Statutory notice to shut Ysgol Llanaelhaearn

A statutory notice to close a Gwynedd primary school is set to be rubber stamped next week.
Despite having a capacity of 53, Ysgol Llanaelhaearn has only eight pupils across two classes –  a figure projected to fall even further to just five by 2021.
But following a public consultation, it is expected that from September 2020, the remaining pupils will attend Ysgol Chwilog rather than Y Ffôr’s Ysgol Bro Plennydd, as had originally been planned.
According to Gwynedd council, the decision to close the school was made after a dramatic fall in pupil numbers from 42 in 2012 – with the average cost per pupil for 2019/20 standing at £12,671, compared with the county-wide average of £3,884.
But the report that will be presented to the cabinet on Tuesday, following the consultation period, acknowledges the parents’ wishes to continue the close collaboration between Ysgol Llanaelhaearn and Ysgol Chwilog due to sharing the same headteacher, with pupils and staff of both schools already coming together for two afternoons a week.
Ysgol Bro Plenydd is 3.6 miles from Ysgol Llanaelhaearn, while Ysgol Chwilog stands approximately six miles away from the under threat school.
The report goes on to note: “There is a clear rationale for naming Ysgol Bro Plenydd as the alternative school.
“However, the authority is of the opinion that Ysgol Llanaelhaearn pupils have gained positive experiences as a result of collaboration arrangements with Ysgol Chwilog, and as the relationship already exists, any opportunity to reduce disruption for current pupils must be considered.
“Transferring to Ysgol Chwilog would be likely to reduce disruption for current Ysgol Llanaelhaearn pupils, the education department supports the application for transport to Ysgol Chwilog for pupils who would be on the Ysgol Llanaelhaearn register on 31 August 2020.”
Local councillor Aled Wyn Jones, responding to the report, said: “I am pleased to see that the authority recognises that transferring to Ysgol Chwilog would be less disruptive for pupils, and that they recommend supporting the parents’ wish to provide transport for current pupils of Ysgol Llanaelhaearn to Ysgol Chwilog.”
A Gwynedd Council spokesman said: “At its meeting on 18 February, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet will discuss a report following a period of statutory consultation on the proposal to close Ysgol Llanaelhaearn on 31 August 2020 and to offer pupils a place at Ysgol Bro Plenydd, Y Ffôr.
“The consultation was held between 16 December 2019 and 29 January 2020.
“There is concern over the school’s current low numbers, together with a significant fall in pupil numbers since 2012 when 42 pupils attended.
“Should the report’s recommendations be approved, then a 28 day ‘objection period’ will be held in March.”

By Gareth Williams – Local Democracy Reporter