Government Response: School Organisation Code

The Welsh Government acknowledges the matters raised by the Committee and although the majority of these are editorial points that do not change the operation or effect of the Code there are certain matters that require correction. For this reason, the Welsh Government will be withdrawing the draft Code for a further corrected draft Code to be laid as soon as possible this Senedd term.

We will be making amendments to address all points raised by the Committee, except for the following matters:

Scrutiny reporting point 4:                                  The wording of the English text will be amended to delete “availability of” to ensure that it is consistent with the Welsh text. We do not consider that this bullet point requires any further amendment as, although the wording is not identical, the Welsh text is clear and would not be misunderstood.

Scrutiny reporting point 6:                                  The bullet point says that the terms “merger” or “amalgamation” might be used to refer to a situation where two or more existing schools become one school operation on more than one site. The word “uno” is commonly used in Welsh to describe this situation; however, we will consider whether “cyfuno” should also be noted.

Scrutiny reporting point 7:                                  We do not agree with the point as we consider that the choice of word in each bullet point reflects the concept of the bullet point. We do not consider that an amendment is necessary.

Scrutiny reporting point 8:                                  We do not agree with the point as we consider that the Welsh text is clear and avoids unnecessary repetition. We do not consider that an amendment is necessary.

Scrutiny reporting point 10:                    In relation to the first point in this comment, we consider that the Welsh text is clear and do not consider that an amendment is necessary. In relation to the second point in this comment we agree and will amend the minor inconsistency.

Scrutiny reporting point 14:                    We do not agree with the point as it is not a literal translation as there is no single word for “substitution” in Welsh.

Scrutiny reporting point 15:                   We do not agree with the point as it is not a literal translation, but the “possible” element is included in the Welsh text through the word “cynnig”. The Welsh text translates as “the proposal to close such schools”.