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A zero sum game?

The number of SEND tribunal cases is rising and the proportion of appeals ‘lost’ by local authorities is at a record high. Lottie Winson talks to education lawyers to understand the reasons why, and sets out the results of Local Government Lawyer’s exclusive survey.

Welsh council puts school changes on hold amid procedural concerns: report

Isle of Anglesey County Council has put a change to its plan for schools on hold.

The BBC has reported that Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones, a secondary school in Amlwch, faced merger with local primary schools or closure to reduce the number of empty spaces.

Similar proposals had been made for schools at Beaumaris and Llangefni but were found contrary to Welsh Government guidelines that protect rural schools.

Welsh education minister Kirsty Williams has said she is investigating a complaint the council did not follow proper procedure in deciding to close one school as part of the Llangefni plan.

Anglesey's executive agreed in May to cancel its decisions on Beaumaris and Llangefni, asking officers to revisit the matter.

The BBC said the council has now said there will be no consultation on the Amlwch proposals this year.

A council report last year said Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones had room for 971 pupils but only 479 were on the register.

The council declined to comment to Local Government Lawyer.

Mark Smulian