Education
Action to improve fortunes of vulnerable learners
EDUCATION MINISTER, Huw Lewis has set out plans to improve the fortunes of some of Wales’ most vulnerable and disadvantaged learners.
At the National Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) conference in Cardiff, the Minister outlined initial plans aimed at driving up standards and improving the provision offered to learners in PRUs through a fresh and strategic approach.
The Minister will announce that the Welsh Government will draw up a new framework for improving PRU provision that is focused on the six areas of leadership, accountability, resources, structure, learner wellbeing and outcomes.
The Minister has established an Education other than at school (EOTAS) Task and Finish group, chaired by Ann Keane, to drive forward the necessary changes.
Speaking ahead of the conference the Minister said: “Pupil Referral Units can provide an opportunity for some of our most vulnerable young people to get back on track, both emotionally and educationally.
“For many young people the PRU might be their last chance of formal learning so it is vital that we ensure the experience is both enriching and positive.
“We know that provision in some PRUs delivers exactly that, but in others the experience is less positive and this is not acceptable.
“The evidence cries out for a fresh and strategic approach. That is why the Welsh Government is working on a new framework to improve PRU provision. I have established a Task and Finish group, chaired by Ann Keane that will focus on identifying actions that can improve the sector and drive forward progress.
“I want PRU staff to be involved and engaged with the work of the Task and Finish Group so they can help to shape and improve future PRU provision.”
Ann Keane said: “I am pleased to have an opportunity as chair of the Task and Finish Group to discuss ways of securing improvements in the education delivered to learners in the sector and establishing a framework for change. I look forward to taking forward this work with other members of the group.”
In his speech the Minister will highlight that the PRU sector is represented in wider work to develop a curriculum for Wales and that PRUs are being considered for Capital Investment as part of the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Education programme.
As part of 21st Century Schools £1.4 billion is being invested between 2014 and 2019 to refurbish and rebuild over 150 schools and colleges in Wales.
However, in West Wales – especially in Pembrokeshire – Councils are planning to close Pupil Referral Units and subsume their functions within mainstream education.
Education
Landfill odours breach air quality guidelines near Spittal School
AIR quality near Spittal School has breached World Health Organisation (WHO) odour annoyance guidelines due to emissions from the Withyhedge landfill site, sparking health concerns among residents.
Public Health Wales (PHW) revealed that hydrogen sulphide levels exceeded the WHO odour annoyance threshold of 5ppb at the Spittal School monitoring station between October 1 and November 3. The colourless gas, known for its eggy smell, can cause symptoms including headaches, nausea, dizziness, and throat irritation when present at elevated levels.
Community complaints lead to monitoring
Air quality monitoring began earlier this year after Natural Resources Wales (NRW) received numerous complaints about odours linked to the landfill. While other monitoring sites recorded no such exceedances between September 7 and 22, PHW acknowledged the distress caused by the smells.
A PHW spokesperson said: “Bad smells in your community can be upsetting and lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and sleep problems. These effects usually pass once the odour is gone.”
Health risk remains low
PHW emphasised that the long-term health risk to residents remains low. However, it advises residents to close windows and doors when odours occur to reduce exposure, while ensuring proper ventilation for safety. Once the smell dissipates, opening windows can help clear residual odours.
Calls for regulatory action
NRW stated that it is committed to ensuring the site operator, RML, takes steps to minimise emissions that could cause offsite odours. PHW, while monitoring the situation, clarified it has no regulatory authority over landfill operations.
“We understand the stress and anxiety caused by these odours,” said a PHW spokesperson. “We will continue reviewing and updating the health risk assessment as more data becomes available.”
Local residents continue to call for stronger action to address the issue, as the unpleasant odours disrupt daily life and raise ongoing concerns.
Education
Pembrokeshire free school transport call to be heard at County Hall
A CALL to allow school pupils from Johnston and Tiers Cross access to free school transport to the nearby Haverfordwest high school is to be heard by councillors next week.
Due to a change in catchment areas the pupils are no longer able to access free transport to Haverfordwest, instead coming under the Milford Haven catchment area.
A petition calling for the reinstatement of the former catchment area to access free transport for pupils to Haverfordwest was recently started in the county.
The e-petition, which ran from September 18-November 1 on the council’s own website, attracted 351 signatures, meeting the threshold for a debate at the relevant Pembrokeshire County Council overview and scrutiny committee, in this case the Schools And Learning Overview And Scrutiny Committee meeting of November 28.
The petition, started by Kirsty Coaker, reads: “We call on Pembrokeshire County Council to change Johnston and Tiers Cross School Catchment back to Haverfordwest.
“Children of Johnston and Tiers Cross are now ineligible for free school transport to Haverfordwest High due to the areas no longer being in ‘catchment’.
“Both Johnston and Tiers Cross are Haverfordwest postal codes and are classed as Haverfordwest, yet the school catchment is Milford Haven.
“Please help our children access suitable transport to and from secondary school.”
The e-petition will now be considered at the November 28 meeting.
Education
Creative contributions in Operation Ivydene ASB poster competition
STUDENTS from across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to a poster competition run as part of the Dyfed-Powys Police Operation Ivydene initiative.
Over the past few months, primary and secondary schools across the four counties were invited to submit designs highlighting the impact of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and the importance of promoting safer neighbourhoods.
Last week, the posters were judged by a panel of police officers and crime prevention specialists to come up with the winners.
A special prize-giving ceremony was held on Monday 18th November, where the five winning students were honoured for their outstanding contributions.
‘Antisocial behaviour’ is a broad term which includes behaviour that has caused or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to a member or members of the public. Criminal and non-criminal behaviours such as littering, vandalism, public drunkenness, aggressive dogs, or noise nuisance may also be considered ASB.
Caryl Griffiths, ASB Hotspot Co-ordinator for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “The goal of this competition was to engage students in understanding the effects of anti-social behaviour on their communities, and to inspire them to think about how they can contribute to a safer, more supportive environment.
“Judging the competition was challenging due to the high standard of entries, but we ultimately selected five winners who showed exceptional creativity and thoughtfulness.
“A special thanks to Bethan James, our Schools Service Manager, for her role in bringing all the schools together.
Until March 2025, ten of the areas worst hit by antisocial behaviour across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and Powys will receive additional dedicated ‘Hotspot’ police patrols through Operation Ivydene, thanks to an injection of cash from the Home Office, secured for the force by Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn.
The patrols focus on tackling these types of issues in the following areas:
- Carmarthenshire – Tyisha, Elli / Llanelli town centre, Carmarthen town and Ammanford.
- Ceredigion – Aberystwyth and Aberaeron.
- Pembrokeshire – Haverfordwest town centre and Tenby town centre.
- Powys – east Newtown and Brecon.
Inspector Darren Crockford said: “Operation Ivydene is a targeted initiative that uses a ‘Hotspot’ policing approach to address and behaviour that constitutes ASB and causes harm and alarm in the community.
“Hotspots have been selected as the areas experiencing the highest volumes of violence and antisocial behaviour (ASB) offences and based on local intelligence.
“The patrols aim to provide a reassuring presence to help people feel safe while also proactively disrupting crime and acting as a deterrent.
“An important element of the overall Operation Ivydene approach will be to engage with our communities having meaningful discussions about how ASB impacts the community, and encourage them to take an active role in creating safe and positive places to live.”
Bethan James, Dyfed-Powys Police Schools Service Manger added: “Our Schools Service offers crime prevention sessions to children and young people on topics such as ASB where we use bespoke films and real-life examples to reflect victims’ experiences and explore the boundaries between fun and fear.
“Sessions delivered by our team of Schools Police Officers are specifically designed to challenge mindsets and attitudes in a safe and supportive learning environment.
“The discussions between the officers and the learners explore the long-lasting, harmful effects of ASB, about crimes and consequences and where children can find advice and support.”
During national Anti-Social Behaviour Week, Dyfed-Powys Police is sharing information to help members of the public recognise, report, and get support for anti-social behaviour. Follow them on Facebook for more information.
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