Federal future for two schools approved

THE federalisation of two Anglesey primary schools has been rubberstamped.

Earlier this year, governors at Ysgol Gymuned Moelfre and Ysgol Goronwy Owen in Benllech requested council officers set up the formal process which will see both schools share a single governing body.

Both schools currently work in a voluntary partnership under the care and management of one headteacher and one assistant head. Following a formal consultation, this now looks set to become a more formal arrangement. This means both will be managed under a single body responsible for strategically overviewing each school. Both schools would, however, retain their existing names, budget, staff and buildings.

A meeting of the council Executive in Llangefni on Monday unanimously approved the measure after a consultation saw no objections.

“Although this is the first federalisation proposal in Anglesey, it matches the modernisation vision which aims to ensure best quality education for each pupil alongside maintaining and raising standards further,” noted the report. “The other option is to proceed with current arrangements. However, the schools and the governing bodies are eager to proceed to consultation on this proposal due to the advantages of federalisation.

“No objections were received during the consultation period. The responses received from parents of both schools were complimentary of the leadership, staff and ethos at both schools.

“In addition to this, questions regarding federalisation implications were received.

“Federalisation will mainly enable the schools to collaborate through a formal structured process whilst sharing one governing body, who will make decisions for the benefit of both schools, staff and pupils within that federation.”

Officers will now formalise the process.