Agenda item

To consider a report by County Councillor Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys.

Cabinet considered a report proposing the closure of Ysgol Bro Cynllaith from 31 August 2025 with Powys-based pupils to transfer to their closest school in Powys. For most pupils, the closest school in Powys would be Ysgol Gynradd Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant. The report set out the reasons for the recommendation and was supported by an options appraisal, a draft community impact assessment and a draft integrated impact assessment.

County Councillor Jake Berriman sought and was provided with further commentary from Officers, as to how the situation before Cabinet compared and contrasted with the previous administration conclusions.

County Councillor Jackie Charlton requested and was provided with clarification on the impact on the community if were to lose funding towards the Community Hall.

County Councillor Aled Davies spoke as the local member and welcomed the addition of further data and information, from the report that was brought to Learning and Skills Committee, in regard to pinch point in classes, which would be similar in Llanrhaeadr Yn Mochnant. The Condition Survey banding was still a concern, as funds had been spent e.g., adding a new roof, however Powys County Council aspects of the recommendations report, in terms of security, were yet to be completed.

Disappointment was noted that other options especially of the “Classroom in the Countryside” model with Llanfyllin school had not been considered as an alternative solution.

Question raised and was answered by Officers in respect of the previous Administrations request for a report into the impact of small school closures across Powys borders not being completed.

Concern expressed that due to the proximity of the border, with over 97% of the pupils living within Bro Cynllaith catchment, a unique statistic in Powys, it was very likely that Powys County Council would not only lose WG funding but incur further costs to transport these pupils to their nearest school in England. 

The football pitch on the school site was the only green space within the village, the community hall was frequently utilised and had a Stay and Play group which 10-15 children attended.

The Cabinet and Corporate Leadership Team were invited to attend a public meeting as soon as a date had been convened, to discuss the consultation with the community.

County Councillor Gwynfor Thomas presented the recommendations of the Learning and Skills Committee and requested that narrative be updated and correct prior to the commencement of a consultation. It was hoped that the consultation would give clarity on the receiving-in schools, the impact on the community and on Powys of the potential loss of learners, and whether Welsh Medium education was, through the implementation of Trochi sessions, sought. 

County Councillor Bryn Davies spoke as a local member and noted the reduction in Welsh speakers in the area over the last 50 years, adding that individuals should not have to choose between their education or their culture. Consideration should have been given to the actual location of schools in north-east Powys with Llansilin being a natural location as the largest village in the east. If the school were to close, consideration should be given to operating a Cylch Meithrin, enhancing Welsh medium education opportunities.

Having considered the report, the comments of the local members and the recommendations of the Learning and Skills Committee it was

                        RESOLVED to approve the commencement of the statutory process to close Ysgol Bro Cynllaith from 31 August 2025 with Powys-based pupils to transfer to their closest school in Powys.