Decision details

The Head of Inclusion Services advised Cabinet Members of the outcome of the publication of the Statutory Notices in respect of the proposal to realign Learning Support Class (LSC) provision within Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT).

The Cabinet Member for Education, Youth Participation and Welsh Language took the opportunity to thank those who had responded to the consultation. The Cabinet Member commented that the proposal before Members would help the Local Authority meet its statutory duty under new legislation from Welsh Government and recognised that it was an area that had seen a significant increase in demand and complexity.

The Cabinet Member stressed that the proposals would not equate to a reduction in service but would instead have an additional circa £424,000 of investment into the service. However, the Cabinet Member recognised that a small number of pupils would be affected by the changes, if agreed.

The Cabinet Member voiced his support for the proposals and welcomed the establishment of the two Welsh Medium Primary phased learning support classes at the new Welsh Medium School in Rhydyfelin for pupils with additional learning needs; and felt that this would further enhance choice for parents and guardians.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To consider the information contained within the report and the Objection Report in Appendix 1, which includes details of objections received during the Statutory Notice period, and the comments given in response to the objections.

2.    To implement the proposals as published in the Statutory Notices which includes:

Proposal 1: Relocation of the Observation and Assessment LSC at Penrhiwceiber Primary School to Abercynon Community Primary School taking effect from September 2024.

Proposal 2: 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.

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

Proposal 4: Establish two Welsh medium Primary Phase LSCs at the new Welsh medium primary school in Rhydyfelin (YGG Awel Taf) for pupils with significant ALN taking effect from September 2024.

Proposal 5: Establish one LSC for pupils in years 7-11 with ASD at the new 3-16 school on the Hawthorn Primary/High School site (Ysgol Afon Wen) taking effect from September 2024.

3.    To the publication of the relevant Decision Notices in respect of any proposals taken forward as required by the School Organisation Code.