At a press conference in Carmarthen today (Monday 22nd of August), before the start of the new school term, Cymdeithas yr Iaith revealed that the new Education Secretary Kirsty Williams has given new hope for Welsh village schools at a recent meeting.
Sharing details of the meeting, Toni Schiavone, Cymdeithas' education spokesman said:
"For the first time since establishing the National Assembly, we have an Education Secretary from a rural background who understand the importance of Welsh village schools. When we met, she told us she wanted to reform the School Organisation Code in order to move away from the 'continual focus' on 'empty spaces'. She said that a new rural schools policy is being developed and there will be a 'presumption against closure' although it will not be possible to prevent all schools from closing. She also said that she was looking at different models of federation as they sustain communities while improving standards and saving money.
GIFT OF £1000 TO EXCITING NEW PROJECT
In the same press conference, Cymdeithas drew attention to "an exciting new project" in Carmarthenshire that could become a pilot for village communities nationwide. Aled Davies, chair of Ysgol Bancffosfelen governors said that they wanted to commission a Feasibility Study to establish a Community Trust to buy and develop the school building for the benefit of the community, with the County Council renting a part of the building to be used as a school.
Mr Davies explained:
"The Governors and the local community feel that this is the way forward for us locally. We can take over the responsibility of developing the building as a community resource while the Council can concentrate on its responisibility to run a school in it"
In response Cymdeithas announced that it has given a contribution of £1000 towards the appeal, stating "This pilot could be a model for Welsh village communities nationwide, to ensure their futures and that of their schools"