Decision details

The Director, Education & Inclusion Services referred Members to the report which advised Members of the outcome of the recent consultation in respect of the proposal to realign the mainstream Learning Support Class (LSC) provision within Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) and to re-invest the funding to meet the identified needs of pupils.

Members were advised of the large responses received to the consultation as highlighted with the Consultation document report attached as Appendix 1 and reference was made to the key issues raised during the consultation and the responses provided. The Director also advised Members of the response from Estyn who commented that in their opinion the proposal would likely to ‘improve the current standards of educational provision for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) in the English medium sector.’ 

The Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning commented on the rationale for the proposals due to the high rates of empty and surplus places and the opportunity to enhance provision and continuum of provision on single sites.

At this juncture in the meeting County Borough Councillor G Caple spoke on the item.

The Leader commented on the proposals adding that this was an opportunity to match the needs with demands adding that the same level of provision would be delivered.  He re-emphasised that if any savings were made in respect of the proposals these would be  re-invested to meet the identified needs of pupils.

The Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning closed discussions by commenting on the proposals put forward and the consultation feedback received and proposed to revisit two of the recommendations highlighted within the report (recommendation 2.3.4 and 2.3.5).  The Cabinet Member suggested that in light of the strong opposition to the proposal (2.3.5)  to relocate the key stage 2 learning support class for pupils with communication disorders from Hafod Primary School to Porth Community School, and the fact that the current provision is full, it was proposed that this specific proposal wais not progressed.  The Cabinet Member recommended that the Council creates a new key stage 2 learning support class provision in Porth Community School so that learners are provided with the opportunity to benefit from an all through education from foundation phase to key stage 4 provision in this setting.  It was added that the Council had previously consulted on this model as part of proposal to establish a new 3-16 school in Porth Community School. Progressing in this way would maintain stability for Hafod learners whilst also creating continuity in provision for learners in Porth Community School.

In respect of recommendation 2.3.4 the Cabinet Member proposed to progress with the proposal outlined in 2.3.4 to relocate the Foundation Phase LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties from Penrhys Primary School to Maerdy Primary School. However, in partnership with the family, the one remaining child currently accessing the Foundation Phase LSC would be offered a bespoke package of support to remain within mainstream provision in Penrhys Primary School (should this be the preferred option for the family), prior to progressing to the school based Key Stage 2 LSC in Penrhys Primary School.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the information contained within the consultation report (as attached to the report), which includes details of items of correspondence received during the consultation exercise and notes of the various meetings held.

2.    To note that Rhondda Cynon Taf will maintain its current level of significant financial investment in its Learning Support Class (LSC) provision whilst realigning its current provision to address identified gaps in existing provision.

3.    To progress the following proposals to realign the mainstream Learning Support Class (LSC) provision within Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) by issuing the appropriate statutory notices.

a)     To create a new Key Stage 3/4 LSC provision for pupils with SEBD at Ysgol Nant Gwyn;

b)     To create a new Key Stage 3/4 LSC provision for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties at Treorchy Comprehensive School.

c)      To re-designate the Foundation Phase LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties at Darran Park Primary and Foundation Phase Observation and Assessment Class at Llantrisant Primary to become Early Years Assessment and Intervention LSCs for pupils under statutory school age with significant presenting needs;

d)     To relocate the Foundation Phase LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties from Caradog Primary School to Cwmbach Primary School, creating a cross phase provision from Foundation Phase to Key Stage 2.

e)     To close the Key Stage 2 LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties in Caradog Primary School – 8 pupils would access specialist placement at Cwmbach Primary School

f)       To close the Foundation Phase LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties in Heol y Celyn Primary School – no pupils would be affected by the closure

g)     To close the Foundation Phase LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties in Penrhys Primary School – no pupils would be affected by the closure;

h)     To close the Key Stage 2 LSC for pupils with Social, Emotional, Behavioural Difficulties in Penywaun Primary School – no pupils would be affected by the closure;

i)       To close the Foundation Phase LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties in Pontygwaith Primary School – no pupils would be affected by the closure;

j)       To close the Key Stage 2 LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties in Heol y Celyn Primary School – the class would have only 2 pupils in 2019 and in discussion with the pupil’s parents, alternative provision would be provided for the two pupils;

4.      To not progress the proposal outlined in paragraph 2.3.5 of the report in respect of  the relocation of Key Stage 2 LSC for pupils with Communication Disorders based at Hafod Primary School to Porth Community School (3-16 provision) creating a cross phase provision from Foundation Phase to Key Stage 4, but to instead create a new Key Stage 2 LSC for pupils with Communication Disorders in Porth Community School so that learners are provided with the opportunity to benefit from an all through education from foundation phase to key stage 4 provision in this setting. The Council has previously consulted on this model as part of proposal to establish a new 3-16 school in Porth Community School. Progressing in this way would maintain stability for Hafod learners whilst also creating continuity in provision for learners in Porth Community School.

5.    To progress with the proposal outlined in 2.3.4 to relocate the Foundation Phase LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties from Penrhys Primary School to Maerdy Primary School. However, in partnership with the family, the one remaining child currently accessing the Foundation Phase LSC will be offered a bespoke package of support to remain within mainstream provision in Penrhys Primary School (should this be the preferred option for the family), prior to progressing to the school based Key Stage 2 LSC in Penrhys Primary School.

** It was noted at the meeting that the report presented to Members contained an error in the numbering in respect of the recommendations sequence.  It was confirmed that the proposals listed under Recommendations 2.3 should run from 2.3.1 to 2.3.12 consecutively.**

(N.B as referenced in Minute 104 County Borough Councillors R Bevan, G Caple and S Bradwick declared personal interests in respect of this item)