The Scrutiny Performance Panel – Education met on Monday 19 February 2024 to discuss future plans for special schools in Swansea. The panel heard a presentation on proposals to amalgamate the two existing special schools, Creech Glass and Penebrin, into a new, purpose-built facility by 2028. The meeting also covered the consultation process undertaken for these plans and addressed questions from panel members regarding various aspects of the proposal.

Future Plans for Special Schools in Swansea

Helen Morgan-Rees, Director of Education, presented the council's vision and case for change regarding special schools in Swansea. The current special schools, Creech Glass and Penebrin, are described as having unsuitable buildings and insufficient specialist places to meet the growing needs of children with additional learning needs (ALN) in the city. The proposal aims to address this by amalgamating the two schools in September 2025, followed by the construction of a new, state-of-the-art facility for 350 learners, expected to be ready by 2028. This move is intended to provide learners with modern, well-equipped learning environments and specialist facilities, keeping them within Swansea rather than requiring them to attend out-of-county schools.

The project is part of the Welsh Government's Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, with Welsh Government funding covering 75% of the estimated £43.6 million cost for a new 350-learner school. The council has been consulting on this proposal since October 2023, engaging with various stakeholders including head teachers, staff, governors, learners, residents, and elected members. A statutory notice was published on 2 February 2024, with an objection period closing on 5 March 2024. To date, no formal objections have been received from consultees.

During the discussion, panel members raised several key questions. Councillor Angela J O'Connor inquired about the number of positive responses to the consultation, the state of the current buildings, and the potential impact on home-to-school transport costs. She also asked about the projected increase in pupil capacity and the number of out-of-county placements that might be brought back to Swansea. Helen Morgan-Rees clarified that while the current buildings are not Category D, their suitability for special educational needs was a significant factor in the decision to relocate. Regarding transport, the council is exploring an in-house minibus pilot scheme to manage costs, and the new facility aims to prevent future out-of-county placements rather than necessarily bringing existing out-of-county learners back. The current capacity is for 250 learners, with the new school increasing this to 350.

Concerns were also raised about job losses due to the amalgamation. Helen Morgan-Rees stated that while there would likely be a reduction in senior leadership roles, with only one head teacher needed for the new school, a full staff consultation with trade unions would take place. The decision on whether to appoint one of the existing head teachers or advertise nationally would rest with the new governing body.

The entry criteria for the new school were also discussed, with Fiona M Gordon asking if the inclusion of moderate learning difficulties would be reviewed, given the council's aim to support learners in mainstream settings where possible. Helen Morgan-Rees confirmed that all aspects would be under review, and decisions would be made based on learner needs, in line with the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Act. The provision would cater for learners aged 3 to 18, continuing the current provision for post-16 learners.

Councillor Sandra Joy questioned the impact of this capital project on other school building projects and whether priorities had shifted. It was explained that this proposal had been a priority for some time and had previously been delayed to address urgent condition issues in other schools. The current plan is seen as a necessary step to meet the growing demand for specialist places in Swansea.

The panel also sought clarification on whether those who provided feedback during the consultation were aware of the need to submit formal objections. Michelle Roberts, Scrutiny Officer, confirmed that information on the process, including the requirement to object formally, was communicated through presentations and follow-up communications. The panel also enquired about feedback from Estyn, the Welsh education inspectorate, on the council's response to their consultation submission. It was noted that no further feedback had been received from Estyn since their initial submission.

The meeting concluded with the panel agreeing to send a letter to the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Councillor Robert Smith, expressing their condolences on a family bereavement and outlining their views and questions raised during the discussion. The panel thanked Helen Morgan-Rees and Michelle Roberts for their presentation and the thoroughness of the consultation process.