MODERNISATION OF SCHOOLS - NEWSLETTER 4 – 22/10/10

Update 21/10/10
Following the newspaper reports in the Free Press on October 14th and October 21st I wanted to keep all Parents with children at Ysgol Betws GG informed of what we the Governors are doing.

As I said in the last newsletter, this is the very early stages of the process or reorganising junior education in our area known as the Edeymion. Nevertheless I am in regular contact with DCC, asking for information relating to the process, and important dates and meetings etc. To date all information requested has been given, but is yet to be read and checked.

Current situation and next steps in the DCC process:-
Currently DCC are completing the draft document which was reported on in the Free Press.
This will be presented to the DCC Cabinet on Tuesday 26th, NEXT TUESDAY at an OPEN MEETING at 10am.
If the DCC Cabinet give consent, then the formal consultation period with parents will begin.
After the consultation period, a decision will be made on how DCC will change the provision of junior school education in our area (the Edeymion).
Then an application will be made to the WAG for re required funding to operate this new

What Ysgol Betws GG Governors are doing:-
Having established good communications with DCC, I will be in close contact with those in charge of the changes, the ultimate decision makers. This is so we fully understand what they are thinking, and check all the facts they are using are valid, and not biased in any way.
Writing to councillors and our MP Mr David Jones in support of our school.
Contacting Welsh language and other organisations who may be able to support us.
ESTABLISH A PARENTS/GOVERNORS/TEACHERS COMMITTEE to organise ourselves to be in the best position possible to meet the ‘new’ requirements, there is lots to do, and not much time to do it.

What Can YOU Do:
VOLUNTEER FOR THE PARENTS/GOVERNORS/TEACHERS COMMITTEE – call Graeme Lewis on 07810 876 708.
Write / Email to Our MP Mr David Jones at - 3 LLewelyn Rd, Colwyn Bay, LL29 7AT / owenj@parliament.uk
Read these newsletters carefully and ask us any questions that occur to you
Read newspapers and listen to the local and national news and tell me about anything you see or hear that may help, especially in Conwy as they are ahead of Denbighshire in this process, so we could learn a great deal from them.

Regards

Graeme Lewis

Hi Guys

The summer has come and gone, and already we are in need of coats and jumpers. Community activities are going along nicely with the Gardening Club and now the Welsh Lessons at the school. Before we know it we will have the Christmas Nativity Play, and then it will be inter school football again!

Some people may remember that this blog was an idea that came from a meeting with the parents to discuss the 'Modernisation of Schools' programme which DCC are carrying out. We wanted to promote the use of the school as a community focus, and keep you informed about the progress of 'Modernisation of Schools'. Two Newsletters have already been sent out a third one will follow shortly.

Officially 'Modernisation of Schools' is still in its confidential stage, but I was approached by some parents who had become aware of the programme at the end of the summer. Conwy are already well into a similar process, so it was no secret Denbighshire may be doing something similar.

To prevent inaccurate rumour spreading we decided to inform parents of what we knew at that time. please refer to 'Modernisation of Schools 2010 Newsletter 1' dated 15/7/10. We had a great response to this meeting, which was preceded by a meeting I had arranged with the Minister for Wales Mr David Jones MP, who was very supportive.

We know more now.

The Local Authority are checking the accuracy of information relating to individual schools, confirming it with school Governors, before entering into the first of two 'consultation' periods. During the formal 'consultation' parents WILL be consulted, which I know has been a big concern.

Nothing is settled yet, we really are in the very early stages of securing funding from the Welsh Assembly for future educational needs in Denbighshire. As a board of Governors we have been asked for ideas to secure the high level of education we enjoy in our group of 7 schools, known as the Edeymion.

There is a consultation document being prepared. We have as Governors had the chance to review and comment on this document in its draft stage. Our comments were accepted, and changes have and will be made. Once the draft document is completed, it will be presented to the Cabinet of DCC and assuming they approve it, the first 'consultation' period will begin.

Two important facts came from the last meeting (tonight 5/10/10):-

1. This process is a long one, the final decision on how best to provide education in Denbighshire is not due until mid 2012, and it may well not affect Ysgol Betws GG in any way.

2. Ysgol Betws GG is strategically placed, being in an important position to provide the excellent Welsh medium education to this rural part of the county.

I know many parents have been concerned with what is happening in Conwy, and the lack of information from DCC is creating anxiety. But please be reassured, there IS plenty of time to discuss with DCC any concerns you have, and we will be facilitating information meetings for parents.

I will prepare Newsletter No.3, and try to keep this blog up to date. If you have any comments you can leave them on the blogs.

Regards
Graeme