Wales’ Next Government May Support Rural Schools

A national spokesperson for Plaid Cymru has said in a message to Cymdeithas yr Iaith in Carmarthenshire that the next Government of Wales, if led by Plaid Cymru, would be “eager to work with local authorities to find practical solutions to keep them (rural schools) open and to involve the local community in those discussions.” He added that this would be in the broader context of regenerating rural communities in general.

On behalf of Cymdeithas yr Iaith in Carmarthenshire, Ffred Ffransis said that Cymdeithas had sent the message as part of its response to the consultation on closing Ysgol y Fro and Ysgol Meidrim, which ended last night, and that there were plans to send it to councillors as well before their full meeting tomorrow (Wednesday 4/2), where they will decide on the future of Ysgol Llansteffan.

Mr Ffransis added:

“Councillor Glynog Davies (Cabinet Member responsible for Education) said in Cabinet that closing schools was not their desire, and we hope that Cefin’s words will give them the opportunity to wait and see what the situation will be in two months after the Election before taking steps that would disrupt children’s education and undermine Welsh-speaking communities.

“We also welcome the commitment to review how the presumption against closing rural schools has been implemented in practice. Quite simply, education officers should always first discuss with governors how to strengthen schools, and only propose closure if other measures fail. That was the intention of the Senedd in 2018, but that is not what has happened.”