Decision details

The Director of Education & Inclusion Services provided Members with an update on the Council’s revised 21^st Century Schools Strategic Outline Programme (SOP), recently approved in principle by the Welsh Government.

Members were provided with an overview of the projects taken forward which included

·       Completion of Hirwaun Primary

·       Progression of works at YGG Aberdar on site and progressing well;

·       Progression of works at YG Rhydywaun on site and progressing well;

·       Planning consultation has commenced for a new Welsh medium school in Rhydyfelin;

·       Detailed design is nearing completion for 3 new primary schools funded through MIM, these are Pontyclun Primary, Penygawsi Primary and Llanilltud Faerdref Primary;

·       The creation of 2 all-through schools is progressing in Pontypridd and Hawthorn; and

·       The new 6^th form teaching block and significant improvements to Bryncelynnog Comprehensive School are at the design stage

The Director advised that the significant increase in 21^st Century Schools and Colleges funding for Rhondda Cynon Taf provides an exciting opportunity for more learners and the communities to benefit from improved educational and community facilities.  Members were advised that the programme allows more leaners to be taught through the medium of Welsh and supports the access of more vulnerable learners to 21^st Century Schools’ facilities.

It was advised that the Programme would deliver exciting opportunities for the community focussed schools’ agenda, putting schools at the heart of the community and would allow the Council to continue to deliver its ambitious goal to make every school a great school. 

The Cabinet Member for Education & Inclusion Services spoke of the exciting proposal with the investment commenting that the original SOP totalled £167 million of investment and the new Programme totalling £252 million, which was a substantial increase that enabled a further £85 million to be invested in the schools of Rhondda Cynon Taf. 

The Cabinet Member stressed that the programme created additional capital and investment and did not create closure of facilities.

The Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Housing welcomed the news and spoke of the desperate need for improvements faced by some school buildings citing Penrhys school and questioned the Director in respect of timescales to which the Director responded, advising of the 5 year programme.

At this juncture in the meeting and with the permission of the Leader, County Borough Councillor G Caple spoke on this item.

The Deputy Leader commented that it was pleasing to see the future investment being proposed which would allow the young people of the Authority to receive the best facilities available that they deserved.

The Leader commented that this was the biggest investment in schools to be taken forward and welcomed the investment across the County Borough.

Following discussions, it was RESOLVED:

1.     To note that the investment in the approved Strategic Outline Programme has increased significantly from £167 million to £252 million, an increase of £85 million.

2.     To receive further reports on projects as they develop and progress through the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Colleges approval processes.

The need to provide Members with an update on the Council’s revised 21st Century Schools Strategic Outline Programme (SOP), recently approved in principle by the Welsh Government.