5. Mayfields Rezone - Cabinet - 30.05.2023
North Ayrshire Council · 30 May 2023
Back to Cabinet — 30 May 2023 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 30 May 2023 Cabinet Title: Proposal to amend the primary school catchment boundary between Saltcoats and Stevenston Purpose: • To provide feedback to Cabinet on the outcome of the Statutory Public Consultation. • To seek approval to amend the primary school catchment boundary between Mayfield and Glencairn, St Anthony’s and St John’s Primary Schools. Recommendation: That Cabinet agrees to: • Note the content of the Consultation Report at Appendix 1 of this document. • Amend the primary school catchment boundary lines between Mayfield and Glencairn, St Anthony’s and St John’s Primary Schools from August 2023. 1. Executive Summary 1.1 On 29 November 2022, as a result of a new housing development in Saltcoats, Cabinet agreed to commence a Statutory Public Consultation on the proposal to amend the catchment boundary lines between the following primary schools: • Mayfield Primary School • Glencairn Primary School • St Anthony’s Primary School • St John’s Primary School 1.2 The consultation opened on Monday 9 January and closed on Thursday 2 March 2023. Thereafter, Education Scotland provided their report and a copy of this is attached as Appendix 3 to the Council’s Consultation Report (Appendix 1 of this report). This was made available to the public from 17 April to 7 May 2023. 1.3 Twenty-five formal online responses were received, however 2 of these were not valid as the respondents referred to another building development in Saltcoats and not the Mayfields site, the development which has highlighted the issue under consideration. Two respondents agreed with the proposal and 21 were against.
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1.4 A further 56 responses were received from P4-7 pupils across the four directly affected primary schools. These were equally split, with half of the children supporting the proposal and others that have some reservations. 1.5 Various themes emerged across all responses received. The Council has set these out, along with its response to each theme, in its report at Appendix 1 of this document. Education Scotland is of the view that the proposal to change the catchment areas as stated by the Council is sufficient in terms of educational benefits. Although around half of stakeholders who met with HM Inspectors are opposed to the proposals, HM Inspectors are satisfied that the Council has systems in place to carefully manage school admissions. 1.6 All responses received were carefully considered and the proposal was reviewed taking these into account. The report at Appendix 1 aims to respond and reassure the public that the proposal has been robustly developed. After reviewing and considering all responses, feedback from the public meeting and Education Scotland’s report, North Ayrshire Council’s proposal to amend the primary school catchment boundaries remains unchanged. Cabinet is therefore asked to approve the report recommendation from August 2023. 2. Background 2.1 On 29 November 2022, Cabinet agreed to commence a Statutory Public Consultation. The Proposal Document was emailed to statutory consultees on 9 January 2023. The link to the document was made available to all parents/carers via email and copies were also available from: • All Saltcoats and Stevenston Primary Schools • Saltcoats Town Hall and Saltcoats Library • Stevenston Library • Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE, or • By calling 01294 324442 2.3 The formal responses received are set out in the table below. Of the 25 formal online responses received, 2 were deemed to be invalid as the respondents referred to separate Saltcoats Persimmon site. Two respondents agreed with the proposal and 21 were against. Response Yes No Not valid Number 2 21 2 Breakdown 1 1 12 8 1 1 1 Interest Parent/ carer Other Staff Parent/ carers Other Staff Other
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2.4 Key themes that emerged can be summarised as follows: • Pupil numbers within classes • Capacity at Mayfield and St Anthony’s Primary Schools • Occupancy at St John’s and Glencairn Primary Schools • Transition, particularly from Mayfield PS Early Years Class into P1 • Traffic management 2.5 Children in P4-7 across the 4 directly affected primary schools were asked to complete an online form to share their thoughts and views on the proposal. In consultation with the Head Teacher, the following questions were asked: (i) New houses are being built beside Tesco and the Council would like these children to go to St Anthony’s Primary School or Mayfield Primary School. Do you agree with this? (ii) Why have you answered yes or no to the question? 2.5.1 A total of 56 responses were received from pupils and the table below provides a breakdown of the answers to question (i): School Yes No Glencairn Primary 6 10 Mayfield Primary 10 2 St Anthony's Primary 11 5 St John's Primary 1 11 Total 28 28 2.6 Key themes from the primary school pupils can be summarised as follows: • Making new friends • Going to the closest school • Are the schools big enough for the extra children? • Being able to choose their school • Low pupil numbers at St John’s Primary School 2.7 The Council welcomes all feedback and is grateful to all who participated in the Statutory Public Consultation. The detail of all issues raised and the Council’s response to these is contained within the published report at Appendix 1. 2.8 The consultation closed on 2 March 2023 and all documents were sent to Education Scotland. The Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 requires that Education Scotland provides an independent and impartial consideration of this proposal. In preparing their report, HM Inspectors undertook the following activities: • Attendance at the public meeting held on 18 January 2023 in connection with the Council’s proposals;
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• Consideration of all relevant documentation provided by the council in relation to the proposal, specifically the educational benefits statement and related consultation documents, written and oral submissions from parents and others; • Visits to the sites of Mayfield, Glencairn, St John’s and St Anthony’s primary schools, including discussion with relevant consultees; and • Engagement with the Diocesan Representative for North Ayrshire. 2.9 Education Scotland is of the view that the proposal to change the catchment areas as stated by the Council is sufficient in terms of educational benefits. Although around half of stakeholders who met with HM Inspectors are opposed to the proposals, HM Inspectors are satisfied that the council have systems in place to carefully manage school admissions to the schools impacted. 2.10 After reviewing and considering all responses, feedback from the public meeting and Education Scotland’s report, North Ayrshire Council’s proposal to amend the primary school catchment boundaries remains unchanged. The Council’s Consultation report, attached as Appendix 1 of this report, aims to reassure the public that the proposal has been robustly developed. 2.11 Maintaining the current catchment boundaries would mean that children with a Saltcoats address would live in the catchment area for a primary school in Stevenston. The key aim of this proposal is to provide children with a place at the primary school nearest to their home, along with their neighbours and to be able to walk a short distance to school. The proposal will, through the creation of new catchment boundaries, offer a more equitable split of pupil numbers in the Saltcoats area. Access to reliable local data allows the Council to strategically forward plan to accommodate appropriate education provision for future years and parents/carers will still be able to exercise choice of school via the existing placing request process. On balance, this proposal best meets the educational and wellbeing needs of all children who will live in the area. 3. Proposals 3.1 That Cabinet agrees to: • Note the content of the Consultation Report at Appendix 1. • Amend the primary school catchment boundary as proposed from August 2023. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 There are no financial implications directly arising from this report. Human Resources 4.2 There are no human resource implications arising from this report. Legal 4.3 The process being followed is in accordance with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010.
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Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 They key aim of this proposal is to provide children with a place at the primary school nearest their home, along with their neighbourhood peers. This includes continuity in support of their education and social development and plays a significant role in the early social cohesion of the new community which this significant housing development will deliver. Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 The proposal should support walking to school. The proposed boundary change creates a local catchment area, with a walk of less than 0.5 miles from the new development to Mayfield Primary School. St Anthony’s Primary School is 0.7 miles from the new housing development, whilst St John’s Primary School is 1.8 miles away, along a busy main road with Glencairn PS located 1.3 miles away from the new development. Key Priorities 4.6 Inspiring Place Vibrant, welcoming, and attractive places An efficient Council that maximises resources and provides value for money Community Wealth Building 4.7 None arising from this report. 5. Consultation 5.1 Early engagement took place in the form of meetings with Head Teachers in June 2022, with follow up discussions and a meeting with Parent Council Chairpersons in August 2022. Full Consultation then took place with the Head Teachers and Parent Councils of the 4 directly affected primary schools. Local Elected Members have also been consulted. Audrey Sutton Executive Director (Communities & Education) For further information please contact Lynn Taylor, Senior Manager, on (01294) 324437. Background Papers Appendix 1: Catchment Boundary Amendment = Consultation Report
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CONSULTATION REPORT Proposal to amend the primary school catchment boundary, directly affecting the following schools: Mayfield Primary School Glencairn Primary School St Anthony’s Primary School St John’s Primary School REPORT BY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMUNITIES AND EDUCATION DIRECTORATE This document has been issued by North Ayrshire Council for consultation in terms of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 This document can also be made available in other formats and community languages. Please apply in writing to North Ayrshire Council, Communities and Education Directorate, Cunninghame House, Friars Croft, Irvine, KA12 8EE; by telephone on 01294 324442; or by email at educ_consultation@north-ayrshire.gov.uk.
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Page 2 of 10 North Ayrshire Council Communities and Education Directorate Primary School Catchment Boundary Amendment Table of Contents 1 The Purpose of the Consultation Report ................................................................. 3 2 Background ............................................................................................................ 3-4 3 The Proposal .............................................................................................................. 4 4 The Formal Statutory Public Consultation Process ............................................ 4-7 5 Consultation with Pupils ........................................................................................ 7-8 6 Education Scotland’s Report and the Council’s Response ............................. 8-10 7 Next Steps ................................................................................................................10 8 Conclusion ................................................................................................................10 List of Appendices Appendix 1 - Proposal Document Appendix 2 - Note of Public Meeting Appendix 3 - Education Scotland Report
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Page 3 of 10 NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL COMMUNITIES AND EDUCATION DIRECTORATE CONSULTATION REPORT 1. THE PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTATION REPORT In line with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, North Ayrshire Council is required to: set out the total number of written representations made to the Council by any person during the period of the public consultation exercise; set out a summary of those written representations; set out a summary of the oral representations made to the Council at the public meeting held at Saltcoats Town Hall on 18 January 2023 set out a statement of the Council’s response to: those written and oral representations; and Education Scotland’s report. provide a copy of Education Scotland’s report; set out a statement explaining how the Council reviewed the above proposal having had regard (in particular) to: the relevant written representations received by the Council during the public consultation period: oral representations made to it at the public meeting detailed above; and Education Scotland’s report. provide details of any alleged omission from, or inaccuracy in, the Proposal Document and a statement of any action taken where necessary. 2. BACKGROUND 2.1 A planning application was approved in November 2019 for up to 370 new homes at the Mayfields site, behind the current Tesco supermarket, High Road, Saltcoats. The site layout provided shows that new homes will be built over the existing primary school catchment boundary lines. This required the catchment arrangements to be reviewed. 2.2 Various options were considered, as set out in the Proposal Document attached at Appendix 1. After early engagement with the local school communities, the recommended option was to rezone all the new homes to Mayfield Primary School, for non-denominational education, and St Anthony’s Primary School for denominational education.
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Page 4 of 10 2.3 This option makes geographical sense and, importantly, will provide children with a place at the primary school nearest their home, along with their neighbourhood peers. Current pupil roll projections indicate that the schools can accommodate the anticipated change to pupil numbers. As a result of the proposed change, the catchment area for Mayfield Primary School would be of a comparable size to those at Ardeer and Blacklands primary schools, both of which operate with a similar number of classes to Mayfield Primary School. 3. THE PROPOSAL 3.1 At its meeting on 29 November 2022, North Ayrshire Council Cabinet agreed to the commencement of a Statutory Public Consultation (SPC) on the proposal: (i) To amend the Mayfield Primary School catchment boundary line to include the whole of the Mayfields housing development (ii) To amend the St Anthony’s Primary School catchment boundary line to include the whole of the Mayfields housing development 3.2 Should the proposal be approved, the P1 intake at Mayfield Primary School will be monitored closely and capped when required, in order to ensure that there are sufficient places for catchment children in future years. 4. THE FORMAL STATUTORY PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS 4.1 A Proposal Document (Appendix 1) was developed and published on the Council’s Community Planning Partnership website. A printed copy was made available at: NAC HQ, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE All Saltcoats and Stevenston Primary Schools Saltcoats Town Hall and Saltcoats Library Stevenston Library 4.2 The consultation was open from Monday 9 January to Thursday 2 March 2023. The Proposal Document was sent by email to all statutory consultees listed in the Proposal Document. The link to the document was also made available to all parents/carers at affected schools via email. 4.3 A public meeting was held at Saltcoats Town Hall, Countess Street, Saltcoats on 18 January 2023. The official note of this meeting can be found at Appendix 2. The meeting was advertised via public notice in the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald on the following dates: Wednesday 4 January 2023 Wednesday 11 January 2023 Wednesday 18 January 2023 The meeting was also advertised on the community radio station, 3TFM. 4.4 Views on the proposal were encouraged, using the following methods: Completing an online response form via MS Forms;
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Page 5 of 10 Submitting a paper copy of the response form; Writing to the Head of Service (Education), Communities Directorate, North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EE; or Emailing educ_consultation@north-ayrshire.gov.uk. 4.5 After considering the information provided within the proposal document and appendices, stakeholders were asked to respond to the following questions: “Do you agree with the proposal to amend the catchment boundary in order to rezone the Mayfields Persimmon housing development to Mayfield Primary School and St Anthony’s Primary School?” “Please give your reasons below.” 4.6 A total of 25 formal responses were received, all online, via MS Forms. Two of these responses are not valid – the respondents referred to another Saltcoats Persimmon site, not Mayfields. This information was sent to both respondents. Of the valid responses, two were in favour of the proposal and 21 were against. The table below sets out the responses, and details the respondents’ connection with the proposal: Response Yes No Not valid Number 2 21 2 Breakdown 1 1 12 8 1 1 1 Interest Parent/ carer Other Staff Parent/ carers Other Staff Other 4.7 There were 7 attendees at the public meeting: A parent 2 NAC Local Members 3 NAC school management staff members Education Scotland representative 4.8 The themes that emerged from the representations at the public meeting and from the formal responses can be categorised as follows: (i) Pupil numbers within classes (ii) Capacity at Mayfield and St Anthony’s Primary Schools (iii) Occupancy at St John’s and Glencairn Primary Schools (iv) Transition, particularly from Mayfield PS Early Years’ Class into P1 (v) Traffic management 4.9 The Council welcomes all feedback and is grateful to those who participated in the Statutory Public Consultation. Responses to the issues raised are set out below: 4.9.1 Pupil numbers within classes Class sizes are legally limited to 33 for P4-7, 30 for P2-3 and 25 for P1 and composite classes. Our teachers are well-equipped to deliver education to classes of these sizes and children are grouped as efficiently as possible for each new school session. Roll projections show that the space available within Mayfield and St Anthony’s Primary Schools can sufficiently accommodate classes of these sizes.
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Page 6 of 10 Children who live within the new proposed catchment areas will be allocated school places first, resulting in fewer places expected to be available for allocation to placing requests from children outwith the catchment area, in the future. Implementing the proposal would result in a higher proportion of catchment children attending schools in the area. 4.9.2 Capacity at Mayfield and St Anthony’s Primary Schools As outlined above at 4.9.1, each year, there are a high number of placing requests into Mayfield Primary School. Further concerns were raised regarding the overall capacity of the school buildings. Based on the Mayfields housing development taking place over a ten-year period, the roll projection shows that Mayfield and St Anthony’s Primary Schools will have capacity to accommodate the expected increase in pupil numbers. This situation will be closely monitored going forward, in order to manage numbers effectively. Staffing levels and year group arrangements will continue to be planned efficiently across all of the schools. Although not directly affected by the proposal, Dykesmains Primary School could see more of their catchment children enrolling in the future as currently children from this area make up a significant number of the placing requests into Mayfield Primary School. 4.9.3 Occupancy at St John’s Primary School Some respondents were concerned about low occupancy at St John’s Primary School, where the roll has fallen in recent years and these concerns are duly noted. However, projections show that continuing with the current catchment arrangements is likely to result in only 1 additional pupil per year at St John’s Primary School and that maintaining the current catchment boundary would have a minimal effect on the denominational schools. The reducing roll at St John’s Primary School should be considered in the wider context of a general decline in birth rates and primary school pupil numbers across North Ayrshire, which is unrelated to this proposal. On balance, the Council feels that this proposal best meets the educational and wellbeing needs of all children who will live in the area. Parents/carers will still be able to exercise choice of school via the existing placing request process. 4.9.4 Transition, particularly from Mayfield PS Early Years’ Class into P1 One respondent raised a concern regarding the future availability of P1 places for non- catchment children who may attend Mayfield PS Early Years’ Class. As there are no catchment areas for early years, parents will require to consider the likely availability of places at Mayfield Primary School when selecting the appropriate early years provision for their child. 4.9.5 Traffic management Traffic around schools can be problematic and requires careful management. The proposed boundary change creates a local catchment area, with a walk of less than 0.5 miles from the new development to Mayfield Primary School, where the majority of the children from the new development will attend. St Anthony’s Primary School, which will accommodate the denominational pupils under this proposal, is 0.7 miles from the new housing development.
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Page 7 of 10 Given the relatively short distances between the development and the proposed catchment schools, traffic may in fact be reduced as a result as more children may to walk to school. St John’s Primary School is 1.8 miles away with Glencairn PS located 1.3 miles away from the new development. 5. CONSULTATION WITH PUPILS 5.1 The Council recognises the importance of seeking the views of learners and their school communities. A guiding principle of ‘Scotland’s Learning Estate Strategy’ states that, ‘good consultation about learning environments, direct engagement with learners and communities about their needs and experiences, and an involvement in decision making processes should lead to better outcomes for all’. 5.2 Further to consultation with Head Teachers, it was decided to seek the views of children in P4-7 at the 4 directly affected primary schools. 5.3 The children were asked to complete a form, using their online school accounts, to share their thoughts and views on the proposal. The following questions were asked, which were developed by the collective group of Head Teachers: New houses are being built beside Tesco and the Council would like these children to go to St Anthony’s Primary School or Mayfield Primary School. Do you agree with this? Why have you answered yes or no to the question? 5.4 A total of 56 responses were received from pupils across the 4 primary schools and the table below provides a breakdown of these: School Yes No Glencairn Primary 6 10 Mayfield Primary 10 2 St Anthony's Primary 11 5 St John's Primary 1 11 Total 28 28 5.5 The following sections outline the thoughts of the pupils from each primary school: 5.5.1 Glencairn Primary School The majority of children asked at Glencairn Primary School were not in favour of the proposal. They thought that people should be able to choose their own school and would like a wider group of friends to join their school. Of those who agreed with the proposal, 6 out of 16, felt that children should attend the school closest to their home, as this was safer.
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Page 8 of 10 5.5.2 Mayfield Primary School The majority of Mayfield Primary School participating in the online survey were in favour of the proposal, mainly because of the potential to make new friends. Of the 2 children who did not agree, one was worried about not knowing the new children and the second child believed there is not enough space at Mayfield Primary School. 5.5.3 St Anthony’s Primary School The majority of children from St Anthony’s Primary School taking part in the online survey agreed with the proposal (11 of 16). The children thought that attending the closest school to home is important and looked forward to making new friends. Five children did not agree and felt that there was not enough space at St Anthony’s Primary School for more children and that other schools had a low number of pupils. 5.5.4 St John’s Primary School Only one child at St John’s Primary School agreed with the proposal, with 11 against. All 12 children wanted to see the roll at St John’s Primary School increase. 5.6 The main themes emerging from the children’s responses were as follows: Making new friends Going to the closest school Are the schools big enough for the extra children? Being able to choose their school Low pupil numbers at St John’s Primary School 5.7 The Council welcomes all feedback, especially from our children and young people and have responded below: 5.7.1 The key aim of this proposal is to provide children with a place at the primary school nearest their home, along with their neighbours. The children would be able to walk a short distance to school. The Council has looked at the likely numbers in detail and believes that Mayfield and St Anthony’s Primary Schools are large enough to include the children from the new homes. Parents/carers will be able to choose their catchment school or make a placing request to the school of their choice, as can be done at present. The Council notes the concerns from children, parents and staff at St John’s Primary School about the pupil numbers. Leaving the catchment area as it is would only result in around 1 extra child per year for St John’s Primary School and would mean that children with a Saltcoats address would be catchment for a Stevenston primary school 1.8 miles away from where they live. For this reason, the Council believes that the proposal to rezone all of the children to St Anthony’s and Mayfield Primary Schools is the right one for all children in the local area. 6. EDUCATION SCOTLAND’S REPORT AND THE COUNCIL’S RESPONSE 6.1 Education Scotland has a key role in considering the educational aspects of the proposal. Their officer conducted meetings on 8 and 9 March to consult with parents/ carers, staff, young people and the Catholic Church representative on the educational aspects of the proposal.
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Page 9 of 10 6.2 Copies of the Proposal Document, the full note of the public meeting held and all formal responses to the proposal received were submitted to Education Scotland on 8 March 2023. A representative from Education Scotland attended the public meeting held on 18 January. 6.3 In accordance with the requirements of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, a report was provided by Education Scotland in relation to the proposal. This report can be found at Appendix 3. 6.4 Education Scotland Report Summary HM Inspectors are of the view that the proposal to change the catchment areas as stated by the council is sufficient in terms of educational benefits. Although around half of stakeholders who met with HM Inspectors are opposed to the proposals, HM Inspectors are satisfied that the council have systems in place to carefully manage school admissions to the schools impacted. The council do not foresee a situation where school capacity is exceeded. Should the proposal be agreed the council will need to work with stakeholders to manage any increase in traffic in affected school areas. 6.5 North Ayrshire Council welcomes the report by Education Scotland which highlights and supports the identified educational benefits of the proposal. Education Scotland’s comments are detailed in their report, attached at Appendix 3. The Council has considered these comments, both during and after the public consultation process and can offer the following responses. 6.6 Education Scotland’s comment: “The council does concede that there could be a possible negative impact on children attending some of the schools in future, albeit not for a number of years.” 6.6.1 The Council’s response: As outlined in Education Scotland’s report and at 4.9.2 above, this situation will be closely monitored going forward, in order to manage numbers effectively. The Council do not foresee a situation whereby siblings, applying to schools by placing request, would not be able to secure a place at Mayfield or St Anthony’s Primary School. 6.7 Education Scotland’s comments: “Parents at St John’s Primary School are strongly against the proposals. Whilst recognising the benefits to small class numbers currently at the school, they expressed concern about the longer-term impact should numbers fall further.” “staff at St John’s Primary School expressed strong reservations. They believe a falling school roll will be detrimental for their school community.” “children at St John’s Primary School are worried that the proposal might lead to reductions in staffing and resources should numbers attending the school fall significantly” 6.7.1 The Council’s response: As outlined in Education Scotland’s report and at 4.9.3 above, the Council re-iterate that this issue should be viewed within the wider context of a general decline in birth rates and primary school pupil numbers. Whilst the proposed boundary amendment
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Page 10 of 10 may be seen as a loss of potential new pupils for Glencairn and St John’s Primary Schools, the Council’s predictions estimate that there should be little impact on either school. Parents and carers will still be able to exercise their choice of school via the existing placing request process. 6.8 Education Scotland’s comments: “Parents from St Anthony’s and Mayfield Primary Schools also have reservations about the council’s proposals in terms of increasing class sizes.” “the lay member representing the Catholic Church in North Ayrshire who is in favour of the proposal”… “expressed some reservation regarding overcrowding of local schools in future, given that there are other housing developments in the area.” 6.8.1 The Council’s response: This issue was raised in the formal responses and at the public meeting. The Council operates class structures to the national legal limits, as detailed at 4.9.1, above. Our teachers are well-equipped to deliver education to classes of these sizes and children are grouped as efficiently as possible for each new school session. Roll projections show that the space available within Mayfield and St Anthony’s Primary Schools can sufficiently accommodate classes of these sizes. 6.9 Education Scotland’s comment: St Anthony’s and Mayfield Primary Schools “experience issues with parents and carers parking directly outside the school gates, particularly at the end of the school day. Parents in both schools worry that traffic would only increase should the proposal go ahead.” 6.9.1 The Council’s response: Traffic around schools can be problematic and requires careful management. the location of the new development should encourage children to walk to school. Mayfield Primary School is less than 0.5 miles and St Anthony’s Primary School is 0.7 miles away. 7. NEXT STEPS IN TERMS OF SECTION 15(4) OF THE SCHOOLS (CONSULTATION)(SCOTLAND) ACT 2010 7.1 In terms of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. North Ayrshire Council will take the final decision on whether to approve the proposal or not at its Cabinet meeting to be held on 30 May 2023. 8. CONCLUSION 8.1 After reviewing and considering all responses, feedback from the public meeting and Education Scotland’s report, North Ayrshire Council’s proposal to amend the primary school catchment boundaries remains unchanged. 8.2 If approved, it is proposed that this change would be effective from the next school session, 2024/25.
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1 COMMUNITIES AND EDUCATION DIRECTORATE Proposal to amend the primary school catchment boundary, directly affecting the following schools: Mayfield Primary School Glencairn Primary School St Anthony’s Primary School St John’s Primary School REPORT BY HEAD OF SERVICE (EDUCATION) This document has been issued by North Ayrshire Council for consultation in terms of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 This document can also be made available in other formats and community languages. Appendix 3
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2 North Ayrshire Council Communities and Education Directorate Catchment Boundary Amendment Saltcoats and Stevenston Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary 2. Strategic Context 3. Background and Rationale 4. Proposal 5. Educational Benefits Statement 6. Statutory Public Consultation Process Appendices 1. Current Catchment Boundary Map 2. Proposal Timeline 3. Options Considered 4. Roll Projection 5. Mayfield Primary School P1 Intake Data 2018-2022 6. Proposed Catchment Boundary Map 7. Response Form
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3 1. Executive Summary 1.1 The Council approved a planning application to build up to 370 new homes at Mayfields, Saltcoats. This will result in the construction of new homes across the following primary school catchment boundaries: Mayfield Primary School Glencairn Primary School St Anthony’s Primary School St John’s Primary School If the existing boundary lines are left unchanged, it would lead to a situation whereby homes in the new development would fall within the catchment areas of Mayfield and St Anthony’s primary schools, or Glencairn and St John’s primary schools, which are further away. Some of the new homes would be built across the catchment boundary line. 1.2 Work has been undertaken to assess the impact of the new development on existing school catchments and to examine any feasible options for change. The map at Appendix 1 shows this in more detail. Four options were considered as part of early engagement with the local school communities: Do nothing Amend catchment boundary around the new homes Rezone 5 existing streets to Dykesmains Primary School Rezone all new homes to Mayfield Primary School - preferred 1.3 On Tuesday 29 November 2022, Cabinet (Education) approved a statutory public consultation on the preferred option to rezone all of the new housing development to Mayfield Primary School (non-denominational) and St Anthony’s Primary School (denominational). 1.4 The consultation will commence on 9 January 2023 and close on 2 March 2023. A public meeting to discuss the proposal will be held at 6.30pm on Wednesday 18 January at Saltcoats Town Hall, 17-21 Countess Street, Saltcoats KA21 5HP. 1.5 Following the conclusion of this consultation, a report will be prepared for consideration and approval by Cabinet in Spring 2023 (see timeline at Appendix 2). 2. Strategic Context 2.1 Council Vision North Ayrshire Council’s Plan, ‘North Ayrshire: A Council that is Fair for All,’ sets out our key aims and ambitions over the five-year period 2019-2024. Our mission is “working together to improve well-being, prosperity and equity in North Ayrshire”.
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4 Our Council: recognises there is strength in doing things together; engages with, listens to and supports communities to be active partners in what we do; believes in fairness, tackles inequality and bases its decisions on these values; is ambitious, determined and committed to improving North Ayrshire; acts early taking a preventative approach; focuses resources towards our priority outcomes; innovates and drives positive change, embracing technology, to provide valued and cost-effective services for our communities; and makes sure its voice is heard – locally, regionally, and nationally – to influence decision making and to attract investment. Our priorities are centred on our people and places: Aspiring Communities active and strong communities children and young people experience the best start in life inclusive, growing and enterprising local economy people enjoy good life-long health and well-being people and communities are safe Inspiring Places effective infrastructure and digital connectivity affordable, modern, and well-designed homes that meet residents’ needs vibrant, welcoming, and attractive places a sustainable environment 2.2 Education Vision North Ayrshire Council’s Communities and Education Directorate shares the Scottish Government’s ambition of excellence and equity for all, underpinning the approach to delivering Scottish education. As stated in ‘Scotland’s Learning Estate Strategy: Connecting People, Places and Learning’: “Improving the education and life chances of children and young people are key priorities for both local and Scottish Government. Providing our children and young people with the best possible start in life and ensuring that all learners reach their full potential is critical.” Scottish Government’s 10 learning estate principles are key drivers in how we manage North Ayrshire Council’s Learning Estate. By delivering on these principles, we can be confident in providing a sufficient, safe estate that is flexible, functional and future-proof. We continue to learn from the COVID-19 pandemic and the change it has affected in how we use our learning estate. A key priority of the North Ayrshire Council Plan is ensuring children and young people have the best start in life and that we have active and strong communities. This drives our place-based approach, set out in the Education Service Improvement Plan 2022-23, and informs how we provide safe, welcoming, nurturing and inspiring
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5 environments. We believe our learning environments promote achievement, wellbeing and enhance life chances. We want North Ayrshire’s children and young people to understand, feel part of and contribute to their community as this supports them to be the best they can be. We help this to happen through a locality-based approach to service delivery. This means providing the right services in the right areas to address the needs of the communities we serve. The learning estate is the Council’s most extensive asset and is a key pillar in supporting communities. Through Aspiring Communities, we seek to create a society where everyone has the same life chances to grow, prosper and have fulfilling and healthy lives. Excellence and equity form the two key main aims in terms of educational outcomes. The vision is to continue to develop a motivational learning environment that supports the delivery of positive educational outcomes for the children of North Ayrshire. 2.3 Equality Promoting equality is one of North Ayrshire Council's core values. The principles of equality and fairness are central to all council activities. Equality means everyone is treated fairly and has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Under equality legislation, the general equality duty requires public authorities, in the exercise of their functions, to have due regard to the need to: eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct that is prohibited by the Equality Act 2010 advance equality of opportunity between people who share a relevant protected characteristic and those who do not foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not The main method the council uses to ensure it is meeting its requirements under the legislation is through the Equality Impact Assessment process, which is used to assess policies, procedures and proposals. Following the completion of an Equality and Children’s Rights Impact Assessment (ECRIA), no adverse effects have been identified as a result of the proposal. This assessment is a live document, which will evolve with the consultation and throughout the project, if approved. 3 Background and Rationale 3.1 In Autumn 2019, North Ayrshire Council’s Planning Committee approved an application from Persimmon Homes to build 275 units at Mayfield Farm (now known as ‘Mayfields’), over 3 phases. An additional 95 units are planned to follow in Phase 4, completing the site by 2033/34 (subject to a further planning application being submitted in the longer term).
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6 3.2 Work has now commenced on site with the first 18 units planned to be completed and sold by March 2023. 3.3 Education and Planning Services noted in 2019 that the catchment boundary lines for the following primary schools ran through the proposed site: Mayfield Primary School Glencairn Primary School St Anthony’s Primary School St John’s Primary School If left unchanged, this would lead to a situation whereby homes in the new development would fall within the catchment areas of Mayfield and St Anthony’s Primary Schools, or Glencairn and St John’s Primary Schools, which are further away. Some of the new homes would, in fact, be built across the catchment boundary line, leading to confusion for parents as to their catchment primary schools. 3.4 Further work was undertaken to assess the impact of the new development on existing school catchments and to examine any feasible options for change. 3.5 A map showing the current catchment boundary lines is attached at Appendix 1. All of the new homes will have Saltcoats addresses and postcodes and the site entrance sits well within the Saltcoats town boundary. 3.6 In order to review the impact of the site layout upon the current catchment primary school boundary lines, the following options were considered: Do nothing Amend catchment boundary around the new homes Rezone 5 existing streets to Dykesmains Primary School Rezone all new homes to Mayfield Primary School - preferred The table at Appendix 3 outlines the advantages and disadvantages of each option. These have been presented and discussed with stakeholders as part of the early engagement stage. 3.7 The recommended option is to rezone all of the new homes to Mayfield Primary School, for non-denominational education, and St Anthony’s Primary School for denominational education. This option makes geographical sense and current pupil roll projections (see Appendix 4) indicate that the schools can accommodate the anticipated increase to pupil numbers as a result of the change. The total number of catchment homes for Mayfield Primary School, which would absorb the majority of the additional pupil numbers, would rise in line with comparable sized non-denominational primary school catchment sizes, such as Ardeer and Blacklands primary schools. 3.8 This recommended option requires a Statutory Public Consultation under the Schools Consultation Act 2010 and would affect the following primary schools, as the catchment boundary for each school would change:
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7 Mayfield Primary School, Saltcoats Glencairn Primary School, Stevenston St Anthony’s Primary School, Saltcoats St John’s Primary School, Stevenston 3.9 The current roll at Mayfield Primary School is 186 pupils over 8 classes. Less than 2/3 of these children live within the current Mayfield Primary School catchment, with the remaining children living outwith the catchment area, attending the school as a result of a successful placing request application. The breakdown of the pupil roll showing numbers of children registered for primary 1 (P1) who reside within the catchment area and those outwith (placing requests) over the last 5 years is shown in the table at Appendix 5. 3.10 At its peak, the Mayfields housing development could contribute up to 12 children per year group to Mayfield Primary School, if all houses are zoned to its catchment. The average current catchment cohort per year group is 17 from the existing 761 homes. 3.11 Due to these maximum expected numbers and the number of placing requests into the school, it is recommended that the P1 intake for Mayfield Primary School is capped at 33 from August 2023. This means that approximately 4 places would be left for placing requests, on average, each session. This would limit the school roll to 8 classes, giving catchment children a P1 place, before consideration of placing requests (as per the current school admissions policy). 3.12 Whilst Mayfield Primary School was originally designed as a single stream (7-class) school at its opening in 2004, the school has operated comfortably with an 8-class structure in recent years. School roll projections indicate that Mayfield PS could cope with the predicted level of additional pupils which the new development may generate, and for this reason, it is recommended that Mayfield PS should be the non- denominational catchment school for the Mayfields development. 3.13 The second part of the proposal is to assign the new homes to St Anthony’s Primary School catchment, which would mean a maximum of 30 new pupils. The pupil roll projection shows that the capacity of St Anthony’s Primary School can comfortably accommodate these potential new children. 3.14 As noted at 3.7 above, the other schools directly affected by this proposal are Glencairn and St John’s primary schools in Stevenston, with the potential reduction of new pupils through the proposed rezone. However, any parent/carer who wishes their children to attend either of these schools can submit a placing request, as is presently the case. 3.15 Local early learning and Childcare (ELC) provision will be unaffected by this proposal. Local provisions are as follows:
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8 Glencairn PS Early Years’ Class open from 8am–6pm 48 weeks per year Mayfield PS Early Years’ Class open from 8.45am-4.30pm 38 weeks per year St John’s PS Early Years’ Class open from 8.45am-4.30pm 38 weeks per year Springvale Early Years Centre open from 8am-6pm 48 weeks per year Local private providers are: Treetops Too Nursery, Saltcoats Bradshaw Early Years Centre, Saltcoats Busy Bees Nursery, Ardrossan 3.16 Whilst statistically unlikely, there is a contingency plan in the event that pupil numbers exceed the maximum expected. If Mayfield Primary School grows beyond 8 classes or St Anthony’s Primary School grows beyond 12 classes, the following short/medium term options would be considered to create new classrooms: Reconfiguration of the existing internal school spaces The procurement of modular accommodation If the higher school roll was sustained over a number of years, then a longer-term solution would be considered. An increase to the number of classrooms in a school would mean an increase in the number of staff required to operate the school. 3.17 The issue, options and recommended approach were presented to Head Teachers and Local Elected Members earlier this year. No further options were identified as a result of these meetings. An online meeting then took place ahead of the Cabinet meeting held on 29 November 2022 to which the Head Teachers and representatives of the 4 primary school parent councils were invited. Staff and parents/carers were also notified about the forthcoming proposal. 4 Proposal 4.1 In line with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010, and as a result of engagement with relevant interested parties, North Ayrshire Council, proposes, from August 2023: (i) To amend the Mayfield Primary School catchment boundary line to include the whole of the Mayfields housing development (see Appendices 1 and 6) (ii) To amend the St Anthony’s Primary School catchment boundary line to include the whole of the Mayfields housing development (see Appendices 1 and 6) 4.2 Should the proposal be approved, the P1 intake at Mayfield Primary School will be capped at 33 from August 2023, in order to ensure that there are sufficient places for catchment children in future years.
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9 5 Educational Benefits Statement 5.1 Currently, the new housing site crosses the catchment for both Mayfield and Glencairn Primary schools, as well as St Anthony's Primary and St John's Primary. The proposed change to the catchment boundary will provide children with a place at a school nearest to their home. 5.2 All schools in the area will continue to maintain a viable and sustainable school roll with flexibility to support a variety of learning and teaching approaches, aligned to Curriculum for Excellence. Teacher and staffing levels and year group arrangements will continue to be effective, and children will be able to learn within a variety of peer group opportunities, in a local context. 5.3 How will the proposal impact on future children? Based on the development taking place over a ten-year period, the roll projection shows that Mayfield and St Anthony’s Primary Schools will have capacity to accommodate the expected increase in pupil numbers. However, this means that it is likely there will be fewer spaces for placing requests into both schools in future years. For Mayfield Primary School in particular, this could mean that, where a child attends the school by placing request, there may not be an available space in later P1 intakes for their sibling(s). This is because P1 places will be allocated to catchment children first. Once the new site is established and new children register at Mayfield Primary School, (and St Anthony’s Primary School) there are likely to be only a few spaces remaining for allocation to placing requests. In order to ensure that families who may be affected receive this information, all early learning and childcare providers will receive a link to this document and will be included as consultees in this process. It should be noted that it is likely to take some years for this effect to be significant for families. The numbers coming from the new development and the resulting impact on the local schools will be closely monitored. 5.4 How does the authority intend to minimise or avoid adverse effects that may arise from the proposal? The proposed boundary amendment will potentially lead to the loss of new pupils for Glencairn PS and St John’s PS from the new development, although parents/carers will still be able to exercise choice via the existing placing request process. The proposed boundary amendment will result in an increase in pupil roll at both Mayfield and St Anthony’s Primary Schools. Should the proposal be approved, the P1 intake at Mayfield Primary School will be capped at 33 from August 2023, in order to ensure that there are sufficient places for catchment children in future years. This means that there could be fewer places for placing requests into Mayfield Primary School in future years.
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10 5.5 Specific Benefits for the Children and Families Children will experience education in their local setting affording the opportunities to attend school with their peers from their neighbourhood. This builds continuity in support of their education and social development. This approach also builds social cohesion in the community living in the new housing areas. 5.6 What is the community impact? It is hoped that the new housing development will enhance the local community, which currently has a declining birth rate. This will strengthen community and school capacity to promote health, wellbeing and resilience. 5.7 Are there any other effects of the proposal? The main effect of amending the catchment boundary is the increase in catchment children for Mayfield and St Anthony’s Primary schools and the resulting reduction of spaces available for placing requests into both of these schools. 6. Statutory Public Consultation Process 6.1 This document has been issued by North Ayrshire Council for consultation in accordance with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. 6.2 What is a Statutory Public Consultation? In Scotland, local authorities have a statutory duty to ensure the adequate and efficient provision of education in their area. If a local authority proposes to change any part of the existing education provision in its area, then it must engage in a formal consultation process under the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. The act aims to ensure that all major changes which affect schools are subject to clear consultation with parents, children, young people and communities. 6.3 When does the Statutory Public Consultation start? The consultation will start on Monday 9 January 2023 and close on Thursday 2 March 2023, which includes a period of 30 school days. 6.4 Who will have access to this proposal document? This proposal document has been made available to all interested parties, including Parent Councils, Education Scotland, parents and carers of children attending all four affected primary schools, Staff, Trade Unions and any other users of the establishment as detailed in the distribution list. This proposal document is published on the Council website at - http://northayrshire.community/category/consultations
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11 Copies are also available from the Communities and Education Directorate, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE (tel: 01294 324442), where this document will be available from the main reception on the ground floor. Copies can also be made available in alternative formats or in translated form for readers whose first language is not English. 6.5 What if I notice an error in the document? If any inaccuracy or omission is discovered in this proposal document, either by the Council or any person, the Council will determine if relevant information has been omitted or if there has been an inaccuracy. The Council may then take appropriate action, which may include the issue of a correction notice, the reissuing of the proposal document or the revision of the timescale for the consultation period, if appropriate. In that event, relevant consultees and Education Scotland will be advised. 6.6 How will I get a chance to give my opinion? You will be able to give your opinion on the proposal: By completing an online response form at https://tinyurl.com/mv5m3x65 By submitting a paper copy of the response form, attached at Appendix 7 By emailing educ_consultation@north-ayrshire.gov.uk In writing to the Head of Service, Communities and Education Directorate, North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EE All responses must be submitted by no later than close of business on 2 March 2023. 6.7 Will there be any meetings for the public? A meeting for the public will be held at Saltcoats Town Hall, 17-21 Countess Street, Saltcoats KA21 5HP on 18 January 2023 at 6.30pm. This meeting will provide an opportunity to hear about the proposal from council officers, ask questions and have their views recorded so that these can be taken into account as part of the consultation process. Advance notice of specific questions or issues to be raised at the meeting will be accepted. This will allow all issues to be covered and give those who may not be comfortable speaking publicly their opportunity to be heard. Everyone wishing to attend will be made very welcome. A note will be taken of comments, questions and officer responses at the session. The notes will be published on the Council website and a copy will be made available on request.
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12 The notes will also be forwarded to Education Scotland along with all other submissions and comments that are received by the Council during the consultation process. 6.8 Will any other agencies be involved in the process? The Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 requires that a report on the proposal is prepared by Education Scotland, who may be in attendance at the information session. Once the statutory public consultation period comes to an end, Education Scotland have three weeks to consider the educational aspects of the proposal and submit a report to the council. Education Scotland receives copies of relevant papers from the council, including: a copy of the proposal paper; copies of the written representations or a summary of them (if Education Scotland agree); a note of oral representations made at the public meeting sessions; and any other related documentation. Education Scotland may visit schools and centres as part of their consideration of the proposal and meet with children, staff and parents/carers who may be affected by the proposal. Upon receipt of the proposal document and other relevant documentation, Education Scotland will consider the educational aspects of the proposal. They will ensure that their report takes account of: the educational benefits statement; the representations received by the council; and any further written representations made directly to Education Scotland on any educational aspect of the proposal which is considered relevant. The consultation report that the Council publishes following the statutory public consultation must include the report from Education Scotland in full. 6.9 Will the outcome of the consultation be made public? The Head of Service will prepare a report on the outcome of the consultation process. The report will take account of all Education Scotland recommendations. This report will be published in electronic and printed formats and will be advertised in the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald. It will be available on the Council website and at Cunninghame House. The report will include: a record of the total number of written representations made during the consultation period, a summary of the written and oral representations,
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13 the Council’s response to recommendations made by Education Scotland A copy of the Education Scotland report will be an appendix to the consultation report which will be published and available for further consideration for a period of at least 3 weeks ahead of presentation to Elected Members in Spring 2023. 6.10 When will the Council make a decision on the outcome of the consultation? The consultation report, together with any other relevant documentation, will be considered by Cabinet, who will make a decision on the proposal in Spring 2023. 6.11 What happens next? If the proposal is approved by NAC Cabinet, the primary school catchment boundary lines will be amended as proposed, from August 2023, with all homes in the new Mayfields development being zoned to the catchment areas for Mayfield and St Anthony’s Primary School.
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14 DISTRIBUTION A copy of this document is available on the Community Planning Partnership pages within the North Ayrshire Council website: http://northayrshire.community/category/consultations A copy of this document will be made available to all stakeholders associated with the schools directly affected by the proposal, including: Parents/Carers and Parent Councils, including all local early years’ provisions Head Teachers Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff, including facilities management Local Elected Members Member of Parliament Member of Scottish Parliament Education Scotland Chief Executive, North Ayrshire Council All NAC Directors and Heads of Service Local Community Groups Care Inspectorate Trade Unions Unison EIS, Education Institute of Scotland NASUWT GMB UNITE Community A copy of this Proposal Document is available to view at: All Saltcoats and Stevenston schools Saltcoats Town Hall and Saltcoats Library Stevenston Library A public notice will appear in the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald from 4 January 2023.
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Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown Copyright. Licence No. 100023393. St Peter's PS Catchment St John's PS Catchment St Anthony's PS Catchment Non Denominational Catchments Mayfield Housing Site KEY Glencairn PS Catchment Area Mayfield PS Catchment Area Dykesmains PS Catchment Area Caledonia PS Catchment Area APPENDIX 1 - CURRENT CATCHMENTS & NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
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Appendix 2 Time Required Dates Method / Action June to August 2022 Engagement with Head Teachers and Local Elected Members Tuesday 22 November 2022 Meet Parent Councils with Head Teachers via MS Teams Tuesday 29 November 2022 Seek Cabinet approval to commence Statutory Public Consultation Tuesday 6 December 2022 Inform Education Scotland of the proposal Wednesday 4 January 2022 Public notice appears in Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald 30 school days Monday 9 January to Thursday 2 March 2023 Start of Consultation Period – ▪ Issue Proposal Document ▪ Public meeting at Saltcoats Town Hall on 18 January 2023 at 6.30pm End of Consultation Period 3 weeks Wed 8 March to Wed 29 March 2023 Provide Education Scotland with all responses received and a summary of these Prepare Consultation Outcome Report Prepare Cabinet paper Receive report from Education Scotland 3 weeks Monday 17 April to Monday 8 May 2023 Publish Consultation Outcome Report Week commencing 29 May 2023 Cabinet decision
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Appendix 3 – Options Considered Options Considered Pros Cons Recommendation 1 Do Nothing No SPC Some new homes and some streets will be split between Saltcoats and Stevenston schools. X 2 Redraw catchment boundary around new homes New children spread across 4 schools (not two) SPC required Children with Saltcoats addresses will be zoned for Stevenston schools X 3 Rezone five existing streets to Dykesmains Primary School Makes Dykesmains/ Mayfield PS boundary line neater SPC required Local opposition? Issues with siblings Secondary school zoning issue X 4 Rezone all new homes to Mayfield Primary School Makes geographical sense Total number of catchment dwellings acceptable in comparison with other NAC single stream schools SPC required Recommend capping Mayfield PS P1 intake at 33 to limit placing requests into Mayfield Primary School √
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Appendix 4 Projected Numbers of Catchment Pupils Tesco Adjacent Areas New Homes Saltcoats North East Area 46 units – former James Reid School site 370 units – new Mayfields site 761 existing homes Year Projected Housing Unit Completions each year Projected number of primary aged pupils (new homes) Projected number of primary aged pupils (existing homes within Mayfield Primary School catchment area) Denominational Non-denominational Denominational Non-denominational 2023 18 2 4 26 122 2024 36 5 12 30 124 2025 36 8 20 33 126 2026 36 10 29 37 127 2027 36 13 37 40 128 2028 36 15 46 36 126 2029 36 18 54 32 127 2030 36 22 62 37 128 2031 36 24 71 35 129 2032 36 26 80 38 128 2033 28 29 86 40 130 Assumptions: ➢ 0.31 pupils per new home ➢ 75:25 non-denominational: denominational (current trend for Saltcoats)
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Appendix 5 Mayfield Primary School P1 Intake Data 2018-2022 Year 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 Number Registered 16 25 20 12 12 Placing Requests Out 3 5 4 1 0 Placing Requests In 14 12 10 10 18 Deferred Entries 1 1 1 3 0 P1 Intake 26 31 25 18 30
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Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey map with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown Copyright. Licence No. 100023393. St Peter's PS Catchment St John's PS Catchment St Anthony's PS Catchment Non Denominational Catchments Mayfield Housing Site KEY Glencairn PS Catchment Area Mayfield PS Catchment Area Dykesmains PS Catchment Area Caledonia PS Catchment Area APPENDIX 6 - PROPOSED CATCHMENTS & NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
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Appendix 7 Response Form Proposal to amend primary school catchment boundary between Saltcoats and Stevenston Communities and Education Directorate Glencairn Primary School Parent/Carer Staff Pupil Other Mayfield Primary School Parent/Carer Staff Pupil Other St Anthony’s Primary School Parent/Carer Staff Pupil Other St John’s Primary School Parent/Carer Staff Pupil Other Other (please state) Question Yes No Please provide up to 3 reasons below for your response: 1. 2. 3. Do you agree with the proposal to amend the catchment boundary in order to rezone the Mayfields Persimmon housing development to Mayfield Primary School and St Anthony’s Primary School?
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Appendix 7 Please provide your contact details so that we can respond directly to you, if necessary. Name: ………………………………………………... Address: ………………………………………………... ……………………………………………....... Email: ………………………………………………… Telephone: ………………………………………………… Date Completed: ……………………………………………. Responses should be received no later than 5pm on 2 March 2023. Any responses received after this date cannot be considered. Please contact 01294 324442 or email educ_consultation@north-ayrshire.gov.uk if you require further information or assistance in the completion of this form. North Ayrshire Council, in line with our Data Protection responsibilities will only use the personal data provided for the sole purpose of evaluating your responses. The response submitted by you may form part of the response paper that will be submitted to the Council for consideration in the near future and will therefore be made available for public inspection. Further information on how North Ayrshire Council manages your data can be found within our privacy policy at the following website: www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/privacy-policy.aspx Should you wish any of your personal details (e.g. name, address, phone number, etc.), which you have included in your response, to be included in our published responses it is necessary for us to obtain your consent. Please indicate this by ticking the box below. Yes, I consent This document can also be made available in other formats and community languages.
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North Ayrshire Council Communities and Education Directorate Proposal to amend the primary school catchment boundary, directly affecting the following schools: Mayfield Primary School Glencairn Primary School St Anthony’s Primary School St John’s Primary School Note of Public Meeting Held at 6.30pm on Wednesday 18 January 2023 at Saltcoats Town Hall NAC Attendees Lynn Taylor, Senior Manager, Education Communities and Robin Knox, Manager (Infrastructure), Education Education Directorate Claire Reid, Project Officer, Education (note taker) The meeting attendees were as follows: A parent NAC Councillor John Sweeney NAC Councillor Cameron Inglis Depute and Head Teacher, Mayfield Primary School Depute Head Teacher, St Anthony’s Primary School Education Scotland Observer Lynn Taylor opened the meeting at 1831 hours and delivered a presentation, highlighting the key information as follows: 1. The Proposal, in line with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010: (i) To amend the Mayfield Primary School catchment boundary line to include the whole of the Mayfields housing development (ii) To amend the St Anthony’s Primary School catchment boundary line to include the whole of the Mayfields housing development 2. The Statutory Consultation Process Sets out the duty of local authorities to engage in formal consultation on changes to education provision The act aims to ensure that all major changes which affect schools are subject to clear consultation with parents, children, young people and communities Senior Managers, with Head Teachers are arranging consultation with P4-7 pupils at the 4 primary schools. 3. Current and Proposed Catchment Maps 4. Background, including expected pupil numbers from the development Appendix 2
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5. Options Considered Do Nothing Redraw catchment boundary around new homes Rezone existing streets to Dykesmains Primary School Rezone all new homes to Mayfield and St Anthony’s Primary School – geographically the best option and school capacities deemed to be able to accommodate the expected new children 6. Implications for each of the 4 schools There should be no negative impact on the 4 directly affected schools Placing requests will be carefully managed to minimise the impact on those from outwith the 4 directly affected schools 7. Context Currently 761 homes within the Mayfield Primary School catchment, increasing to 1175 by 2033 with this development This is comparable with other 6-8 class primary schools across North Ayrshire (ranging from 964 to 1500 homes within their catchments) Saltcoats births have fallen from 148 in 2018 to 120 in 2022 8. Educational Benefits Provides children with a place at the primary school nearest their home Opportunity to attend local school along with neighbourhood peers Local social cohesion for the people of new community 9. Proposal Timeline 10. How to Share your Views By completing an online response form at https://tinyurl.com/mv5m3x65 By submitting a paper copy of the response form – copies made available at the meeting By emailing educ_consultation@north-ayrshire.gov.uk In writing to the Head of Service, Communities and Education Directorate, North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EE The consultation closes on Thursday 2 March 2023 at 5pm. Throughout the presentation, the following questions were asked and answers given: Question 1: Why are the current school boundary lines set up this way? Response: Catchment boundary lines are set out on maps and are historical in nature. These maps are used by Education to delineate all school catchment areas.
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Question 2: What about the new homes being built on the James Reid school site? Response: These currently fall within the Mayfield and St Anthony’s Primary School catchment areas and have been included in our projections. Question 3: What stage of education are the 5 pupils projected from the first phase of the new homes? Response: This is unknown at this stage and is purely a projection based on likely numbers of pupils.We will gather data from Persimmon as the development proceeds and homes are sold. Question 4: What about placing requests and the impact on Dykesmains and Glencairn Primary Schools? There is a need to consider local capacity over the next 10-12 years. Response: Based on the development taking place over a ten-year period, the roll projection shows that Mayfield and St Anthony’s Primary Schools will have capacity to accommodate the expected increase in pupil numbers. Once the new site is established and new children register at both schools, there are likely to be fewer spaces remaining for allocation to placing requests at Mayfield Primary School. This situation will be closely monitored going forward in order to manage numbers effectively. Dykesmains Primary School could see their roll rise as a result – as fewer placing requests are granted, children are likely to attend their catchment school. There should be little to no impact on either Glencairn or St John’s Primary School as a result of this proposal. Question 5: What is the current trend in the birth rate for Stevenston? Response: Stevenston births fell from 119 to 109 from 2018-2022. A further decrease to around 90 is expected this year. Question 6: The projected number of twelve expected children per year group is quite high – does this mean that class sizes will increase in Mayfield PS? Response: Potentially yes, as the number of homes within the catchment area is increasing. It is important to note that not all expected children from the new Persimmon homes will be new to the catchment area. Families may move from a home within the existing catchment area. Class sizes are legally limited to 33 for P4-7, 30 for P2-3 and 25 for P1 and composite classes. Children who are within the catchment area will take up school places first, with fewer places expected to be available for allocation to placing requests in the future. Question 7: Is St Anthony’s Primary School a larger school than St John’s Primary? Response: Yes, St Anthony’s PS has 12 classrooms available and St John’s PS has 7. St John’s PS was previously a 14-class school,
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however, some of the building is now used for other purposes as the roll has reduced over time. Question 8: How does the proposal timeline impact on this year’s placing request process? Response: Current processes are not affected – the number of spaces available for placing requests will be carefully assessed each year, taking into account roll projections, which will be closely monitored and updated on a regular basis. The following questions were asked at the end of the presentation: Question 9: The proposal means that there will be more full capacity classes – what will the impact of this be on children’s education? Response: Our teachers are well-equipped to deliver education to class sizes as outlined during the presentation and children are grouped as efficiently as possible for each new school session. The proposal means that there will be more catchment children in the school and fewer children attending by placing request, as a result. Question 10: Will there be more Classroom Assistants to support teachers? Response: The number of hours allocated to each school is calculated by a formula and increases in line with the school roll. Question 11: Is there space within the schools for the additional children? Response: Primary school classroom capacity is calculated on a basis of 1.7m2 per child within each classroom. An allocation is then provided for the number of general purpose spaces. On this basis, the schools are appropriately sized for the projected numbers. More information on this is available at the following link: Determining primary school capacity: guidance for local authorities - gov.scot (www.gov.scot) There were no further questions and the meeting was closed.
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Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 Report by Education Scotland addressing educational aspects of the proposal by North Ayrshire Council to amend the primary school catchment boundary for Mayfield, Glencairn, St John’s and St Anthony’s Primary Schools March 2023 Appendix 3
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1 | Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 North Ayrshire Council © Crown Copyright 1. Introduction 1.1 This report from Education Scotland has been prepared by His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education (HM Inspectors) in accordance with the terms of the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 (“the 2010 Act”). The purpose of the report is to provide an independent and impartial consideration of North Ayrshire Council’s proposal to amend primary school catchment boundaries for Mayfield, Glencairn, St John’s and St Anthony’s Primary Schools. Section 2 of the report sets out brief details of the consultation process. Section 3 of the report sets out HM Inspectors’ consideration of the educational aspects of the proposal, including significant views expressed by consultees. Section 4 summarises HM Inspectors’ overall view of the proposal. Upon receipt of this report, the Act requires the council to consider it and then prepare its final consultation report. The council’s final consultation report should include this report and must contain an explanation of how, in finalising the proposal, it has reviewed the initial proposal, including a summary of points raised during the consultation process and the council’s response to them. The council has to publish its final consultation report three weeks before it takes its final decision 1.2 HM Inspectors considered: • the likely effects of the proposal for children and young people of the schools; any other users; children likely to become pupils within two years of the date of publication of the proposal paper. • any other likely effects of the proposal; • how the council intends to minimise or avoid any adverse effects that may arise from the proposal; and • the educational benefits the council believes will result from implementation of the proposal, and the council’s reasons for coming to these beliefs. 1.3 In preparing this report, HM Inspectors undertook the following activities: • attendance at the public meeting held on 18 January 2023 in connection with the council’s proposals; • consideration of all relevant documentation provided by the council in relation to the proposal, specifically the educational benefits statement and related consultation documents, written and oral submissions from parents and others; • visits to the site of Mayfield, Glencairn, St John’s and St Anthony’s Primary Schools, including discussion with relevant consultees; and • engagement with the Diocesan Representative for North Ayrshire 2. Consultation process 2.1 North Ayrshire Council undertook the consultation on its proposal(s) with reference to the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010. 2.2 The consultation ran from 9 January until 2 March 2023. A public meeting took place in Saltcoats Town Hall on Wednesday 18 January 2023. Two elected members, one parent, two head teachers, one depute head teacher and representatives from North Ayrshire Council attended the meeting. Members of the public were encouraged to respond to the consultation through the online survey, by phone or in writing. Twenty-five written responses were submitted to the council. Almost all disagree with the council’s proposals although almost half of these were from staff from St John’s primary who had particular concerns about the impact of the proposal.
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2 | Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 North Ayrshire Council © Crown Copyright Early engagement by the council took place in the form of meetings with head teachers in June 2022, with follow up discussions and a meeting with Parent Council chairpersons in August. No enquiries for clarification or further information were received by the council. 3. Educational aspects of proposal 3.1 In relation to the proposed new housing development, the council outlines what it believes are the educational benefits for children and their families. The council believe that the most important benefit is to provide children with a place at the primary school nearest their home, along with their neighbourhood peers. They also state that all schools in the area will be able to maintain a viable and sustainable school roll with flexibility to support a variety of learning and teaching approaches. Numbers will be carefully managed each year at primary one admission and throughout each session. The council does concede that there could be a possible negative impact on children attending some of the schools in future, albeit not for a number of years. However, they do not foresee a situation whereby siblings would not be able to secure a place at Mayfield or St Anthony’s Primary School. 3.2 Around half of stakeholders who spoke to HM Inspectors are not in favour of the proposal. Many parents are concerned about increasing class numbers and the potential negative impact that this may have on their child’s learning although none of the existing schools are at capacity. Parents at St John’s Primary School are strongly against the proposals. Whilst recognising the benefits to small class numbers currently at the school, they expressed concern about the longer-term impact should numbers fall further. Parents from St Anthony’s and Mayfield Primary Schools also have reservations about the council’s proposals in terms of increasing class sizes. Both schools experience issues with parents and carers parking directly outside the school gates, particularly at the end of the school day. Parents in both schools worry that traffic would only increase should the proposal go ahead. The council accepts that traffic issues are a problem and requires careful management. However, the location of the new development should encourage children to walk to school. Mayfield Primary School is less than 0.5 miles and St Anthony’s Primary School is 0.7 miles away. 3.3 Children who spoke with HM Inspectors have mixed views about the proposal. A few welcome being able to make new friends should school rolls increase. Across the four schools, children recognise the potential benefits for health and the environment if more children walk to school. However, children at St John’s Primary School are worried that the proposal might lead to reductions in staffing and resources should numbers attending the school fall significantly. 3.4 Although most school staff who met with HM Inspectors identified benefits from the proposal in terms of children attending their nearest school, staff at St John’s Primary School expressed strong reservations. They believe a falling school roll will be detrimental for their school community. However, the council contends that the issue needs to be set in the wider context of a general decline in birth rates and primary school pupil numbers. Whilst the proposed boundary amendment can be viewed as a loss of potential new pupils for Glencairn and St John’s Primary Schools, the council’s predictions estimate that there should be little impact on either school. Parents and carers will still be able to exercise their choice of school via the existing placing request process. 3.5 HM Inspectors met with the lay member representing the Catholic Church in North Ayrshire who is in favour of the proposal. Their reasons include that Catholic children from the new housing could travel more easily to St Anthony’s Primary School as it was closer than St John’s Primary School. If the boundary remains as it is, it may cause confusion for families given that all the new houses would all have a Saltcoats postcode. They expressed some reservation regarding
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3 | Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010 North Ayrshire Council © Crown Copyright overcrowding of local schools in future, given that there are other housing developments in the area. 4. Summary HM Inspectors are of the view that the proposal to change the catchment areas as stated by the council is sufficient in terms of educational benefits. Although around half of stakeholders who met with HM Inspectors are opposed to the proposals, HM Inspectors are satisfied that the council have systems in place to carefully manage school admissions to the schools impacted. The council do not foresee a situation where school capacity is exceeded. Should the proposal be agreed the council will need to work with stakeholders to manage any increase in traffic in affected school areas. HM Inspectors March 2023