Proposal to shut three schools take another key step forward

PROPOSALS that could see the closure of three schools have been backed by senior leaders in Carmarthenshire.

- RICHARD YOULE Senior local democracy reporter [e-mail]

Cabinet members agreed to publish a statutory notice to close Ysgol Llansteffan, Llansteffan, and start a formal consultation about Ysgol Y Fro, near Kidwelly, and Ysgol Meidrim, west of Carmarthen. A formal consultation about Ysgol Pontiets, Pontyates, is being delayed.

People will be able to respond to the statutory notice and consultations for the three affected schools and any final closure decisions would be made by full council.

Councillors Meinir James and Jean Lewis, whose wards include Ysgol Y Fro and Ysgol Meidrim respectively, addressed cabinet, urging members to think again.

Cllr James said Ysgol Y Fro offered a unique Welsh experience for pupils who spoke the language in the schoolyard, and that parents have suggested it could become a "sub-school", "hub" or "rural branch" in order to keep it open.

She said some parents would home-educate or send their children to dual stream or English-speaking schools if Ysgol Y Fro closed.

Cllr James also said closing the school in December 2026 would be detrimental for pupils.

Council chiefs have long been worried about dwindling pupil numbers, deficit spending and a shortage of headteachers in many schools in the county, particularly smaller ones, and believe pupils would have more opportunities at larger ones.

Cllr James acknowledged the financial situation but felt small rural schools would pay the price to keep urban schools operating.

Cllr Lewis urged cabinet not to proceed with the formal consultation for Ysgol Meidrim as the discussions thus far, she said, had been "subject to misunderstandings and a lack of communication".