Modernising Education Provision

(MEP)

transforming school facilities for the future

Annual Report 2006/2007

and

Programme 2007/2008



April 2007

Modernising Education Provision (MEP) Programme

transforming school facilities for the future

Annual Report 2006/2007

and

Programme 2007/2008

CONTENTS

Section	Subject	Page
1	Introduction	1
2	MEP Progress Report 2006/2007	2
3	Factors Influencing the Future Development and Delivery of MEP	4
4	MEP Programme 2007/2008	13
Appendix 1	MEP Record of Delivery 2001 - 2006	17
Appendix 2	MEP Progress Report 2006/2007	23
Appendix 3	MEP Programme 2007/2008	33
Appendix 4	MEP Capital Investment Plan 2007/2008	47
Appendix 5	Glossary of Abbreviations	51

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 The County Council's innovative and ambitious Modernising Education Provision (MEP) programme was approved by the County Council in November 2004 as a strategic plan to implement its Planning School Places Strategy, adopted by the Council in April 2001.

1.2 The MEP programme has drawn widespread recognition and commendation for its strategic vision and investment planning, factors that are becoming increasingly important in the eyes of the Welsh Assembly Government (see Section 3).

1.3 The principal purposes of this report are:

_ To report on progress achieved on MEP during the course of the 2006/2007 financial year.

_ To acknowledge the implications of a changing policy framework and a range of other external factors on the future development and delivery of MEP.

_ To secure the formal approval of the Executive Board for the detailed MEP programme for 2007/2008 following the approval by the County Council of the corporate capital programme for the year in February 2007.

1.4 In order to provide a fuller picture of progress with the overall MEP programme and its outcomes a summary of delivery since the programme was launched and prior to the financial years in question is given in Appendix 1.

2 MEP PROGRESS REPORT 2006/2007

2.1 Notable progress has been achieved during 2006/2007 on all aspects of MEP, with the capital investment programme in particular gaining increasing momentum.

2.2 The following significant achievements have been secured during the year:

_ £10.2 million of capital expenditure across a number of school buildings improvement projects (cf £2.8 million in 2005/2006 and an average annual spend of £3.6 million since 2001).

_ £6.6 million external grant secured and successfully expended.

_ Projects with a combined value of £39.4 million at the construction phase.

_ 60 surplus school places removed, achieving the Policy Agreement target agreed with the Welsh Assembly Government.

2.3 During the year the School Modernisation Team has succeeded in significantly increasing the amount of external grant support for the delivery of the capital programme. The Council's allocation of School Building Improvement Grant (SBIB) from WAG at the start of the financial year was £5.162 million. During the course of the year it became evident that other authorities across Wales would not be able to expend their full allocations of SBIG and this Council was able to accept an additional £1 million, accelerated from its forward allocation, to spend within the year. Additionally, MEP was able to benefit from an allocation of £161k from the Early Years Partnership. Furthermore, confirmation was received from WAG that the Council's bid for grant funding to support the establishment of a regional hub for special education needs provision at the new Queen Elizabeth High School had been successful, with a total sum of £720k allocated for expenditure in 2007/2008.

2.4 The following school infrastructure development or improvement projects are at the construction stage:

_ Bro Brynach (Phase 2): Refurbishment of the old school hall and canteen to complete the overall project following the completion and commissioning of the new school building in 2005.

_ Bryn: Construction of a new school building with capacity for 270 pupils plus 26 nursery places on the site of the existing school.

_ Bryn Teg: Construction of a new school building for 210 pupils plus 26 nursery places on the site of the former Llwynhendy County Primary School to replace that school and the Ysgol Yr Ynys school. The new school campus to include an Integrated Children's Centre (funded and constructed separately).

_ Gwendraeth: Construction of new hall.

_ Nantgaredig: Construction of an extension to the existing buildings of the school, comprising new classrooms for early years and internal refurbishment to improve administration arrangements.

_ Queen Elizabeth High School: Construction of a new secondary school for 1600 pupils on the existing site of two former schools, incorporating a regional hub for special needs education and integrated with the refurbishment and extension of Carmarthen Leisure Centre on the same campus.

_ Swiss Valley: Construction of an extension to the existing building to provide 3 new classrooms and the improvement of access to the site.

_ Tycroes: Construction of an extension to the existing buildings of the school, comprising two new classrooms and internal refurbishment to improve the effectiveness of administrative space.

2.5 The following school rationalisation activities have been undertaken during the year:

_ Cwmgwili: Closure of the school with effect from January 2007.

_ Felinfoel: Minister's approval (received December 2006) to close Felinfoel Junior School and Ysgol Y Babanod with effect from the end of the summer term 2007 and to establish the new Felinfoel Community School for 264 pupils with effect from September 2007.

_ Llansadwrn: Informal consultation on a proposal to close Llansadwrn school, which currently has only 18 pupils, has commenced. The process will be taken to the formal stage during 2007/2008.

_ Mynyddcerrig: Minister's approval received in March 2007 to close the school, which currently has only 16 pupils, with effect from the end of the summer term 2007.

_ New Inn: Minister's approval received in March 2007 to close the school, which currently has only 17 pupils, at the end of the summer term 2007.

2.6 A more detailed report on the progress achieved on MEP during 2006/2007 is included at Appendix 2.

Recommendation 1

2.7 The Executive Board notes the progress achieved in the delivery of MEP during 2006/2007 and previous years.

3 Factors Influencing the Future Development and Delivery of MEP

Introduction

3.1 Significant change has taken place in the national policy framework for education over the past six years since the Planning School Places Strategy was originally adopted. A great deal of this change has occurred within the last two years since the MEP Strategy and Timeline were approved with considerable movement actually having taken place during the past year.

3.2 Whilst a positive momentum has now been established across all elements of MEP it is important that MEP retains flexibility at its heart as it moves forward so that it maintains pace and alignment with the changing external policy framework, encompasses changing expectation and supports school improvement in every sense.

Policy Framework Developments

3.3 New or revised policies or guidance, which have a bearing on MEP, have emerged in the following areas over recent years:

_ Community Focused Schools (2003 and 2005)

_ The Learning Country 2 (April 2006)

_ 14 to 19 Learning Pathways (May 2006)

_ Sustainable Schools (May 2006 and December 2006)

_ Flying Start

_ School Capacity Calculations (July 2006)

_ Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship: A Strategy for Action (September 2006)

_ The Learning Country 2: Vision into Action (October 2006)

_ Making the Connections - Delivering Beyond Boundaries: Transforming Public Services in Wales (November 2006)

_ Building the Foundation Phase Action Plan (December 2006)

_ Annual Report of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales (Estyn) 2005 - 2006 (January 2007)

_ Building Regulations (energy and acoustic performance of buildings)

3.4 These issues were evaluated in a report presented informally to the Executive Board in February 2007 and their implications for school organisation and buildings are being reflected in the continuing development of the MEP programme. Over the past few weeks further developments have taken place in the following areas and need to be considered.

The Educational and Social Benefits of Improving School Buildings

3.5 In January 2007 Estyn published a report entitled "An Evaluation of Performance of Schools Before and After Moving into New Buildings or Significantly Refurbished Premises" which presented the findings of a study conducted by Her Majesty's Inspectorate to evaluate the impact of the quality of school buildings on the performance of schools.

3.6 For the purposes of the report the performance of schools is assessed by reference to the Estyn inspection themes and grades:

_ attainment and achievement of pupils;

_ pupil behaviour, as indicated by the level of fixed-term and permanent exclusions;

_ pupil attendance;

_ quality of teaching;

_ quality and range of the curriculum;

_ leadership and management.

3.7 The main findings of the research are:

_ In all schools, better buildings contribute to improving one or more of the performance areas.

_ Ageing school buildings which are in a poor state of repair cannot meet modern teaching and learning needs. Inadequate buildings make improvements in standards of achievement more challenging.

_ In nearly all schools with new or refurbished buildings pupils' attainment and achievement have improved. In some cases the improvement in attainment has been significant, especially in a few schools in communities with high level of social and economic deprivation.

_ The quality of teaching has improved in those schools that have moved into new or refurbished buildings. Improvement in the quality of buildings have a very beneficial effect on the quality of teaching and morale of staff which has a positive effect on pupil performance.

_ Pupils' behaviour generally improves in their new school compared to what it was in their old school building. There are less permanent and fixed term exclusions.

_ Most schools offer pupils more choices than in their previous buildings because they have more space and better facilities. The provision the school makes for before-school and after-school activities significantly improves.

3.8 The report also makes reference to other research carried out in recent years in America and England, which concludes:

_ Learner achievement improves with improved building condition. Individual factors such as lighting levels, air quality and temperature, and acoustics have an effect on learner behaviour and outcomes.

_ There is a positive and statistically significant link between capital investment and pupil performance.

_ There is a stronger link with performance where there have been improvements to specific curriculum areas, for example, the provision of new or improved science laboratories and ICT suites.

_ Improved buildings tended to have beneficial effects on the local community, especially in areas of high economic and social deprivation.

3.9 The expanding research evidence and analysis confirms the educational and social benefits of investing in improved school buildings, reinforcing the importance of MEP as a strategic development and service improvement strategy.

Sustainable Development and Sustainable Schools

3.10 The capital investment brought forward by MEP offers huge opportunity to embed sustainable characteristics within the fabric of school buildings, to create an environment that stimulates sustainable learning, living and behaviour. This is an opportunity that cannot be missed if the Council wishes to be true to its commitments to sustainable development in the round, to addressing its impacts on climate change and to nurturing its young people, the citizens of the future.

3.11 In February 2007 the Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside at the Welsh Assembly Government, Carwyn Jones AM, made a statement in plenary session to the National Assembly for Wales in which he declared his intention to make it a requirement, within six months, that all new buildings in Wales constructed with financial support from the Assembly shall achieve a BREEAM "excellent" rating.

3.12 The environmental performance of school buildings is assessed by reference to the BREEAM Schools (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) standard. The standard assesses buildings against nine categories - management, energy use, health and well being, pollution, transport, land use, ecology, materials and water - and awards credits against each according to the level of performance achieved. The credits are subjected to environmental weightings to produce an overall score for the building, which is then translated into a BREEAM rating of Pass, Good, Very Good or Excellent. The assessment is carried out by a trained independent assessor who is licensed by the BRE. A certificate is issued to confirm the rating achieved. BREEAM has become a benchmark of environmental responsibility for buildings in the UK and has gained international recognition.

3.13 Research carried out by the BRE has established that the creation of sustainable buildings and the use of the BREEAM assessment methodology has promoted the following benefits:

· a better quality environment for staff, pupils and visitors;

· a learning resource on the impact of buildings on the environment;

· a reduction in staff sickness and pupil absences;

· improved attention in the learning situation;

· reduced utility and maintenance costs;

· improved environmental performance whilst maintaining value for money;

· raising the profile of, and respect for, a school;

· independent verification of design performance at design and post construction stages;

· a benchmark for the performance of school buildings.

3.14 The County Council had adopted an objective to have all new school buildings achieve at least a BREEAM "very good" rating but this will need to be reviewed in the light of the Minister's statement. Based on research published in 2006 it could be concluded that a "very good" rating could be achieved at negligible additional cost but to secure an "excellent" rating will certainly involve additional cost, but the exact financial implications cannot be assessed at this time. An exercise has been commenced to assess the effect of upgrading a new school from "very good" to "excellent" standard and the outcome of this will inform the design and cost profiling of future projects.

3.15 A number of school development projects within MEP are supported by School Building Improvement Grant (SBIG) from WAG. Officers have written to WAG to seek clarification of the implications of the Ministers statement for current and future projects supported by SBIG and are awaiting a response.

3.16 The present MEP cost estimates are based upon securing a BREEAM "very good" rating but these will need to be reviewed once the exercise referred to above has been completed and once further guidance has been received from WAG on the implications of the Minister's statement and how this translates to the future allocation of School Building Improvement Grant (SBIG).

Community Focused Schools

3.17 A community focused school is one that provides a range of services and activities, often beyond the school day, to help meet the needs of its pupils, their families and the wider community. School buildings are evidently important community resources and need to be utilised to the maximum extent possible.

3.18 Local authorities have responsibility through their community leadership and community planning responsibilities for facilitating the provision of a wide range of services, placing the local authority in a unique position to provide advice on the existing provision of services in a school's area and set the context within which the school should seek to develop its extended community focus.

3.19 The Education and Children's Services Department has produced a draft Community Focused Schools Strategy to establish a framework to guide the Council's facilitation role to support school governing bodies in the development of community focused schools.

3.20 The draft strategy notes the potential contribution of the MEP programme to the community focused schools agenda through its ambition to make all schools fit for purpose for the 21^st century.

3.21 The vision is for community focused schools that:

· promote themselves as focal points for community development in response to locally identified needs;

· have clear visions for serving the needs of their communities;

· have the capacity to deliver community learning in partnership with other providers;

· foster partnership working;

· make services available outside school hours and inside whenever possible;

· exhibit strong community leadership.

3.22 The draft strategy proposes that the County Council will support the establishment of community focused schools by:

· actively encouraging all schools to be involved in community development activities;

· providing a strategic overview of developments;

· linking community focused schools with other council or partner activities to develop integrated services;

· promoting partnership working;

· disseminating good practice.

Strategic Planning for School Organisation and Asset Management Plan

3.23 On the 15th March 2007 the Minister for Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills at WAG, Jane Davidson AM, wrote to the Executive Board or Cabinet Member with responsibility for Education in every council in Wales on the subject of strategic planning for the improvement of school buildings.

3.24 In her letter the Minister reiterated the Assembly Government's objective to have every school in Wales fit for purpose and in good physical shape as soon as practicable. Her present assessment is that half of Welsh councils are making good progress and have a clear picture of the reorganisation of provision they need to undertake and a clear view of the investment they need to make to deliver reorganized provision in buildings that are fit for purpose. She expresses her concern that the remainder still lag behind.

3.25 The Minister declares her intention to make it a requirement that once the present arrangement for distributing SBIG ceases in 2010 future funding beyond that time provided by the Assembly will depend upon councils having properly developed plans and strategies in place. SBIG grant will be directed at those authorities that have robust plans and have demonstrated a good track record in delivering investment programmes using SBIG and by directing significant amounts of their own resources in their schools capital programme through general capital funding, capital receipts and prudential borrowing. The Minister envisages that from 2009 - 2010 onwards targeting arrangements for SBIG funding will begin to apply.

3.26 The Minister gives notice that all authorities will be visited over the coming months to review their position on forward planning and by July of this year an agreement is expected with each authority on a target date for reaching the fitness standard. The individual targets will replace the previous general target for Wales of having all schools fit for purpose by 2010 as this is now acknowledged to be unachievable.

3.27 As noted in the introduction to this report this Council's forward strategic planning has to date been held in high regard by WAG. The Council does, however, need to ensure that its strategic planning is kept up to date and is adapted to reflect changes taking place in the national policy framework for education, as noted above.

3.28 The Asset Management Plan (AMP) for schools was produced in 2005. Since this time there has been significant change to the programme of action for the development and rationalisation of the asset base, to the extent that the AMP now requires updating.

3.29 A review of the corporate Asset Management Plan is planned for 2007/2008 and it will be opportune to review the service asset management plan for schools within the same timeframe, to ensure that it provides the strategic development framework for school buildings expected by WAG.

Estyn - Transforming Schools: A Discussion Paper

3.30 In March 2007 Estyn published a document entitled "Transforming Schools: A Discussion Paper" in which it sets out the main challenges and opportunities facing schools in Wales with the aim of engaging all those who have a stake in improving education in Wales.

3.31 The paper is founded upon the fundamental premise that "high quality delivery of education has the capacity to transform Wales and its future prosperity" and sets out a series of key actions, under a number of main themes, that stakeholders should take to secure a positive future.

3.32 The following extracts from the report serve to reinforce the importance of MEP as an enabling strategy towards an effective education service for the future:

"To collaborate effectively, the schools of the future and their major partners will need to:

· Develop shared strategic and operational plans, pool resources and accept joint accountability.

To promote positive values in young people, the schools of the future will need to:

· Build on the potential of education for sustainable development and global citizenship and other initiatives to promote social responsibility.

Over recent years there has been a growing awareness of the role that good building design plays in successful education. Pleasant surroundings tend to improve pupil's self-esteem and this in turn can lead to improved educational standards. However, too many of our school buildings do not meet the standards that we expect from public buildings today.

There are many schools in Wales that are over a hundred years old and many schools that were built more recently which require high maintenance. Many of these schools need constant costly repairing and upgrading and are often difficult to make fit for purpose, for example for the Foundation Phase, with its emphasis on indoor and outdoor learning. In a significant number of schools, pupils do not have ready access to comfortable communal areas or leisure services, high-quality sports facilities, or even adequate toilet facilities. Overall, too few pupils and staff enjoy well-designed and purposeful accommodation: they work in buildings, designed for formal class teaching, which lack the flexibility for the teaching and learning approaches required in the 21^st century.

There is also a growing problem of managing the impact of falling birth rates. If it were possible to reduce the number of pupils, around 275 average-sized primary schools (17% of the total) and 26 average-sized secondary schools (11% of the total) would close. In addition, population movements mean that schools that were originally built to serve a particular community may no longer be needed, while new schools are required for newer residential centres. It is a major financial and strategic challenge to remove surplus places, build schools to serve new communities and improve the condition of existing school buildings.

There is also now a greater realisation of the importance of emphasising sustainability and minimising energy consumption.

From inception, new schools should consider breaking the mould of what has gone before.

The schools for the future should have:

· Attractive accommodation and modern buildings that use sustainable sources of materials in keeping with the best of local architecture and building traditions and are energy and resource efficient.

· Sufficient, well-designed, high-quality accommodation that can be used flexibly for teaching and learning using a range of approaches.

· First-class facilities in which pupils can enjoy healthy meals.

· Suitable clean modern provision for toilets and personal hygiene.

· Buildings that are accessible to the whole community and have suitable facilities for disabled learners.

· Up-to-date facilities, such as IT centres, laboratories, workshops and libraries, for use by pupils, staff, parents and members of the community.

· Safe, well-lit and sheltered communal areas and grounds for play and relaxation, encouraging wide-spread community use so that users can take pride in caring for their locality.

· Indoor and outdoor sports and play facilities that are available both to pupils and the community.

· Community services, where pupils and their families have access to a wide range of support, including health and social services.

School leadership and management of the future will need to:

· Use people's time, resources and accommodation in more ambitious and creative ways."

Programme Structure and Order of Projects

3.33 The original Draft MEP Timeline report presented to members in May 2005 noted that the content and timings of the draft plan should always be seen as "current thinking" and not as being "in tablets of stone". It comments in particular that "any changes to specific detail whether it be with regard to ....the estimated capital costs ......will have consequential implications on the whole planning environment."

3.34 It goes on to note "all capital works estimations are based on informed desktop considerations and in only a few instances have benefited from detailed project development considerations". The report clearly therefore acknowledges and accepts that there will be instances where, in order to meet overall MEP aspirations that all schools be of an appropriate standard, some individual project scheme specifications, and therefore related capital estimates, will need to be revisited in the light of more detailed project development considerations.

3.35 The report presented to the Executive Board in July 2006 re-emphasised the intrinsically volatile nature of the MEP programme. It is unavoidable that MEP will be subject to ongoing and frequent change as it is dependant upon a number of variable factors, many of which are outside the direct control of the Council.

3.36 It has become increasingly evident as time has passed that whilst the first generation MEP plan was subject to considerable thought, analysis and forward planning, considerable change to the published Timeline has already become necessary. Whilst much of the strategic planning at the core of MEP remains viable and relevant the project programme presented originally can no longer be relied upon as a robust implementation strategy. Significant changes have already become necessary to a number of projects in the early years of the programme, as indicated in the report to the Executive Board in July 2006. Changes to the scope of projects have an immediate impact on their estimated capital cost. The result of the changes made to date has been to significantly increase the cost of the overall programme.

3.37 Other factors, including a developing policy framework as outlined above, are also influencing the pressures on the overall programme, the individual projects within it and the order in which they ought sensibly to be brought forward.

3.38 For example, significant change has been taking place within some communities in Carmarthenshire, not least through rapid and extensive development. The success of the Council's regeneration programmes and a buoyant housing market over the past couple of years have resulted in large numbers of residential properties being built and occupied and these are now beginning to yield young people requiring school education. It is apparent that certain "hot spots" have emerged, placing pressure on spaces in a small number of primary schools. These schools are bucking the trend of falling rolls and a few are facing real challenges in meeting their obligations. The Department is working with schools to address these issues and where the schools are complying with Council policy regarding admissions there is an obligation upon the Education and Children's Services Department to assist the schools where practicable in overcoming their space constraints.

3.39 At a very small number of locations this may need to include the provision of further temporary accommodation for an interim period pending the implementation of a long-term solution. The present status of MEP is such that the lead in period for new projects yet to be introduced into the approved three year funding programme is at least four years to the completion and commissioning of a permanent solution. Those schools complying with Council's admissions policy and experiencing real space pressures cannot reasonably be expected to wait that long for any assistance. The removal of temporary accommodation is a fundamental objective of MEP and so the provision of further mobiles will be an absolute last resort and only undertaken when all other practical options have been examined and discounted. When instances warranting intervention of this nature arise appropriate provision will be made within the approved funding programme.

3.40 The forward work programme of consultations on school reorganisations or closures is being affected by changes taking place naturally within the school population. This is especially so in the case of very small schools. Pupil driven changes, for example, through numbers at a school declining quicker than anticipated, necessitate the consideration of individual schools or groups of schools sooner than originally planned. As situations such as this arise the MEP consultation programme needs to be regarded flexibly and changes to the planned programme effected as necessary, subject to the capacity available to process consultation exercises and undertake formal procedures.

4 MEP PROGRAMME 2007 - 2008

4.1 In continuing to develop the MEP programme as a large strategic investment plan it is imperative that the Council can be confident that it is achieving the best possible use of its financial resources. In order to achieve this a review of the order of priority for the projects within the programme, reflecting the issues summarised in the previous sections of this report and earlier reports, has been commenced.

4.2 The programme proposed for 2007/2008 takes account of the change factors referred to and is presented as an effective strategy to move MEP forward in a considered and coherent way.

4.3 In July 2006 the Executive Board resolved that the MEP capital programme should thereafter be presented in the form of a three-year expenditure plan, consistent with the corporate capital programme, that indicates firm intentions for the active financial year with provisional proposals for the subsequent two years. The three-year programme to be reviewed on a rolling annual basis to reflect changing circumstances over time.

4.4 The MEP Programme for 2007/2008, covering construction projects, school rationalisation proposals and project development activity is detailed in Appendix 3. The MEP Capital Investment Plan 2007/2008 (with provisional proposals for 2008/2009 and 2009/2010) is included in Appendix 4.

4.5 The capital plan indicates an intention to invest over £28 million across 23 school infrastructure improvement projects in 2007/2008. This includes the use of £3.4 million of SBIG from WAG.

4.6 It should be noted that the indicated costs for projects yet to be taken to competitive tender (Peniel, Ysgol Y Dderwen, Llannon, Brynsaron, Halfway) are based upon the latest available estimates. The robustness of these estimates will depend upon the extent to which the project design has been developed and it is possible, therefore, that the cost estimates presented in Appendix 4 will change as development work matures. Cost estimates for a number of schemes have been revised in accordance with the latest information available (Brynsierfel, Morfa, Lakefield/Copperworks) whilst the estimates for other projects (Whitland, Ystradowen/Cefnbrynbrain) will need to be reviewed in the light of further project development work yet to be undertaken and information not yet available.

Recommendation 2

4.6 The Executive Board approves the detailed MEP programme and capital investment plan for 2007/2008.

APPENDIX 1

MEP Record of Delivery

2001 - 2006

MEP - Record of Delivery to March 2006

School	Project	Completed	Value (£)	Critical Success Factor
				Spare Places Removed
Capital Investment Modernisation Programme
Primary Schools
Bancyfelin	Provision of classroom extension.	2003	179,000	-
Bigyn	Provision of hall and space for nursery.	2004	312,000	-
Bynea	Provision of classroom extension.	2004	568,000	-
Bryn Teg	Creation of new school to replace the former Llwynhendy and Ysgol Yr Ynys primary schools. (New school temporarily in residence at the site of the former Ysgol Yr Ynys school pending completion of a new building on the site of the former Llwynhendy school by the summer of 2008).	2005	-	+210
Cae'r Felin	Provision of an extension to the existing school to replace mobile accommodation and a new nursery and to accommodate pupils transferring from Alltwalis and Llanfihangel ar Arth.	2005	334,000	+6
Ferryside	Refurbishment of toilets.	2005	210,000	-
Halfway	Provision of classroom extension.	2003	324,000	-
Johnstown	Provision of a major extension to accommodate five classrooms formerly housed in mobile buildings.	2004	750,000	-
Laugharne	Provision of classroom extension.	2005	919,000	-
Llangunnor	Provision of classroom extension.	2003	225,000	-
Penygaer	Provision of classroom extension.	2004	686,000	-
Saron	Provision of classroom extension.	2003	126,000	-
Stebonheath	Provision of classroom extension.	2004	285,000	-
Whitland	Provision of classroom extension.	2003	218,000	-
Ysgol Bro Brynach	Creation of new school to replace the former Llangynin, Cwmbach, Henllan Amgoed and Llanboidy schools.	2005	1,057,000	+115
Ysgol Rhys Pritchard	Provision of classroom extension.	2004	836,000	-
Ysgol Y Bedol	Creation of new school to replace the former Garnant, Glanaman and Twyn schools.	2005	5,611,000	+384
Ysgol Y Ddwylan	Provision of classroom extension.	2004	787,000	-
Secondary Schools
Amman Valley	Facilities improvements.	2003	159,000	-
Bro Myrddin	Facilities improvements.	2004	53,000	-
Bryngwyn	Facilities improvements.	2003	200,000	-
Coedcae	Extension of sports hall and facilities.	2004	717,000	-
Dyffryn Taf	Installation of lift for disabled persons and contribution to lottery scheme for sports hall.	2003	168,000	-
Emlyn	Facilities improvements.	2004	408,000	-
Gwendraeth	Facilities improvements.	2003	100,000	-
Maesyryrfa	Facilities improvements.	2005	319,000	-
Pantycelyn	Facilities improvements.	2004	789,000	-
Tregib	Refurbishment of toilets.	2004	188,000	-
School Rationalisation Programme
Alltwalis	Closure of school with effect from end of summer term 2003.	August 2003	-	-25
Garnant	Closure of school with effect from end of summer term 2004.	August 2004	-	-236
Glanaman	Closure of school with effect from end of summer term 2004.	August 2004	-	-168
Llanddowror	Closure of school with effect from end of summer term 2004.	August 2004	-	-30
Llanfihangel ar Arth	Closure of school with effect from end of summer term 2003.	August 2003	-	-30
Llwynhendy	Closure of school with effect from end of summer term 2005.	August 2005	-	-250
Myddfai	Closure of school with effect from end of summer term 2001.	August 2001	-	-36
Trap	Closure of school with effect from end of spring term 2006.	April 2006	-	-53
Twyn	Closure of school with effect from end of summer term 2003.	August 2003	-	-30
Ysgol Yr Ynys	Closure of school with effect from end of summer term 2005.	August 2005	-	163
		TOTALS	£16,528,000	306

APPENDIX 2

MEP Progress Report 2006 - 2007

Modernising Education Provision (MEP) Programme 2006 - 2007

End of Year Progress Report

School(s)	Project and Scope	Lead Officer	Progress and Status
Projects at Construction Stage
Bro Brynach (Phase 2)	Refurbishment of the old school hall and canteen to complete the overall project following the completion and commissioning of the new school building in 2005.	Llew Thomas	Works have been delayed significantly due to issues associated with modifications to the Grade 2 listed building. A scheme of repair and refurbishment has ultimately been agreed and a tender for the works was issued in January 2007. A works contract has been let at a value of £171k and works are expected to start on site in April 2007.
Bryn	Construction of new school building with capacity for 270 pupils plus 26 nursery places on site of existing school. Demolition of existing buildings and reinstatement of site.	Llew Thomas	Construction contract awarded to WRW Ltd at value of £3.2 million. Contract commenced on site 27th March 2006 with construction period of 72 weeks, due to end on 21st August 2007. As at end March 2007 works approximately one week behind programme but contractor confident of recovering time. Expenditure to end of March 2007 estimated @ £2.3 million, slightly ahead of projected profile. Projected out-turn remains at contract sum. Project expenditure 2006/2007 @ £2.5 million.
Bryn Teg	Construction of new school building for 210 pupils plus 26 nursery places on the site of the former Llwynhendy County Primary School to replace that school and the Ysgol Yr Ynys school. The new school campus to include an Integrated Children's Centre (funded and constructed separately).	Llew Thomas	Construction contract awarded to TRJ Ltd at value of £3.6 million but scheme amended post tender to include new WAG guidelines on space requirements of Foundation Phase, with revised works costs increasing to £3.8 million. Further refinement of the design, especially to deal with acoustics requirements, may necessitate a further revision of the contract cost. Construction commenced March 2007 with good progress made on earthworks and site preparation. Project expenditure 2006/2007 @ £332k.
Gwendraeth	Construction of new toilets and hall.	Martin Jones	Construction of toilets completed summer 2006 at cost of £195k. Contract for construction of new hall awarded to Lloyd and Gravell Ltd at value of £1.8 million. Grouting to remediate poor ground conditions on site completed. Construction work on main hall to commence April 2007. Project expenditure 2006/2007 @ £446k.
Nantgaredig	Construction of an extension to the existing buildings of the school, comprising new classrooms for early years and internal refurbishment to improve administration arrangements.	Martin Jones	Construction contract awarded to TAD Builders Ltd at value of £396k. Award of the contract had to be delayed by around two months until confirmation was received from WAG on the award of an additional £1 million of SBIG for the QE High School project during the current year. Construction commenced December 2006 and is proceeding well. Project expenditure 2006/2007 @ £180k.
Queen Elizabeth High School	Construction of a new secondary school for 1600 pupils on the existing site of two former schools, incorporating a regional hub for special needs education and integrated with the refurbishment and extension of Carmarthen Leisure Centre on the same campus.	Robert Sully	Phase 2 construction contract awarded to Carillion Ltd at value of £23.6 million (school element). Contract for the construction of the school and Phase 1 of the leisure centre commenced on site 25th September 2006 with a duration for the construction of the school of 97 weeks, due to be complete 4th August 2008, with demolitions and site completion by 2nd March 2009. At end of March 2007 works are on budget but two weeks behind schedule due to inclement weather over the winter months. Project expenditure 2006/2007 @ £5.9 million. .
Swiss Valley	Construction of an extension to the existing building to provide 3 new classrooms and the improvement of access to the site.	Stephanie Williams	Construction contract awarded to TAD Builders Ltd. Work started on site in January 2007 and is proceeding well. Project expenditure 2006/2007 @ £128k.
Tregib	Installation of a double mobile classroom to address accommodation pressures and provide accommodation for existing speech and language provision.	Martin Jones	Significant delays have been encountered in securing the approval of the Environment Agency for the provision of the new accommodation on the site, which is regarded as being at risk of flooding. After protracted discussion the Agency eventually agreed in December 2006 to the installation of the mobile classroom for a period of no more than three years, during which it expects the Council to resolve the long-term flooding threat at Tregib School. Planning permission received from the Brecon Beacons National Park in February 2007. Mobile to be installed during spring of 2007 for occupation at start of autumn term. Project expenditure 2006/2007 @ £50k.
Tycroes	Construction of an extension to the existing buildings of the school, comprising two new classrooms and internal refurbishment to improve the effectiveness of administrative space. One temporary mobile classroom to be removed.	Martin Jones	Contract awarded to TAD Builders Ltd with start expected in May 2007. Award of the contract had to be delayed by around two months until confirmation was received from WAG on the award of an additional £1 million of SBIG for the QE High School project during the current year.
Formal School Reorganisation Consultations
Cwmgwili	Closure of school serving 9 pupils.	Bryan Stephens	Statutory notice confirming Council's intention to close school at end of summer term 2006 published 25th January 2006. Closure date subsequently amended to end of autumn term 2006. Report detailing responses received to formal consultation being presented to Executive Board on 19th April 2006. Proposal referred to Minister for decision. Confirmation of Minister's approval received from WAG 2nd November 2006.
Felinfoel	Closure of Felinfoel Junior School and Ysgol Y Babanod and establishment of new Felinfoel Community School, incorporating an Integrated Children's Centre. Construction of major extension to existing infants school buildings to create sufficient space for new school within one building. Former junior school site to be disposed of.	Llew Thomas	Statutory consultation procedure completed and papers submitted to WAG for decision in April 2006. Notification of Minister's decision to allow the reorganisation to proceed received from WAG on the 18th December 2006. Design of new building approximately 85% complete. Condition survey of existing Ysgol Y Babanod building has been completed to inform development of refurbishment scheme. Construction works provisionally programmed to commence in November 2007. Project expenditure 2006/2007 @ £53k.
Llansadwrn	Closure of school serving 16.5 (FTE) pupils (Sept 2006).	Bryan Stephens	Consultation events held with School governors, staff and parents in December 2006. Consultation period ended 4th February 2007, having been extended by one month is response to a request from stakeholders. Proposals to be taken forward to completion during 2007/2008.
Mynyddcerrig	Closure of school serving 16 pupils.	Bryan Stephens	Statutory notice confirming Council's intention to close school at end of summer term 2007 published 6th September 2006. Report detailing responses received to formal consultation presented to Executive Board on 27th November 2006. Executive Board approved proposal for closure. Approval of Minister received 30th March 2007.
New Inn	Closure of school serving 26 pupils.	Bryan Stephens	Statutory notice confirming Council's intention to close school at end of summer term 2007 published 4th October 2006. Report detailing responses received to formal consultation being presented to Executive Board on 9th January 2007. Approval of Minister received 20th March 2007.
Projects Under Development
Brynsaron	Construction of classroom extension to existing buildings and internal refurbishment. One temporary classroom to be removed.	Martin Jones	Design options under consideration. Tenders for work to be invited summer 2007 with view to commencing construction in autumn.
Brynsierfel	Construction of new building for Welsh medium school for 180 pupils.	Llew Thomas	Design approximately 80% complete. Project on hold pending outcome of review by Task and Finish Group of provision in Llanelli.
Llannon	Classroom extension and internal remodelling to address health and safety concerns.	Stephanie Williams	Design approximately 80% complete. Construction provisionally programmed to commence summer 2007.
Model	CCC committed to a financial contribution of £280,000 (£200k in 06/07 and £80k in 07/08) to Church in Wales project for a significant extension to the voluntary aided school.	Llew Thomas	Payment of contribution now likely in 2007/2008 as construction takes place.
Morfa, Copperworks and Lakefield	The reorganisation of schools in South Llanelli to improve provision, supported by the creation of new school premises.	Llew Thomas	Site feasibility reports completed December 2006. In consultation with local members it has been decided to redevelop the existing Morfa Junior School site for the new Morfa Community School and to develop a new school at Crown Park, Seaside (planning issues permitted) to replace the existing Lakefield Primary School and Copperworks Infants School.
Peniel	Construction of new school building with capacity for 120 pupils on site of existing school, with provision for extended community facility.	Stephanie Williams	Design complete. Planning application submitted. Construction provisionally programmed to commence summer 2007. Community group has succeeded in obtaining grant support for the construction of extended community facilities as part of the project.
Ysgol Y Dderwen	Construction of major extension to school building to provide additional necessary classroom and resource space, extension of hall and remodelling of administrative space.	Llew Thomas	Design approximately 90% complete. Construction provisionally programmed to commence summer 2007.

APPENDIX 3

MEP Programme 2007 - 2008

Modernising Education Provision (MEP) Programme

Programme 2007 - 2008

School(s)	Project and Scope	Lead Officer	Status
Construction Programme
Bancyfelin	Provision of toilets within infants block.	Roger Bowen	New project.
Bro Brynach	Refurbishment of the old school hall and canteen to complete the overall project following the completion and commissioning of the new school building in 2005.	Llew Thomas	Tenders for building works invited January 2007 with a view to commencing on site in April 2007 with completion planned for September 2009.
Bryn	Construction of new school building with capacity for 270 pupils plus 26 nursery places on site of existing school. Demolition of existing buildings and reinstatement of site.	Llew Thomas	Construction contract awarded to WRW Ltd at value of £3.2 million. Contract commenced on site 27th March 2006 with construction period of 72 weeks, due to end on 21st August 2007. As at end March 2007 works were proceeding well remaining on target for completion and estimated to and remain within budget.
Brynsaron	Construction of classroom extension to existing buildings and internal refurbishment. One temporary classroom to be removed.	Martin Jones	Tenders planned for issues in June 2007 with a view to commencing works on site in August 2007 with completion planned for April 2008.
Bryn Teg	Construction of new school building for 210 pupils plus 26 nursery places on the site of the former Llwynhendy County Primary School to replace that school and the Ysgol Yr Ynys school. The new school campus to include an Integrated Children's Centre (funded and constructed separately).	Llew Thomas	Construction contract has been awarded to TRJ Ltd at value of £3.6 million. Construction commenced March 2007 with completion planned for March 2008.
Felinfoel	Construction of a large extension to the existing Ysgol Y Babanod premises to accommodate the entire new Felinfoel Community School (capacity 264 places). The project will include an Integrated Children's centre within the new building.	Stephanie Williams	Tenders planned for issues in September 2007 with a view to commencing works on site in November 2007 with completion planned for November 2009.
Gwendraeth	Construction of new hall.	Martin Jones	Contract for construction of new hall awarded to Lloyd and Gravell Ltd at value of £1.75 million. Poor ground conditions on site have been remediated through pressure grouting. Construction of main hall commenced in April 2007 and is due for completion March 2008.
Llannon	Construction of a classroom extension.	Stephanie Williams	Tenders planned for issues in May 2007 with a view to commencing works on site in August 2007 with completion planned for July 2008.
Model	Major extension to voluntary aided school. Council financial contribution in accordance with statutory responsibilities.	Roger Bowen	Construction works due to start in early 2007/2008.
Nantgaredig	Construction of an extension to the existing buildings of the school, comprising new classrooms for early years and internal refurbishment to improve administration arrangements.	Martin Jones	Contract awarded to TAD Builders Ltd at value of £396k. Construction commenced December 2006 and is due for completion July 2007.
Parc Y Tywyn	Provision of additional mobile accommodation to address serious space constraints as an interim measure pending long-term solution.	Martin Jones	Project to commence early 2007/2008 with view to having accommodation available for occupation at start of autumn term 2007.
Peniel	Construction of new community primary school with capacity for 120 pupils, with extended community facilities.	Stephanie Williams	Design complete and planning application submitted March 2007. Community group has succeeded in securing grant to fund community element.
Queen Elizabeth High School	Construction of a new secondary school for 1600 pupils on the existing site of two former schools, incorporating a regional hub for special needs education and integrated with the refurbishment and extension of Carmarthen Leisure Centre on the same campus.	Robert Sully	Phase 2 construction contract awarded to Carillion Ltd at value of £23.6 million (school element). Contract for the construction of the school and Phase 1 of the leisure centre commenced on site 25th September 2006 with a duration for the construction of the school of 97 weeks, due to be complete 4th August 2008, with demolitions and site completion by 2nd March 2009. At end of March 2007 works were proceeding well, although slightly delayed due to inclement weather (contractor confident of recovering time) and projected to remain within budget.
Swiss Valley	Construction of an extension to the existing building to provide 3 new classrooms and the improvement of access to the site.	Stephanie Williams	Contract awarded to TAD Builders Ltd at a value of £756k. Work commenced on site in January 2007 and is due for completion in January 2008.
Tregib	Installation of a double mobile classroom to address accommodation pressures and provide accommodation for existing speech and language provision.	Martin Jones	Planning permission for the provision of the mobile was received from the Brecon Beacons National Park in February 2007. Installation will take place over the spring with a view to having the facility operational in time for the autumn term.
Tycroes	Construction of an extension to the existing buildings of the school, comprising two new classrooms and internal refurbishment to improve the effectiveness of administrative space. One temporary mobile classroom to be removed.	Martin Jones	Contract valued at £606k to be awarded to TAD Builders Ltd with start expected in May 2007 with completion planned for February 2008.

Formal School Reorganisation Consultations
Ammanford (Phase 1)	Undertake formal consultation to amalgamate governance and management of Ammanford Junior School and Ammanford Infants School.	Bryan Stephens	New project.
Llanarthne	Consult formally on the future of Llanarthne Community School.	Bryan Stephens	New project. At January 2007 the number of pupils attending Llanarthne Community School (capacity 44 pupils) had fallen to 12 (a steady decline from 44 in January 2002) calling into question the ongoing viability of the school.
Llansadwrn	Consult formally on the future of Llansadwrn Community School.	Bryan Stephens	Consultation events held with school governors, parent and staff in December 2006. Consultation period ended February 2007, having been extended by one month in response to a request from stakeholders. Proposals to be submitted to Executive Board in summer of 2007.
Llansawel	Consult formally on the future of Llansawel Community School.	Bryan Stephens	New project. At January 2007 the number of pupils attending Llansawel Community School had fallen to 14.5 (FTE) (a decline from 24 in January 2002, although it is interesting to note that numbers have increased from 9 in January 2006) calling into question the ongoing viability of the school.
Morfa (Phase 1)	Undertake formal consultation to amalgamate governance and management of Morfa Junior School and Morfa Infants School.	Bryan Stephens	New project.
Projects Under Development
Ammanford	Commence an options appraisal and the development of a business case to address the future provision of schools to serve the community of Ammanford.	Stephanie Williams	New project.
Brynsierfel	Construction of new building for Welsh medium school.	Llew Thomas	School design well advanced. Project on hold pending outcome of review by Scrutiny Committee Task and Finish Group of provision in Llanelli.
Capel Cynfab and Cilycwm	Reconstitution of schools as voluntary aided and preparation of project for new replacement school supported by WAG grant with contribution from County Council.	Bryan Stephens	Church in Wales officials are in dialogue with WAG on grant support for the construction of a new school to replace the current two schools dependent upon their reconstitution as voluntary aided. Council officers are monitoring progress and offering support where required.
Cefnbrynbrain and Ystradowen	Possible joint venture with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council to deliver a shared cross-boundary solution for primary schools in the area.	Robert Sully	Discussions with NPT have opened but are at an early stage.
Copperworks and Lakefield	Construction of a new school to replace Lakefield Community School and Copperworks Infants School.	Llew Thomas	A feasibility study to identify potential sites for a new school has been undertaken. A [referred site at Crown Park has been selected, subject to planning issues being resolved.
Halfway	Upgrading of toilets and kitchen facilities.	Martin Jones	New project.
Furnace	Consideration of options for addressing the future of Furnace Community School.	Llew Thomas	Project on hold pending outcome of review by Scrutiny Committee Task and Finish Group of provision in Llanelli and decision of WAG on planning application for development of Stradey Park area.
Morfa	The redevelopment of the site of the present Morfa Junior School to accommodate a new Morfa Community School. The project to include for the provision of an Integrated Children's Centre at a location to be identified.	Llew Thomas	Decision to redevelop existing site confirmed and detailed design work proceeding.
Pembrey and Burry Port	Commence an options appraisal and the development of a business case to address the future provision of schools to serve communities at Pembrey and Burry Port.	Llew Thomas	New project.
Tremoilet and Llanmiloe	Work with the Church in Wales to support the schools at Tremoilet and Llanmiloe in undertaking an exercise to consider creating a new school to replace both with the possibility of constituting a new school as voluntary aided.	Bryan Stephens	New project catalysed by the interest of the schools in engaging with the Church in Wales to address their future.
Whitland	Commence an options appraisal and the development of a business case to address the future provision of a primary school to serve the community of Whitland.	Stephanie Williams	New project.
Ysgol Y Dderwen	Construction of large extension to replace poor quality mobile accommodation and internal remodelling of existing building to improve efficiency of space.	Llew Thomas	Complete design. Prepare contract documents for construction. Planned to commence 2008/2009.

APPENDIX 4

MEP Capital Investment Plan 2007/2008

MEP Capital Investment Plan 2007/2008

APPENDIX 5

Glossary of Abbreviations

Glossary of Abbreviations

AMP	Asset Management Plan
BREEAM	Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
CCC	Carmarthenshire County Council
ESDGC	Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship
Estyn	Her Majesty's Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales
MEP	Modernising Education Provision
NAfW	National Assembly for Wales
PSPS	Planning School Places Strategy
SBIG	School Buildings Improvement Grant
WAG	Welsh Assembly Government