Agenda item

To submit a report by the Head of Learning.

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 ensure services of the highest standard which improve the lives of people and which also create the conditions for the Island’s children and young people to achieve their full potential.

The Head of Learning referred to the Council’s vision for education as encapsulated by the strategy. To realise this vision, the Council will ensure that each school achieves the highest standards so that Anglesey’s young people can benefit from the opportunities available in today’s competitive world. The Officer said that it is essential that the education standards of Anglesey are among the best nationally and that its schools’ system is both effective and efficient. The reformed Modernisation Programme as presented will be key to achieving the Council’s ambitious aims for education by ensuring correctly sized schools in the right locations that are led by inspiring Head teachers and Leadership Teams committed to raising the work standards of the learners in their care. This entails reviewing the current system area by area and basing solutions on the requirements and ethos of each individual area.

The Officer spoke about the current situation and the changes that need attention highlighting that although the Authority has made great strides under the Band A programme, many challenges remain both in the primary sector and in the secondary sector where the reduction in numbers and the increase in empty places alongside budgetary cutbacks have led to substantial financial challenges. Consequently, reducing the number of secondary schools or changing the ethos of the schools will have to be considered if a future for secondary education is to be secured in some parts of the county. The savings which the Education Service will have to make over the next three years means that the system has to be reviewed to ensure that the Council’s resources are used efficiently and that the end result is a system that is suitable for the next 30 years, that promotes the highest possible education standards, that secures an appropriate pattern of post-16 provision; that nurtures bilingual proficiency and that creates the conditions in which Head Teachers can succeed.

Implementing the Band B programme will require significant capital investment, meaning the areas that require attention first will have to be prioritised and the cost-effectiveness of each option will be an important consideration when making those decisions.

The Head of Learning elaborated on the drivers of change for the Band B programme which are detailed in the report. The programme approved by Welsh Government is set to run from April, 2019 to March, 2026. He said that although it will not be possible to obtain a uniform model across Anglesey for reasons of geography, population, transport, parental choice etc. any new development needs to be able to meet the requirements listed in section 4 of the report. The possible models of provision are outlined in section 4.2 of the report. The process for approving and implementing the revised Strategy along with the 21st Century Schools Programme Bands A to C timetable are outlined in sections 5 and 6 respectively.

The Officer said that it is intended that the Modernisation Programme will leave as its legacy an education system that is fit for purpose and which creates the conditions in which teachers can work with learners to ensure an education provision that is among the best nationally.

Councillor Dylan Rees, Vice-Chair of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee reported from the Committee’s meeting on the 8 October, 2018 which considered the updated Schools Modernisation Strategy. Councillor Dylan Rees said that the Committee had supported the report and recommendations therein whilst highlighting a number of issues, namely - 

•           the need to proceed with urgency as regards post-16 education provision;

•           the affordability of the strategy in times of austerity;

•           the condition of the county’s schools;

•           the need to keep post 16 learners on the Island;

•           the need to harmonise per pupil expenditure across schools;

•           the need to implement the best option for each area individually noting also that the strategy makes no reference to closing schools with under 120 pupils;

•           the importance of non-contact time for Head Teachers;

•           the importance of keeping to schedules in building new schools;

•           the need to make considered arrangements to allow the public to properly present their views during consultation periods;

•           that consideration be given to arranging for the Committee’s members to visit an all age school as well as one of the new primary schools already built as part of Anglesey’s modernisation programme.

The Executive noted and thanked the Corporate Scrutiny Committee for its input. In unanimously supporting the updated Schools’ Modernisation Strategy the Executive recognised the urgency in now giving attention to the secondary sector and post-16 education provision as well as continuing to implement the modernisation programme in the primary sector in order to bring about the changes that will lead to a fair, effective, and fit for purpose education system on Anglesey that is responsive to the needs of the 21st century.

The Executive further noted however that Central Government’s ongoing austerity programme and the resulting reductions in Council budgets will have repercussions for Education creating a potential scenario whereby the Authority is on the one hand endeavouring to contribute 50% towards the capital costs of new 21st Century schools whilst on the other hand it is looking to cut school budgets possibly leading to loss of staff. If Education is as stated, one of the Welsh Government’s priorities, then this commitment needs to be backed up by sufficient resources to enable local councils to meet the expectations on them in terms of delivering a successful education system in their area. 

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.