Decision details

The Service Director of 21^st Century Schools and Transformation, provided the Cabinet with an update on the provision of additional teaching accommodation at Y Pant, following the report presented to Cabinet on 13^th December 2021 highlighting the increasing pressures on pupil numbers in the south of the County Borough.

The Service Director recommended that consideration be given to agree to the construction of the two-storey teaching block at Y Pant with the phased programme to fit out the first floor initially and subsequently the ground floor when the capacity demands at the school dictate. The proposal would allow the Council to continue to deliver on its statutory duty to provide the appropriate number of school places in the right locations.

The Cabinet Member for Education, Youth Participation & Welsh Language noted that the scope of the proposed scheme had changed which had impacted on the project cost and the delivery programme.

The Cabinet Member commented that Y Pant was an attractive school, made more attractive by its transformation following investment in 2018. It was noted that the catchment area was an area of significant housing and population growth, with an increase in demand of school places forecast. The Cabinet Member concluded and commented that the proposal before Members was cost effective, sustainable and would help the school meet the demand of current and future admission numbers.

The Leader spoke in support of the proposals and the importance of minimising the use of portacabins when there are short term surges of cohorts.  The was pleased with the future proofing of the schools in terms of growth and advised that the longer-term position shows the three comprehensive schools within the area are close to capacity, largely due to the growth in population within the southern area of the County.

The Deputy Leader echoed previous comments and stated that the significant housing growth in the south of the County Borough had resulted in high demand for school places.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To note the changes that impact upon school places as detailed within the report;

2.    To approve the changes to the scope of the project; and

3.    To approve the increase in the capital investment to build a new two-storey teaching block at Y Pant.