News
Funding cuts hit Pembrokeshire College jobs

Funding cuts hit jobs: Pembrokeshire College
PEMBROKESHIRE COLLEGE confirmed to The Herald on Friday (March 7) that part-time courses will be hit following Welsh Government funding cuts.
Recent funding allocations issued to colleges across Wales show that funding for part-time courses would be cut by 50 per cent for academic year 2015/16 – however funding for basic skills, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Learners with Learning Difficulties or Disabilities (LLDD) would be protected.
Overall the cuts will mean a £14.1 million reduction in funding for the further education sector in Wales.
As well as cuts to part-time funding, colleges will also need to make an efficiency gain of 2.6 per cent in the delivery of their full-time courses which is consistent with the efficiency gains required to be made by school sixth forms.
Pembrokeshire College is currently in the process of planning for this change and is working with staff to look at alternative delivery methods to try to minimise the impact on course delivery as much as possible. In reality the College is facing a cut in funding of £800,000 for 2015/16.
In addition to the Welsh Government cuts, there is also uncertainty regarding the Sector Priorities Fund aimed at providing part-time provision for employed adults over the age of 19. During 2014/15 this provided the College with funding in the region of £1 million but, as yet, the funding position for 2015/16 is unclear. As such, the College has entered into voluntary redundancy talks with its staff.
Trade Unions UCU, ATL and UNISON who represent members in FE Colleges across Wales said they are outraged by the scale of funding cuts announced by the Welsh Government, which have been imposed on Welsh FE Colleges through decisions made in Westminster. Speaking on behalf of the joint trade unions, Hugh McDyer, Area Organiser for Unison, commented: “We are working closely with Pembrokeshire College to avoid compulsoryredundancies and will continue as unions to campaign for a fair deal for FE. There has to be government commitment to provide adequate funding to the FE sector, to protect ‘second chance’ learning and the life changing opportunities that this can provide for thousands of adults in both Wales and the rest of the UK.”
The funding cuts will not affect the College’s ability to deliver full-time courses aimed at 16-18 year olds. College Principal, Sharron Lusher, commented: “Here, it is very much a case of business as usual to ensure our young learners achieve excellent results again this year. Our outstanding A-level results last year resulted in 33.3% of our students achieving A – A* and 37% of students studying Extended Diplomas achieved Distinction/Distinction*. In 2014 we saw 165 of our learners progressing into universities and higher education – a significant number. Upskilling the unemployed and adults in the most need of basic skills training will also remain as a core activity of the College.”
She commented further: ‘I met with staff today and recognise that it is a difficult message to deliver to a team of staff who have shown their dedication to delivering high quality part-time education and training to learners from across Pembrokeshire for many years – we are working hard to minimise the impact of the funding reductions.”
Education
Sam Kurtz quizzed by primary school pupils about how was is governed
PUPILS at St Oswald’s VA Primary School welcomed a visit from local Senedd member Samuel Kurtz on Monday (Feb 2), as children put questions to him about how Wales is governed.
Years five and six pupils took part in an interactive session where the Senedd Cymru member explained the role of the Welsh Parliament, how laws are made, and how elected representatives support local residents.
He outlined what a Member of the Senedd does day-to-day, how decisions affecting communities are taken, and why taking part in democracy is important.
The pupils were then given the chance to quiz him directly, raising questions about politics, local issues and how young people can make their voices heard. Staff said the children showed strong interest and came well prepared.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Kurtz said: “It was a real pleasure to visit St Oswald’s and see such enthusiasm and curiosity from the pupils.
“Understanding how democracy works and how decisions are made is important, and it is encouraging to see young people taking an interest in how their community and country are run.
“I was particularly impressed by the quality of the questions, which showed they had clearly done their research.”
Teachers described the visit as a valuable opportunity to bring lessons about citizenship and Welsh democracy to life.
The school visit forms part of Mr Kurtz’s ongoing programme of meeting with schools, community groups and residents across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.
Crime
Police confirm teacher was stabbed at school as teenager appears in court
15-year-old charged with Section 18 GBH with intent and possession of a bladed article on education premises
POLICE have confirmed that the teacher injured during Thursday’s lockdown at Milford Haven Comprehensive School suffered stab wounds, as a 15-year-old boy appears in court today (Saturday, Feb 7).
Dyfed-Powys Police said the teenager has been charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article on education premises. He has been remanded in custody and is due before Swansea Magistrates’ Court this morning.
Emergency services were called to the school at around 3:20pm on Thursday (Feb 5) following reports that a member of staff had been assaulted by a pupil. The school was placed into immediate lockdown and police said all learners later returned home unharmed.
The injured teacher has since been discharged from hospital and is recovering with support.
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Briggs said: “We are continuing to support the victim whilst they recover from this traumatic event. Following detailed enquiries by specialist officers, injuries initially assessed and described as non-stab injuries have now been confirmed as stab wounds.
“A statement at an early stage of the investigation was based on preliminary information available at the time.
“There will continue to be a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days to provide further reassurance. Officers will be working closely with local secondary schools to offer support over the coming week.”
In a joint update issued by the local authority and the school, deputy headteacher Daryl John thanked staff and the small number of pupils who remained on site, saying they acted “with professionalism” and were “calm throughout”. He added that the school community was grateful for the “rapid and effective response” of the emergency services and sent best wishes to the injured colleague for a “full and speedy recovery”.
Pembrokeshire County Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey confirmed the school will reopen on Monday, with additional support available for pupils and staff affected by the incident. He said lockdown procedures are routinely rehearsed so that, in rare cases where they are needed, everyone knows what to do.
The school was closed to pupils on Friday, with the town noticeably quieter than usual as children stayed home.
Police enquiries are continuing and further updates are expected following the court hearing.
News
Local rugby talent Osian Williams selected for Wales Under-20 clash with England
A FORMER Haverfordwest Blues junior has earned international honours after being selected to represent Wales Under-20 rugby union team in their fixture against England.
Osian Williams, who began his rugby journey at Haverfordwest Rugby Football Club, will pull on the red jersey this evening in what marks a proud milestone for both the player and the Pembrokeshire club that helped develop his talent.
Club members said the call-up reflects years of hard work, commitment and steady progress through the ranks, with Williams recognised locally for his determination and performances on the pitch from a young age.
A spokesperson for Haverfordwest RFC said the whole club is “incredibly proud” to see one of their own step onto the international stage.
They added that it is always special to watch former junior players progress to represent their country, describing Williams’ selection as “fully deserved” and an inspiration to the next generation coming through the Blues’ youth setup.
The match against England provides a stern test for the young Welsh side, but for Williams and his family it is also a moment to savour after years of dedication to the sport.
Friends, coaches and former teammates are expected to be cheering him on from Pembrokeshire as he makes his mark in Welsh colours.
Photo caption:
Osian Williams has been selected to play for Wales Under-20s against England (Pic: Supplied).
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