Agenda item

1.   That having given due regard to the impact assessments in relation to equality, risk, community usage and welsh language, and to the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act (Wales 2015), together with the legal implications.  Approval be granted, in line with Section 48 of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 to consult on the proposal to establish an english-medium 3 – 11 school with a specialist learning support centre, in new build premises to accommodate pupils from the current catchment areas of Alltwen Primary, Godre’rgraig Primary and Llangwg Primary Schools all of which would close on the 31^st August 2024.  With the proposed implementation date being the 1^st September 2024.

 

2.   That the Consultation starts on the 3^rd November 2020 and ends on the 19^th January 2021, this includes an additional 2 weeks.

 

3.   That the Consultation report be published on the 26 February 2021.

 

 

Cabinet were supportive of the proposal to extend the consultation period by a further 2 weeks, as discussed in the Joint Education, Skills and Culture and Cabinet Scrutiny Committee held prior to this meeting.

 

Decisions:

 

1.   That having given due regard to the impact assessments in relation to equality, risk, community usage and welsh language, and to the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act (Wales 2015), together with the legal implications.  Approval be granted, in line with Section 48 of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 to consult on the proposal to establish an english-medium 3 – 11 school with a specialist learning support centre, in new build premises to accommodate pupils from the current catchment areas of Alltwen Primary, Godre’rgraig Primary and Llangiwg Primary Schools all of which would close on the 31 August 2024.  With the proposed implementation date being the 1 September 2024.

 

2.   That the Consultation starts on the 3 November 2020 and ends on the 19 January 2021, this includes the additional 2 weeks.

 

3.   That the Consultation report be published on the 26 February 2021.

 

Reason for Decisions:

 

To enable the Local Authority to comply with the formal consultation requirements imposed on the Local Authority by the School Organisation Code.

 

In addition, subject to the outcome of the consultation, implementation of the proposal would enable the Local Authority to promote high educational standards and the fulfilment of every child’s potential.  It would also enable the Local Authority to meet its duty to secure efficient education in its area.

 

Implementation of Decisions:

 

The decision will be implemented after the three day call in period.

 

Consultation:

 

1.        This school organisation proposal is being brought forward under the Council’s Strategic School Improvement Programme.  Formal consultation is required in line with the Welsh Government’s School Organisation Code, November 2018, which specifies the procedures to be followed, including the content of the consultation document and those to be consulted.

 

2.        Subject to approval, it is intended to consult on this proposal between 3 November 2020 and 19 January 2021 - see timeframe below.  This allows an extra 5 weeks in addition to the statutory 6 weeks for consultees to consider the proposal and submit a response. Responses to the consultation will be reported to Cabinet for consideration by Members in April 2021.

 

3.        If, following consideration of the responses, Members decide to progress the proposal then a 28 day period will follow for the submission of objections.

 

Publication of consultation document	3 November 2020
Period for submitting responses	3 November 2020 – 19 January 2021
Consultation report published	26 February  2021
Proposed implementation date	1 September 2024

 

4.        When establishing a new school it is necessary to ensure that enough time is set apart to enable decisions to be made in a considered and timely manner, and additionally when building a new school there is a great deal of time needed for planning to ensure the final build meets the needs and desires of the pupils, staff and community who will be using it. As such it is necessary to start statutory processes at the current time to ensure that there is sufficient time available to complete all necessary processes.

 

5.        Information on the proposal and the consultation document will be available on line on the Council’s website and also on the websites of the affected schools. Hard copies will also be available on request.

 

6.        All consultees, as directed by the Code will be sent the Consultation document via email. The Council’s social media channels will also contain information on how to access the consultation document.

 

7.        Consultation responses can also be submitted using the Consultation Portal on the Council’s web page, or by email to SSIP@npt.gov.uk, or in writing. 

 

8.        Due to the ongoing public health situation there will be no face-to-face consultation events arranged for this consultation. Questions concerning the proposal can be submitted to SSIP@npt.gov.uk.

 

It is the intention of officers to meet with pupils during the course of the school day, either remotely or in person depending on the views of the schools and parents, and on the Public Health Wales guidelines in place.