Decision details

The Head of Inclusion Services advised the Cabinet of the outcome of the recent consultation in respect of the proposal to realign the mainstream Learning Support Class (LSC) provision within Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT).

The Cabinet Member for Education, Youth Participation & Welsh Language firstly took the opportunity to thank all those who engaged with the consultation process. The Cabinet Member spoke of the increased pressure, in terms of the number of children and young people additional learning needs support and felt that the report clearly demonstrated the Cabinet’s willingness to invest in the provision. The Cabinet Member was in favour of the proposals and commented that the proposal to transfer the LSC for pupils in Years 3-6 with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Abercynon Community Primary School to create a through provision in the Primary Phase at Perthcelyn Primary School would be beneficial in the long-term. In respect of the proposal to establish two Welsh medium primary phase LSCs at the new Welsh medium primary school in Rhydyfelin for pupils with significant ALN, the Cabinet Member felt it was positive and would give further choice to families, whilst supporting National legislation.

Referring to the consultation responses, the Leader clarified that the proposals before Members were not about cost savings, and that if agreed, it would be an increase of £400,000 a year in costs.

The Leader questioned what support would be available to the children and families, in terms of transitional arrangements, should the Cabinet agree the recommendations. The officer acknowledged that there would be a small number of pupils impacted by the proposals and that families were rightfully concerned about the prospect. It was explained that transitions had been done successfully in the past and a key factor in respect of the proposals was that staff would be moving with the children, which would maintain a degree of consistency. If the parents decided not to move their children to Perthcelyn, the pupils would be supported in mainstream with a specialist ASD and additional non-teaching support, where necessary. The Director added that further discussions with families would take place to ensure all individual’s needs are met and to reduce parental concerns.

The Deputy Leader was in support of the proposals and took the opportunity to thank the Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee for its constructive comments.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To note the information contained within the consultation report, which includes a summary of items of correspondence received during the consultation exercise and notes of the various meetings held;

2.    To progress the following proposals to realign the mainstream Learning Support Class (LSC) provision within Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) by issuing the appropriate statutory notices:

·       Proposal 1 (amended): To relocate the Observation and Assessment LSC at Penrhiwceiber Primary School to Abercynon Community Primary School taking effect from September 2024. (Amended from April 2024).

·       Proposal 2 (amended): To transfer the LSC for pupils in Years 3-6 with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Abercynon Community Primary School to create a through provision in the Primary Phase at Perthcelyn Primary School taking effect from September 2024. (Amended from April 2024).

·       Proposal 3: To establish one Early Years Assessment and Intervention LSC for pupils under statutory school age with significant presenting needs at Abercynon Primary School taking effect from April 2024.

·       Proposal 4: To establish two Welsh medium primary phase LSCs at the new Welsh medium primary school in Rhydyfelin for pupils with significant ALN taking effect from September 2024.

·       Proposal 5: To establish one LSC for pupils in years 7-11 with ASD at the new 3-16 school on the Hawthorn Primary/High School site taking effect from September 2024.

3.    To note the comments, observations and/or recommendations of the Education and Inclusion Scrutiny Committee, following its pre-scrutiny of the above recommendations at the meeting held on 14th September 2023.