APPENDIX 1 – COMPARING MODELS [1]

Comparing the Three Models

Closure of the school and pupils moved Considerations Retain the ‘Status Quo’ Collaboration / Federation to Ysgol Crud Y Werin Numbers remain low at Ysgol Llidiardau. Numbers remain low at Ysgol Llidiardau. Numbers at the school providing the Ysgol Llidiardau is still protected by the staffing Ysgol Llidiardau is still protected by the staffing education would be much stronger and safety net. safety net. sustainable for the future. There are still more than 43 surplus places at the There are still more than 43 surplus places at the Pupil Numbers school. school. Predicted pupil numbers for the school still appear Predicted pupil numbers for the school still appear vulnerable. vulnerable.

Average class size at Ysgol Llidiardau remains at 7. Average class size at Ysgol Llidiardau remains at 7. In nterms of numbers, less range within Classes at the school still have an age range of up Classes at the school still have an age range of up learning groups and pupils can receive their Class Size and Age to 4 years. to 4 years. education in peer groups of the same age. Range Class sizes will be more viable.

It will be very difficult to maintain educational Collaboration opportunities could offer pupils Implementing the proposal will strengthen standards and quality with pupil numbers at the more experiences, but this could not guarantee an education provision in the area. It will be school as low as 14. improvement in the quality of the education. possible to ensure that education is provided within a much more stable and sustainable Quality of the Education establishment. There will be opportunities for pupils to be educated in peer groups with a much lower age range. There will be opportunities to improve both the pupils’ educational and social experiences. The low level of pupil numbers at the school Two sites under the leadership of one head Fewer jobs available which means staff means that available funding would be sufficient to teacher. More staff to lead and to manage and redundancies. employ a head teacher and an assistant only. staff on more than one site to be supervised. Concerns regarding staffing in the long term - the On the basis of numbers, the budget would allow Staff expertise could be shared. More head teacher’s contract comes to an end in August a head teacher but a site head teacher would also opportunities for developing and 2013. have to be employed – as a result any savings strengthening the leadership role. No change to the head teacher’s non-contact would be directed towards running an educational Opportunities for collaboration on time. establishment rather than towards the pupils’ profesional matters and joint development of Leadership and Staffing education. plans – all for the benefit of the pupils. One site for the head teacher to manage and Staff expertise could be shared. More non contact no need to supervise staff at another site. time for the head teacher. More opportunity for developing and strengthening the leadership role. Opportunities for collaboration on profesional matters and joint development of plans – all for the benefit of the pupils.

Uncertainty continues regarding the sustainability Uncertainty continues regarding the sustainability The impact report notes some of education provision in the area. of education provision in the area. negative effect if the school is closed. But it also states that at the moment more than Retain school presence in the existing villages. Retain school presence in the existing villages . half the pupils who live within the Llidiardau catchment area attend Ysgol Crud y Werin, and therefore there is already contact Community between the school and the wider area. It notes opportunities for ensuring that the community at Rhoshirwaun is aware of the activities at the school and that appropriate discussions will be held regarding after use for the school building at Ysgol Llidiardau. The community impact report notes that the situation regarding the language is very strong in Ysgol Crud y Werin – with 85% of the pupils coming from homes where Welsh is the first language. In comparison, much fewer than half (25%) of the pupils at Ysgol Language No change in the situation regarding the language. No change in the situation regarding the language. Llidiardau at the moment come from a totally Welsh background. Therefore, if this proposal is imlemented, we foresee opportunities for strengthening the Welsh language, and ensuring that the pupils attend a school where the education, nature and atmosphere is purely Welsh. The school will not remain within the staffing Ysgol Llidiardau remains financially unsustainable protection safety net. Ysgol Llidiardau remains financially unsustainable and is therefore protected by the staffing safety The school will be more financially and is therefore protected by the staffing safety net. sustainable. net. Ysgol Llidiardau has received £17,534 additional The cost per pupils will be closer to the Ysgol Llidiardau has received £17,534 additional funding in 20012/13. Average cost per pupil at County average. funding in 20012/13. Average cost per pupil at Ysgol Llidiardau remains high – over £8000. The model can create revenue savings of Financial Resources Ysgol Llidiardau remains high – over £8000. High maintenance cost for two sites would remain around £55k per year. High maintenance cost for two sites would remain and also the cost of employing a site head teacher. and also the cost of employing a site head teacher. Cost of transport between sites. Cost of transport between sites. Possible marginal managerial savings but these No change in the financial situation. savings would have to be used to run a federal school.

No change. Pupils would have to be transported from site to Some pupils would have to travel further site. than they do at present. Geographical Factors No pupil would have to travel an unreasonable No pupil would have to travel an distance to school. unreasonable distance to school.

Key: Blue = Advantages Red = Disadvantages Black = Observations and Facts [2]

[2] APPENDIX 2A

Community Impact Assessment Report

Ysgol Llidiardau, Rhoshirwaun

www..gov.uk [3] CONTENTS

1. Introduction 1.1 Background

2. Area Profile 2.1 Area Profile 2.2 Businesses in the Ysgol Llidiardau Catchment Area 2.3 Community Facilities

3. School Profile 3.1 Estyn 3.2 Community Use of School 3.3 Community Activities in Other Locations

4. Re-use of the Building

5. Impact on the Community

6. Re-generation Plans and Community Activities 6.1 Examples of relevant existing regeneration plans and projects for the Rhoshirwaun community

7. Conclusions [4]

1. Introduction

As part of the statutory consultation process, local authorities are required to prepare an assessment of the likely impact on a community of the re-organisation of schools in the catchment area. This assessment process follows national guidelines prepared by the Welsh Government for the re-organisation of schools including the unique requirements of rural areas.

“The prime purpose of schools is the provision of education. In some areas, a school may also be the main focal point for community activity, and its closure could have implications beyond the issue of provision of education. This may be a particular feature in rural areas if school buildings are used as a place to provide services to the local community”.

“The case prepared by those bringing forward proposals should show that the impact of closure on the community has been assessed, and how any community facilities currently provided by the school could be maintained. Where a school is to be proposed for closure, LAs should consider what action is necessary to maintain or enhance engagement in the education process and with other facilities offered by schools such as pre and post school activities which can contribute to tackling child poverty”

Source: Newsletter 21/2009: 17

1.1 Background

Gwynedd Council has recognised specific catchment areas as priority areas for the school re- organisation strategy. In addition, there are schools in a critical situation which threatens their ability to remain open. Without proactively monitoring and maintaining a constant dialogue, emergency situations can develop in schools with very low numbers. A school could be forced to close due to lack of pupil numbers. That is not an acceptable position for pupils, governors staff or parents.

Ysgol Llidiardau has been identified as a school in a vulnerable situation. The school contacted the Education Department in 2010 to seek a solution to the very low pupil numbers. The Governors voted (by one vote) to continue with the current position for another year and to then review the situation The school contacted the Education Department again in 2011 to further discuss the situation. The total number of pupils in the school in September 2012 was 14, with 43 empty places (75%).

The Ysgol Llidiardau per pupil cost for 2012/13 is £8,544, which is 123% higher than the Gwynedd average of £3,838. [5]

2. Area Profile

2.1 Aberdaron Catchment Area Profile Aberdaron is a rural area located on the western coast of the Llyn Peninsula. The local economy mainly depends on agriculture and tourism with around quarter of the working population travelling more than 25 miles to work. The Rhoshirwaun area is located to the north east of the Aberdaron catchment area and is still an agricultural community with a sparse population.

According to the 2011 Census:  965 people live in Aberdaron ward  121,874 people live in Gwynedd

2.2 Businesses in the Ysgol Llidiardau Area o Felin Uchaf The Felin Uchaf enterprise has developed a community centre which is focused on delivering educational services and skills training for all ages. Training courses are delivered in practical rural skills, ecological building and sustainable agriculture.

o Wynnstay Wynnstay is a national company which sells agricultural goods and which specialises in delivering services in rural .

2.3 Community Facilities Community facilities include a village hall, chapel, and garage. The popular tourist attraction, Plas yn Rhiw, managed by the National Trust, is located in the area. The area benefits from regular public transport links to nearby market towns including and .

3. School Profile

Ysgol Llidiardau was established in 1880 in the village of Rhoshirwaun which is located around two miles from Aberdaron in the Llyn Peninsula. The current situation of the school has been identified as critical, with only 14 pupils enrolled at the present time. The projections for the next three years do not foresee any substantial increase in pupil numbers.

3.1 Estyn Report Estyn completed a school review in January 2009. The inspection report included the following comments; “The school has a good range of extra-curricular activities, both cultural and community, namely, fairs, concerts and other activities. The school provides good experiences for pupils through participating in community activities and contributing to charities. The parents also participate to good effect with a Parents and Staff Association meeting regularly and working hard to support the school. [6] “A variety of educational visits take place, with visitors to the school and extra-curricular activities arranged for all the pupils. Artists, authors, story tellers and Cwmni’r Fran Wen work regularly with all the pupils – in the school and during external visits. These visits provide direct experiences for all pupils to enrich their knowledge and understanding of the curriculum.”

“The school develops a Welsh ethos well and the provision to promote pupils’ bilingual skills is well done. The school places an effective emphasis on Welsh culture and heritage. These elements are a strength of the provision. The “Cwricwlwm Cymreig” is well promoted across the curriculum, including local history studies using history, geography and modern Welsh artists.”

3.2 The Community’s Use of the School The local community has contributed to, and supported the school’s work. For example, a project was established in June 2011 with the support of Creative Gwynedd to create an eco-class and nature garden. The school invited local community members to help design and plant the garden and also to utilise rural skills to complete activities such as stonewalling. The school also notes its close collaboration with the Felin Uchaf enterprise to extend the pupils’ experiences.

3.3 Community Activities in Other Locations

Many community activities take place in the village hall which is located around 0.2 miles from the school. The school does not have a school hall with the village hall being used for physical education and activities such as the Christmas show. Other community activities are noted below:

Activity How Often Location In Which Language

Car Boot Sale Monthly/ 2 Monthly Rhoshirwaun Hall Welsh/ English Folk Dancing Occasionally Rhoshirwaun Hall Welsh Lectures Occasionally Rhoshirwaun Hall Welsh/English [7]

4. Re-use of the Building

Any arrangement to close the school will follow Gwynedd Council’s re-use policy. o Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 clearly notes that the Council must ensure the best possible terms for ratepayers – in general through the disposal of property on the open market.

o There are also options for the disposal of property to a specific buyer for local reasons with the agreement of the Corporate Property Manager.

o Property can also be disposed of in a way which meets strategic requirements. The General Disposal Agreement (Wales) 2003 gives a statutory entitlement to Local Authorities to consider disposal in this way if there is robust evidence that disposal will provide direct economic, social or environmental benefits which would not be realised without disposal at less than the market price.

o Any plans will take into account community requirements and the local requirement for a community facility.

o Each site will be considered independently,

o The above therefore confirms that the Council is entitled to dispose of no longer required sites for less than the market price in specific circumstances, and on receipt of a business case which clearly justifies the financial loss. A report will be submitted to the Council Cabinet on each occasion.

5. Impact on the Community

5.1 The community impact of a school closure in some areas/situations goes beyond the education of pupils who attend the school. Particularly in rural areas where often the school is the focal point of a community. The presence of a school in a village is often a factor in attracting people to the area. It is possible in some areas that this, in a way, also has an impact on local businesses.

5.2 Despite this, it is essential to balance the community impact with the need to secure the best provision for children in the catchment area. A larger school is more likely to create greater opportunities for pupils to extend their educational experiences and standards through participating in clubs and activities supported by the school. Opportunities may also arise to bring communities together. It will be important to ensure that members of the Llidiardau community feel part of the school community in Ysgol Crud y Werin. For example, ensuring that information relating to school developments is available to everyone in Llidiardau. It will also be essential to build on existing links between Ysgol Crud y Werin and the Rhoshirwaun community. [8] 6. Re-generation Plans and Community Activities

The aim of the Council’s re-generation priorities is to develop and support sustainable communities which are healthy, lively and viable, with a confidence to take risks, and the desire to identify their own solutions to challenges which arise, and to take advantage of new opportunities.

6.1 The following list includes examples of re-generation plans and projects relevant for the Rhoshirwaun community.

 Community transport; pilot project led by the ‘From door to door’ service which provides a transport service for rural communities in the Llyn Peninsula.

 Aberdaron Tourism Group; a plan to promote the village with a Welsh flavour which is funded by Experience Gwynedd.

 Felin Uchaf Enterprise; A green tourism plan which is funded by the Coastal Communities programme. The enterprise has also refurbished a traditional Welsh farmhouse and provide a variety of activities and training.

 Cymydmaen Cyf lead a local provisions plan which is funded under Sustainable Communities. The project is concerned with developing a resource for local providers to trial, process and sell local produce.

 Ynni Llyn; lead on activities to raise awareness of measures to save energy and buy cheaper electricity from a local provider.

7. Conclusion

The Community Impact Report notes that the school is greatly involved with the local community in Rhoshirwaun. The school makes use of the village hall for teaching physical education and concerts. The report mentions that there will be some negative impact from the school’s closure. However, around half of the pupils who live in the Ysgol Llidiardau catchment area already attend Ysgol Crud y Werin, and therefore there is an existing connection between the school and the wider community. There are opportunities to ensure that the community at Rhoshirwaun is aware of school activity and that appropriate discussions take place regarding the re-use of the Ysgol Llidiardiau building. It wil be necessary to consider the suggestions made relating to taking advantage of the opportunities and mitigating any negative impact . [9]

APPENDIX 2B [9]

Language Impact Assessment Report

Ysgol Llidiardau, Rhoshirwaun

www.gwynedd.gov.uk [10] CONTENTS

1. Introduction 1.1 Gwynedd Council’s Strategy 1.2 Educational Background

2. Current Language Profile Llidiardau Area 2.1 Gwynedd Language Profile Background 2.2 Aberdaron Ward 2.3 Ysgol Llidiardau 2.4 The Proposal

3. Assessment of Language Impact

4. Conclusion [11]

1. Introduction

Support for children in Gwynedd to acquire and use language skills forms an essential element of the County's education strategy.The Council is currently considering a statutory consultation for a proposal to close Ysgol Llidiardau, Rhoshirwaun and provide education for pupils in the area at Ysgol Crud y Werin, Aberdaron. As a consequence, it was decided to complete a language impact assessment on the proposal.This document outlines the situation regarding the key considerations for impact on the language in relation to the closure of Ysgol Llidiardau.

1.1 Gwynedd Council Strategy 2011

The 2011 Census figures report that in Gwynedd 65,900 (56%) people over the age of three are able to speak, read and write in Welsh. The 2011 Census also noted that 65.4% of people in Gwynedd speak Welsh, a decrease from the 69% reported in the 2001 Census.

In Gwynedd, as is the case in other Welsh Local Authorities, there is a considerable difference in the percentage of Welsh speakers in different wards. At one end of the spectrum, wards such as , and parts of Bangor have between 18%-38% of people who speak Welsh.Whereas as many as 78% speak Welsh in the areas of highest usage such as .

1.2 Educational Background

The Council adopted the strategy “Excellent Primary Education for Children in Gwynedd” in April 2009 which was reviewed in December 2010. The Council further developed an over arching strategy “Strategy Programme – Towards 2025” in October 2010. The document forms the basis for the strategic development of education and training in Gwynedd for the next 15 years.The programme has been developed in the context of policies and plans, both at a local and national level, which are underway to transform services delivered for children, young people and their families.

The case for changing Gwynedd's education system is based on:- a) The need to ensure that the County's children and young people receive the best possible education and experiences within a learning and teaching environment which is deemed acceptable by twentieth first century learners and teachers. b) The decrease of 25% in the number of pupils in the county since 1975. c) The 28% of surplus place in Gwynedd schools represents the highest percentage in Wales. ch) 31 of the County's primary schools in 2012/13 received between them £600k of additional financial support because of the lack of pupil numbers.

In October 2012, the Cabinet agreed a ‘Priorities Plan – Reorganisation of Education Education Provision' based on these experiences.The Strategy noted the need to ensure that there was a way of identifying the situation of those schools which were fragile: “Relevant professional information should be discussed in order to draw attention to vulnerable situations within the County which directly impair the quality of education and pupil experiences (e.g. Very low numbers of pupils at a school, very poor condition of the school buildings, failure to recruit a headteacher)”.

As part of the Cabinet's Priorities Plan, it was agreed that appropriate steps would be taken where schools were in a critical situation. Only 14 pupils were registered in Ysgol Llidiardau in September 2012. [12] 2. Language Profile Llidiardau Area

2.1 Gwynedd Language Profile Background

Almost three quarters of the County population were born in Wales (66.8%). 65.4% of the County population over three years of age speak Welsh – a substantially higher figure than the national percentage of 19%. In general, the number of Welsh speakers and the number born in Wales rises towards the west of the County and in those areas away from the more populated coastal towns. The highest number of Welsh speakers in Gwynedd is found in Llanrug ward (87.8% of Welsh speakers), and the lowest in Menai ward, Bangor (18.6%).

2.2 Aberdaron Ward

According to the 2011 Census, the population of Aberdaron ward was 965. Following the national trend, the number of Welsh speakers has decreased slightly. The 2011 Census demonstrates that slightly over 69.2% of the population of Aberdaron ward were born in Wales with 74.2% speaking Welsh. These figures correspond with the County profile for Gwynedd with the percentage of Welsh speakers being significantly higher than the national percentage.

2.3 Ysgol Llidiardau

Ysgol Llidiardau was established in 1880 in the village of Rhoshirwaun which is located around two miles from Aberdaron in the Llyn Peninsula. The majority of pupils live in homes where Welsh is not spoken however the school works very hard to develop pupils' Welsh language skills. The recent Estyn inspection report hoted the following in relation to the schol's language situation:

“The Welsh ethos of the school is well developed and the provision to promote pupils’ bilingual skills is good. The school has a wide range of cultural and community-based extra curricular activities.The school places an effective emphasis on Welsh culture and heritage.These elements are a strength of the provision.The “Cwricwlwm Cymreig” is well promoted across the curriculum, including local history studies using history, geography and modern Welsh artists.”.”

“Teachers are sensitive to the need to successfully integrate non-Welsh speaking pupils and achieve this very well. In partnership with the language centre, pupils progress to become fluent Welsh speakers”. Source: Estyn 2009

The following information outlines the language position of the school compared to nearby schools. The tables show the number of pupils from Welsh-speaking homes as noted by the headteacher in January 2012 (PLASC 2012).Table 1 highlights the high number of pupils from non Welsh-speaking homes compared to other schools in the area.The information demonstrates that only 25% of pupils in the school speak Welsh at home. Despite this, Ysgol Llidiardau notes that pupils speak Welsh in the school yard and during other activities both within and beyond the school. [13]

Table 1 – Language Information forYsgolion Llidiardau, Crud y Werin and Pont y Gof

Speak Do not speak Do not speak Non Speak Welsh at Welsh Welsh at home Welsh at home Welsh- School home but not Total fluently at but fluent in and not fluent in speaking fluent home Welsh Welsh

Llidiardau 4(25%) 7(44%) 0(0%) 4(25%) 1(6%) 16

Crud y 50(86%) 1(2%) 3(5%) 2(3%) 2(3%) 58 Werin

Pont y Gof 87(85%) 1(1%) 3(3%) 11(11%) 0(0%) 102

Source: Data provided from the Headteachers to PLASC January 2012

2.4 The Proposal

Closing the school and recommending that the pupils attend Ysgol Crud y Werin, would potentially provide greater opportunities for the pupils to use Welsh.Therefore, if the pupils were transfered to Ysgol Crud y Werin, they would be able to continue to develop their language skills within their peer group.

Table 2 – Other activities which the School undertakes through the medium of Welsh:

Sportsdays Catchment Area After School club Keep Fit Club, Club 123 Cylch Meithrin Ti a Fi Weekly meeting

Table 3 – Language Information relating to the Governing BodyYsgol Llidiardau

Total number of Governors 11 Number of Governors who speak Welsh 11 [14] 3. Asessment of the Language Impact (Table 4)

Any acknowledged measurement to Remaining Impact Status of the identify the negative impact or Impact Description Criteria Impact opportunities to establish more positive (following opportunities mitigation) Ysgol Llidiardau is a Welsh-medium school.The proposal to transfer pupils to Neutral School Ysgol Crud yWerin would not impact on on their education as their new school No impact on the Not relevant Not relevant language is also a Welsh-medium school. school's language position Ysgol Cryd y Werin is able to provide a Welsh-medium education for pupils.The Neutral Access to school has existing capacity to accept all pupils from Ysgol Llidiardau, if parents No impact on the Welsh-medium Not relevant Not relevant accept this recommendation. school's language education position Pupils would have access to a broader rangeof relevant facilities, increased provision in terms of staffing, and they would form part of larger peer groups at Non-Statutory different ages. Positive Not relevant Not relevant Provision

Pupils would have access to a broader range of relevant facilities outside the The Local Authority and theYsgol Crud yWerin classroom, increased provision in terms of staffing, and they would form part of Governing Body could consider ways of ensuring Neutral Activities larger peer groups at different ages. that after school activities are made as accessible No impact on the before / after as possible for all pupils. Positive school's language school A larger school is potentially able to offer a broader range of activities,Some position parents may have to travel further (toYsgol Crud yWerin) to enable their children to attend activities before or after school. Rhoshirwaun is part of the extendedAberdaron area,which contains a strong The Local Authority andYsgol Crud yWerin Welsh language community with a high percentage of Welsh speakers. Governing Body could consider ways of promoting the use of Welsh in the community Pupils from Ysgol Llidiardau would continue to receive a Welsh-medium education through arranging activities outside the sichool. in Ysgol Crud y Werin. Potentially the provision could increase the amount of Neutral Welsh spoken in the community if more activities are arranged both within and Opportunities would exist for the communities Using Welsh in No impact on the outside the school. of Rhoshirwaun and Aberdaron to come Positif the community school's language together atYsgol Crud yWerin during activities position such as the school Eisteddfod

Activities, e,g school concerts could be arranged for Rhoshirwaun on occasion. [15]

Overview – Initial Impact on the Welsh Language Positive Neutral Negative General Impact 1 4 0 - This does not quantify any consideration of actions to decrease negative impact or create positive opportunities

Overview – Possible Residual Impact on the Welsh Language Positive Neutral Negative General Impact 2 0 0 - This does quantify any consideration of actions to decrease negative impact or create positive opportunities

4. Conclusion

In terms of the linguistic impact – the language position at Ysgol Crud y Werin is very strong with 85% of pupils from Welsh-speaking homes. In comparison, only 25% of pupils at Ysgol Llidiardau are from Welsh- speaking homes at present. Therefore the proposal to transfer pupils from Ysgol Llidiardau provides opportunities to strengthen the position of the Welsh language through providing access to a school which has a strong Welsh language profile.

The expectation is that transfering pupils fromYsgol Llidiardau toYsgol Crud y Werin wil not have a negative impact on their language skills. As has already been noted, the percentage of pupils from Welsh-speaking homes is much higher at Ysgol Crud y Werin. As a result, there will potentially be more opportunities for pupils fromYsgol Llidiardau to use Welsh with their peer groups within the school and beyond.

Ysgol Llidiardau has worked hard to develop pupils' language skills and their understanding of the importance of Welsh culture. It will therefore be very important to ensure that this educational provision is continued when the pupils are transfered. The varying language background of the pupils at the enlarged Ysgol Crud y Werin will also require careful planning to achieve a positive and productive learning environment for pupils, parents and staff. [16] APPENDIX 2C

EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Ysgol Llidiardau’s Future

The Proposal: Close Ysgol Llidiardau, Rhoshirwaun and provide places for the pupils at Ysgol Crud y Werin, Aberdaron from 1 September 2013

1) AUTHORS OF THE ASSESSMENT

Education Department, Gwynedd Council

2) PARTNERS

Note any others who need to be included as part of the assessment process, including front rank staff, partner establishments, field specialists etc.

Ysgol Llidiardau; Ysgol Crud y Werin; Head of Education, Gwynedd Council; Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Education; Strategic Director, Gwynedd Council; School Headteachers; School Teaching and Ancillary Staff; Pupils; Parents; Community Members.

3) ASSESSMENT START DATE January 2012

4) ASSESSMENT COMPLETION DATE February 2013

5) RELEVANCE

5a) Relevance to the General Duties

 To Promote Positive Equality The aim is to continue using schools’ local procedures and policies to promote equality in a positive way.

 To abolish illegal discrimination, disturbance and persecution. The aim is to continue using schools’ local procedures and policies in order to eliminate illegal discrimination, disturbance and persecution.

 To promote equal opportunities The aim is to continue using schools’ local procedures and policies in order to respond to the needs of the individual.

 To foster good relationships The aim is to continue using schools’ local procedures and policies in order to foster good relationships. [17] 5b) Relevance to the different elements of equality

 Race According to the data regarding pupil numbers at the schools in January 2012, in Ysgol Llidiardau 69% of pupils are from white British ethnic origin with the ethnic origin of 31% undisclosed. In Ysgol Crud y Werin, 64% of pupils are from white British ethnic origin, with 5% from white origin and any other ethnic group, and with the ethnic origin of 31% undisclosed.

 Sex According to the data regarding pupil numbers at the schools in January 2012, in Ysgol Llidiardau 44% of pupils were male and 56% were female. In Ysgol Crud y Werin, 47% of pupils were male and 53% were female.

 Disability No information received, but, as in all establishments, it will be necessary to monitor the number of disabled pupils who attend the school. Depending on the disability, the school will have to adapt its plans in order to allow access for pupils with specific disabilities. As a result, the authority will also have to ensure that the relevant departments are aware of the changes and supply the necessary input.

 Welsh language Pupils who speak Welsh fluently at home: Ysgol Llidiardau 25%, Ysgol Crud y Werin 91%

Pupils who do not speak Welsh at home: Ysgol Llidiardau 75%, Ysgol Crud y Werin 9%

 Sexual orientation Not relevant.

 Religion or creed Not relevant

 Age Support opportunities for pupils in the 3 to 11 age group.

6) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE POLICY / SERVICE / ROLE

Close Ysgol Llidiardau and provide places for pupils at Ysgol Crud y Werin.

7) PARTICIPATION AND CONSULTATION What participation and consultation was held on the policy / service / role and what was the outcome?

Meetings were held during 2010/11, and again in 2012 with Governors and teaching staff at Ysgol Llidiardau to discuss the school’s situation and the possible steps to be considered.

8) AVAILABLE EVIDENCE

Information from PLASC January 2012 [18] 9) GAPS IN THE EVIDENCE

Information from PLASC 2013 was not available and finalised at the point of publishing this document, therefore 2012 information was used.

10) WHAT IS THE REAL OR LIKELY EFFECT

10 a) from the point of view of the equality groups

 Race Under the requirements of Council Policy, school will be obliged to provide an Anti-Bullying Policy and therefore the school will be expected to protect against racial bullying within the school.

 Gender Not relevant

 Disability The school staff will be required to provide the same level of care and be aware of all the pupils’ needs.

 Welsh Language Gwynedd Council’s Welsh Education Plan sets the same requirements for every school, and therefore in terms of implementing the policy, there will be no change.

Issues including performance scales for teaching staff, proficiency and pupils’ and family attitudes towards the Welsh language, and community support all influence and create stakeholders who promote and strengthen Welsh in the community.

 Sexual Orientation Not aware of any relevant issues.

 Religion or Faith Unknown.

 Age The age range within classes will be less and therefore pupils will be able to mix with more peers of the same age.

10b) Regarding the General Duties

 Promoting equality in a positive way Everyone will be treated according to their needs under the procedures which already exist at the schools. The new school for Ysgol Llidiardau pupils will to continue to follow statutory equality policies which have already been established.

 Abolishing illegal discrimination, disturbance and persecution The aim is to give pupils the opportunity to express their views in a way which is suitable and appropriate in view of any factors which affect them. The School Council, SPE lessons, anti- bullying policies and other procedures will continue to be used in order to ensure that the school abolishes illegal discrimination and disturbance. [19]  Promoting equal opportunities The aim is to give pupils the opportunity to express their views in a way that is suitable and appropriate in view of any factors which affect them. The School Council, SPE lessons, anti- bullying policies and other procedures will continue to be used in order to ensure that the school The School Council, SPE lessons, anti-bullying policies and other procedures will continue to be used in order to ensure that the school promotes equal opportunities.

 Fostering good relationships Ensure that the school makes use of specific and available assistance e.g. to promote good behaviour at the school.

The aim is to give pupils the opportunity to express their views in a way that is suitable and appropriate in view of any factors which affect them. The School Council, SPE lessons, anti- bullying policies and other procedures will continue to be used in order to ensure that the school fosters good relationships.

Losing a local resource can have a negative effect on community co-ordination, and fostering close and strong connections between the schools and the local communities will help to alleviate this.

11) DEALING WITH THE EFFECT

Language: The expectations are that all pupils in the county achieve the appropriate bilingual level according to age to ensure that they become active members of the community they are part of.

12) MONITORING AND REVIEWING ARRANGEMENTS

The responsibility for implementing the equality policy will rest on the shoulders of the school (through its governing body) and the Authority, through its customary support and monitoring procedures, will ensure that the policy is adhered to. Also, within the schools inspection circle, Estyn will review this aspect.