Decision details

The Head of Inclusion Services provided Members with details of the outcome of the publication of the Statutory Notices in respect of the proposal to realign Learning Support Class (LSC) provision within Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) and the rationale for the proposals were also provided.

Members were advised that a total of 16 objections were received in respect of the statutory notices and details of the objections were outlined within the appendix to the report. 

The Head of Inclusion services advised that in respect of the proposals outlined in paragraph 5.1.6 - 5.1.9 of the report no pupils would be affected by the proposals and in respect of the proposal at paragraph 5.1.10 two pupils would be affected. It was added that parents would be consulted regarding educational provision.  These two pupils would be offered either a bespoke package of support to remain within mainstream provision at Heol y Celyn Primary School or placement in the LSC at Gwaunmeisgyn Primary School. Members were reminded that in respect of 5.1.4 of the report as agreed by Cabinet, the one remaining pupil currently accessing the Foundation Phase LSC at Penrhys Primary School will be offered a bespoke package of support to remain within mainstream provision in Penrhys Primary School.

The Head of Inclusion Services added that following consideration of the objections received during the Statutory Notices period an amendment to one of the original proposals had been suggested.  Due to the number of pupils that potentially would be accessing Key Stage 2 (KS2) LSC provision it was proposed to continue with the relocation of the Foundation Phase LSC to Cwmbach Primary School with effect from 1st September 2019, but not to close the KS2 provision in Caradog Primary School at this time.  This would provide continuity in learning for eight KS2 learners in this school who have already experienced a number of school changes, as they progress through the last phase of their primary education.

With the agreement of the Chairman the following members of the public spoke on this item: Ms G Smith, Ms R Clark and Ms M Love.

The Leader asked officers to respond to the comments made by the public speaker in respect of capacity and the number of unit’s available and the Director confirmed that the learning support class provision was constantly reviewed to ensure that provision was in the right place at the right times.  The Director commented on the array of specialist provision that was available and added that the Council could only look at the current demands and projected numbers, although there was the scope to expand on the provision if needed.

The Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning thanked the public speakers of their contribution to the meeting.  She added that the schools listed were subject to a large number of surplus places and added that no pupils would be affected by the majority of the proposals, with bespoke packages being made available to the two there would be affected.  The Cabinet Member welcomed the amendment to the proposal in respect of Caradog School.  The Cabinet Member also spoke of the provision of support through staffing and assured all that this high standard of provision would continue to be provided.

The Deputy Leader reiterated the need for the provision to be kept under review and assured that the Council would ensure that the best facilities possible would be provided to the children and young people of the County Borough.

The Leader suggested that in respect of the amended proposals with Caradog school that the provision be kept under review in relation to need and demand.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To consider the information contained within the report and the Objection Report in Appendix A, which includes details of 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 Notices which will:

a)    Open Key Stage 3/4 LSC provision for pupils with Complex Learning  Difficulties in Treorchy Comprehensive School with effect from 1st September 2019.

b)    Open Key Stage 3/4 LSC provision for pupils with Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties in Ysgol Nant Gwyn with effect from 1st September 2019.

c)    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 with effect from 1st September 2019. 

d)    Relocate the Foundation Phase LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties from Penrhys Primary School to Maerdy Primary School, creating a cross phase provision from Foundation Phase to Key Stage 2 with effect from 1st September 2019. 

e)    Re-designate 1 Foundation Phase LSC for Complex Learning Difficulties in Darran Park Primary School and 1 Foundation Phase Observation and Assessment Class at Llantrisant Primary School to become 2 Early Years Assessment and Intervention LSCs for pupils under statutory school age with significant presenting needs with effect from 1st September 2019.

f)     Close the Foundation Phase LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties in Heol y Celyn Primary School with effect from 31st August 2019 noting no pupils would be affected by this proposal.

g)    Close the Foundation Phase LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties in Penrhys Primary School with effect from 31st August 2019 noting no pupils would be affected by this proposal.

h)    Close the Key Stage 2 LSC for pupils with Social, Emotional, and Behavioural Difficulties in Penywaun Primary School with effect from 31st August 2019 noting no pupils would be affected by this proposal.

i)     Close the Foundation Phase LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties in Pontygwaith Primary School with effect from 31st August 2019 noting no pupils would be affected by this proposal.

j)     Close the Key Stage 2 LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties in Heol y Celyn Primary School with effect from 31st August 2019 noting two pupils would be affected by this proposal.

k)    Agree to an amendment of the proposal in relation to the closure of the  Key Stage 2 LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties in Caradog Primary School.  It is proposed the LSC will now close on 31st August 2023 and not the 31st August 2019.  This will ensure that no pupils would be affected by this proposal.  No further pupils will be placed in the provision. However this decision will be kept under review based on demand level until August 2023

3.    To the publication of the relevant Decision Notices in respect of the proposals taken forward as required by the School Organisation Code.