Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

It was proposed and seconded and agreed that Cllr Rebecca Phillips be the Chair for the meeting.

It was proposed and seconded and agreed that Cllr Phil Rogers be the Vice-Chair for the meeting.

It was proposed and seconded and agreed that Cllr Rebecca Phillips be the Chair for the meeting.

It was proposed and seconded and agreed that Cllr Phil Rogers be the Vice-Chair for the meeting.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Cllr R.Jones – Cabinet Agenda Item 6 – Personal, Family member works at Maes Y Coed Primary School.

Cllr W.Carpenter – Cabinet Agenda Item 6 – Personal, Family member works at Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School.

Cllr. P.Rogers – Cabinet Agenda Item 6 – Personal, Vice-Chair of Governors at Llangatwg School.

Cllr. R. Davies – Cabinet Agenda Item 6 – Personal, Governor at Godrergraig Primary School

Cllr R. Jones – Cabinet Agenda Item 6 - Personal, Family member works at Ysgol Maes Y Coed

Cllr W. Carpenter – Cabinet Agenda Item 6 – Personal, Family member works at Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School

Cllr. Nia Jenkins – Cabinet Agenda Item 6 – Personal, Governor at Ysgol Maes Y Coed

Cllr. P. Rogers – Cabinet Agenda Item 6 – Personal, Vice-Chair of Governors at Llangatwg School

Proposal to Amend the Council’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Capital Funding Projects, and Revise the Capital Spend Profile (enclosed within Cabinet Papers).

Following scrutiny, members supported the recommendations to Cabinet.

The Director of Education Leisure and Lifelong Learning gave an overview of the report, which sought member permission to approach Welsh Government for approval to amend the councils Strategic Outline Programme (SOP). It was noted that all band B and some band C schemes in the report have previously been agreed by members and further discussion was not required at this stage.

Members commented on the time required to read papers; concern was expressed with regards to how the process has been taken forward and that information was not freely available. Members requested site meetings and visits to look in detail at any needs and issues as the proposals progress. Members expressed concern that it was necessary for a joint meeting to be requested and requested clarification regarding the need for privacy around the supplementary report.

The Head of Legal and Democratic Services confirmed the supplementary report was exempt under paragraph 14, as there was reference to the financial and business affairs of the council with significant commercial information regarding land ownership as part of the feasibility study. This information could have an impact on any future competitive tender process. The decision as to whether to consider in private is for members to determine but the officer advice is that it meets the criteria for a private discussion today.

Members questioned whether there were proposals to look at the needs of pupils for a 21^st century school for Llangiwg and Alltwen.

The Director of Education Leisure and Lifelong Learning confirmed that all schools will be reviewed under the 21^st Century Schools Programme over time. Building Surveyors will prioritise needs and resources will be allocated in order of priority.

Members asked if there were any other relevant documents or feasibility studies that relate to the proposals.

The Director of Education Leisure and Lifelong Learning confirmed that there were no additional feasibility studies.

Members referenced the proposal for a new school at Coed Darcy and questioned whether this planned school would be removed from the plan. It was noted that the report stated that it was doubtful that the Welsh Government would allow the project at Coed Darcy to be carried over.

The Director of Education Leisure and Lifelong Learning confirmed that the only amendment suggested for band B and band C were for the two special schools and Godrergraig and there was no suggestion to remove the new school at Coed Darcy from band B.

Members asked for clarification regarding the statement in the Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) which stated; the schemes involved are generally English medium schools however the improved facilities will impact on Welsh speaking pupils who attend the provision. Members asked what plans were in place to increase the numbers of pupils learning through the medium of Welsh.

The Head of Support Services and Transformation confirmed that presently, Welsh speaking children who attend Ysgol Maes Y Coed or Ysgol Hendrefelin are supported by Welsh speaking teachers and teaching assistants; if the proposals were approved this arrangement  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Any urgent items at the discretion of the Chairperson pursuant to Section 100BA (6)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended)

There were none.

There were none.