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Question from: County Councillor Iain McIntosh Subject: Threat of further school closures?
Question:
During the previous Welsh Labour and Welsh Liberal Democrat Welsh Government Administration, rural primary schools faced closure throughout the whole of Wales, resulting in a decision being made to close three primary schools in Brecon and Radnorshire; Llanfihangel Rhydithon (Dolau), Llanbedr and Cradoc. As a previous Cabinet member, I was part of the decision making process to close Dolau and Llanbedr schools, but as has already been widely reported, I made that decision with the impression neither school would be able, or would struggle, to deliver the curriculum. Shortly after leaving Cabinet, Welsh Government confirmed both schools would indeed be able to deliver the curriculum, and further to that, that small rural schools actually played a part in developing the new curriculum. I therefore withdrew my support for the closure of the schools.
During the run up to the County Council elections in May, Liberal Democrat and Labour candidates, now elected and forming this Council’s administrative group in coalition, either pledged to keep the primary schools open, or participated in events and activities which gave voters the impression they would keep the schools open. Powys voters therefore consider it unacceptable to hear both parties have not abandoned plans to close any of the schools above.
Can the Cabinet member for education now reveal how many Powys schools, both primary and secondary, face closure under the new administration? Can he please reveal any processes, criteria or benchmarking data, set by this authority, or Welsh Government, which determines how and why any school could, or should, be considered for closure? Can he also please reveal if Cabinet members recognise the protection given to rural schools within the School Organisation Code, which sets a presumption against rural school closures, and that if a rural school is to be considered for closure, it should be a separate process to an urban school closure, in order to correctly apply that protection and presumption?
Minutes: Response by the Cabinet Member:
You will be aware that I relaunched the Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys at this year’s Royal Welsh Show. The Strategy includes a Vision for education in Powys, a set of Guiding Principles, along with 4 strategic aims which are intended to improve learner entitlement and experience across a number of areas. As part of the Wave 2 Work Programme (2022 – 2027), I am expecting officers to bring forward proposals that meet that Vision, the Guiding Principles and that deliver those Strategic Aims.
As I have already proposed a very different approach to Transformation than that which was carried out by the previous administration, I am expecting officers to review schools on a catchment area basis, where local factors can be considered early on, along with with earlier engagement with school communities. As each catchment area is unique, it is not possible to pre-determine the outcome of any review.
Regarding the Presumption Against the Closure of Rural Schools outlined within the Welsh Government’s School Organisation Code 2018, the Cabinet is fully aware that there are additional steps to be taken when a rural school is being reviewed – this process is clearly specified in the Code and, in fact, the courts have confirmed that the approach taken by Powys is fully compliant with the requirements of the Code.
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