Concerns raised over Manorbier VC School and Ysgol Clydau

CLAIRE ARCHIBALD MS has raised concerns in the Senedd over the future of rural village schools, following proposals affecting Manorbier Church in Wales VC School and Ysgol Clydau in Pembrokeshire.

The Reform UK Member of the Senedd for Ceredigion Penfro raised the issue during the Business Statement, asking for the Education Minister to come before the Senedd with clear answers on rural school closures.

She said communities facing the loss of a local school deserved to know what protection was in place, and whether the current rules were strong enough.

Ms Archibald warned that village schools play a vital role in rural life, particularly for children who benefit from smaller, calmer and more familiar settings.

Speaking in the Senedd, she said: “When a village school closes, the village does not just lose a building, it loses its heart. Families are drawn away, and often the shops, services and community spaces close too.”

She also highlighted the importance of smaller schools for children with additional learning needs, autism, anxiety or sensory difficulties.

Ms Archibald said: “Smaller schools can offer a calmer, more familiar environment. For some children, especially those with additional learning needs, autism, anxiety or sensory difficulties, that is where they are best able to cope and learn.”

She said the issue was especially important at a time when more children were struggling with anxiety, stress and school attendance.

Following her contribution, Ms Archibald said: “Village schools are often central to the life of rural communities. They are places where children are known, families are supported, and communities still have a shared point of connection.

“Once a rural school closes, it is very unlikely to reopen. That is why these decisions must be treated with great care.

“The Welsh Government says rural schools should be protected. But if schools such as Manorbier VC School and Ysgol Clydau can still close despite strong local concern, communities will rightly ask what that protection actually means.

“I am asking the Education Minister to set out clearly whether the current safeguards are strong enough, and what action the Welsh Government will take to ensure councils properly explore every alternative before a village school is lost.”

Ms Archibald had also written to Pembrokeshire councillors before the vote on the future of Manorbier VC School and Ysgol Clydau, urging them to consider the long-term impact on children, families and rural communities.

LUCY HINKSMAN has been officially appointed to Haverfordwest Town Council as the newest representative for Castle Ward.

Cllr Hinksman was welcomed to the council this evening by fellow members, including Cllr Josh Odlin, Deputy Mayor Cllr Adam Benson-Davies, and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner.

She brings experience from her work with People First and is known locally for her advocacy on inclusion, equality, and ensuring people’s voices are heard.

Cllr Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed the appointment, saying Lucy’s commitment to supporting people and strengthening the community would make her a strong asset to both Castle Ward and Haverfordwest.

He said he looked forward to working with her as the council continues its work for the town.

Labour, Plaid Cymru and Green members leave chamber as political tensions boil over in first major clash of new Senedd term

A HEATED row erupted in the Senedd after a Reform UK Member of the Senedd made remarks that prompted politicians from Labour, Plaid Cymru and the Green Party to walk out of the debating chamber in protest.

The dramatic scenes unfolded during a debate when Reform MS Joe Martin criticised the state of education in Wales, making comments about literacy standards that opponents said were insulting and disrespectful.

Video of the exchange quickly spread across social media, drawing strong reactions from supporters and critics alike.

During his speech, Martin referred to concerns about educational attainment in Wales and questioned the performance of the Welsh education system. However, opposition members accused him of crossing a line by mocking Welsh pupils and making remarks they considered offensive.

As tensions rose, members from Labour, Plaid Cymru and the Green Party left the chamber in a coordinated walkout, signalling their disapproval of the comments.

The incident marks one of the most significant confrontations since the newly elected Senedd first convened following the May election.

Growing political divide

The walkout highlights the increasingly confrontational atmosphere that has developed between Reform UK and the other parties represented in the Welsh Parliament.

Reform entered the Senedd with a significantly larger presence following the election, fundamentally changing the political landscape and creating a more divided chamber than in previous terms.

Supporters of Reform argued that Martin was highlighting genuine concerns about educational standards and literacy rates in Wales, while opponents maintained that criticism of government policy should not come at the expense of pupils and communities.

The exchange quickly became a major talking point online, with clips attracting thousands of views and generating fierce debate about standards of political discourse in Wales.

Education remains key battleground

Education is expected to remain one of the most fiercely contested issues during the current Senedd term.

Recent years have seen repeated concerns raised about educational performance, attendance levels and attainment gaps, while Welsh Government ministers have defended ongoing reforms and investment in schools.

The latest clash demonstrates how debates over education are likely to become increasingly political as parties seek to define themselves ahead of future elections.

While walkouts are relatively uncommon in the Senedd, Wednesday’s protest underscored the strength of feeling among opposition members and provided an early indication of the battles that may lie ahead in the new parliamentary term.

The incident is likely to fuel further debate both inside and outside the Senedd over political standards, educational performance and the direction of Welsh public policy under the new political landscape.