Schools will retain ‘own identity’ under federation plan

The strengthening of ties between two Abertridwr schools has moved a step closer, with the start of a public consultation on the plans.

Cwmaber Infants School and Cwmaber Junior School could enter into a federation deal, which is a type of formal partnership.

Each school would remain separate, but federation represents a “more formal way of extending collaboration and promoting closer working relationships”.

Caerphilly County Borough Council hopes the move could “improve performance and narrow the attainment gap for deprived pupils”.

The two schools already share a headteacher, and both governing bodies have backed the move to federate.

The deal, if approved, would see the schools share a single governing body.

Cllr John Taylor, the chair of governors at both schools, noted how the two sites had “worked collaboratively over the last couple of years and this is continuing to impact positively upon both schools”.

“Whilst both schools will continue to have their own individual identity with regards to name, culture, ethos and continue to manage their own budgets, this process involves establishing a single governing body to govern the two schools,” he explained.

A public consultation on the council’s proposal opened on Monday September 2, and will run until Tuesday October 1.

Members of both school communities, along with other stakeholders, are invited to have their say on the plans, which could come into force in January 2025 if the council decides to go through with the federation plan.

At a meeting of the council’s education committee on Tuesday September 3, Cllr Brenda Miles asked about the formation of the single governing body for the two schools, and what would happen to any “surplus” governors when the two current bodies join.

Andrea West, the council’s Place Shaping and Sustainable Communities for Learning service manager, told the committee there would be an estimated 18 governors under the new arrangements.

Any current governors not included in that number could remain as a governor but would not have a voting right, she said, adding that any vacancies in the meantime would not be filled.

If current governors wish to join another school instead, the council will offer them advice on how to do so, Ms West said.

Visit the council’s website to take part in the consultation on the federation plan.