Decision details

CAB 01/18 

School Reorganisation Proposal – Removal of Learning Resource Base Provision at Llanwern High School – Final Decision

Options Considered/Reasons for Decision

Councillors Harvey and Truman declared a non-prejudicial interest in this item as local authority representatives on the governing body of Llanwern High School. 

The Cabinet Member for Education and Skills presented the report, asking Cabinet to approve the school reorganisation proposal to permanently remove the Learning Resource Base provision currently at Llanwern High School with effect from April 2018. 

For this item, Cabinet was sitting in its role as the Local Determination Panel under the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 and the School Organisation Code. 

Because an objection was to this proposal was received during the statutory consultation stage, the final determination could not be taken by the Cabinet Member, but had to be referred to full Cabinet as the Local Determination Panel under these regulations. 

It was confirmed that there were no young people in this Learning Resource Base at present, as all pupils had been moved to either alternative small group provisions in host schools, or small nurture groups which were more suitable to their specific needs.

The closure was linked to budget savings from 2017/18 and carry over to 2018/19. However the main focus of the change was to achieve better value for money and improved, sustainable support through re-integration to mainstream and placement in other settings for this particular group of pupils.

Cabinet Members spoke in support of the proposal, highlighting the positive moves for previous LRB pupils to alternative settings, and that alternative employment had been offered to all affected staff.  It was noted that no complaints or objections had been received from pupils or their families, and officers were commended for the extent of the consultation which provided a strong evidence base for this decision.

Decision:

To approve the school reorganisation proposal “to permanently remove the Learning Resource Base provision currently at Llanwern High School with effect from April 2018”.

Consultation

Strategic Director – People; Education Senior Management Team; Senior HR Business Partner; Senior Finance Business Partner; Schools Resources Manager; Headteacher, Llanwern High School; Chair of Governors, Llanwern High School.

Implemented By: Chief Education Officer