News

Survey investigates supply teaching

Published

11 years ago

January 20, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Shadow Education Minister: “Teachers tell me they can’t get permanent jobs.”

PEMBROKESHIRE AM and Shadow Education Minister, Angela Burns, this week raised concerns of what she sees as potential over use of supply teachers in our County’s schools. As a result she has started a survey that will involve both pupils and carers/parents for which an Assembly committee will be investigating. Mrs Burns said: “Over the past few years I have had a growing number of people raising concerns over the long term use of supply teachers. “They play a valuable role in providing short term cover but more and more teachers tell me that they can’t get permanent jobs because of an over use of supply roles. Parents raise concerns over the continuity of education and Children miss the building of a relationship which helps to engage them in the school.

“I am a member of the Children, Young People and Education Committee and we are undertaking an inquiry into supply teaching because of concerns raised by Estyn the education watchdog as well as many others. “Whether you are a Parent, Child or a Teacher who is frustrated with the system or have questions about it then this is your chance to participate directly and I would urge you to follow the web links and take part. Your voice really does matter and committees like to hear from individuals rather than just the usual participants.”

In defence of their own policy on the use of supply teachers, a spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council stated: “There are many reasons why a teacher may be absent from a lesson they would normally teach. “For example, teachers may miss a lesson because of illness, training or to attend various meetings. Teachers should cover the absence of colleagues only under unforeseeable circumstances. One outcome of this ‘rarely cover’ agreement has been an increasing involvement of supply and cover staff in the delivery of pupils’ education. These absences may be short-term or long-term, and may be foreseeable or unforeseen.

“When a teacher is absent, the school will need to ensure that the missed lessons are ‘covered’. The employment of supply staff in schools is a matter for the headteacher and governing body. However, as part of the ongoing challenge and support to schools, any long term use of a supply teacher – or the deployment of a number of supply teachers – for one class would be a matter for discussion with the Local Authority.” The Herald asked The Welsh Assembly Government to comment on the issue but they declined the opportunity.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

32 minutes ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

48 minutes ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

1 hour ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.