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Cardiff Council

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Cantonian High School Site proposals

​​​

The proposals for the redevelopment of Cantonian High School, Riverbank Special School and Woodlands High School were agreed by the Welsh Ministers in July 2020 for implementation in September 2023.


However, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic combined with operational issues, and optimisation of the site configuration and building design to benefit learners, have had a significant impact on the progression of the proposals which has resulted in a delay to the planned works. 

The Council has worked closely with the project's contractor to identify a new programme of work which would allow for the completion of the buildings and occupation from September 2025. 

The Council has also sought the permission of the Welsh Minister to delay the full implementation of the proposed changes from 1 September 2023 to September 2026 which has been agreed. 

To ensure the provision of sufficient suitable mainstream places and Additional Learning Needs places in the interim period, a range of temporary measures at Cantonian High School, Woodlands High School and Riverbank Special School have been identified and are being implemented as follows: 

  • intakes to Cantonian High School to increase from 6 forms of entry (180 pupils per year group) to 7 forms of entry (210 pupils), from September 2023, ahead of the permanent expansion to 8 forms of entry when works are complete in 2025/2026 
  • the capacity of Woodlands High School to increase from 140 places to 180 places in September 2023, ahead of the permanent expansion to 240 places when works are complete and the school transfers to its new build accommodation on the Fairwater Campus site; the additional places to be provided through the use of new temporary accommodation on the existing school site 
  • the capacity of Riverbank Special School to increase from 70 places to 78 places in September 2023, ahead of the permanent expansion to 112 places when works are complete and the school transfers to its new build accommodation on the Fairwater Campus site; the additional places to be provided through the use of new temporary accommodation on the existing school site.

 

The above arrangements will ensure the provision of sufficient, suitable classroom and ancillary accommodation for pupils who may otherwise have enrolled at Cantonian High School or would have required a specialist primary or secondary age placement for complex learning needs during the transition period between 2023/2024 and 2025/2026 

The designated number of places at the Cantonian High School Special Resource Base for learners with an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) will increase from 20 places to 30 places in September 2023 as per the Welsh Government approved proposal. 

The Council has also progressed a number of other projects to ensure that there are sufficient mainstream secondary school places to serve the local community of Cantonian High School, and to ensure sufficient places for learners who may otherwise have been enrolled at the city-wide specialist provision of Woodlands High School and Riverbank Special School. 

The Council wishes to see the benefits of the proposal including allowing for a greater number of pupils to benefit from the education on offer at the schools to be realised as soon as possible and the changes outlined above will facilitate this. 

You can keep up to date with progress on the proposals at www.cardiffnewsroom.co.uk including information on the current pre-application consultation that seeks views to be considered before a planning application is submitted to Cardiff Council's Planning Committee. 

If you have any queries or require additional information, please contact the School Organisation Planning Team via e-mail to schoolresponses@cardiff.gov.uk or on 029 2087 2720.​


​Publication of Legal Statutory Notices​


At its meeting on 13 June 2019 the Council’s Cabinet agreed the publication of statutory notices to:
  • Increase the capacity of Cantonian High from 6 forms of entry (6FE) to eight forms of entry (8FE) with sixth form provision for up to 250 pupils in new build accommodation
  • Expand the Specialist Resource Base (SRB) for learners with an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), hosted at Cantonian High School from 20 to 30 places in purpose built accommodation in the new school buildings
  • Transfer Woodlands Special School to the Doyle Avenue site and increase the capacity from 140 places to 240 places in new build accommodation
  • Transfer Riverbank Special School to the Doyle Avenue site and increase the capacity from 70 to 112 places in new build accommodation​







Publication of Objection Report​








The statutory notices were published on 28 June 2019 for a period of 28 days to allow for objections. The statutory notice period expired on 25 July 2019.

The Council received one objection by the statutory notices' closing date.

Where objections are received to the statutory notices, an objection report must be published summarising the statutory objections and the proposer’s response to those objections.

These proposals affect sixth form provision and will therefore require the approval of Welsh Ministers. This means the Welsh Ministers will consider the proposal and the objection received, and will make the final decision on whether the changes go ahead. The Council will therefore forward copies of the statutory objection in addition to the objection report to the Welsh Ministers.

Following a decision by the Welsh Government, the Council will let everyone affected by the proposal know what the decision taken is.
If you have any queries or require additional information please contact the School Organisation Planning Team on 029 2087 2917 or via email to schoolresponses@cardiff.gov.uk.

CARDIFF COUNCIL

SCHOOL STANDARDS AND ORGANISATION (WALES) ACT 2013

ENGLISH MEDIUM SECONDARY SCHOOL PROVISION


NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with Section 42 of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 and the School Organisation Code, that Cardiff Council (herein after “the Authority”), having consulted such persons as appeared to them to be appropriate, propose to:

  • Increase the capacity of Cantonian High School, Fairwater Road, Fairwater, Cardiff, CF5 3JR from 6 forms of entry (180 places per year group) to eight forms of entry (240 places per year group), with sixth form provision for up to 250 pupils, by replacing the current school buildings with larger, new build accommodation on the same site; and

 

  • Expand the Specialist Resource Base (SRB) at Cantonian High School for learners with an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) from 20 to 30 places in the enlarged purpose built accommodation in the new school buildings.


It is proposed to implement the proposal from September 2023. 


The school is currently maintained by Cardiff Council.


The Authority undertook a period of consultation before deciding to publish this proposal.  A consultation report containing a summary of the issues raised by consultees and the Authority’s responses and the views of Estyn is available to view at:

www.cardiff.gov.uk/CantonianSiteProposals


The current school capacity is 1,046 including sixth form. The current number of pupils at the school is 573 (11-16) and 52 (sixth form).


The number of pupils to be admitted to the school in Year 7 (the relevant age group), at age 11, in the first school year in which the proposal is to be implemented will be 240.

The school’s proposed capacity once the proposal is implemented will be 1,450 places including sixth form.

Admissions to the school are managed by the local authority.


The SRB is currently resourced for 20 pupils aged 11 – 19 with statements of special educational need specific to autism spectrum conditions.

Admissions to the SRB are managed by the local authority.  Placements would be subject to a statement of Special Education Need in accordance with the Special Education Code of Practice for Wales 2002 and the new Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 (when in force).

 

There are no plans to change the Council’s policy on the admission of children to schools as a result of these proposals.


Any arrangements for the transport of pupils will be made in accordance with the Authority’s existing policies on school transport.


Within a period of 28 days of the date of publication of these proposals, that is to say by 25th July 2019, any person may object to these proposals.  


Objections should be sent to the Director of Education and Lifelong Learning, Cardiff Council, County Hall, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff CF10 4UW.


Objections may also be sent to the Director of Education and Lifelong Learning, Cardiff Council using the following e-mail address: SchoolResponses@cardiff.gov.uk


Please note that any such objection must contain the full name and postal address of the objector.


The Authority will publish a summary of any such objections made (and not withdrawn in writing) within the objection period, together with their observations thereon, before the end of 28 days beginning with the end of the objection period, that is to say by 21st August 2019.

Dated this 28th day of June 2019

Signed:                                  Davina Fiore
Director of Legal, Governance and Monitoring Officer
For the Council of the City and County of Cardiff


EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This does not form part of the Notice but is intended to explain its general meanings)


It is proposed that the capacity of Cantonian High School is increased from 180 pupils per year group to 240 pupils per year group and that the existing SRB provision at the school be expanded from 20 to 30 places from September 2023.


It is proposed to replace the existing school with enlarged new build accommodation.


In addition to the proposed expansion and replacement of Cantonian High School and the SRB, it is also proposed to transfer Riverbank Special School and Woodlands High School to the Cantonian High School site and increase the capacity of both schools.  Details of these proposals and copies of the statutory notices can be seen at www.cardiff.gov.uk/CantonianSiteProposals


Any new buildings required in the event of the proposal proceeding to implementation would be designed to meet Welsh Government Funding conditions such as BREEAM and also be designed in accordance with the Department of Education Building Bulletins which sets out that the following facilities need to be included in any school:

  • Teaching space: internal and external
  • Halls
  • Dining area
  • Learning resource areas
  • Staff and administration
  • Storage
  • Toilets and personal care
  • Kitchen facilities
  • Circulation
  • Plant and internal walls

CARDIFF COUNCIL

SCHOOL STANDARDS AND ORGANISATION (WALES) ACT 2013

SPECIAL SCHOOL PROVISION


NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with Section 44 of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 and the School Organisation Code, that Cardiff Council (herein after “the Authority”), having consulted such persons as appeared to them to be appropriate, propose to:


  • Transfer Woodlands High School, Vincent Road, Caerau, Cardiff, CF5 5AQ to new build premises at Cantonian High School, Fairwater Road, Fairwater, Cardiff, CF5 3JR.

 

  • Increase the capacity of Woodlands High School from 140 places to 240 places by relocating the school into new larger, purpose built facilities on the Cantonian High School site.

It is proposed to implement the proposal from September 2023. 


The school is currently maintained by Cardiff Council.


The Authority undertook a period of consultation before deciding to publish this proposal.  A consultation report containing a summary of the issues raised by consultees and the Authority’s responses and the views of Estyn is available to view at:


www.cardiff.gov.uk/CantonianSiteProposals

The current number of pupils at Woodlands High School is 136 (aged 11-19).  The pupil capacity of the school is currently 140 and the proposed capacity once the proposal is implemented will be 240.

Children are taught in mixed classes and the numbers per age group may vary however the overall number would not exceed 240.


The school will continue to provide places for learners with complex learning needs.


Admissions to the school are managed by the local authority. Placements are subject to a statement of Special Education Need in accordance with the Special Education Code of Practice for Wales 2002 and the new Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 (when in force).


There are no plans to change the Council’s policy on the admission of children to schools as a result of these proposals.


Any arrangements for the transport of pupils will be made in accordance with the Authority’s existing policies on school transport.


Within a period of 28 days of the date of publication of these proposals, that is to say by 25th July 2019, any person may object to these proposals.  


Objections should be sent to the Director of Education and Lifelong Learning, Cardiff Council, County Hall, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff CF10 4UW.


Objections may also be sent to the Director of Education and Lifelong Learning, Cardiff Council using the following e-mail address: SchoolResponses@cardiff.gov.uk


Please note that any such objection must contain the full name and postal address of the objector.


The Authority will publish a summary of any such objections made (and not withdrawn in writing) within the objection period, together with their observations thereon, before the end of 28 days beginning with the end of the objection period, that is to say by 21st  August 2019.


Dated this 28th day of June 2019

Signed:                                  Davina Fiore
Director of Legal, Governance and Monitoring Officer
For the Council of the City and County of Cardiff

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This does not form part of the Notice but is intended to explain its general meanings)


Woodlands High School is a special school providing special school places for learners aged 11-19 with complex learning needs.


Pupils’ needs cover a wide range, including moderate or severe learning difficulties, speech, language and communication needs, and ASD. No children have profound and multiple learning difficulties. Some pupils are ambulant, some are active or have behaviour needs but others may have minor physical disabilities. Some may have severe sensory impairment. Support spaces include sensory rooms, and therapy bases such as speech and language therapy or sensory support, but no hydrotherapy. A few children use mobility aids.


The school is located in Caerau and admits pupils from across the authority.


From 08 January 2018 the school has been federated with Riverbank and Ty Gwyn Special Schools, as the Western Learning Campus Federation.  The school would continue to be part of the federation.


It is proposed to transfer the school to enlarged new build accommodation at the Cantonian High School site in Fairwater and increase the capacity from 140 places to 240 places.


In addition to the proposed transfer and expansion of Woodlands High School, it is also proposed to transfer and expand Riverbank Special School to the Cantonian High School site, and to expand and replace the existing buildings of Cantonian High School and the Specialist Resource Base (SRB).  Details of these proposals and copies of the statutory notices can be seen at www.cardiff.gov.uk/CantonianSiteProposals


Additional Learning Needs provision has a city-wide catchment and therefore pupils may not live in the immediate vicinity of the site. Therefore, walking, cycle routes, bus services or rail services may not be suitable due to either distance or pupil needs. Furthermore, whilst some pupils are able to travel independently with support it is acknowledged that others are not and therefore Schools Transport will work with pupils, schools and parents/carers to look at the most appropriate form of transport for the pupil and their needs.


Any new buildings required in the event of the proposal proceeding to implementation would be designed to meet Welsh Government Funding conditions such as BREEAM and also be designed in accordance with the Department of Education Building Bulletins which sets out that the following facilities need to be included in any school:


  • Teaching space: internal and external
  • Halls
  • Dining area
  • Learning resource areas
  • Staff and administration
  • Storage
  • Toilets and personal care
  • Kitchen facilities
  • Circulation
  • Plant and internal walls

 

CARDIFF COUNCIL

SCHOOL STANDARDS AND ORGANISATION (WALES) ACT 2013

SPECIAL SCHOOL PROVISION


NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with Section 44 of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 and the School Organisation Code, that Cardiff Council (herein after “the Authority”), having consulted such persons as appeared to them to be appropriate, propose to:

  • Transfer Riverbank Special School, Vincent Road, Caerau, Cardiff, CF5 5AQ to new build premises at Cantonian High School, Fairwater Road, Fairwater, Cardiff, CF5 3JR; and

 

  • Increase the capacity of Riverbank Special School from 70 places to 112 places by relocating the school into new larger purpose built facilities on the Cantonian High School site.

It is proposed to implement the proposal from September 2023. 

The school is currently maintained by Cardiff Council.

The Authority undertook a period of consultation before deciding to publish this proposal.  A consultation report containing a summary of the issues raised by consultees and the Authority’s responses and the views of Estyn is available to view at:

www.cardiff.gov.uk/CantonianSiteProposals

The current number of pupils at Riverbank Special School is 70 (aged 4 - 11).  The pupil capacity of the school is currently 70 and the proposed capacity once the proposal is implemented will be 112.

Children are taught in mixed classes and the numbers per age group may vary however the overall number would not exceed 112.

The school will continue to provide places for learners with complex learning needs.

Admissions to the school are managed by the local authority. Placements are subject to a statement of Special Education Need in accordance with the Special Education Code of Practice for Wales 2002 and the new Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 (when in force).

There are no plans to change the Council’s policy on the admission of children to schools as a result of these proposals.

Any arrangements for the transport of pupils will be made in accordance with the Authority’s existing policies on school transport.

Within a period of 28 days of the date of publication of these proposals, that is to say by 25th July 2019, any person may object to these proposals.  

Objections should be sent to the Director of Education and Lifelong Learning, Cardiff Council, County Hall, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff CF10 4UW.

Objections may also be sent to the Director of Education and Lifelong Learning, Cardiff Council using the following e-mail address: SchoolResponses@cardiff.gov.uk

Please note that any such objection must contain the full name and postal address of the objector.

The Authority will publish a summary of any such objections made (and not withdrawn in writing) within the objection period, together with their observations thereon, before the end of 28 days beginning with the end of the objection period, that is to say by 21st  August 2019.

Dated this 28th day of June 2019

Signed:                                  Davina Fiore
Director of Legal, Governance and Monitoring Officer
For the Council of the City and County of Cardiff

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This does not form part of the Notice but is intended to explain its general meanings)

Riverbank Special School is a special school providing special school places for learners aged 4 - 11 with complex learning needs.

Pupils’ needs cover a wide range, including moderate or severe learning difficulties, speech, language and communication needs, and ASD. No children have profound and multiple learning difficulties. Some pupils are ambulant, some are active or have behaviour needs but others may have minor physical disabilities. Some may have severe sensory impairment. Support spaces include sensory rooms, soft play (primary), and therapy bases such as speech and language therapy or sensory support, but no hydrotherapy. A few children use mobility aids.

The school is located in Caerau and admits pupils from across the authority.

From 08 January 2018 the school has been federated with Woodlands and Ty Gwyn Special Schools, as the Western Learning Campus Federation.  Riverbank School would continue to be part of the federation.

It is proposed to transfer the school to enlarged new build accommodation at the Cantonian High School site in Fairwater and increase the capacity from 70 places to 112 places.

In addition to the proposed transfer and expansion of Riverbank Special School, it is also proposed to transfer and expand Woodlands High School to the Cantonian High School site, and to expand and replace the existing buildings of Cantonian High School and the Specialist Resource Base (SRB).  Details of these proposals and copies of the statutory notices can be seen at www.cardiff.gov.uk/CantonianSiteProposals

Additional Learning Needs provision has a city-wide catchment and therefore pupils may not live in the immediate vicinity of the site. Therefore, walking, cycle routes, bus services or rail services may not be suitable due to either distance or pupil needs. Furthermore, whilst some pupils are able to travel independently with support it is acknowledged that others are not and therefore Schools Transport will work with pupils, schools and parents/carers to look at the most appropriate form of transport for the pupil and their needs.

Any new buildings required in the event of the proposal proceeding to implementation would be designed to meet Welsh Government Funding conditions such as BREEAM and also be designed in accordance with the Department of Education Building Bulletins which sets out that the following facilities need to be included in any school:

  • Teaching space: internal and external
  • Halls
  • Dining area
  • Learning resource areas
  • Staff and administration
  • Storage
  • Toilets and personal care
  • Kitchen facilities
  • Circulation
  • Plant and internal walls

 




The notices allow a period of 28 days from the date of publication for formal objections to the proposals.

Objections should be sent to the Director of Education and Lifelong Learning, Cardiff Council, County Hall, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff CF10 4UW.

Objections may also be sent to the Director of Education and Lifelong Learning, Cardiff Council using the following e-mail address: SchoolResponses@cardiff.gov.uk

Please note that any such objection sent by e-mail must contain the full name and postal address of the objector.

​Previous consultation​



​Consultation on the proposed redevelopment of Cantonian High School, Riverbank Special School and Woodlands High School

As part of the Council’s Band B 21st Century Schools programme, the Council is consulting on proposals to meet increased demand for secondary and special school places.

In response to this the Council is proposing from September 2023, to:

  • ​Expand Cantonian High School from six forms of entry (6FE) to eight forms of entry (8FE) with sixth form places for up to 250 pupils including the replacement of the Cantonian High School buildings with larger new build school facilities on the same site.

  • Expand the Specialist Resource Base (SRB) for pupils with an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) that is hosted at Cantonian High School from 20 to 30 places. The new Cantonian school buildings would include enlarged purpose built accommodation for the SRB.

  • Expand Riverbank Special School from 70 to 140 places, which is to be achieved by relocating the school into new larger purpose built facilities on the Cantonian High School site.

  • Expand Woodlands High School from 140 places to 240 places, which is to be achieved by relocating the school into new larger purpose built facilities on the Cantonian High School site. 


Have your say 


You can download a copy of the consultation document detailing the proposed changes.

Consultation closed 26.04.2019


Nature of consultation​Date and Time​​​Venue​
Drop in session​​ ​Friday 8 February  2019 9am - 11am​Fairwater Library Hub
​Cantonian High School Staff Meeting​ ​Wednesday 13 February 2019 at 3:30pm​Cantonian High School
​Cantonian High School Governing Body  ​Wednesday 13 February 2019 at 5:30pm​Cantonian High School
​Public Meeting  ​Wednesday 13 February 2019 at 7pm ​Cantonian High School
​Riverbank Special School and Woodlands High School Staff Meeting ​Wednesday 20 February 2019 at 3:30pm​Ty Gwyn Special School 
​Western Learning Federation Governing Body Meeting  Wednesday 20 February 2019 at 5:30pm​​Ty Gwyn Special School 
​Public Meeting ​ ​Wednesday 20 February 2019 at 7pm​​Ty Gwyn Special School 
​Drop in session ​Thursday 7 March 2019 5pm - 7pm​Ely and Caerau Community Hub 
​Drop in session Tuesday 12 March 2019 10am – 12noon​​Central Library Hub
​Drop in session ​Wednesday 20 March 2019 2:30pm – 4:30pm​Fairwater Library Hub​
​Drop in session Friday 29 March 2019 9:30am-11:30am​​Fairwater Library Hub​
​Drop in session Thursday 04 April 2019 4:30pm - 6:30pm​​Fairwater Library Hub​
​Drop in session ​Wednesday 10 April 2019 2:30pm - 4:30pm​​Fairwater Library Hub​
​Drop in session​ ​Monday 15 April 2019 9:30am - 11:30am​​Fairwater Library Hub​​
 
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