In light of concerns expressed by constituents in Brecon and Radnorshire about the timing of consultations about closures of rural schools because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, will the Minister immediately halt any current consultations on this issue?
Local authorities are responsible for planning school places. They must ensure that there are sufficient schools providing primary and secondary education for their area.
When considering making significant changes to schools local authorities must comply with the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 and the statutory provisions of the school organisation code. This includes following a more detailed set of procedures and requirements where proposals involve the closure of a school designated as a rural school.
Restrictions imposed in response to the coronavirus pandemic do not mean statutory school reorganisation proposals are not able to proceed. However, local authorities should take the implications of the restrictions into account and take all steps possible to ensure that consultations are fair and inclusive, recognising the unique circumstances in which they are taking place during the coronavirus pandemic. I do not consider immediately halting any current consultations to be a necessary or appropriate step.
I recognise that school closure proposals can often be emotive for the communities concerned, so it is vital that everyone with an interest is given the chance to have their say and to have their views taken into account. The Welsh Government has published non-statutory good practice guidance to assist proposers in undertaking consultations on school organisation proposals whilst restrictions are in place.
This includes considering whether consultation periods could be delayed or lengthened to provide time for parents and communities to speak to each other and respond, and redoubling their efforts to meaningfully engage with children and young people.
Local authorities should ensure that parents and communities are able to access information, seek clarification and provide comments during the consultation period to ensure they have all the information they need to provide an informed response.
Throughout the pandemic, many local authorities have demonstrated good practice by arranging consultation meetings by video conference, virtual drop-in sessions and offering alternative means of communication, such as speaking to parents by telephone and responding in writing so that they can access information and make their views known. The use of social media and online forums to bring attention to proposals and encourage networking among the community is extremely valuable, however we also urge local authorities to consider and adapt to the needs of people who may be digitally excluded or wish to engage in other ways.