Decision details

The Director, Education & Inclusion Services advise Members of the outcome of the recent publication of a Statutory Notice in respect of proposals to improve and increase education provision in Hirwaun by investing in a new school for Hirwaun Primary School and the proposal to Improve Welsh medium education provision by increasing the supply of places in the Upper Cynon Valley by making Penderyn Community Primary School, currently a dual language school, a Welsh medium Primary School.

Members were advised that 9 objections had been received consisting of letters, emails and 3 petitions and details of the objections and the responses were provided in Appendix 1 of the document.

The Director reminded Members of the views of Estyn in respect of the proposals in that a beneficial impact would be seen if the proposals were taken forward.

Members were advised that if the proposals were taken forward it was proposed that a new school building be constructed to accommodate the new Hirwaun Primary School and it is estimated that the cost of this work would be approximately £10.4m.

The Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning commented on the proposals and the improvements to the education provision if the proposals were taken forward.  She confirmed that  the Penderyn Community Primary School would continue to allow new English medium admissions until such time that the change in category of Penderyn Community Primary School, from a dual language school to a Welsh medium school, comes into effect

It was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the information contained within the Objection Report attached at Appendix A of the report, which includes a summary of the 9 objections received during the Statutory Notice period, and the comments given in response to the objections.

2.    To implement the proposals as published in the Statutory Notice which will:

·         create a new school for Hirwaun Primary School by September 2021;

·         change the category of Penderyn Community Primary School from a dual language school to a Welsh medium school from September 2021;

·         continue to allow new English medium admissions to Penderyn Community Primary School until such time that the change in category of Penderyn Community Primary School, from a dual language school to a Welsh medium school, comes into effect.

3.    To note that a separate report on funding arrangements will be presented to Council in due course.