Agenda item

Key Issues:

The Chief Officer clarified that the formal consultation on the closure of Mounton House School is in progress and provided background information about the school.  Questions were invited

Member scrutiny:

·         A Member of the Select Committee opposed the proposal and suggested that Option 3 (change type of provision) would be preferable to avoid closure which would go against the authority’s policies and the wellbeing agenda.  It was acknowledged that finances are difficult on the existing numbers but it was queried why there was no detail of alternative strategy to compare against closure.  In response, the Chief Officer clarified that there are no other alternatives because these would have had to have been costed and would have led to a predetermined case.  If the proposals are agreed, alternative strategy for the accommodation of additional learning needs would be compiled at that time.

·         A Member of the Select Committee, and also the local member for the school, supported the original Option 3 to change provision at the school to meet the requirements of children with ASD and SEBD in the county on a transitional basis and referred to the table of advantages provided at that time Caerphilly.  It was added that there is strong support for the school within the local community and that staff have enormous impact on the lives of the pupils.  The Public Service Board priority of giving all children in the county the best start in life was referred to.  It was recognised that these are vulnerable children in need of the support they receive through the provision at the school.  In turn, this improves learning for mainstream pupils by reducing challenging behaviour in the classroom.  The Member doubted the financial aspects of the reasons for closure and supported the school remaining open gradually widening the number of pupils and age range and transitioning to accessing 21st C School funding to make improvements to cover the growing need in the county.  The Member referred to the Change.Org petition signed by 2200 people.  Referring to possible modifications to the school, a breakdown of the costs has been requested.  The Chief Officer explained that developments in other authorities has contributed to less pupils for Mounton House School.  It was added, regarding Band B/C capital funding, that decisions on priorities in the county have been very difficult.  A further capital cost will bring more challenges.  Band C funding isn’t released until 2024 and the financial position at the school will worsen in the interim time. 

·         A Member also opposed the closure of the school and supported Option 3 and was concerned about the consequences for the children e.g. the potential for long bus journeys to access alternative provision.  The Chief Officer responded that there is need to think about appropriate access and provision for children, and levels of need.  There is no presumption that pupils would return to mainstream with one to one support. 

·         A Member referred to the falling numbers at the school and suggested that the only way to keep the school open is to have more numbers.  The savings would provide funding for more children in the county.

·         The Chair referred to his experience with young people with diagnosed mental health disorders and of the need for close work with the NHS CAMHS services and the Public Service Board so they receive the services they need.  He was clear that any saved money must not return to a general schools fund.

·         A Member referred to the significant amount of staff dissatisfaction with the consultation process, and questioned why staff could not have been involved in options appraisal.  Attention was drawn to the Outreach work carried out in schools by staff and requested that the funding follows the child in that respect.  The Member referred to the previous inclusion of the School as an important component of the outcomes of the ALN review.  The Member also supported Option 3 and the redevelopment of services on the site. The Chief Officer explained that everyone has opportunity to put forward views in the consultation process and the process will be fair and transparent.  It was confirmed that the Age Weighted Pupil Unit of funding follows the child to the Pupil Referral Service. 

·         A Member raised the need for a better model for the school for both sexes to cope with the level of need and supported Option 3.

·         A Member asked if the Select Committee could see the consultation responses.

The Headteacher of the school spoke about the successful work and outcomes achieved at the school.  She expressed concern that there were only two options in the consultation report; to remain the same or close.  She was encouraged by talk of Option 3. She supported the re-designation of the school by age and gender and to change the formula with a new business plan and use the school in a different way to meet the needs of Monmouthshire pupils including for those pupils in mainstream schools. The Chair of Governors supported the points made by the Headteacher.  He added that there was an opportunity to capitalise on the residential facilities for respite care.

A union representative explained that her main concern behaviour in mainstream and referred to her positive experience of the outreach work provided by the school.  She was concerned that, in the interim, there was the potential for good staff to leave due to uncertainties and supported an alternate change of provision.