Decision details

The Head of 21^st Century Schools referred Members to the  report before them which looked to improve and extend the range of education provision available in the Cynon Valley area of Rhondda Cynon Taf, by taking forward the following proposals, to which the Officer spoke through in detail:-

·         Improve education provision in Hirwaun by investing £10.4m in a new school for Hirwaun Primary School;

·         Improve Welsh medium education provision and increase the supply of places in the Upper Cynon Valley by making Penderyn Primary School, currently a dual language school, a Welsh medium Primary School;

·         Develop 21^st Century Schools Programme financial business cases with Welsh Government to:

·         Invest £3.3m to increase the capacity of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Aberdar to meet the demand for Welsh medium school places;

·         Invest £10.2m to increase the capacity and improve the educational facilities at Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun to meet the demand for Welsh medium places.

Members were advised of the rationale for the decision and the necessary statutory consultation process that would need to be taken forward in respect of the proposals.

The Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning spoke positively of the proposals commenting on the current poor conditions of some of  the school building listed within the report and the sensible approach to be taken forward in respect of the proposed changes to be made  to meet the demand for Welsh medium school places.  The Cabinet spoke of the potential changes needed to be taken forward in respect of catchment areas and spoke positively of the free transport provision to be provided within Home to School Transport, as outlined within the report.

The Cabinet Member for Environmental welcomed the proposals and the investment in the schools, although highlighted concerns in respect of the potential increase in  traffic at YGG Aberdar and asked that local Members be kept up to date with any developments.

The Leader of the Council also spoke positively on the investment being proposed and reiterated the Cabinet Members comments on the provision of Home to School Transport, to elevate any road safety concerns.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To commence the public consultation on the proposal to invest £10.4m for a new school for Hirwaun Primary School, and change the category of Penderyn Primary School from a dual language school to a Welsh medium school. No new English medium admissions will be approved after August 2019, and the catchment school for the English medium pupils will be Hirwaun Primary School.

2.    To develop and submit a financial business case to Welsh Government to seek 21^st Century Schools Funding to invest £3.3m to increase the capacity of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Aberdar to meet the demand for Welsh medium school places.

3.    To develop and submit a financial business case to Welsh Government to seek 21^st Century Schools funding to invest £10.2m to increase the capacity and improve the educational facilities at Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun to meet the demand for Welsh medium places.

4.    That all the proposals will be implemented by 2022.

(N.B. County Borough Councillor R Turner declared a personal interest on this item as referred in Minute 29 and stayed in the meeting when the item was discussed and voted upon)