Minutes:
The Committee
chose to scrutinise the following Cabinet items:
Cabinet
Proposals
3.1 Strategic
School Improvement Programme - Future Of Secondary Education In The Upper Afan
Valley
(Cllr.R.Mizen re-affirmed his interest at this point and withdrew from
the meeting)
(Cllr.D.Whitelock
re-affirmed his interest at this point and withdrew from the meeting)
Members
received information on a proposal to make arrangements for pupils who would
otherwise attend Cymer Afan Comprehensive School to receive their secondary
education at a new build school in Margam, Ysgol Cwm Brombil, and to close
Cymer Afan Comprehensive, as detailed in the circulated report.
The three Ward Members
Cllr. S.Jones, Cllr. J.Jones and Cllr N.Davies were in attendance at the meeting
and addressed the Committee.
They stated that there were
many still unanswered questions. One question was what the future of the
facilities used by the Community was, as they were attached to the School and
there had been no discussion on the relocation of these or if they would
continue. Officers highlighted that one option would be to apply
for grant funding to continue with these activities and Officers were happy to
discuss this with Local Members.
They also asked what the
cost was for the demolition of the building and the removal of asbestos. Officers explained that once declared surplus to
requirements, the demolition would go out to tender. This would be in
consultation with the Local Members.
It
was asked what was being done in relation to the backlog on the maintenance
costs for feeder schools of approximately £3 million. It was noted that the
School maintenance falls under the responsibility of the Environment
department. It was explained that when buildings are in need of maintenance they
are managed on priority basis depending on which building is in need of repair
the most.
The
Ward Members asked what measures were in place to ensure that roads A4106 and
A463 were safe for the children to commute to the new schools as there were 62
accidents and 2 deaths recorded on those roads in the past. Officers
highlighted that all roads had risks, however, the Council has a robust
procedure in place to minimise those risks and to ensure children’s safety.
The
Ward Members also raised concern on the Health and wellbeing of the children as
there would be a reduction of family and study time, as their travel time would
be greater than other school children. Officers highlighted that many children
travel this amount of time to and from school; it was noted that some children
like it as they have time with their friends.
They
raised concern around Key stage 4 pupils and the disruption the move would
cause them. Officers highlighted that they would ensure that disruption is kept
to a minimum.
The
Ward Members asked whether there would be free transport to Maesteg
Comprehensive School. Officers highlighted that under the transport policy free transport
would be provided to Maesteg Comprehensive as it would be the nearest suitable
school for pupils. Transport would also be provided to Ysgol Cwm Brombil as the
designated catchment school.
The
Ward Members asked whether transport would be provided for children who want to
access after school activities. Officers highlighted that transport could be
arranged, however this was not for officers to decide, this would fall under
the remit of head teachers and school governors.
The
Ward Members highlighted that families would relocate where there are work
opportunities therefore resulting in a decline in the population; therefore
going against the aims of the Welsh Government Valleys Taskforce. The Chief
Executive highlighted that the Neath Port Talbot Valleys Task and Finish Group
had developed an action plan to try to mitigate the issues within the valley communities
which had been forwarded to Cabinet for consideration. A response from Cabinet
would be provided to Members at a future meeting of Cabinet.
The Ward members highlighted that the cost per pupil
is high, and that this should be the case as there is a high level of need in
the area. Officers explained that the higher funding is not because of the high
level of need in the school but rather to provide the basic education which
every secondary school provides. There are high levels of need in every secondary
school in Neath Port Talbot.
The
Ward Members asked whether Cymmer Afan could have a six form to make the School
more it sustainable and increase numbers. Officers explained that a school
requires certain merits to qualify for a six form. It would cost around £1,000
per pupil if there was a sixth form as the numbers would be very small which
would make A Levels difficult with the numbers and size.
The
Ward Members said that a Community impact assessment had highlighted that there
would be an adverse and detrimental effect on the community. It was asked
whether this was adhering to the Future Generations and Wellbeing Act. Officers
explained that this proposal supported the requirement of the Act by giving
children an improved facility and opportunities by moving to a new 21st
century school with all the benefits of that.
In addition it enabled young people to gain an improved educational
attainment level which will enable them to gain employment and support the
valley communities.
Ward
Members highlighted their concern in relation to pollution and the detrimental
effect it could have on health and the close proximity to the school to areas
of pollution and asked, what was being done about this issue. The Chief Executive highlighted his acknowledgement in
relation to the pollution issues, however explained that there was ongoing work
in place to remedy this situation, such as the introduction of the 50mph speed
limit on the M4. It was noted that the Council Rejected the motion in relation
to Port Talbot being the most polluted place in the UK as those figures were
incorrect.
The
Ward Members highlighted that the Council must have been aware of the potential
closure of the school when applying for funding in January 2017. Officers
explained that there was no mention of Cymmer Afan in the business plan as
there was no plan at the time to close the school.
The
Ward Members asked the committee to consider rejecting the proposals.
Members
of the Scrutiny Committee highlighted their support for the local Members.
Members
highlighted that the recommendation states, that it had in due regard to the
impact assessment and asked what regard the council had taken in relation to
it, the negative impact on staff and the stress that the key stage 4 pupils will
be under when, they would be required to move schools during their most
vulnerable time in school. It was highlighted that there are high levels of
deprivation which added to the difficulty of parents accessing parents evening
and for children to access after school activities where parents do not have
their own transport. It was noted that the proposal for consideration today
should not just be based on education but also has to take into account the
negative impacts on the community. It was asked what regard has the council
made to these concerns. Officers responded that there were a lot of matters
considered. It was noted that providing better education is the main driver
helping to develop skills and better education. It was noted that the authority
have had similar issues in the past before the transition to Ysgol Bae Baglan
which were overcome.
It
was highlighted that the Council has a good and successful performance rate at
Key Stage 4. Officers explained that the Equality Impact Assessment is very
clear which takes full account of risks. It was noted that it is important to
know the risks to allow the authority to address any risks. It was highlighted
that the Equality Impact Assessment had been looked at by Counsel.
Members
asked that if the proposal was agreed, what impact the removal of the school
from the federation would have on the costs and budget. Members also
highlighted that the opening of Cwm Brombil and closure of Cymmer Afan, had
happened at similar times and highlighted that it was coincidental that Cymmer
Afan wasn’t being considered for closure at the same time around three years
ago. Members felt that there had been a lack of imagination with regard to
Cymmer Afan and therefore proposed an amendment. Officers explained that the Primary
School formula and Secondary School formula were different. It was noted that
the Cymmer Secondary formula would push up the federation’s costs, due to the
higher per pupil price which would call into question the viability of primary
schools.
Members
also stated that previously Bus Companies were not transparent in relation to
the age of buses transporting to children to and from school. It was
highlighted that there have been instances of a private plate being used to
mask the age of the vehicle. This meant that buses used to transport young
people were not always fit for purpose and Officers were asked what was being
done to prevent this happening in future. Officers highlighted that various
checks were made by the Council on vehicles and now the Council did not allow
vehicles to be over the age of 7 years old.
(Cllr.M.Ellis
left the meeting)
The
Chair adjourned the meeting to allow Public, Officers and Members to have a
break.
(The
Chair reconvened the meeting and welcomed everyone to the meeting.)
The
Chair read out a question on behalf of a member of the Committee who could not
stay for the full Committee:-
‘I
have concerns that the delay in the Cymmer school closure and subsequent
arrangements for pupils attend Ysgol Bromfil may be interpreted as not having
been fully considered in the setting out of the case for closure. There can be
no doubt that the change in provision will have a major social and economic
impact on the Upper Afan communities. How will the change affect the Schools
Federation between primary and Secondary School. Not simply financial but
moving forward in organisation needs and community engagement and
participation. I am concerned also on the extension of the distance and timing
of school buses with the potential and expected impact on behaviour, and access
to pre and post school activities and the loss of time lost in the process.
Staff too from Cymmer may have not had the same opportunities the reassignment
to Ysgol Brombil.’
Officers
explained that they expected the federation in the Afan Valley to continue. It
was noted that there is a Policy in place to address any concerns regarding the
buses and their condition, plus any behaviour issues on the buses. It was also
noted that there was a policy in place to support staff displaced as a result
of the school closure which would take place in consultation with the trade
unions.
Members
re-iterated the difficulty that the lack of transport was having on valley
communities which adds to the decline in the valleys. It was observed by
Members that decision making and policy was usually centralised. It was
highlighted that the Welsh Government were supporting the valleys, however,
they felt that the Council did not. The Chief Executive explained that the
Council are working with Welsh Government on initiatives however, the authority
has to work with the resources it currently has.
Members
highlighted that they were in favour of 21st century schools, however they felt
that this was not the best decision for the valleys. It was noted that Members
understood there had been a financial crisis. Members felt that there should be
equal investment in valleys as there was in towns. The Chief Executive agreed
with Members that the salvation of the valleys was not only in in investment in
building but how to maintain them. It was noted that putting something in place
is easy, however maintaining it is difficult. Job creation and economy
development in valleys was important. It was noted that the Capital budget has
been reduced by Welsh Government by 40% in the previous few years.
Officers
highlighted that each primary school gets a share of maintenance costs, given
on a “need most” basis. If money was spread out to an allocation for each
school then it wouldn’t be enough if a boiler broke down, pooling resources
allowed for this eventuality.
Members
asked whether there had there been any study on the Afan Valley with regard to
access and ownership to cars. Officers highlighted that around 40% of citizens
in Cymmer, Gwynfi and Croeserw don’t have cars.
Members
asked for officer’s reassurance that the primary schools would be kept in the
valleys. Officers confirmed that there were currently no plans to close any
Primary schools in the Afan Valley.
Members
highlighted that parents and guardians had already started to take their
children out of the Valley which has undermined the Authority to be able to
maintain the Schools. It was noted that Transport is a concern, however members
had the same fears when deciding similar fates with Ysgol Bae Baglan and the
attendance there is excellent. Members highlighted that the children would
benefit from this change.
(Cllr.R.Phillips
left the meeting)
(Cllr.A.J.Richards
left the meeting)
Members
highlighted that change was difficult and parents were concerned. However, this
was an opportunity for children to gain the education they deserved by giving
them the tools and skills to be able to achieve qualifications which would
enable them to find employment which would impact on communities. Members
referred to the Equality Impact Assessment and highlighted that it was an
honest one.
Members
highlighted that key stage 4 doesn’t work as well in Cymmer Afan as it could in
a larger school, where children will have the opportunity to do BTEC’s.
Members
highlighted that bullying could be caused on school transport and asked is
there anything in place to prevent this. Officers highlighted that this was
raised in consultation. It was noted that the school would deal with this if it
were to happen. The Director of Education explained that we have numerous
children that travel each day to school, issues were close to zero and are
effective at dealing with bullying at source.
A
formal amendment to the recommendation contained within the circulated report
was proposed and seconded:-
‘It
is recommended that Officers undertake further work on the options and models
for retaining a secondary education campus in the Afan Valley. Including
potentially:
·
Federation or
amalgamation of Cymer Afan and Ysgol Cwm Brombil
·
Inclusion of the
Afan Valley Primary cluster
·
21st Century
school funding for the Afan Valley
·
Consultation with
the school communities of the Afan Valley on any other potential alternatives’
There
following a request for a recorded vote which received the requisite support in
accordance with the requirements of Section 14.5 of Part 4 of the Council’s
Constitution – Rules of Procedure.
For
the Amendment
S.Harris,
S.K.Hunt, A.LLewelyn, J.D.Morgan and L.M.Purcell
Against
the Amendment
S.ap
Dafydd, S.E.Freeguard, M.Harvey, H.N.James, S.Miller, S.M.Penry, M.Protheroe,
S.Rahaman, S.Renke, A.L.Thomas, A.N.Woolcock, A.Amor and M.Caddick
Abstentions
None
As a result the amendment fell
The Joint Cabinet and Education, Skills and Culture Scrutiny
Committee then proposed and seconded the initial proposals contained within the
report:-
·
Having given due regard to the objections and the impact assessments in relation to equality, risk,
community usage and Welsh language together with the legal implications, it is
recommended that, in line with Section 53 of the School Standards and
Organisation (Wales) Act 2013, Members determine to implement the proposal to
make arrangements for pupils who would otherwise attend Cymer Afan
Comprehensive school to receive their secondary education at Ysgol Cwm Brombil
and to close Cymer Afan Comprehensive.
·
The proposed date of implementation to be 1st September 2019.
·
The site and buildings be declared surplus to the operational
requirements of the Education Leisure and Lifelong Learning Service.
For
the Recommendation
S.ap
Dafydd, S.E.Freeguard, M.Harvey, H.N.James, S.Miller, S.M.Penry, M.Protheroe,
S.Rahaman, S.Renke, A.L.Thomas, A.N.Woolcock, A.Amor and M.Caddick
Against
the Recommendation
S.Harris,
S.K.Hunt, A.LLewelyn, J.D.Morgan and L.M.Purcell
Abstentions
None
Following
scrutiny, the majority of the Committee was supportive of the proposals to be
considered by the Cabinet Board