Community Schools Plus plan unveiled at spring conference

PLAID CYMRU has said that educational attainment in Wales “must be solved” following what it described as “26 years of neglect and mismanagement by Labour.”

The comments were made by Cefin Campbell MS, the party’s education spokesperson, during a speech at Plaid Cymru’s spring conference in Llandudno on Saturday (Mar 22).

Mr Campbell said that the current state of the education system required “bold and urgent action,” highlighting the need for a new university funding model, stronger Welsh-medium education plans, and investment to address a £500 million school maintenance backlog.

Freedom of Information requests by Plaid Cymru suggest that councils across Wales face at least a £543 million bill to bring school buildings up to standard.

Mr Campbell said the current model of “Community Schools” introduced by the Welsh Government did not go far enough and called for a new approach that includes on-site mental health and counselling services to help improve behaviour and attendance.

He told delegates: “Whether it’s tackling disruptive behaviour, high levels of absenteeism, or improving ALN and mental health provision, providing wraparound support will enable learners to reach their full potential, no matter what the challenges they face.

“That is why we want to build on the Welsh Government’s current Community School model. While it has good intentions, it does not go far enough.

“In creating a Community School ‘Plus’ model, we hope to bring support staff, services and relevant organisations together to improve support and outcomes for our young people.”

Estyn’s most recent annual report found significant issues facing schools in Wales, including low standards in literacy and numeracy, weaknesses in assessment, and difficulty in recruiting education staff.

International PISA results have also shown a decline in attainment, with Wales scoring lower than the rest of the UK in mathematics, reading and science.

Plaid Cymru said it would continue to push for urgent reforms in the run-up to the 2026 Senedd election.

Cover photo:

Cefin Campbell MS addresses the Plaid Cymru spring conference in Llandudno on Saturday (Pic: Supplied)

AN INTERNATIONAL art exhibition showcasing works from across the globe has opened at the Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven.

The Wales Contemporary / Cymru Gyfoes exhibition, which began on Thursday (Mar 21), features two- and three-dimensional pieces from artists around the world and across Wales. Now in its fifth year, the exhibition is sponsored by the Port of Milford Haven and offers a total prize fund of £15,000.

Founded by the Waterfront Gallery in 2019, the Wales Contemporary has grown into a major cultural event. The exhibition first opened last month at the Garrison Chapel at Chelsea Barracks in London, where initial prize winners were announced. It has now transferred to Milford Haven, where visitors will have the chance to vote for the Welsh Public Choice Prize. The winning artist will receive £1,000, with the result announced at a closing event on Sunday, May 17.

This year’s competition attracted over 1,600 entries from more than 800 artists, covering painting, sculpture, drawing, print, ceramics, textiles and glass. Judging was carried out by a panel including painter Ian ‘H’ Watkins, artist Kelvin Okafor and printmaker Katherine Jones RA. Prizes were awarded for two-dimensional and three-dimensional works, as well as specific awards for Welsh and Pembrokeshire artists. Dana Finch won the Graham Sutherland Prize for her oil painting ‘Swoop’.

Lucy Wonnacott, Head of Communications and Marketing at the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are delighted to sponsor the Wales Contemporary exhibition for the fifth year and celebrate our longstanding support of the Waterfront Gallery, to bring world-class artwork to Milford Haven.

“This year’s exhibition is stunning, and we hope the entries continue to inspire local artists – or aspiring artists – to immerse themselves in the culture and creativity on display.

“Congratulations to all the extremely worthy winners so far. We encourage everyone in Pembrokeshire and southwest Wales to come to Milford Waterfront to see these pieces, and make the most of an amazing opportunity to experience world-class art.”

The exhibition is open at the Waterfront Gallery until Sunday, May 17, with free entry. Opening hours are 10:30am to 4:00pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

More information is available at: www.milfordwaterfront.co.uk

A CONVICTED child rapist who led a depraved sex cult in a quiet Welsh cul-de-sac is to be moved to an open prison – despite being refused parole.

Colin Batley, who orchestrated years of abuse under the guise of a sinister “black magic” cult in the Carmarthenshire town of Kidwelly, will remain in custody but could soon be transferred to a Category D facility, the Parole Board has confirmed.

Batley, now 61, appeared before the Parole Board for the third time on March 7, 2025. Despite fears he may be freed, the panel ruled he must remain behind bars – citing the “gravity of the offences and the profound harm caused to victims.”

However, in a controversial move, the Board recommended Batley be moved to an open prison – a decision which now lies with the Secretary of State for Justice, Shabana Mahmood.

“Obsessed with sex and power”

Batley was jailed in 2011 after being convicted at Swansea Crown Court of 35 charges including 11 counts of rape, indecent assault, and child prostitution. He was handed an indeterminate sentence with a minimum term of 11 years.

The court heard that Batley had created a quasi-religious cult based on the writings of occultist Aleister Crowley, styling himself as ‘high priest’ and ruling over his victims with fear, sexual violence, and threats of damnation.

In chilling detail, the judge described how Batley manipulated women and children, some as young as 11, into acts of abuse, often under threat of harm or supernatural retribution. Victims were forced to wear Eye of Horus tattoos to signify cult membership and were made to call Batley “Lord.”

During his trial, he showed no remorse, smirking and laughing as the verdicts were read out.

No release – but a step closer

In its latest decision, the Parole Board noted that while Batley had completed rehabilitative courses in prison and shown a “commitment to address his risk to others,” the panel was “not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public.”

However, it concluded that Batley met the criteria for transfer to open conditions – prisons with minimal security that allow prisoners to leave for work, education, or other resettlement purposes.

The move has sparked outrage among some observers, with concerns that Batley could soon be allowed increasing levels of freedom despite the severity of his crimes.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson confirmed that any move to open conditions requires approval by the Secretary of State. “This is not automatic, and all such recommendations are carefully reviewed,” they said.

Cult accomplices already released

Batley ran the cult from his home in Clos yr Onnen, Kidwelly, after moving from Shoreditch in London in the 1990s. He was aided by three women – including his bisexual wife Elaine Batley – all of whom have now been released from prison.

Jacqueline Marling was jailed for 12 years, Elaine Batley for eight, and Shelly Millar for five. The group operated a secretive and abusive world behind closed doors in what appeared to be a typical suburban street.

Justice campaigners alarmed

News of Batley’s potential transfer has reignited debate about the release of high-risk sex offenders. Campaigners have warned that open prisons – which are not subject to the same level of security – pose a risk when used for prisoners convicted of extreme sexual offences.

One child protection expert told The Herald: “Batley created a nightmare for so many young victims, and it’s hard to believe he could ever be considered for open conditions. Survivors need reassurance that their abuser will never again have the opportunity to harm others.”

Batley will remain eligible for future parole reviews. If moved to an open prison, it could mark the first step on a path to eventual release.

Photo caption:
Cult leader: Colin Batley was convicted of 35 serious sexual offences