RDC(3) RRSWB9

Rural Development Sub-Committee

Inquiry into Reorganisation of Schools in Rural Wales

Response from Sue Williams

Dear Ms Morris,

I wish to submit my views as a parent governor of Ysgol Llwyngwril, Gwynedd, one of the schools which Gwynedd Council proposed to close in its recent reorganisation plan.

I would like to thank Powys Community Schools Action for bringing these important issues to WAG. I have used the headings of PCSA written submission (RDC (3)-09 -08: 4 June 2008) and I am submitting my views to lend weight to their arguments.

Evidence of Benefits of Community Schools

Self-Evident Benefits

We see the wonderful relationships which develop between the older and younger pupils in a small school. There is a sense of family and community within the school and I see examples of the pupils helping and caring for each other on a daily basis. This brings benefits both in and out of school. Age is not a barrier to friendship in the village and the younger pupils benefit from having "allies” already in Secondary school easing their transition from Year 6 to Year 7.

Arguments Made to Support Closures

Financial

What a farce our so called consultation was. Options "on the table” then removed. Plans changed in the later stages without consultation or explanation. "It’s not about saving money” we were told and then of course it was. They recommended area and federal schools .So what are the savings we asked? Very little they had to admit especially when a huge cost was transport (without pupil supervision) and without taking into account rising fuel costs.

Bigger is Better?

Gwynedd Council planned to close our school with 2 mixed age classes of under 20 pupils in each and move them to an area school to be in mixed age classes of 23 to 30 pupils. How does that benefit the pupils’ education?

Surplus Capacity

Surplus capacity is nonsense. With the Foundation phase coming in there is little surplus capacity in our school. That is the reality. I would challenge anyone to find the "empty places” that we are supposed to have in our school; the formula is meaningless.

The Impact of Closure

50 years ago, economic decisions taken without understanding the effect on the local communities, had a devastating effect on Rural Wales. We are in grave danger of making the same mistake again. This once proud Welsh village may well end up with only a church left standing to serve the community.

Small schools not only tick "every child matters” box, they foster close links with parents and communities. For the young community of the village, to have a future in the village, they must be brought up in a strong community, a community that offers opportunities, sustainable wealth and a safe environment. The community needs a "joined-up approach” not a knee jerk reaction similar to that of 50 years ago. (By Gerald Pearson from local community action group)

Evils of Bussing

The evils of bussing cannot be underestimated. Gwynedd Council states that they would not provide supervision on the bus despite 4 year olds being expected to travel. There is evidence that more bullying occurs on school buses than in school. I whole heartedly agree that the increasing cost of fuel has a major impact on any plans. Every council should also have to consider the environmental cost of their plans. Also what consideration has been given to the effect of the increased length of the school day on these young pupils? (as a result of increased travel time)

Re Conclusion

In our case the case for closure was seriously flawed. Estyn inspected Gwynedd Council Schools Organisation during the Autumn term 2006. As a result, Gwynedd Council drew up "Criteria for sustainability of Primary Schools” which the council then ignored. In our case they stated that it was "an opportunity to develop a new area school for the area”.

(It is worth noting that the building is in good state of repair and the Council recently spent thousands of pounds on upgrading the kitchen.)

They also cited falling numbers but Jane Hutt has stated that data shows a significant upward trend in the birth rate.

What was the point of the inspection if the council then do not have to act on it?

Gwynedd Council claimed in the title of their Reorganisation document that their reorganization is for the "Educational Benefits of all our Children”. If this is still their plan for the future then they should be made to demonstrate that these planned changes are fully researched and evidence based rather than a poorly thought-out cost-cutting exercise.

The Role Of ESTYN

 It is of concern that it was necessary for our Governing Body to use the Freedom of Information Act to obtain the report on the last one day inspection of our school. This information was vital to us as the previous inspection showed serious failings. We needed ESTYN’s confirmation that progress was being made, and we needed to be able to tell prospective pupils families that this is an improving school not a failing one. My request would be that an interim report on a school be published on the internet for prospective families to read. I feel that we are losing some prospective new pupils because of the "old” inspection report. At the very least the written report should be freely available to the Governing Body!

Unfortunately I take the cynical view that keeping the worst inspection available with no mention of improvement/progress helps to support the council’s closure plans.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to the inquiry. Please contact me if further information is required.

Sue Williams