Plans for two Church in Wales Primary Schools to work together in federation are to be discussed by Denbighshire County Cabinet next week according to papers released yesterday.
The governing bodies of both Ysgol Llanbedr and Ysgol Trefnant, along with the Diocese of St Asaph, have approved the proposal for both schools to work more closely together. It follows plans by Denbighshire County Council to close Ysgol Llanbedr, despite widespread opposition.
Assembly Member for Clwyd West, Darren Millar, has given his support to the plans, urging the cabinet members at Denbighshire to back the proposals.
He said:
"I am are delighted to hear that the Governing Body of Ysgol Trefnant and the Governing Body of Ysgol Llanbedr have decided to work together to develop a proposal to federate their schools. Federation will deliver benefits for both schools, with closer collaboration enhancing opportunities for all pupils, improving standards and sharing best practice and quality learning experiences.
"Denbighshire County Council asked for viable alternatives to the closure of Ysgol Llanbedr when they debated the matter in June. Federation provides just that and I now urge Cabinet members to defer any decision on whether to close the school until this option has been fully explored."
Rev Colin Mansley Chair of Governors at Ysgol Trefnant said:
“We welcome the opportunity to work more closely with Ysgol Llanbedr.”
Mrs Julie Baddock the Acting Chair of Governors of Ysgol Llanbedr said:
“We're looking forward to working with Ysgol Trefnant, we hope the council give this their approval “
The Director of Education and Lifelong Learning for the Diocese of St Asaph, Rosalind Williams, said:
“We were very thorough in our opposition to the closure of Ysgol Llanbedr, and remain firmly committed to saving the school.
“The bottom line is that pupil numbers are growing at Ysgol Llanbedr and are projected to continue growing. This growth in pupil numbers means that the cost per pupil will be in line with the Ruthin area average within two years. Ysgol Trefnant is also a successful and growing school.
“The federation provides benefits to both schools and we look forward to supporting them both in this new chapter. This also allows Denbighshire County Council to see how this model could work in the future throughout the County as they complete their further reviews. Both Wrexham and Powys Councils actively promote federation as a viable model and this is something that we can help develop more widely in Denbighshire”.