PRIMARY REVIEW AMALGAMATION OF INFANT/JUNIOR SCHOOLS Consultation Spring Term 2006

Implementing eGovernment : Improving Service Delivery to the Public BACKGROUND Primary Review – Executive Board 5/9/05 recognised the need to review and subsequently rationalise current education provision. Members supported the continued amalgamation of infant and junior schools

Implementing eGovernment : Improving Service Delivery to the Public BACKGROUND (2) Executive Board approval 8/11/05 to the commencement of consultation with regard to: -Gwenfro Infant and Junior schools -Hafod y Wern Infant and Junior schools Timetable for consultation agreed

Implementing eGovernment : Improving Service Delivery to the Public THE PROPOSAL To amalgamate the separate Infant and Junior schools with the aim of creating all through primary schools each to be led by a single headteacher and governing body

Implementing eGovernment : Improving Service Delivery to the Public POTENTIAL ADVANTAGES single school, single governing body, single management, single budget, increased teacher expertise; provide seamless learning continuum for pupils; provide improved and enhanced pastoral arrangements; create opportunities for greater flexibility in the use of the site; provide opportunity for additional services and additional investment; increase range of additional activities and extra- curricular for pupils – sports, music, team games;

Implementing eGovernment : Improving Service Delivery to the Public POTENTIAL ADVANTAGES (2) develop community focused school; give stronger base for utilising staff expertise; extend budgetary and organisational flexibility; extend pastoral arrangements and support for pupils with special and additional needs; opportunities for pupils to work together across key stages; single approach to learning 3-11; provide greater capacity for effective use of data and information

Implementing eGovernment : Improving Service Delivery to the Public POTENTIAL DISADVANTAGES loss of tradition and the consequent fear associated with change; belief that the present schools are the best possible – environment, ethos, focus; established relationships between parents and staff, particularly the Headteacher; site specific issues; difficulty in understanding the needs of the ‘Future’.

Implementing eGovernment : Improving Service Delivery to the Public Timescale (1) Consultation process Publication of statutory notice 2 month ‘window’ for any objections 4 month ‘window’ for Minister’s decision If approved, amalgamation effective from September 2007

Implementing eGovernment : Improving Service Delivery to the Public GOVERNANCE Current governing bodies Temporary governing bodies

Implementing eGovernment : Improving Service Delivery to the Public APPOINTMENTS Headteachers and Deputy Headteachers Teachers Support staff

Implementing eGovernment : Improving Service Delivery to the Public Some factors to consider (1) Would an amalgamation provide opportunities to increase the range of expertise and experience of teaching staff and provide opportunities for improvements in the deployment and development of teachers? Would an amalgamation provide opportunities for development of the curriculum and in extra curricular and additional learning experiences? Would an amalgamation enable better continuity and progression of children’s work, particularly between Key Stage 1 (5-7) and Key Stage 2 (7-11)? Would an amalgamation allow better use of educational resources including teaching and non-teaching staff, and buildings and facilities?

Implementing eGovernment : Improving Service Delivery to the Public Some factors to consider (2) Would an amalgamation allow improvement and greater flexibility in management and organisation? Would an amalgamation safeguard the needs of all pupils? What are the likely effects on the local community? What are the site implications? Would an amalgamation provide an opportunity to improve resource management and cost effectiveness? Would an amalgamation provide access to additional investment and services?