The Education, Young People and the Welsh Language Scrutiny Committee met to consider an amended consultation document regarding the proposed closure of Ysgol Bancffosfelen. The committee discussed the rationale behind the proposal, including the school's low pupil numbers, financial deficit, and building condition. Following discussion, Councillor Russell Sparks moved, and Councillor Martyn Palfreman seconded, that the updated and amended consultation document be accepted. The motion was carried with no members voting against or abstaining. The Chair confirmed that the consultation document, including the amendments, would now proceed to Cabinet.

Modernising Education Programme: Ysgol Bancffosfelen Consultation

The committee considered an amended consultation document concerning the proposed closure of Ysgol Bancffosfelen, with pupils potentially transferring to Ysgol Pontyberem. Councillor Glynog Davies, Cabinet Member for Education, explained that the proposal stemmed from concerns about low pupil numbers, surplus places, the school's deficit budget, and the poor condition of its buildings. He highlighted that the document had been amended following feedback from the previous meeting.

Officers presented the changes made to the document, noting that concerns raised by committee members had been addressed. Allan Carter, Schools Transformation & Change Manager, confirmed that the published capacity of the school was 98, but the usable capacity was lower due to building issues. He explained that the published capacity figure of 98 was retained for consistency with official data, although the report acknowledged that the actual capacity would decrease.

Councillor Liam Bowen raised several points, questioning the factual accuracy of the published capacity figures and expressing disappointment that negative comments about the school's leadership had been removed without replacement. He also queried the basis for including building condition costs in the paper when demolition had been promised. Allan Carter responded that the published capacity figures were based on the most recent official data and that the cost of demolition would be met from the capital maintenance budget. He also clarified that a commitment to fund demolition had been made some time ago, but subsequent discussions about rebuilding the hall had led to a change in financial priorities.

Councillor Martyn Palfreman sought clarity on a statement regarding the expansion of Ysgol Pontyvallon, which was planned regardless of the outcome of the Ysgol Bancffosfelen proposal. Sarah Williams, Modernisation Team Manager, confirmed that this expansion was being sought through a Welsh Government grant and was not directly linked to the Bancffosfelen proposal, but rather to address existing under-capacity pressures in the area.

Councillor Kim Broom asked for confirmation that a summary of the new Estyn report would be provided to parents during the consultation process. Officers confirmed that the full report would be attached to the consultation report, and that Estyn, as a key stakeholder, would likely respond to the consultation itself. Craig Davies added that Estyn also published separate reports for parents and pupils, which could be included.

Councillor Russell Sparks questioned why Ysgol Bancffosfelen had been selected for closure when other schools in the authority had higher surplus capacity and larger deficits. The Chair ruled this out of order as it was not related to the amended document. However, Owain Lloyd, Director of Education and Leisure, assured Councillor Sparks that the minutes of both meetings would be attached to the report going to Cabinet, highlighting the scrutiny committee's concerns. He also confirmed that a list of all schools and their surplus capacity would be provided to the committee.

Councillor Jean Lewis sympathised with Councillor Bowen's position, stating that it was important for questions raised by local members to be answered transparently. The Chair reiterated that the meeting's purpose was to focus on the amended document and the changes made.

Councillor Liam Bowen also raised a question about the headteacher's job security in relation to Ysgol Llandarog, with which Ysgol Bancffosfelen had a soft federation. Owain Lloyd confirmed he had met with local members and the headteacher previously and was happy to meet with the governing body of Ysgol Llandarog.

Following the discussion, Councillor Russell Sparks moved, and Councillor Martyn Palfreman seconded, that the updated and amended consultation document be accepted. The motion was carried with no members voting against or abstaining. The Chair confirmed that the consultation document, including the amendments, would now proceed to Cabinet.