Decision details

The Director of Education and Inclusion Services provided Members with updated information following the report presented to Cabinet in February 2021 where Cabinet agreed to additional scoping work being undertaken including feasibility studies, where appropriate, to inform potential proposals for change in the Council’s special school provision.

Members were advised that given the considerable changes planned in Wales in relation to the statutory provision required to meet the needs of learners with the implementation of new legislation, building a new special school, and creating further capacity in the Authority’s current provision, would ensure that the Council successfully delivers on its statutory obligations.

The Cabinet Member for Education & Inclusion Services welcomed the report and the opportunities within which would address the demand within the Council’s special school and accommodate the growth in learners. The Cabinet Member referenced the pressures facing special schools and commented that the proposal would increase the number of special schools from four to five which would meet the needs of learners.  

At this juncture of the meeting and with permission of the Leader, County Borough Councillor P Jarman spoke on this item.

The Deputy Leader commented on the pressures within special schools and need to increase additional capital, commenting that the proposal within the school would alleviate such pressures.

Following discussions, it was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the content of the report.

2.    To acknowledge the pressures on the Council’s special schools and the need for significant investment to increase capacity and manage increased demand.

3.    To note that investment has been included within the Council’s revised 21st Century Schools Strategic Outline Programme to invest in a new special school within the County Borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT).

4.    To receive further reports as the proposal develops and progresses in accordance with the Welsh Government’s School Organisation Code, and Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Colleges statutory approval processes.

The need to provide Cabinet with updated information following the report presented to Cabinet in February 2021 where Cabinet agreed to additional scoping work being undertaken including feasibility studies, where appropriate, to inform potential proposals for change in the Council’s special school provision.

To address the demand for additional capacity in special schools in the County Borough of RCT to accommodate the growth in learner numbers.