Agenda item

[NOTE:  Councillor B.W. Jones, having earlier declared an interest in this item, remained in the meeting during its consideration but did not vote.]

The Committee considered the Authority’s draft MEP Strategy which had been developed to direct the future delivery of the new Modernising Education Programme. The draft strategy was guided by a set of strategic aims and underpinned by the principle of a holistic approach and the requirement to enhance and support a range of national, corporate and educational objectives.  Furthermore, the draft strategy detailed the viability and investment criteria required to ensure an appropriate and transparent method of developing school organisation and investment proposals.

In presenting the report the Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language reminded Committee that a comprehensive public consultation on the draft strategy had been undertaken between 13^th February 2024 and 12^th March 2024 and all feedback provided would be considered by the Cabinet.

The issues/observations raised by the Committee were addressed as follows:-

In response to concerns raised in respect of new school buildings reaching pupil capacity within a short period of time, the Director of Education and Children’s Services appraised Committee of the Welsh Government guidelines in respect of the design of new school buildings.  It was reported that the Cabinet had, on occasion, previously accounted for the projected future capacity requirements of new schools during the design phase of buildings where the information available anticipated future growth; nevertheless, such decisions were made at risk and could incur financial penalties from Welsh Government should the future capacity projections not materialise.  A request was made that the designs for future new buildings accommodate the potential to add extensions should the space and requirement allow.

The Modernising Education Programme Manager clarified, in response to a query regarding the significant timeframes involved in the delivery of new school build projects, that the Authority was able to base its projections for a period of 5 years, and project plans were periodically reviewed to ensure accuracy prior to the commencement of construction work.  Furthermore, there was also an opportunity to amend the scope of a project with Welsh Government if required, however these were subject to certain conditions being met.

Reference was made to the significant financial pressures within the Education and Children capital programme whereby it was explained that school repairs and maintenance were prioritised according to areas of greatest needs; it was however acknowledged that the available budget was insufficient to meet the needs of schools.

In terms of improving the quality of buildings, a concern was expressed that the draft strategy referred only to new school buildings.A discussion thereupon ensued on the Carmarthenshire’s Primary Educational Principles set out within the report.  In this regard, a suggestion was put forth for the Cabinet to consider the removal of the education principle pertaining to no more than 2 year groups being allocated per teaching class on the basis that this would place additional pressure on staff and uncertainty for parents.  In respect of the guiding principle relating to sustainable leadership, it was clarified that the aim was to enable all headteachers across the Authority to undertake a leadership role with no teaching commitments, however the complexities in this regard were recognised and furthermore, it was emphasised that the principles were not statutory requirements.  It was agreed that information on the number of headteachers with teaching commitments, together with the number of primary schools with than 2 year groups being allocated per teaching class would be circulated to the Committee. 

Reference was made to the Cabinet’s vision for education which included a commitment to increase the utilisation of school facilities for community use outside of teaching hours.  Accordingly, it was queried whether consideration would be given to the individual position of each school within the context of the resources and facilities available.  The Director of Education and Children’s Services clarified that a number of projects were in progress which specified grant funding for use by both schools and the community.  It was also explained that whilst schools were encouraged to share its facilities with surrounding communities where possible, it was recognised that factors such as the current local provision, costs and the suitability of facilities would need to be considered.

Reference was made to the viability criteria set out within the draft strategy whereby the Director of Education and Children’s Services emphasised the importance of ensuring an education system which was reflective of the geographical nature of the county and noted the suggestion to provide further information clarity in terms of pupil numbers.

RESOLVED that: