Issue - meetings

To submit a report by the Head of Learning.

It was resolved –

·        To adopt the Isle of Anglesey Schools’ Modernisation Education Strategy (Update 2018) to take effect from 15 October, 2018 onwards.

·        That Officers start the consultation process in Band “B” areas over the next 12 months.

The report of the Head of Learning incorporating an update to the Isle of Anglesey Education Schools’ Modernisation Strategy was presented for the Executive’s consideration and approval.

The Portfolio Member for Education, Libraries, Culture and Youth reported that since the publication of the original strategy in 2013, the Authority has collaborated with Head Teachers and Elected Members to modernise the school stock on the Island by combining 10 smaller primary schools and building 21st Century schools in three areas within Band A with the latest opening in March, 2019. By the end of the Band A programme in April, 2019 over 10% of Anglesey’s primary learners will receive their education in 21st Century buildings and empty places in Anglesey’s primary schools will be down to 10% - a reduction of over 17% in six years. In the secondary sector, the decrease in pupil numbers and the increase in empty places together with financial cuts have resulted in significant budgetary challenges across the sector which will probably continue or even worsen over the next few years. Consequently, and in light of Central Government’s ongoing austerity programme which means that the Education Service must find savings of £5m over the next three years, the Modernisation Strategy needs to be reviewed which is also timely given that the Band B programme will commence in April, 2019.

The Portfolio Member said that the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools Programme provides an opportunity to further modernise Anglesey’s schools and to seek local solutions to local problems. The report sets out the timetable for implementing and acting on the updated Strategy and also elaborates on the drivers of change for the Band B programme which have been adapted from those used for Band A. It is foreseen that the Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones catchment area will have to be prioritised within Band B and although there is a potential for population increase in the area as a result of the New Wylfa development estimated at around 200 additional pupils, it will not be enough to make up for the current 623 empty places. Consideration will have to be given to making changes in order to establish educational arrangements that are appropriate for the future. Furthermore, the post-16 education provision will have to receive priority attention for the reasons outlined in the report.

The Portfolio Member concluded by saying that the last five years have been an exciting period for school modernisation, and the Authority must grasp the opportunity before it to continue with its programme of improvement to establish a schools system that is suitable for the next 30 to 50 years so that the Island’s children have the best chances of flourishing and making the most of the world of work opportunities that are on the horizon – the next generation will not thank the Authority for not acting on this opportunity. The Council’s vision for education is consistent with its Corporate Plan in making a commitment to work with the people of Anglesey to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2