Cardiff Council Cyngor Caerdydd

CARDIFF COUNCIL
CYNGOR CAERDYDD
EXECUTIVE BUSINESS MEETING: 7 APRIL 2011
SCHOOL ORGANISATION PLANNING: PROVISION OF WELSH

MEDIUM AND ENGLISH MEDIUM COMMUNITY PRIMARY
SCHOOLS IN AND AROUND CANTON
REPORT OF CORPORATE DIRECTOR (PEOPLE)
AGENDA ITEM: 3
PORTFOLIO: EDUCATION & LIFELONG LEARNING
Reason for this Report
1. At its meeting on 22 October 2010 the School Sub Committee (SSC)

received a report outlining recommendations for meeting the rising
demand for Welsh-medium in and around the Canton area.
2. At this meeting the SSC recommended to the Executive that consultation

be undertaken on the proposal outlined in the report of 22 October 2010.
3. Consultation on the proposal was agreed by the Executive at its meeting

on 4 November 2010 and ran from 5 January 2011 until 28 February
2011.
4. This report is to inform the Executive of the responses received to the

proposal following consultation. The report presents an evaluation of the
consultation responses to enable the Executive to consider the next
steps and, if appropriate, approve the publication of a statutory notice.
Background
5. The Executive is asked to consider responses following public

consultation on the following proposal:
• The transfer of Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna into new build premises as

a 3 form entry Welsh-medium primary school with nursery
• The closure of Ysgol Tan-yr-Eos with pupils transferring to the
enlarged Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna once on the new site
The consultation included details of a revision of the Ysgol Gymraeg

Treganna and the Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch catchment areas that the
Council intends to consult on between September 2011 and March 2012.
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Issues
6. Public consultation was held between 5 January and 28 February 2011.

Parents and others in the local community, together with staff and
Governors of the affected schools were invited to respond to the
consultation. Officers in partnership with school staff engaged in
discussion with pupils from Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna, Ysgol Gymraeg
Pwll Coch and Ysgol Tan-yr-Eos in order to involve them in the
consultation process and to obtain their thoughts and views.
7. The consultation process involved:
• distribution of a Consultation Document, outlining background,

rationale and implications. This document has been distributed to
all parents, staff and governors at the affected schools, local
childcare providers, Heads and Chairs of Governors of nearby
schools, all Members plus other stakeholders. The documents
offered consultees the opportunity to comment on the proposals;
• a series of meetings, for staff and governors of each school and

for the public, at which the proposals were explained and
questions answered;
• meetings between officer and pupils from Ysgol Gymraeg

Treganna and Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch and Ysgol Tan-yr-Eos to
involve them in the consultation process and to obtain their
thoughts and views. Some were invited to fill in questionnaires
specifically aimed at children; others learnt how to use video
cameras and undertook interviews (‘vox pops’) with their peers to
explore their thoughts about the current situation and the
proposal. For the full method statement, example of the
questionnaire and comments from the children see Appendix 1,
paragraphs 20-33.
• public drop in sessions where officers were available to answer

questions alongside exhibitions at Canton Library; and
• a consultation response slip for return by post or e-mail, attached

to the consultation document.
8. The views expressed at Council organised meetings and on paper or

electronically through the appropriate channels, have been recorded. In
total, 7 meetings and 4 drop in sessions were held as part of the
consultation to ensure a wide and proper process of engagement.
9. Formal written responses were received from the Governing Bodies of

Ysgol Tan yr Eos, Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna and Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll
Coch. Formal responses were also received from the Canton Ward
members, RHaG, Menter Caerdydd and Plaid Cymru. These responses
are detailed in Appendix 1.
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10. In total, 350 individual responses and a 704 signature petition were
received.
Support for the Proposal
11. The majority view expressed throughout the consultation both at

meetings and in the written correspondence is one of support for the
proposal. There has been a consistent message regarding the frustration
felt by children, their families, the staff and Governors of Ysgol Gymraeg
Treganna and Ysgol Tan yr Eos regarding the inadequate facilities
available to them on their respective sites and the delays experienced
with regard to resolving these issues.
12. The strength of feeling is such that some have specifically stated that
they feel there has to date been a “linguistic discrimination” with regards
to the physical accommodation available to children in Welsh-medium
education in the locality. This is accompanied by a firm plea from many
for swift action to ensure parity of facilities (with adequate classroom
sizes, an appropriately sized hall, along with toilet and canteen facilities
that are fit for purpose and adequate outdoor play area being the most
commonly cited examples of the current deficiencies that they would like
rectified at both sites).
13. Views regarding the inadequacy of existing facilities available currently

and a desire to see significant improvement for all concerned were
reaffirmed by the children consulted at Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna and
Ysgol Tan-yr-Eos. They expressed that the lack of facilities has meant
that they have to miss learning time while being transported to off site
locations in order to access PE facilities, Foundation Phase outdoor play
opportunities and appropriate performance arts space. Both schools lack
sufficient dining facilities and a space where the whole school can come
together for assembly and other events.
14. The children would like to see better dining facilities, bigger classrooms,
improved ICT facilities, sports facilities and a school hall.
15. Children from all three schools (Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna, Ysgol Tan-yr-
Eos and Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch) thought “it [the proposal] is a good
idea as it gives more children the chance to learn through Welsh”.
16. Of the written individual responses received 281 indicated unequivocal

support for the proposal. A further 13 indicated overall support albeit
acknowledging that whilst it presented the most viable option in the
circumstances, factors such as the location and size of the school were
not ideal. A few expressed support accompanied by caveats and/or
asking for further clarity regarding how it would actually work.
17. The 704 signature petition received expressed clear support stating that
the signatories “are in favour of the Cardiff Council proposal to build a
new school for Ysgol Treganna and Tan-yr-Eos on land at Sanatorium
Road”. The signatories “believe that this proposal is the ONLY solution
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available to alleviate the school’s overcrowding whilst maintaining
harmony in the community”.
Opposition to the Proposal
18. Two respondees have stated that they do not support the proposal on
the basis that they continue to believe there are surplus English-medium
places in the area and that they have concerns regarding the size and
location of the proposed school and traffic issues. A further respondee
expressed that they felt unable to support or oppose the proposal for
similar reasons.
Summary of responses to the proposal:
19. The issues of concern identified as part of this consultation process are
outlined below along with appraisals of the points raised.
Location of the school
The new school will be on the edge of its catchment rather than centrally
as at present.
Views expressed
20. Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna has been physically located in a position

where it has traditionally provided a central hub for its Welsh-speaking
community. It is located in the middle of a small catchment area and so
provided a focus point for the school community and is easy for children
and families to walk/cycle to the school. The new school is right on the
edge of the expanded catchment area which it is suggested will mean
that there may be less of a community feel and will make it more
detached (less local) to its families.
Appraisal of views expressed
21. Due to the rising birth rate in the locality there will no longer be surplus
places remaining in the English-medium schools and therefore a new site
had to be identified for the relocation of Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna and
Ysgol Tan yr Eos.
22. Due to the built up nature of the area that Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna
serves, there are very limited options available to site a school,
particularly one of the size required to provide for the level of demand
within the locality.
23. Furthermore the rise in birth rate in the area as a whole, coupled with the
steadily increasing demand for Welsh-medium education means that
there is a need for a 3 form entry (3FE) school. The Council has
previously looked at a number of alternative sites however these were
considered to be unviable for reasons which primarily related to site, and
location and unrealistic financial costs. Further details of the evaluation of
these sites are available in the EBM report School Organisation
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Planning: Provision of Welsh-medium and English-medium Community
Primary Schools in Canton – Consideration of Options (06 November
2008).
24. The site identified off Sanatorium Road therefore offers the only real
opportunity for the much needed development of Welsh-medium primary
school facilities. This is because it is sufficiently close to the catchment
community and of the size required.
Proximity of the new Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna to Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll

Coch
Views expressed
25. Several respondees have expressed concern regarding the siting of two
large Welsh-medium primary schools within a mile of each other. Some
have also questioned whether this will have a detrimental impact on
Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch in terms of Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna being
perceived as a more attractive option due to the newer facilities.
26. As above, whilst it is acknowledged that the location for the new school is
not deemed ideal by many, all other potential options have been given
due consideration and are unviable. As set out in paragraph 24 officers
therefore consider that the site identified off Sanatorium Road offers the
only real opportunity for the much needed development of Welsh-
medium primary school facilities.
27. Furthermore, given the levels of demand for Welsh-medium education it

is anticipated that both schools will fill with children from their proposed
catchment areas.
Traditional use of the site by local residents
Views expressed
28. A small number of local residents have expressed concern at the loss of
the land that they state is used for walking their dogs. There are also
suggestions that the site is frequented regularly by various other Cardiff
residents as it links to the Ely Trail.
29. The land identified for development is currently a mix of amenity grassed
areas and an area that could be regarded as ‘brownfield’ with the
footprint of the building that previously occupied the site remaining
clearly visible.
30. The concerns of local residents are noted; however there will be plenty of
remaining open space for dog walking and this issue will be taken into
consideration when planning for the new school.
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31. The land necessary for construction of the school has been appropriated
for “planning purposes” under Section 227 of the Town and Country
Planning Act 1990. This has the effect of overriding any historic rights
that might affect the site.
32. Whilst there is no record of any formal designated cycle paths or public
rights of way existing on the site there are, however, a number of
permissive and informal paths crossing the site which would need to be
considered for diversion as part of any planning application.
33. The prime area for building development is that of the ‘brownfield’ area
which is considered unsightly. Moreover there have been previous plans
to develop parking areas for the adjoining pitches which it is envisaged
can be provided through shared use, with the proposed school car park
thereby improving access to the facilities already present in the area.
Potential the site is polluted and/or at risk of flooding
Views expressed
34. Some respondees have expressed concern regarding the suitability of

the site for development. This is particularly with regard to costs that
may be associated with developing it due to the potential of it being
polluted as a result of it adjoining the former industrial site (Arjo Wiggins).
Furthermore there has been suggestion that the site is prone to flooding
due to its close proximity to the River Ely.
35. In line with all development undertaken by the Council, all land will
undergo any appropriate and necessary measures to ensure the site is
suitable for the construction intended. This will include undertaking the
relevant surveys to ascertain any issues of concern associated with the
site in order to inform the design and construction process. In doing so
any impact arising out of previous use of the land and/or the impact of
pollution sources will be mitigated. As such, if there are found to be any
sources of pollution these will be addressed in line with the relevant
legislation and guidance.
36. An initial desktop exercise has concluded that the area in question
benefits from flood defences and is unlikely to flood except in extreme
conditions. However it should be noted that flood defences reduce but do
not completely remove the likelihood of flooding and can be overtopped
or fail in extreme weather conditions.
Page 6 of 36
Planning of places, admissions and catchment arrangements
A 3FE primary school is too big and impersonal for young children
Views expressed
37. Many parents that have expressed support for the proposal overall have
nevertheless expressed concern at the size of the primary school
proposed. Concerns relate primarily to the children potentially missing a
sense of knowing everyone personally and how the excellent pastoral
care currently provided at Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna and Ysgol Tan yr
Eos can be continued and extended to such a large school population.
38. Children at Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna, Ysgol Tan-yr-Eos and Ysgol

Gymraeg Pwll Coch have also expressed concerns about the size of the
school and the impact this will have on the school community. Their
concerns relate particularly to getting lost and the potential for not
knowing everyone as they do now.
39. The relationship between school size and effectiveness is complex.

There is no simple casual relationship between the size of schools and
academic performance.
40. However, the most compelling evidence about school effectiveness does
not relate to size. Educational research repeatedly finds that school
leadership, ethos and the quality of teaching and learning are the
greatest determinants of children’s success at school.
41. The proposal to expand Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna has therefore been
made taking account of:
• the context in which the school operates; and

• the quality of leadership, school ethos and the quality of teaching
and learning.
42. Estyn inspection reports linked to the most successful schools indicates
clearly that the main difference between those and others is excellent
leadership, team work, quality of teaching, assessment, values,
aspiration and inclusion. It is these values and practices that are crucial
and indicative of the capacity of any school to improve, excel and
expand.
43. A recent Estyn inspection report of a very successful Cardiff 3FE primary
school concluded that:
44. “The headteacher and staff of the school work extremely hard to provide
an exceptional range of exciting and rich experiences and opportunities
that successfully meet the needs and interests of all pupils. There are
many outstanding features which include:
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• Consistently high standards of pupils’ achievements and
behaviour;
• Inspirational teaching across the school;
• High quality support and guidance; and
• A strong ethos of learning”.
45. Every school has its own history, catchment and context and within each
1FE, 2FE and 3FE group of schools there are outstandingly successful
schools with excellent leadership, management and pupil outcomes.
46. As an extract from the most recent Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna Estyn
report sets out “Treganna is a good school with many outstanding
features. High quality teaching enables pupils to achieve very well. The
school’s evaluation of its work is very thorough and leadership and
management are outstanding features. This wide range of learning
experiences made available to pupils, the quality of provision of those
with additional learning needs and the care, support and guidance
provided by the school are also good with outstanding features”.
47. The Local Authority is therefore confident that Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna
is a school where expansion will not threaten the existing quality of
education and care provided and may well enhance it
Views Expressed
48. Rather than spending money on a new-build school it would have been a
better use of resources for Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna to have taken over
Radnor Primary School, especially considering the current economic
climate.
49. A third year of increasing birth rates in the Grangetown and Canton area
has now been seen. The revised projections clearly demonstrate that
the future demand for Welsh-medium requires a 3FE school. It also
indicates that this can no longer be achieved by a reduction in capacity of
English-medium and thus requires the retention of existing English-
medium provision.
Planning for future demand in the wider area
Views expressed
50. Concern expressed regarding the growing demand for Welsh-medium

education from Grangetown and Butetown and suggestions that rather
than build a 3 FE school the Council should have considered building a
1FE/2FE nearer to the bay. Sites suggested include The Marl playing
fields adjacent to Ferry Road and the old cigar factory on Penarth Road.
Some have also asked whether Tan yr Eos could remain a school in its
own right and be relocated permanently in the Grangetown/Butetown
area, in addition to providing the enlarged Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna.
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51. The proposed new school is intended to address demand coming from in
and around the Canton area. The rise in the birth rate in the area as a
whole, coupled with the steadily increasing demand for Welsh-medium
education means that there is a need for a 3FE school in the Canton
area.
52. It is acknowledged that beyond this proposal there will be a need to

consider further provision to ensure the availability of sufficient places to
cater for the demand from the Riverside, Grangetown and Butetown
areas.
53. The Marl Recreation Ground has been investigated previously and was
deemed unsuitable owing to issues relating to an existing deficiency of
Public Open Space (POS) in the locality along with difficulties associated
with being able to satisfactorily compensate for the loss of POS.
54. ‘The Marl’ is located in the Grangetown Ward, which has a deficiency of
recreational and play space relative to the standard contained in planning
policy (the 2nd largest deficiency out of the city’s 29 Wards). Furthermore
the next nearest facility with comparable facilities is Sevenoaks Parks
which does not have any capacity to accept additional facilities to
compensate for the loss of the POS at the Marl. Clearly, in a heavily built
up inner city area, where POS is already deficient, the opportunities for
compensating for the loss of POS will be few.
55. In contrast the Sanatorium site is amenity POS in an area with a

reasonable supply of POS and the Council is able to fund some
improvements to the POS available at the site.
56. The site previously known as the ‘Freemans Cigar Factory’ is in private
ownership. Whilst it is no longer used for cigar production it remains
intended for commercial use with planning permission granted for this
site in December 2010 for “Partial demolition of front elevation of existing
buildings and various buildings on site and sub-division of existing
commercial unit to create 20 smaller units with revised parking and
boundary treatment”.
57. Ysgol Tan yr Eos was established in order to relieve pressure on Ysgol
Gymraeg Treganna and Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch and was intended to
remain on its current site at Ninian Park Primary School for a period of
two years. The proposed new school will be able to meet demand from
in and around Canton with the enlargement of the catchment area
meaning some of the pressure will be taken off the demand for places at
Ysgol Pwll Coch; thereby allowing it to provide more places for the some
of the increased demand from the Grangetown/Butetown areas that
remain within its catchment area.
58. In addition, demand for English-medium provision within the Ninian Park
Primary School catchment area is such that the facilities currently
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occupied by Ysgol Tan yr Eos will soon be required by Ninian Park
Primary School.
Confusion relating to surplus places in English-medium schools in the

locality
Views expressed
59. Some have expressed concern that in the current economic climate the
Council is wasting money on developing a new Welsh-medium school
whilst there are surplus places in the English-medium schools in the
locality. Some have expressed disappointment that Radnor Primary
School was not reconsidered as part of the proposal.
60. There is now an established trend of rising birth rates in the locality. As a
result of this rise in the population there will no longer be surplus places
remaining in the English-medium schools and all are required to ensure
sufficient places are available to meet demand. As such a new site had
to be identified for the relocation of Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna and Ysgol
Tan yr Eos.
61. Furthermore the rise in birth rate in the area as a whole coupled with the
steadily increasing demand for Welsh-medium education means that the
previous proposal to provide a 2FE Welsh-medium primary school to
accommodate the children from Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna and Ysgol
Tan yr Eos is no longer sufficient.
Impact on Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch numbers resulting from the

proposed catchment area changes
Views expressed
62. There has been some concern expressed regarding whether there will be
an appropriate balance between the proposed Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna
and Ysgol Pwll Coch catchment areas. Some have also suggested Ysgol
Pwll Coch may end up with fewer pupils because parents see the newer
facility as a more attractive option.
63. There is projected to be demand in excess of the places that will be

available if this proposal were to proceed. Given the levels of demand
for Welsh-medium education it is anticipated that both schools will
become full with children from their catchment areas. There is a
recognition of a need to provide additional Welsh-medium primary
capacity and as such officers will consider ways to address this demand
for the future.
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Siblings may be separated
Views expressed
64. Concern has been expressed that younger siblings may not be able to
attend the same school as older sibling(s) if the catchment area changes.
65. In response to concerns over a period of time elsewhere in Cardiff the

following changes are proposed to the Council’s Schools Admission
Policy relating to siblings from September 2012:
.
“Where an older sibling was directed by the Council to an alternative
school because the alternative school was previously the catchment
area school, if the parent desires, the Council will admit younger
siblings to the alternative school. This applies only where the older
sibling is in attendance at the alternative school in the academic year
to which the application relates”
This change will be considered at the Council’s Executive Business

Meeting in April 2011.
Insufficient choice for parents of children living in the area affected by the
proposed catchment changes
Views expressed
66. There have been suggestions that the parents of children who are not
resident within the current Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna catchment area but
will be within the catchment for the new school, should be able to choose
whether a child who has not yet entered the primary school system,
attends Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna, Ysgol Tan yr Eos or Ysgol Gymraeg
Pwll Coch.
67. Admission to schools are administered in line with the Council’s

published admissions criteria which applies to all community schools and
an exception cannot be made for one school.
Arrangements to cater for further additional demand
Views expressed
68. Concerns have been expressed in relation to any interim arrangements

to extend Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch’s intake by one form of entry from
2FE to 3FE. These include concerns that placing demountable
classrooms in the playground of Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch will lead to
overcrowding issues.
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69. Demand for places from parents living in the catchment area of Ysgol
Gymraeg Pwll Coch represents the broader context within which the
Council has consulted on Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna and Ysgol Tan yr
Eos. However any need to provide additional capacity at Ysgol Gymraeg
Pwll Coch would need to be considered separately.
Funding the development of the new school
Views expressed
70. The issue of how the new school would be afforded was raised at several
of the public meetings, with concern that in the current climate the Welsh
Assembly may not be able to support the Council’s bid for funding.
Furthermore there has been a suggestion that if all investment is put
toward building a new school there will be less available for others.
71. As part of the continuous review of the consolidated financial model,

officers engaged in discussions with WAG officials on the level of support
that could be made available in response to Cardiff’s programme-based
approach to its Schools Building Improvement Grant (SBIG) Tranche 3
funding bid, which focuses on proposals in East Cardiff. As a result of
these discussions additional support of £5.7M is now available. This has
the effect of increasing the overall resources available within the
consolidated model to support the Canton Primary Provision proposal to
£6.185M.
72. Other schools with investment needs remain reliant on the outcome of
the Council’s 21st Century Strategic Outline Programme bids.
Traffic and Transport
The new site is too far and/or dangerous for children to walk/cycle to
school
Views expressed
73. There are a high number of children and their families that are currently
able to walk/cycle to Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna and this is encouraged by
the school. By comparison Ysgol Pwll Coch has a higher proportion of
its pupils being driven or bussed to school. The combination of the
school on the edge of a much enlarged catchment in tandem with the
existing lack of cycle routes and safe walking routes will mean that more
children will be driven to school increasing congestion and pollution.
Furthermore, the existing road condition is poor and current parking on
this road is dangerous and haphazard which it is suggested would need
to be rectified.
74. Several parents and children have suggested a bus should be

considered as part of this proposal, particularly with regard to the
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northern edges of the proposed catchment area. Another has requested
consideration be given to the establishment for a walking bus.
75. These views were also reflected in comments from the children at Ysgol
Gymraeg Treganna, Ysgol Tan-yr-Eos and Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch
who are concerned that the location of the school will mean additional
travel time for many, with fewer children being able to cycle to school
because of safety issues.
76. All pupils living in the proposed new catchment area for the new Ysgol
Gymraeg Treganna will live within 2 miles walking distance of the school
and will therefore not qualify for free home to school transport.
77. All issues relating to transport will be considered as part of the

independent transport assessment which will include cycling routes,
safer routes to school, traffic congestion and access issues.
78. The establishment of a walking bus is a matter for schools however if the
proposed school goes ahead this is a suggestion that can be considered
by the Governing Body.
Traffic flow in the locality is already high and this proposal will impact on
other road users at peak times
Views expressed
79. There are already issues with traffic flow at the Lansdowne Road, Broad
Street and Grosvenor Street junction at peak times. Sanatorium Road is
a no through road that serves a range of businesses whose access will
be restricted by the much increased volume of traffic on Sanatorium
Road itself at school opening and closing times. A small number of
residents on the Lansdowne Gardens housing estate have also
expressed concern they will have difficulty leaving the estate because of
the traffic flows on the roundabout linking Broad Street and Sanatorium
Road.
80. A full independent transport assessment will be required as part of the

formal planning application and therefore until this is completed it will not
be possible to predict the outcomes. However the impact of any
additional traffic on the junction of Lansdowne Road and Sanatorium
Road will need to be fully assessed. The requirement of a school safety
zone along Sanatorium Road and an assessment of the footbridge
access from Cowbridge Road East onto Papermill Road will also need to
be considered.
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Issues relating to consultation
Timing of the consultation
Views expressed
81. Some have expressed frustration that the details of this consultation
were not available until after the deadline for the submission of
applications for admission to reception (the first year of primary school)
for September 2011 which was 10 January 2011. Some parents have
indicated that had they been aware of the details of the proposal this may
have affected the preferences indicated on the admissions application
forms.
82. These views expressed are a matter for the admission process which
includes an opportunity to appeal if parents/guardians are not content
with the place allocated to their child. It is not a matter which would
detract from the validity of the consultation on this proposal.
Residents were not targeted sufficiently
Views Expressed
83. It has been suggested that the consultation has not taken into
consideration the views of those who are resident in the vicinity of the
proposed new school such as those resident in Lansdowne Gardens.
Furthermore some respondees have expressed the view that the
consultation has relied on people whose children go to local schools
and/or visit the library with insufficient emphasis on consulting more
widely. Additionally it has been suggested there has been no contact with
parents whose children are not in childcare locally.
Appraisal of Views Expressed
84. Details of the public consultation were posted on the Council website and
advertised in the local media (Cardiff Guardian 10 January, Echo 10
January, Echo 18 January). There were also three public meetings and
four drop in sessions held in an effort to ensure that there were sufficient
opportunities made available for all interested parties to find out more
and raise their concerns as required.
85. Furthermore any development on the site will require planning

permission and there will be further opportunities for local residents to
express any concerns during that process.
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Other comments made during the consultation
Assessment of Welsh ability on entry
Views Expressed
86. An individual respondee expressed a desire for children to be assessed

on entry to school specific to their ability to speak Welsh, “my children
are brought up in a Welsh speaking household and I would like them to
be in a class of children from a similar background”.
87. This is not considered to be an issue directly relating to this proposal

however the comprehensive equality of opportunity that spans the
cultural, linguistic and social background of every pupil is fundamental to
the work of the LA and schools.
88. Furthermore the new WAG baseline profile will carefully assess pupil
achievement prior to entry to reception in many fields including language.
Reception classes at the new school will adopt foundation phase
teaching and learning strategies. As advocates of these strategies the
LA believes that streaming at this young age to be a hindrance to the
educational and social progress of children.
Concerns over children’s safety whilst using off site provision
Views Expressed
89. Concerns regarding the high volume of primary children who will be
using the playing fields between the proposed site and Ysgol Pwll Coch,
with the suggestion the Council consider security matters arising from the
pedestrian routes which follow the river as little care is taken of these
paths and they attract rubbish and anti social behaviour.
90. Consideration of the visual amenity, leisure amenity and nature

conservation and any improvements required will form part of the
planning permission process for this proposal.
91. Furthermore any use of the playing field by children from the school
during the school day will be fully supervised by school staff at all times.
Development of the Arjo Wiggin Site
Views Expressed
92. Suggestion that it could be years before the house building project on the
Arjo Wiggin site begins, along with questions regarding how dependent
the construction of the school is on the development of the site and
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whether it the Council’s intention to proceed with the plan regardless of
the housing development?
93. This proposal is not dependent on plans for the Arjo Wiggins site.
The need to research parents’ reasons for their particular preferences

regarding their children’s education
Views Expressed
94. It has been suggested that people send their children to Welsh-medium
schools and faith schools because they want what is perceived to be a
more academic option for their children.
95. All schools are required to provide education in line with the National
Curriculum. Parents/guardians have the right to express three
preferences for admission to community primary schools at the reception
age (the first year of primary school). The Council is committed to
meeting demand through the choice of medium of English or Welsh.
Leadership of the new school
Views Expressed
96. A single respondee has expressed concern regarding the automatic

transfer of staff from Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna and Ysgol Tan yr Eos
(particularly at a senior management level) because they feel the skills
required to run a 3FE primary school are different to those required for
1FE. As such it has been questioned whether it may be more
appropriate to hold an open recruitment for these positions.
97. As set out in Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna’s most recent Estyn’s inspection
report “the overall quality of leadership is good with outstanding features.
The outstanding features include the first class-leadership provided by
the headteacher and the very good support provided by the deputy
headteacher”. The Local Authority is confident that this level of
leadership will be maintained and contribute to the success of the
proposed new school.
Reasons for Recommendations
98. To respond to the rising demand for Welsh-medium education around

the Canton area.
Page 16 of 36
Legal Implications
99. Where a Local Authority (LA) proposes to establish a new community

school, or to make any prescribed alteration to an existing community
school (such as a transfer to a new site), the LEA must publish its
proposals in a statutory notice. The proposals must contain such
information, and be published in such manner, as may be prescribed by
section 28(3) of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998.
100. The proposals may, if the LEA thinks fit, specify an age below 10 years
and six months and an age above 12 years, and provide that the school
to which the proposals relate is to be a school providing full-time
education suitable to the requirements of pupils whose ages are between
the ages so specified. Before publishing any such proposals, the LEA
must consult such persons as appears to it or them to be appropriate;
and in discharging this duty the LEA must have regard to any guidance
given from time to time.
101. The LEA must send a copy of the published proposal, and such
information in connection with those proposals as may be prescribed, to
the National Assembly for Wales.
102. Similarly where an LEA proposes to close a community school, the LEA
must publish its proposals in a statutory notice. The proposals must
comply with the requirements for Section 29(3) of the Schools Standards
and Framework Act 1998. Before publishing any such proposals the
LEA must consult such persons as appear to it to be appropriate; and in
discharging this duty the LEA must have regard to any guidance given
from time to time.
103. The LEA must send a copy of the published proposals, and such
information in connection with those proposals as may be prescribed, to
the National Assembly for Wales. The published notices would allow a
period of one month from the date of publication of the notice, for formal
objection to the proposals. If there are no formal, written objections the
Council would confirm its decision to proceed unless the Welsh
Assembly Government indicated to the Council that it wished to
determine the proposal. If there are objections, the Council would
address the objections to the Assembly and the Welsh Assembly
Government would take the final decision.
104. Some basic requirements of the consultation process are essential if it is

to have a sensible content:
• The consultation must be at a time when the proposal is still at a

formative stage, i.e. before the mind of the Executive becomes
unduly fixed.
• Sufficient reasons must be given considering any proposal so that

intelligent consideration and responses are permitted.
• Adequate time must be given for consideration and response.
Page 17 of 36
• Proper regard must be had to the outcome of the subject of
consultation before making a final decision about the proposals.
105. Failure to comply with the duty to consult – or to consult in a proper

manner – may be held by the Courts to render an action or decision ultra
vires and void.
Consultation should not be a referendum
106. There is a difference between consulting in circumstances where there is

an explicit statutory right to be consulted and where there is a ‘legitimate
expectation’ of consultation. The duty of the LEA to consult appropriate
persons under section 28 of the School Standards and Framework Act
1998 for the establishment and alteration of schools does not give
parents a statutory right to be consulted.
107. However, in the interests of fairness, it does give rise to a legitimate

expectation that they will be given a fair opportunity to constructively
criticise the proposal and express their own preferences about it. It
should also be noted that a failure to consult in the case of a ‘legitimate
expectation’ could be cured in the Welsh Assembly Government’s later
decision making process. [R v Gwent County Council ex p Bryant
[1988]].
The legal implications as they relate to the current proposals:
108. The consultation process in relation to the current proposal has been
completed.
109. The feedback following the consultation did highlight a number of

concerns and alternatives put suggested. These concerns have been
summarised and form part of this report so that the executive can fulfil its
responsibility of considering all options and responses before coming to
a final decision on the proposal which will be the subject of a statutory
notice.
Relevant Considerations
110. Where the Local Authority exercises its powers for proper purposes it
must take into account relevant considerations and must not take into
account irrelevant considerations. If the Local Authority fails in this duty
it could face a legal action in Judicial Review. The courts will identify the
relevant considerations germane to the exercise of a statutory power,
and will quash such exercise if those considerations are ignored or if
irrelevant considerations are taken into account.
111. What is or is not a relevant consideration in any case will depend on the
statutory context. The Local Authority must have regard to matters
material to its statutory obligation not to act in a way which is
incompatible with human rights. The financial cost implications of the
Local Authority’s action or proposed action will be relevant. The courts
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will also require the Local Authority to have regard to an implied fiduciary
duty owed to the rate payers in respect of the funds at the Local
Authority’s disposal.
112. Fairness to persons (rate payers) affected by a proposal will be a

relevant consideration to be taken into account. The weight to be given
to a relevant consideration is a matter for the Local Authority; however
the Local Authority is always open to legal challenge by way of Judicial
Review if the Local Authority has acted unreasonably.
Financial Implications
113. This report is to inform the executive of the consultation responses

received to the proposal for primary education in the Canton area. The
proposal includes building a new 3 Form Entry Welsh-medium primary
school with nursery. A financial model has been prepared showing total
costs of £9.887M. Resources are available from within the SOP
Consolidated Financial Model and from the SOP reserve to fund this
proposal. A summary of the costs and resources for the proposal are
shown in Table 1.
Table 1 : Costs & Resources for Canton

£ million
Primary Provision
Costs
Capital - New build WM Primary School 9.396

Capital - Traffic Improvements 0.393
Revenue - Organisational Implementation
0.098
Costs
Total Costs 9.887
Resources
Consolidated Model Resources 6.185

SOP Reserve Balance 3.161
Primary Efficiency Savings 0.541
Total Resources 9.887
114. As part of the continuous review of the consolidated financial model,

officers engaged in discussions with WAG officials on the level of support
that could be made available in response to Cardiff’s programme-based
approach to its Schools Building Improvement Grant (SBIG) Tranche 3
funding bid. As a result of these discussions additional support of £5.7M
is now available. This has the effect of increasing the overall resources
available within the consolidated model to support the Canton Primary
Provision proposal to £6.185M.
115. If design, planning permission and tenders are sought in advance of a

final decision by Welsh Ministers, this will be expenditure at risk. If a
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favourable decision is not forthcoming, then these costs will be abortive
and will have a direct impact on the Council’s revenue account.
Investment Programme
116. The investment programme is based on an Initial Development Appraisal

(IDA). Included is a provision of 5% for carbon reduction measures
which is vital if the Council is to meet its stated target of 60% reduction in
carbon emissions by 2018.
117. In recognition of the remaining assumptions within the model an

additional contingency sum of 10% has been added, and figures have
been adjusted for estimated construction cost inflation over the life of the
model. However in the present climate the construction market is
susceptible to financial pressures which make it difficult to make
predictions.
118. In addition to costs contained within the Initial Development Appraisal the
effect of the impact of Japanese knotweed at the site needs to be
allowed for. At present work is ongoing to ascertain the appropriate
method of treatment/removal of the Japanese knotweed and the
associated costs. A risk remains that the costs of the appropriate method
for treatment/removal may not be able to be contained within the
additional 10% contingency sum.
119. Provisional sums have been included for necessary traffic improvements.
In line with previous SOP proposals, the financial model does not include
revenue monies that may be required to finance changing transport
provision. Such costs have been estimated as £75k per annum and
would need to be identified as part of the medium term financial plan.
Organisational Implementation Costs
120. Organisational implementation costs of £98k are included in the proposal

and this money will be used to fund the project management costs to
help facilitate the proposal. It is assumed that any redundancy costs
associated with the proposal will either be managed via the
redeployment policy, or funded from Schools service area budgets.
Consolidated Model
121. The consolidated model contains resources identified for the original
Canton proposals. After allowing for expenditure necessary to facilitate
the interim education arrangements, net resources of £0.485 million are
available to part fund the new proposal.
SOP Reserve Balance
122. As a result of delays across the School Organisation Proposals, revenue

release savings have accumulated within the SOP reserve which were
originally planned to be used to fund capital charges. As a result,
£3.161M can be used on a one-off basis to fund this proposal. It must be
Page 20 of 36
noted that this is based on the assumption that other proposals proceed
within allocated budget and that assumed funding from capital receipts,
capital programme funding and revenue release savings are sufficient
and timely. This therefore represents an additional financial risk to the
consolidated financial model.
Primary Efficiency Savings
123. Members will be aware that the Council submitted in December 2010 a
Strategic Outline Programme bid as part of the WAG 21st Century
Schools Investment Programme. The bid, which included the Canton
Primary Provision Proposal, identified £7.628M of monies earmarked
within the financial model in respect of primary efficiency savings. Of this
sum £0.541M is being allocated now to ensure that the Canton Primary
Provision proposal is fully funded.
Financial Risks
124. A number of general financial risks are attached to this SOP proposal
which will need to be regularly monitored and mitigation steps taken
wherever possible. Key general risks include:
• changing scope of work following the design process;

• the management of cost over-runs and building inflation
exceeding contingency levels;
• potential for revenue organisational restructure costs to be higher
than estimated;
• the cash flow impact in the timing of expenditure and income;
• the additional risks attached to taking an incremental approach to
the implementation of the schools organisational proposals;
• the risk that the planned dates for individual proposals are not
achieved resulting in costs arising from managing/mitigating the
delay
Human Resources Implications
125. A Human Resources Framework has been produced in consultation with

key stakeholders including headteachers, governors, representatives of
the diocesan authorities and the trade unions. It provides the basis for
managing the human resources issues associated with School
Organisation Planning and its purpose is to support governing bodies
and staff working in schools, through a variety of strategies and with the
ultimate aim of minimising compulsory redundancies.
126. Human Resources strategies and action plans will need to be developed
for both Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna and Ysgol Tan yr Eos to ensure that
the human resources issues are properly planned for and managed
during the period of change. The strategies and action plans will form the
basis of significant support provided by the Council and the respective
roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders will also be fully described.
The strategies and action plans will be further developed by individual
governing bodies and the Council, in consultation with the trade union
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representatives and staff, so that they meet the needs of the school and
take into account the timescales for the implementation of the proposals.
A fundamental aim of each strategy and action plan will be to ensure that
appropriate staffing levels are maintained throughout the period of
change.
127. Any type of organisational change is likely to impact on staff behaviour

patterns and motivation. It is therefore essential that staff have definitive
information on the proposals for the school in which they work and have
access to appropriate levels of support both from within the school and
from the Council.
128. Communication processes will need to be clear in order that governing

bodies and staff affected by proposals receive information delivered in a
sensitive and timely way. The trade unions are keen that school staff can
have access to high levels of support through the process of school
organisation change. Trade unions will be invited to engage with
individual school organisation proposals through the regular meetings
with officers and at schools. The trade unions expect that clear
communication arrangements are put in place at Council and at
individual school level between officers, governing bodies, school
leadership teams and staff. They have stated that greater demands will
be placed on trade union representatives supporting school staff and
have called for a substantial increase in facilities time to ensure that their
members are properly supported.
129. Extensive additional supporting documents have been produced by the

Council’s HR People Services section. These provide wide ranging
guidance for key stakeholders and will be amended to meet any
changing circumstances as this proposal develops. The key documents
available are the following –
• Human Resources Framework

• Individual School Human Resources Strategy and Action Plan -
School Closure
• FAQ document
• School Redeployment Guidance, Flowchart and skills pro forma
Trade Unions
130. The Schools and Lifelong Learning Service has regularly engaged with
the trade unions on the broad development of the school organisation
proposals. They will have a key role in supporting staff. In particular there
has been extensive consultation on the Human Resources Framework
through the Schools & Lifelong Learning Service Area Joint Committee,
the Works Council and also the Schools Sub-Committee which has trade
union representation. The trade unions have welcomed the Human
Resources Framework and the Council’s commitment to allow school
support staff access to the same level of support and salary protection as
teachers have through their national pay, terms and conditions. They
have specifically requested that teachers are encouraged to participate in
training programmes available for Welsh speaking staff, and that in the
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absence of any similar Wales Assembly Government provision for school
support staff that the Council provide a suitable programme.
131. The trade unions acknowledge the high percentage of school governing
bodies that have adopted the Redeployment and Redundancy Policy and
Procedure. Whilst acknowledging that appointment decisions are
delegated in law to school governing bodies they have a shared
expectation that governing bodies and Headteachers across Cardiff and
officers work together to maximise employment opportunities for school
staff. Through the Schools & Lifelong Learning Service Area Joint
Committee the trade unions have registered their concerns that the
school organisation proposals are properly resourced by the Council. In
addition they have expressed their expectation that the Council commits
to transparent and open decisions in order that the future of schools is
known and is clear to all.
Implications specific to this proposal
132. Staff at Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna and Ysgol Tan yr Eos have worked
closely together under the leadership and management of the
Headteacher, management team and governors of Ysgol Gymraeg
Treganna and the expectation is that these arrangements can continue
until the new proposed school would be ready. Consequently, there
should be very little impact on the permanent staff in the schools other
than they will be relocated to another site. Some of the staff at Ysgol Tan
yr Eos are on temporary contracts, those on permanent contracts have
been appointed to the establishment of Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna whilst
based at the other school. The temporary contracts will be reviewed in
the light of the staffing structure and the needs of the school. Any
vacancies that arise should be considered for redeployment for any
suitable staff on the redeployment register before being subject to the
normal recruitment procedures. Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna and Radnor
Primary School currently have a shared Estates Officer who looks after
the site they both occupy and discussion will need to take place with both
headteachers and the individual concerned about the implication this
proposal would have on that arrangement.
CONCLUSION
133. There is overwhelming support for this proposal as the only real option
for meeting demand in suitable premises for Welsh-medium primary
provision in this area of Cardiff. Therefore, given that the finance
required to fund the proposal has also now been identified it is
recommended that the proposal is progressed as quickly as possible.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Executive is recommended to:
(1) approve the publication of a statutory notice to:
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• transfer Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna into new build premises as a 3
form entry Welsh-medium primary school with nursery
• close Ysgol Tan-yr-Eos with pupils transferring to the enlarged

Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna once on the new site
• implement the proposal from 1 September 2013
(2) agree that officers consult at the appropriate time to revise the
catchment areas of Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna and Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll
Coch as set out in the consultation document in respect of the proposal
referred to in paragraph 5..
NEELAM BHARDWAJA
Corporate Director
1 April 2011
The following appendix is attached:
Appendix 1 – Formal Response to Consultation
The following Background Paper has been taken into account
EBM report – School Organisation Planning: Provision of Welsh-medium and

English-medium Community Primary Schools in Canton – Consideration of
Options (06 November 2008)
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Appendix 1
Formal Responses
1. A total of 350 responses were received. The full breakdown of these is as

detailed in paragraphs 11-98 of the report.
2. Of these 350 responses the following statistical breakdown was noted:
Full Support 281 (which includes the petition of 704 signatures,

counted as one response)
Part support 13
Objection 2
Undecided 2
No postal address 3
Late responses (received 08.03.11) 3
Pupils:
Yr 6 Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch 19
Yr 6 Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna 23
Pupils school/year group not identified 4
Total responses received 350
3. Outlined below are the main points contained in responses from Key
Stakeholders. Formal written responses were received from:
The Governing Body of Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna

The Governing Body of Ysgol Tan yr Eos
The Governing Body of Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch
Dr Gwenllian Lansdown – Chief Executive, Plaid Cymru
Delme Bowen – Plaid Cymru Councillor
Cerys Furlong , Richard Cook & Ramesh Patel– Labour Councillors for Canton
RhAG (Parents for Welsh Medium Education)
Menter Caerdydd
The Governing Body of Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna
4. The Governing Body of Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna welcome the proposal

and support it wholeheartedly. It is imperative, however, given the daily
challenges faced by staff and pupils that the timetable for the new school is
adhered to rigorously. The importance of helping the school to function in its
current inadequate building for the remainder of this academic year, plus a
further two years before the new school is built is highlighted.
5. The Governing Body has campaigned for a better building for 6 years and
there are many children who will have spent their entire primary school life in
overcrowded and inadequate accommodation. The Governing Bodies of
Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna and Ysgol Tan yr Eos remain concerned about
the next few years and will be pressing the Council to adhere to the
timetable and to make the best provision possible across the two sites until
September 2013.
Page 25 of 36
The Governing Body of Ysgol Tan yr Eos
6. As the Governing Body of Ysgol Tan yr Eos we would like to express our
overwhelming support for the proposal to improve Welsh-medium primary
provision in Canton. In our view these changes are long overdue and will
after many years of setbacks finally lead to the kind of school that the
children of Tan-yr-Eos and Treganna deserve. The building of a new school
amalgamating Ysgol Tan yr Eos and Ysgol Treganna will provide a modern
Welsh-medium primary, which can deliver the kind of community schooling
that the children of Canton deserve.
7. Whilst backing this proposal wholeheartedly, we also wish to alert the Local
Authority to a number of issues arising from the consultation that they feel
need to be considered. These include outlining how the predicted future
demand for Welsh-medium education will be met post 2013; a request for
preparatory work to begin on the Sanatorium Road site immediately; a
request for written reassurance regarding financing the proposal; a request
for further consideration of traffic implications and safe routes to school; and
a request for the Local Authority to consider the cost incurred by families
whose children currently attend Ysgol Tan yr Eos and are paying for school
transport.
The Governing Body of Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch
8. The Governing Body of Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch totally supports the
proposal for the transfer of Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna and Ysgol Tan yr Eos
to new build premises off Sanatorium Road. The Governing Body notes the
finance that is available to achieve the changes and urges the Local
Authority to ensure that the finance is sufficient to satisfy the needs of
education through the medium of Welsh in Canton, Grangetown and
Riverside, now and in the future.
Dr Gwenllian Lansdown – Chief Executive, Plaid Cymru
9. It is time to respond positively to the increasing problem of lack of sufficient

Welsh medium education provision in the Western part of Cardiff and the
Canton and Riverside area specifically. The pupils at Ysgol Treganna are
having a bad deal in their current site and after all the hesitation, a solution
must be found to the lack of spaces as well as the bad learning
environments.
10. I fully support the option offered which is to build a brand new school off
Sanatorium Road. If Ysgol Tan yr Eos is to close then careful consideration
is needed to ensure Welsh education is extended in the Grangetown area of
the city. It is obvious that Ysgol Pwll Coch and Ysgol Treganna cannot meet
the demand and there will be a need for another school in the South of the
city very soon.
11. I would like the Local Authority to move as soon as possible to ensure the
proposal is realised because the number of children who wish to receive
Welsh education is continuing to grow and the longer the delays the longer
the children are taught in unacceptable environments.
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Delme Bowen – Plaid Cymru Councillor
12. The proposal is welcomed. It is very long overdue, the children and staff at
Ysgol Treganna have suffered gross overcrowding for a number of years.
There is a steady increase in demand for Welsh-medium primary and
secondary education in the ward and currently we do not have enough
space to cater for the demand.
Cerys Furlong , Richard Cook & Ramesh Patel– Labour Councillors for
Canton
13. Canton Councillors wholeheartedly support the proposal for a new build
Ysgol Treganna on a site we identified off Sanatorium Road, and have been
working to encourage Canton residents to back the proposals. We agree
that the catchment areas need to be revised, however we remain concerned
at the particularly large catchment for Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch. We
believe that further consideration needs to be given to the need for a Welsh-
medium primary school in the Grangetown (and Butetown) area, alongside
these proposals. Any delay in considering this demand will only lead to
further problems with demand exceeding supply.
14. In supporting these proposals Canton Councillors also welcome the

suggested (though not formally proposed) investment which would establish
a nursery at Radnor Road Primary, and increase Ysgol Pwll Coch (in
permanent buildings) from two to three form entry to meet demand for
Welsh-medium education in Canton and the surrounding areas. While
understanding the need to keep these proposals separate from those
concerning Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna and Tan yr Eos, we are concerned
that there seem to have been a lack of communication with the other
schools in the area about the inevitable consequences for them should
these proposals proceed.
15. We hope the Council will bring forward plans for upgrading all the schools in
the Canton area, including Lansdowne Primary School in addition to those
mentioned above, once the immediate issues concerning Ysgol Gymraeg
Treganna and Tan yr Eos are resolved.
16. We have concerns about the proposed traffic improvements. We would

welcome additional information from the Local Authority about what is
proposed. In particular: is it proposed to re-design the Grosvenor
Street/Lansdowne Road junction with the funding secured? We believe this
to be a priority area. We also believe that serious consideration should be
given to the installation of another pedestrian crossing across the
Sanatorium Road part of the junction. We would welcome the opportunity to
discuss the plans in details with Local Authority Officers.
17. We believe that the Local Authority needs to ensure that it is open and
transparent about its plans and progress towards these throughout the
process going forward. We remain concerned that there is considerable
unease and mistrust around school reorganisation proposals in Canton. We
Page 27 of 36
must work together, with schools, residents and parents to overcome these
problems.
RhAG (Parents for Welsh Medium Education)
18. RhAG locally and nationally support the consultation. We support every
element connected to the consultation. We are pleased that the Local
Authority are following the Welsh National Assembly’s Welsh Medium
Education Strategy guidelines, of providing Welsh education to everyone
who wishes to have it, and are planning for that. We consider the
consultation and solution to Ysgol Treganna’s situation an integral part of
meeting the need for Welsh medium education in the Canton area.
Menter Caerdydd
19. Menter Caerdydd encourages children and young people to use Welsh in a
social context. As regards the consultation document, I would like to
respond in connection with the social use of a new building outside school
hours. Menter Caerdydd has a strong relationship with Ysgol Treganna and
has had the school’s cooperation for many years regarding the use of its
buildings during school holidays for Welsh-medium Care Schemes for the
area’s children. I would like this relationship to continue on the new site and
for us to hire the school at a reasonable rate for a number of other Welsh-
medium projects for children and young people of the area during school
holidays, after school and during weekends.
Consulting with Children
Pilot Activities Method Statement
20. As part of this consultation a number of different consultation methods were

piloted with a view to facilitating a more meaningful consultation with
children directly impacted by the proposal. These included adapted
presentations specific to facilitating children’s consideration of the key
issues; the use of questionnaires that were intended to be more ‘child-
friendly’ along with testing the use of video as a way of eliciting child to child
responses with the intention of limiting adult involvement.
21. A presentation was prepared to explain the key points of the proposal.
22. All children in Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna and Ysgol Tan yr Eos received the
presentation in class circle time and had the opportunity to explore and
discuss the issues from their perspectives. Some used mind mapping and
paired/small group discussions to consider issues such as what they liked
about their current school and would want to keep; what they would not
miss; what would be good about a new bigger school; and what they were
particularly excited and/or worried about .
Page 28 of 36
23. Some of these discussions were facilitated by Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna
staff, others were supported by officers from the Schools Organisation
Planning team. Some Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna children also had the
opportunity to make short video interviews with their peers to get their
thoughts about aspects of the proposal and produced ‘vox pops’ to express
their views.
24. Children in Year 6 at Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch also received the
presentation from School Organisation Planning officers and had the
opportunity to discuss issues of concern to them.
25. Year 6 children from both Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch and Ysgol Gymraeg
Treganna also completed questionnaires specifically for children as part of
the consultation.
26. Views expressed through the various activities are provided below.
Views of some of the pupils of Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna expressed

through the questionnaire format
27. Officers met with 23 Year 6 pupils from Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna who gave
their views on the proposal through the medium of child-friendly
questionnaires.
28. They were asked the following 4 key questions and were asked to indicate
whether they felt the idea something they felt was good, bad or unsure about
using a tick box with smiley faces.
What do you think about Ysgol Treganna and Ysgol Tan Yr Eos becoming
one school together?
Of the 23 pupils that answered19 felt that this was a good idea, 0 felt that this
was a bad idea, and 4 were unsure.
Some of the views expressed
“It is a good idea because brothers and sisters can come to the same place.”
“I think it’s a very good idea because it will be easier in the mornings for parents
to get to and from school.”
What do you think about the new Ysgol Treganna being big enough to
take 90 children with 3 classes in each year group?
Of the 23 pupils 9 felt that this was a good idea, 4 felt that this was a bad idea,
and 10 were unsure.
“The children will not know everybody else, but there will be more space”.
“If there really is more space it will be ok, but it could get crowded”.
Page 29 of 36
“I think it’s a bad idea as I don’t like big schools and Ysgol Treganna wouldn’t
be Ysgol Treganna if it was big”.
What do you think about the place for the new school?
Of the 23 pupils 6 felt that this was a good idea, 8 felt that this was a bad idea, 9
and were unsure.
“It makes the school further away.”
“It might be busy with Asda, and it’s a main road.”
“I would like it to be smaller.”
“I’m not sure where it is.”
What do you think about making the Ysgol Pwll Coch catchment area
smaller by putting part of it into the Ysgol Treganna catchment?
and 10 were unsure.
“A bigger catchment is much better.”
“It’s not fair on Ysgol Pwll Coch to take away their catchment area.”
Is there anything you would like us to think about to make this idea
better?
Of the 23 pupils 10 said that they would like more food for school dinners as at
present the year 6 pupils are last to sit for their lunch and by this time they say
that there is not enough food left for them.
Other things that pupils said that they would like to see included a library, a
swimming pool, joint assemblies so that siblings can see each other; and more
computers. Several pupils mentioned that Welsh speaking mid-day supervisors
would be a good idea.
Comments from the Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna and Ysgol Tan yr Eos Circle
Time Consultation Activities
29. When it came to the circle time activities undertaken with Ysgol Gymraeg
Treganna and Ysgol Tan-Yr-Eos the pupils had lots of thoughts, some in
common with each other, others specific to their individual sites location e.g.
Page 30 of 36
• the eating experience and the need to improve it was common to both
schools
• some concern regarding the catchment areas and who could/could not
come to new school
• the size of the school and getting lost
• the size of the school and the impact it would have with regard to friends
– more people to be friends with but also might not know everyone the
way they do now because there would be so many people
• ideas about facilities, particularly regarding a desire for more sports
facilities and performing arts space
• both groups of Ysgol Treganna children and a few Tan yr Eos were
concerned regarding the location and travelling to the new school
30. A sample of the comments from the children attending Ysgol Gymraeg
Treganna
What we’d like to keep

• We’d like to keep and increase the toys on the toy trolley
• Like the architecture of the old school building and don’t want it to be all
smooth completely clean surfaces inside – like the lived in look of Treganna
now
• Want to keep the buddying system in our class
• Like going to Sophia Gardens for the large sports hall and uninterrupted
sports time
• Like being able to play football on the yard but would like a bigger better
area marked out and ideally with goals that we can put up or are there all of
the time
• Like having toys but would like more and for them to be good quality
• Like the rainbow reading with the tape and getting to read aloud at the end
Size of the school – physically and numbers of children

• Like the whole school assembly
• Like the mixed age whole school play time
• Worried will lose friends because the school is nice as it is being small and
everyone knowing everyone, if lots more people won’t know everyone and
my friends might be friends with other people
• Worried if we don’t have a small school won’t know everyone and it will be
too big
Catchment area and who can come to the new school

• The location is much further from the top of the existing catchment, not sure
I will be walk able
• Not going to miss being split over all different sites so all can be in the same
pace and there will be better communication
• Think there should be buses to pick up children who live further away as it
will be too far to walk/cycle and not all families can drive everyday
Facilities
Indoor
• Dining room and lunchtimes are a problem, it will be better if there is more
space and we’ll be able to sit with our friends more
Page 31 of 36
• Would like a larger servery with some self selection
• Food in the school is not enough and there is not enough choice the food
can be cold sometimes, we’d like it hot
• Should have a different selection of drinks not just water
• Can we have a medical room?
• Better when we have space for a school hall so we don’t need to waste time
on the road, will be better if we can do things on site
• Would people who can’t walk be able to go upstairs, will there be a lift
• Can we have a library just for books and research?
• Want more space outside and inside school
• Can we have a trampoline?
• Would like a cookery room
• Would like and arts room
• Can we have cold water drinking fountains that always have cold water?
• Would like bigger classes
• Would like more computers in a computer room and in individual classes
• Would like better sports facilities including tennis courts, sports hall and
swimming pool
• Would like a hall/space for performing and drama
• Can we have a quiet room where we can read or do quiet activities if we
don’t always want to go outside?
• Can we have more small rooms where we can do activities like rainbow
reading, music lessons and things that are quiet and not disturbed all the
time?
Outdoor
• Would like monkey bars
• Bigger play space and grassed areas for us to play
• Would like a bigger space for more independent play as resources will be
able to be put away/got out more easily so we’ll be able to do it ourselves
• Can we have a school tennis court?
• Can we have allotments on site and at the allotments now?
• Could we have a cycle track around the school?
Other
• The location of the new school is a bit long distance for cycling if you live at
the top of the area
• Concerned regarding travel to the school especially if you travel over the
bridge (by the post sorting office over the rail line), would need money to
make the bridge better and safer for buggies and cycling
• Will miss this school if we move
• We’ve done lot of fighting for the new school and are sad we won’t be here
to enjoy it
• More children will want to be in the Eisteddfod and want to do the auditions
so might not get so much of a chance if the school is bigger with lots more
children
• Don’t need to rely on the availability of other local facilities or buses for
PE/drama etc
• How will you find enough teachers for a much bigger school?
• Will the school name change?
Page 32 of 36
• Is the new school still in Treganna, if it’s not Ysgol Treganna would be a
strange name
• Could we play football/rugby tournaments in school?
• If we have a bigger school more children can learn Welsh
• What will the old Ysgol Treganna building be used for?
• Current school will not be close to Chapter where my mum waits if it’s
raining when she picks me up from school, will there be somewhere dry to
wait?
• Can we have a quiet room/area so we could stay in if its raining at playtime
• Are we going to change our uniform?
31. A sample of the comments from the children attending Ysgol Tan Yr
Eos
Size of the school – physically and numbers of children

• Because it’s new and big worried will get lost and is so big.
• Can we have a map if the school is so big?
• Bigger choice for friends.
• Worried might be bullied in a bigger school, as now we know everyone
here but we won’t know everyone in a bigger school.
• Worried about getting lost.
• Will we be able to be with brothers and sisters not separate.
Catchment area and who can come to the new school

• Catchment are big enough for all the children because lots fit Tan yr Eos
don’t come from catchment area how so what will happen to our younger
brothers and sisters will they get in?
Facilities
Indoor
• Needs to be enough toilets
• Would like the hand dryers where you put your hands in, not under.
• Want a hall to do PE.
• Library and quiet place to read, with newspapers/crosswords.
• Coffee machine (for the teachers) and water fountains, water dispenser
for the children like at Sophia Gardens.
• Bigger canteen areas so we don’t have to eat so fast and can sit with our
friends because now we have to sit boys or girls so we’re finished
quicker
• Colourful library with comfy seats and nice pictures and egg chairs, fluffy
carpets.
• Lockers instead of drawers.
• Can we have pets (indoor and outdoor)?
• Space for disco.
• Construction table (with bricks on the inside and a ledge for building thing
son the outside).
• Lots of natural light, with big windows and the ones that come through
the roof (using sun pipes) so we’re not wasting electricity.
• Want to be able to still hang things on walls and ceiling.
• Lots of computers with a computer room.
Page 33 of 36
Outdoor
Can we have a:
• Pond with fish.
• Swimming pool.
• Ice rink.
• Rugby pitch/football.
• Shelter, benches so we can sit and talk with our friends, games areas
different outdoor games to play
• Outdoor play equipment.
• Trees and natural shade when its sunny and we can have picnics/places
for animals to live
• Bike stands.
• Room for outdoor classroom so we can look carefully at the things we
find outside
• Water fountain outside to look at.
Other
• Sad that Tan yr Eos not in the name - but want new school more then we
want to keep the name tan yr Eos, if there was a choice would keep Tan
Yr Eos as part of the name or mix it with Treganna ‘Tanna’, ‘Tregaeos’.
• Can we have a different uniform?
• Will our teachers come too?
• Will miss coming to Tan yr Eos.
• School newspaper with each class taking it in turns to write it.
• More people using the school after school.
32. Transcripts of the Year 6 Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna Pupils “Vox-Pops”

relating to their experience in their current school and how things
could be if the proposal were agreed
What don’t you like about playtime?
“I fall over at playtime.”
“We don’t have a football pitch or goals”.
“We have no grass.”
What do you like about playtime?
“We can use lots of good equipment”.
“I like football, but it would be better if we had goals.”
What do you like about assembly?
“I like the stories.”
“Mr Harries telling stories because he’s funny.”
Page 34 of 36
Should we move school or stay?
“I want to move because the school is too small.”
“During lunch break we don’t have much room at all.”
“Sometimes the year 6 pupils don’t get enough food.”
Are you nervous about moving schools?
“I am looking forward to going to a new school, but Mam and Dad don’t know
much about it, so I don’t think I’ll be able to go.”
33. Views of the Pupils of Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch expressed through
the questionnaire format
Officers met with 19 Year 6 pupils from Ysgol Pwll Coch who gave their views
on the proposal through the medium of child-friendly questionnaires.
They were asked the following 4 key questions and were asked to indicate
whether they thought something was good, bad or unsure using a tick box with
smiley faces.
What do you think about Ysgol Treganna and Ysgol Tan Yr Eos becoming
one school together?
and 7 were unsure.
“It is a good idea because the existing Ysgol Treganna pupils will have new
friends and new people to interact with.”
“I think it is a bad idea because there will be too many children if the two
schools join together.”
“It is a good idea as it gives more children the chance to learn through Welsh.”
What do you think about the new Ysgol Treganna being big enough to
take 90 children with 3 classes in each year group?
and 5 were unsure.
“It has a good side that more people can learn Welsh. The bad side is that
there will be too many pupils feeding into high school.”
Page 35 of 36
“You have to think about the schools trips, the concerts, food bills etc. If the
school has a lot of children it will cost more”.
“It’s a good idea as the children will get more friends”.
“A bad idea. We won’t have enough children in Ysgol Pwll Coch”.
“It’s a good idea because there will be more space for the children”.
“A bad idea. There will be a lot of fuss and a lot of confusion”.
“I think it’s good because a lot more people will speak Welsh!”
What do you think about the place for the new school?
and 6 were unsure.
“It’s a good idea because there’s a lot more space and land to play on at the
new school”.
“There is a nursery across the road from where the new school will be. This
could affect traffic and could cause disagreements.”
“A bad idea because most people travel by car and there will be loads of traffic
and people might be late for school.”
What do you think about making the Ysgol Pwll Coch catchment area
smaller by putting part of it into the Ysgol Treganna catchment?
and 3 were unsure.
“I think Ysgol Treganna is taking over Ysgol Pwll Coch by taking some of our
catchment area. It will make things complicated for many families”.
“This could be a bad idea for brothers and sisters”.
“A good idea. This will even out the two schools once Ysgol Treganna is built
on Sanatorium Road”.
Page 36 of 36

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CARDIFF COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE BUSINESS MEETING: 7 APRIL 2011

SCHOOL ORGANISATION PLANNING: PROVISION OF WELSH

PORTFOLIO: EDUCATION & LIFELONG LEARNING

Reason for this Report

1. At its meeting on 22 October 2010 the School Sub Committee (SSC)

2. At this meeting the SSC recommended to the Executive that consultation

3. Consultation on the proposal was agreed by the Executive at its meeting

4. This report is to inform the Executive of the responses received to the

5. The Executive is asked to consider responses following public

• The transfer of Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna into new build premises as

The consultation included details of a revision of the Ysgol Gymraeg

6. Public consultation was held between 5 January and 28 February 2011.

7. The consultation process involved:

• distribution of a Consultation Document, outlining background,

• a series of meetings, for staff and governors of each school and

• meetings between officer and pupils from Ysgol Gymraeg

• public drop in sessions where officers were available to answer

• a consultation response slip for return by post or e-mail, attached

8. The views expressed at Council organised meetings and on paper or

9. Formal written responses were received from the Governing Bodies of

Support for the Proposal

11. The majority view expressed throughout the consultation both at

13. Views regarding the inadequacy of existing facilities available currently

16. Of the written individual responses received 281 indicated unequivocal

Opposition to the Proposal

Summary of responses to the proposal:

Location of the school

20. Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna has been physically located in a position

Appraisal of views expressed

Proximity of the new Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna to Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll

Appraisal of views expressed

27. Furthermore, given the levels of demand for Welsh-medium education it

Traditional use of the site by local residents

Appraisal of views expressed

Potential the site is polluted and/or at risk of flooding

34. Some respondees have expressed concern regarding the suitability of

Appraisal of views expressed

38. Children at Ysgol Gymraeg Treganna, Ysgol Tan-yr-Eos and Ysgol

Appraisal of views expressed

39. The relationship between school size and effectiveness is complex.

• the context in which the school operates; and

Appraisal of views expressed

Planning for future demand in the wider area

50. Concern expressed regarding the growing demand for Welsh-medium

52. It is acknowledged that beyond this proposal there will be a need to

55. In contrast the Sanatorium site is amenity POS in an area with a

Confusion relating to surplus places in English-medium schools in the

Appraisal of views expressed

Impact on Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch numbers resulting from the

Appraisal of views expressed

63. There is projected to be demand in excess of the places that will be

Appraisal of views expressed

65. In response to concerns over a period of time elsewhere in Cardiff the

This change will be considered at the Council’s Executive Business

Appraisal of views expressed

67. Admission to schools are administered in line with the Council’s