A meeting with Mark James, Meryl Gravell and Vernon Morgan.

A meeting was arranged between Ioan Hefin (PSF Secretary) and Mark James, Meryl Gravell and Vernon Morgan on the 5th of April at County Hall.

Following the meeting, Ioan Hefin sent this email to Mark James, Meryl Gravell and Vernon Morgan.

Once again, may I thank you for your time and availability on Tuesday.

Would it be possible for you to consider the following reactions to some of the issues discussed in that meeting?

1. Your united (some may say dogmatic) determination is obvious in your execution of the MEP, and a proactive Authority is certainly progressive when compared to a lazy or a non-functional authority. However, a great deal of investment (not necessarily financial) is required when sanctioning a policy that will have far reaching consequences on the infrastructure of our communities for the rest of our lives – and the lives of our children. At what point does the concern of the public have relevance? Are they totally inconsequential? You obviously have a mutual relation with the Welsh Assembly. Is the Welsh Assembly visionary evident in all of its legislations? Is there an option whereby you sanction the policies according to the unique strengths and individuality of Sir Gâr – in spite and despite of the Welsh Assembly? We all agree on the need to differentiate between rural and urban schools but where is this illustrated in the MEP? It was very re-assuring to hear the leader confirm that “the plan is not about closures and we need centres in our communities to promote lifelong learning instead of padlocking the gates”. Why isn’t this message given to the public? I’m sure the “FForwm Ysgolion Cynradd Sir Gâr” will welcome the opportunity to present ideas to you and work in tandem with you in improving the provision in their local schools.

2. It appears to me that one of the most negative aspects of the MEP is the uncertainty contained in the 8/10 year timescale. I accept your point that there are some teachers and head teachers who are praising the potential in this development when out of earshot of parents and governors, but there are also a large number of teaching staff who are very concerned and extremely worried about their futures. Any morale building and development will wilt within this timescale. The school will bleed to death before you reach a decision. The standard of education will be compromised across both KS1 and KS2 for a generation of young people. Detrimental damage is already in need of repair. Can we have an announcement before the end of the academic year confirming the schools not involved in the initial phases (and therefore guaranteed for at least the next five years?)

3. The Director of Education confirmed that the “quality of education provision is the core of all decision making”. Estyn have already shifted their appraisal criteria from the “quality of teaching” to “the quality of learning”. This is an important factor when considering the learning environment – in a large or small school. Why set the threat that “areas that cause a protest via the Forum, or wards with councillors who object to the MEP run the risk of losing out on the potential of this investment – you can’t have it both ways.” Impartial decisions made on purely on educational grounds? Equality across the county?

4. Following the assertion of the Chief Executive that the investment programme will not be a savings-driven programme (the opposite in fact), the Fforwm would welcome the opportunity to visit both Ysgol Bro Brynach and Ysgol Cwm Aman to assess the benefits. Do you need to notify the schools prior to our initial contact?

5. It is unfortunate that you are unwilling to undertake an opportunity to meet with the Fforwm especially considering the constant debate regarding the level and effectiveness of any consultation. We will however, welcome the opportunity to establish a small delegation to meet up with you on a regular basis to try and aid your communication conduit. You are more than welcome to contact us at any time.

I hope that you can consider and respond to the above points.

Ioan Hefin

And Vernon Morgan replied:

Dear Ioan Hefin

I have been asked to respond to your letter dated 8th April 2005. With regard to what you describe as a “united dogmatic determination to progress with the MEP programme”, it is underpinned by the due process adopted by the Council. The programme has been developed over an extended period of time and is one of the central themes rehearsed in the key policy documents of the Authority. As with all policies it has been subject to extensive consultation and will continue to be subject to the proper checks and balances inherent in the democratic process. It would be unusual if either senior politicians or officers were to work outside the decisions taken by the Council. I took the opportunity to listen carefully to your comments on the Taro Naw programme which were helpful in clarifying your position regarding the agenda adopted by the Council.

The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) clearly has a statutory duty to provide a strategic direction for each of the twenty two Unitary Authorities in Wales. With regard to our relationship with WAG it is incumbent on the Council to “deliver services to clear standards – covering both cost and quality – by the most economic, efficient and effective means”. This directive informs all of the programmes adopted by the Council, including the MEP strategy.

This does not negate the opportunities, available for a differentiated approach applied according to local circumstances. These are often at their most stark when comparing the provisions of services between rural and urban areas. I believe the Authority is sensitively pursuing such a policy although it would be astonishing if we could please all of the people all of the time.

As with any programme involving change, we will endeavour to keep all interested parties well informed. We touched on this issue during our discussion and I will ensure we revisit our strategy for communicating proposals in an open and transparent way.

With regard to your proposal to visit both Ysgol Bro Brynach and Ysgol Cwm Aman could I ask you to contact the respective headteachers, providing them with a clear agenda ensuring school based colleagues are well prepared and we make the best use of their valuable time.

Please accept my thanks for taking such a keen interest in the education of children and young people throughout Carmarthenshire. I believe the policies of the Authority are geared towards ensuring we place the interest of learners above all others.

Vernon Morgan