was published in the press and on the Council website. The information was published would close on 14th January. Objection was raised to in the local press (Y Cyfnod 23/7/2011; Cambrian News 22/7/2010; Golwg 22/7/2010). this closing date and it was agreed to extend the period The school was contacted often as arrangements were made for the consultation to 4th February – a minimum of 4 weeks for response. process – and after the arrangements had been confirmed a circular was distributed The Education Office managed to send irrelevant informing parents and members of the community of the arrangements. documents namely the plans for reorganisation of education in the town of Bala to Y Parc and a special Following discussion with the local community regarding the length of the application had to be made for a supply of the consultation period, the consultation period was held between 13th December and appropriate documents. 4th February. Copies of the documents were widely distributed and copies were sent to the schools. A request for further copies was received from Ysgol Y Parc and the request was immediately responded to.

Page 31 of 35 10.20 It cannot be accepted that the Language and Community 1 A full and independent Community Impact Assessment was undertaken with regard to Impact Assessments had been completed since they had the proposals, in accordance with Welsh Government Circular 021/2009 on School not covered all the options. It was noted that further Organisation proposals. These assessments, together with other information, were research was needed to assess the language impact of presented to Councillors as they prepared to reach their decisions. closing the school and a study carried out in another part of Wales was presented – but this was not The Language Impact Assessment conducted by independent consultants on behalf of discussed by the Councillors. the Council in the Spring of 2010 noted that the proposal would have a positive effect on the use of the Welsh language among primary age pupils. In the study it was seen that 83% of the 49 pupils attending Ysgol OM Edwards came from Welsh speaking homes, whilst 83% of the 18 pupils attending Ysgol Y Parc came from Welsh speaking homes. It was seen that 84.7% of the population of Llanuwchllyn Community Council (Ysgol OM Edwards) area were Welsh speakers at the time of the latest census, whilst 78.4% of the population of Llanycil (Y Parc Community Council area) were Welsh speakers.

The independent Language Impact Assessment predicts that the proposal will strengthen the language among school age pupils both within and outside the classroom.

Without doubt, the Welsh language is very strong in the area and in the communities of Y Parc and Llanuwchllyn (Ysgol OM Edwards), and the proposal is likely to maintain if not improve the current situation. 10.21 Has an equality assessment been conducted, since it is a 1 An equality assessment has been completed – and has been available on the internet statutory requirement? and in packs which have been widely distributed.

11 General

Page 32 of 35 11.1 Land has been put aside in Y Parc for the construction of 1 Predictions made by both the school and Authority do not foresee any great increase affordable housing and a local builder has already in the numbers at Ysgol Y Parc in the future. If there are developments in Y Parc area, purchased plots of land in Y Parc with the intention of it is proposed that increased education provision in the area will be satisfied at Ysgol building new dwellings in the near future. OM Edwards, Llanuwchllyn.

The predictions for Ysgol Y Parc are as follows:

11.2 There is no certainty that the children from Y Parc area 18 The proposal does not intend to disperse the pupils to different schools; as part of the will choose to attend Ysgol OM Edwards, they might recommended proposal the catchment area of Ysgol Y Parc will be combined with decide to attend the lifelong school in Bala or Ysgol Bro that of Ysgol OM Edwards, Llanuwchllyn. Tryweryn in Frongoch / The pupils will be dispersed among three different schools / The concept of In accordance with the Council’s Schools Admissions Policy, parents can choose which extending the catchment area of Ysgol OM Edwards to school their children will attend. include Y Parc is only an exercise on paper / It would not be practical for some children to travel to Llanuwchllyn. However, the Council does not foresee nor agree that the majority of the 20 pupils If some go there and others go to Bala or any other would attend other schools rather than OM Edwards, based on the proximity of the school it would split the community by creating loyalty school (3 miles from y Parc) and on the basis of the location of the current pupil’s differences. The contact between school and community homes. would be further weakened / The proposal would combine the existing catchment area of Y Parc and the catchment area of Ysgol OM Edwards without asking for the views of the parents.

Page 33 of 35 11.3 Losing a school is a matter of national importance / 5 The proposal put forward was formed after consideration was give to a large number Closing Ysgol Y Parc will be a loss to an entire nation / of different options and factors in line with the strategy “Excellent Primary Education We should insist that our small rural schools are for Children in Gwynedd”. retained, thus ensuring fair play for the Welsh language and rural areas and equality among people throughout the County and securing the future of our identity as a nation / Losing a school can mean losing perpetual spiritual values. 11.4 Keeping Ysgol Y Parc open would show respect for the 2 Having considered all the factors and discussed the various options, the majority of people of Gwynedd, the Welsh language and the Gwynedd Councillors elected by Gwynedd residents have voted for the closure of the environment / Rural schools such as Ysgol Y Parc should school. be safeguarded – they are naturally Welsh and a rare treasure / No rich palace can ever replace the small As stated above, the independent Language Impact Assessment states that there will schools. be no adverse effects to the Welsh language through the closure of Ysgol Y Parc. 11.5 In the 1970s local people battled to keep Ysgol 1 The Council must assess the current situation at Ysgol Y Parc, at the start of the Llanaelhaearn open and the school is still open and twenty first century. flourishing today. Following the victory over keeping the school open, Antur Aelhaearn was established in order It is likely that the schools at Llanaelhaearn and Pentreuchaf are more sustainable to try and regenerate the community and the venture is after the closure of Ysgol Llithfaen during the 70s. As has been stated already - still developing 38 years later. The village has progressed Llithfaen is a vibrant community although the school closed over 30 years ago. and gained many more resources after the school was saved. What the community needs is leadership so that The pupil numbers at Ysgol Y Parc have been low for a number of years, and the it can fight to keep the school open – the villagers at Y Council is presenting a proposal which will strengthen rural education in this part of Y Parc are showing clear leadership because they want Berwyn catchment area. their community to live.

11.6 I support the principle of rural education in Gwynedd. 2 This proposal and schools reorganisation in Y Berwyn catchment area will ensure that Education within their own area is what children need. rural education is safeguarded in the area. The proposal means that the pupils of Ysgol Y Parc will attend another rural school, namely Ysgol OM Edwards in Llanuwchllyn. The rural schools of Bro Tryweryn and Ffridd Y Llyn are also being

Page 34 of 35 retained in order to safeguard rural education in the area. 11.7 I realise that the present situation cannot continue. 1 At present, the education provision in the County is not sustainable 11.8 It is a very happy school and the pupils are happy there / 17 There is every evidence to show that Ysgol Y Parc is a homely school. The same Ex-pupils have fond memories of the school characteristics are also true of Ysgol OM Edwards. Indeed, Estyn stated in its latest inspection report on the school: “The school is a happy and welcoming community where the pupils feel safe”

According to all expectations, these characteristics will be of core importance as the provision at Ysgol OM Edwards is extended to accommodate the pupils from Ysgol Y Parc, and the welcome given to the pupils at present on their regular visits will certainly mean that those pupils can settle down very quickly at the school if Ysgol Y Parc is closed. 11.9 I object because there is currently a complaint regarding 1 This complaint was received on 30-03-12, stating that a letter sent in January 2011 the consultation process had not been answered. No mention of this letter had been made before then. Since receiving the complaint a search was carried out to try and discover if the letter had been delivered to the office or not. There is currently no trace of the original letter. 11.10 Closing Ysgol Y Parc contravenes the Council’s schools 1 The Council has followed Welsh Government guidelines and statute when forming the reorganisation strategy in terms of ‘promoting the proposals. A large number of factors were considered, including the effect on the Welsh language’, ‘making best use of the resources Welsh language. An assessment of the impact on the Welsh language was carried out available’ and ‘developing schools to become and the conclusion was that the proposal would strengthen the language situation. establishments which are at the core of community activities’

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