Decision details

The Director, Education & Inclusion Services provided Members with her report which looked at an opportunity to consider proposals for the realignment of mainstream Learning Support Class (LSC) provision within Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT),  to  improve the  continuum of SEN provision that can be achieved in within the Authority. 

The Director continued by advising of the considerable benefits to be gained from the realignment of LSCs in ensuring the SEN of all children and young people are met and outcomes for pupils are improved, with the proposed realignment of LSCs ensuring that the LA has an enhanced focus on providing more effective mainstream inclusion opportunities for pupils with a wide range of SEN.

The Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning spoke positively on the proposals and commented upon the rationale for the proposals as outlined within the report and the current high rate of surplus places.  Reference was also made to the transport provision.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the information contained within this report.

2.    To the realignment of Special Educational Needs (SEN)   mainstream LSC provision within the context of the School Organisation Code (2013) and the 21^st Century School Modernisation Programme.

3.     To commence consultation on the following proposals, as contained within the report:

a)    To close the Foundation Phase Learning Support Class (“LSC”) for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties in Heol y Celyn Primary School – no pupils in 2019;

b)    To close the Foundation Phase LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties in Penrhys Primary School – no pupils in 2019;

c)    To close the Key Stage 2 LSC for pupils with Social, Emotional, Behavioural Difficulties in Penywaun Primary School – no pupils in 2019;

d)    To close the Foundation Phase LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties in Pontygwaith Primary School – no pupils in 2019;

e)    To close the Key Stage 2 LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties in Heol y Celyn Primary School – 2 pupils in 2019;

f)     To close the Key Stage 2 LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties in Caradog Primary School – 8 pupils transferring to Cwmbach Primary School;

g)    To transfer the Foundation Phase LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties from Caradog Primary School to Cwmbach Primary School, creating a cross phase provision from Foundation Phase to Key Stage 2.

h)   To transfer the Foundation Phase LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties from Penrhys Primary School to Maerdy Primary School, creating a cross phase provision from Foundation Phase to Key Stage 2;

i)     To transfer the Key Stage 2 LSC for pupils with Communication Disorders based at Hafod Primary School to Porth Community School (3-16 provision) creating a cross phase provision from Foundation Phase to Key Stage 4

j)      To re-designate the Foundation Phase LSC for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties at Darran Park Primary and Foundation Phase Observation and Assessment Class at Llantrisant Primary to become Early Years Assessment and Intervention LSCs for pupils under statutory school age with significant presenting needs;

k)    To create a new Key Stage 3/4 LSC provision for pupils with SEBD at Ysgol Nant Gwyn;

l)     To create a new Key Stage 3/4 LSC provision for pupils with Complex Learning Difficulties at Treorchy Comprehensive School.

(N.B – As referenced in Minute 41 – County Borough Councillor R Bevan and S Bradwick declared a personal interest in respect of the item.)