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The decisions as the council's minutes record them. A plain-language summary follows once it has been written.
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 15 July 2025 be approved.
RESOLVED: That the Forward Work Programme for the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee, together with the combined forward work programme be approved.
It was proposed and seconded that Councillor Penny Andow be nominated as Vice-Chair of the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee for 2025/2026. RESOLVED: That Councillor Penny Andow be appointed as Vice-Chair of the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee for 2025/2026.
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Chris Brockley, Keith Eeles, David Jones and Stephen Williams (Parent Governor). In addition, the Chair welcomed Saskia Jones (Youth Council Representative) and Jack Smith-Keegin (Parent Governor) to the meeting.
Councillor Gwennol Ellis declared a personal interest in agenda item 8b (to start the statutory process of determining the potential closure of Ysgol Ysbyty Ifan), as her cousin is the Chair of Governors. As the interest was not considered prejudicial, Councillor Ellis remained in the meeting whilst the items were discussed and voted upon. Councillor Dilwyn Roberts declared a personal interest in agenda items 8b (to start the statutory process of determining the potential closure of Ysgol Ysbyty Ifan) and 8c (to start the statutory process of determining the possible closure of Ysgol Betws y Coed), as he is a Local Authority appointed Governor. As the interest was not considered prejudicial, Councillor Roberts remained in the meeting whilst the items were discussed and voted upon.
None.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 15 July 2025 be approved.
The minutes of the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 15 July 2025 were submitted for approval. RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting of the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 15 July 2025 be approved.
None.
Decision as recorded
RESOLVED: That the Forward Work Programme for the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee, together with the combined forward work programme be approved.
Members were presented with the individual Forward Work Programme (FWP) for the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee, together with the combined FWP. Members were advised that reports on Additional Learning Needs and Strategic School Planning would be presented to the meeting on the 16 December 2025. RESOLVED: That the Forward Work Programme for the Education and Skills Overview and Scrutiny Committee, together with the combined forward work programme be approved.
The Cabinet Member for Education introduced the consultation outcome report on the proposed amalgamation of Ysgol T Gwynn Jones and Ysgol Iau Hen Golwyn and the Strategic Manager Education Property and Site Management highlighted key points from within the report. The purpose of the report was to consider the outcome of the consultation and to seek Cabinet approval to issue a Statutory Notice. Whilst meetings had taken place with local members, they had not been approached to provide comments for the report. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: • Despite the low response rate, extensive efforts were made to promote the consultation. This included publicity through schools and the Council’s press office, and direct meetings with school governors and parents. • It was the intention for the amalgamated school to remain on two sites. • A request would be made to the Open-Spaces team to ensure that the path connecting the two sites was safe and well-lit. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: That the issuing of a statutory notice to formally amalgamate Ysgol T Gwynn Jones and Ysgol Iau Hen Golwyn be approved.
The Cabinet Member for Education introduced a report which sought approval to consult on the proposed closure of Ysgol Ysbyty Ifan and the Strategic Manager - Education Property and Site Management highlighted key points from within the report. The Local Member, Councillor Dilwyn Roberts provided his feedback as follows: • Numbers in the school had decreased. • School governors had hoped for a potential merger with another school • The school closure would have a detrimental impact on the community. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: • Cost per pupil at alternative schools would be considered at the next stage of the process. • Pupil outcomes were the main priority of the consultation. • It was suggested that every effort should be made to encourage a good response rate for the consultation. • The school had previously worked jointly with Ysgol Llanddoged but this had not continued. • Whilst the school was in special measures, there had been some improvements. • It was suggested that a good education could be achieved at a small, rural school. • Cost implications, such as new uniforms and the need for children to adapt to a new environment. • Whilst some rural communities had sustained their small schools, there was a need to consider economic and financial implications. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: That approval be granted to proceed to consultation to consider the potential closure of Ysgol Ysbyty Ifan. Note: Councillor Gwennol Ellis declared a personal interest in the above agenda item as her cousin is the Chair of Governors. As the interest was not considered prejudicial, Councillor Ellis remained in the meeting whilst the items were discussed and voted upon. Councillor Dilwyn Roberts declared an interest in the above agenda item as he is a Local Authority appointed Governor. As the interest was not considered prejudicial, Councillor Roberts remained in the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon.
The Cabinet Member for Education introduced a report which sought approval to consult on the proposed closure of Ysgol Betws-y-Coed and the Strategic Manager - Education Property and Site Management highlighted key points from within the report. The Local Member, Councillor Elizabeth Roberts provided her feedback as follows: • Ysgol Betws-y-Coed was part of the Capel Coed-Elan Federation, a group of three small, rural primary schools. • It was suggested that information, such as finances and backlog maintenance, was required for all three schools in order to make an informed decision. • There was a similar number of pupils attending all three schools. • Five new houses were being built in close proximity to Ysgol Betws-y-Coed, which should be factored into pupil number projections. • The school held community events, including a monthly lunch for the elderly. • A significant amount of money had recently been spent on school renovations. • An Estyn report in 2019 noted the need for improved leadership for all three schools, which had been achieved. • It was suggested that the school closure proposals had resulted in parents enrolling their children elsewhere. • Concern that the process followed by the governing body in proposing Ysgol Betws-y-Coed for closure had not been robust. • Concerns in respect of the impartiality of governors voting on the proposals, due to possible conflicts of interest. • It was suggested that an area school, located at Ysgol Betws-y-Coed, would be the most viable option. The Head of Education Services noted the following: - The Local Authority had met with school governors to share data and discuss options for consideration. - Any concerns regarding governor meetings and the voting process should be referred to the school clerk. - A consultation allowed the community to have their say. - Alternative options could be proposed. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: • It was suggested that Ysgol Betws-y-Coed should remain open as it was the largest school in the federation. • A consultation would allow for alternative proposals to be put forward. • The Head of Education Services advised that it was the prerogative of the Local Authority to consult on a school without needing to consult the school governors. • Difficult decisions had to be taken due to the current financial position. • Ysgol Betws-y-Coed was the most centrally located of the federated schools. • The cost of transporting pupils to alternative schools should be considered. • Ysgol Betws-y-Coed had a cost per pupil that was the second highest in Wales and more unfilled places than any other school in Conwy. • The Council had a duty to monitor and manage the school estate. It was proposed and seconded that the consultation be deferred. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: That the consultation to consider the potential closure of Ysgol Betws y Coed be deferred. Note: Councillor Dilwyn Roberts declared an interest in the above agenda item as he is a Local Authority appointed Governor. As the interest was not considered prejudicial, Councillor Roberts remained in the meeting whilst the item was discussed and voted upon.
The Cabinet Member for Education introduced the Strategy for Modernising Learning Communities and the Strategic Manager - Education Property and Site Management highlighted key points from within the report. The new Strategy aimed to build on past successes of the Strategy for the Modernisation of Conwy's Schools. In scrutinising the report, Members discussed the following: • The new Strategy applied to primary schools, secondary schools, Ysgol y Gogarth and pupil referral units. • The Head of Education confirmed that Conwy schools complied with safeguarding procedures when schools were used for community events. • Reducing unfilled places and creating fit for purpose schools was a priority. - There was a reliance on grants to complete works. - Capital funding was required to modernise the school estate. - An area school model was included within the strategy. • Capacity issues within the education service was recognised. • Further details, such as school categorisation and backlog maintenance, would be discussed as part of strategic school planning and asset management. RECOMMENDED TO CABINET: That the Strategy for Modernising Learning Communities be adopted.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
Declarations are read from the minutes once they are published.
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