Anglesey’s Executive today (Monday, May 20th) agreed to rescind its previous decisions on the future of education provision in both Llangefni and Seiriol areas.
Members voted in favour of the recommendation, brought by Council officers, after an internal review of the statutory consultation process in both areas identified concerns about non-compliance with the School Organisation Code (Welsh Government) 2013.
The Executive’s decision means that the future of Ysgol Talwrn, Ysgol y Graig, Ysgol Bodffordd, Ysgol Henblas and Ysgol Corn Hir (Llangefni) and Ysgol Biwmares, Ysgol Llandegfan and Ysgol Llangoed (Seiriol) must now be reconsidered.
The School Modernisation Programme began on Anglesey in 2012. The aim of the modernisation programme is to create the best possible educational environment for head teachers, teachers and children to succeed and thereby promote high standards.
The process has been a very challenging one thus far with three new 21st century primary schools having been built and opened in Holyhead, Llanfaethlu and Newborough – an investment of £22m in Education on the Island. It has also meant difficult decisions with regard to the rationalisation of schools in order to build new schools for future generations.
Anglesey Chief Executive, Dr Gwynne Jones, said, “Today, this matter was rightly brought back before the Executive and members agreed to rescind those decisions made in respect of both the Llangefni and Seiriol areas. We will ensure that the lessons learnt from our internal reviews will strengthen our schools modernisation process as we now look to move forward.”
He added, “We still firmly believe that our schools modernisation programme represents a vital driver for positive change in education across the whole county. By investing in the future of our children, we will ensure that they are taught in schools which are fit for the 21st century, in the right place, and meet both the needs of pupils and staff. This will, ultimately, help raise standards and protect the Welsh language.”
The Executive asked officers to look afresh at the various issues in relation to schools’ modernisation, and the requirements under the Schools Organisation Code 2018, in the Llangefni and Seiriol areas and to bring a report back before members in due course.
Ends 20.5.19