In 2001 the WLGA set up a task force to examine the issue of education in small schools in Wales and published a report based on the work of the group. Since the publication of this report in 2001, the situation has moved on and the issue of surplus places in schools is one that impacts all authorities across Wales, and all sizes of schools. It is predicted that between 2004 and 2013 there will be a fall in pupil numbers by 46,000. This is in addition to a current surplus of approximately 18% in secondary schools and 11% in primary schools. It is also clear that many school buildings in Wales are no longer appropriate for the communities they serve.
In Spring 2005 the WLGA Management Sub-Committee passed a resolution to convene a task and finish group to look at the broader issues around planning places in schools. The Planning School Places Task and Finish Group was chaired by Cllr. John Davies, Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council and WLGA lifelong learning spokesperson. The Group invited written contributions from a variety of organisations, including local authorities and met on a number of occasions in 2006.
The link between the effective planning of school places and capital investment in school building in Wales became clear while undertaking the evidence gathering. The report is now completed and is currently in consultation stage before formal publication in the autumn.
For more information contact: Daisy Seabourne
