8. Will the First Minister make a statement on Welsh Government policy for supporting rural schools in South Wales Central? OAQ52019

We recently consulted on strengthening the school organisation code in respect of a presumption against the closure of rural schools. We'll publish our response in the summer. We have also introduced a new small and rural schools grant to encourage innovation and support greater school-to-school working.

Thank you for that answer, First Minister. The formula that underpins funding of schools, and in particular rural schools, is based on the sparsity element of the census of 1991. The special education formula was last reviewed in 2006 and the primary and secondary school formula was last updated in 2003, First Minister. By any stretch of the imagination, those are dates that have long since passed. Do you think it is a sensible course of action for the Government to undertake a review of this funding formula to bring it more up to date with current figures and current aspirations for the Welsh Government?

That is something that needs to be explored with local education authorities and something that would affect the revenue support grant. Experience tells us that when a formula is changed there are winners and losers. That's not a reason why it shouldn't change, of course, necessarily, but it is a matter for local authorities collectively to decide on a common approach to, in order to inform Government.

First Minister, I am concerned about the proposal by the Vale of Glamorgan Council to reconfigure primary school provision in the western Vale, which would result in the closure of Llancarfan Primary School. The school was deemed 'good' in its last Estyn inspection and falls within the yellow category. According to the Estyn report,

'The buildings and site provide a stimulating and varied learning environment' and

'pupils make good use of...its wildlife and wooded areas'.

So, First Minister, with respect to this consultation procedure on the school organisation code relating to small and rural schools, I do believe that the impact of these proposals on the local rural community of Llancarfan haven't been taken into account, neither have the views of prospective parents who have contacted me and are devastated by these proposals. Can you assure me that the Welsh Government's school organisation code will be respected in terms of the importance of this school?

Well, of course, local authorities, as the Member will know, are responsible for the planning of school places, but, in bringing forward proposals for substantial changes to schools, local authorities and other proposers must comply with the school organisation code and must take into account a range of factors, the prime consideration being the interests of learners. The code does set a high standard for consultation, providing all those with an interest with an opportunity to make their views known and have those views taken into account.