News

Head Teacher struck off

Published

10 years ago

February 12, 2016

THE FORMER Head-Teacher at Ysgol Gynradd Eglwyswrw was struck off by a disciplinary panel in Cardiff on Thursday (Jan 28) after being found guilty of professional misconduct.

An Education Workforce Panel found that Shan Harries had inflated Year Six pupils’ test results in order to avoid an adverse report from Estyn, the body responsible for the inspection and regulation of education and training in Wales.

Ms Harries had previously admitted telling an administrator to amend the results, but denied improving them. Ms Harries argued that it was within her rights as head teacher to adjust the results to reflect the achievements of its pupils.

The panel was told that Mrs Harries had earlier denied adjusting the results during an investigation of her conduct by Pembrokeshire County Council.

A member of school staff told the hearing that Mrs Harries had told her that the marks had to be made to look good ‘because we don’t want Estyn coming back again’.

Recommendations had been made following an earlier Estyn inspection and presenting officer Cadi Dewi told panel members that Mrs Harries was ‘underpressure because of that and she knew they were going to visit the school the following year’.

While the Estyn report for the school had been good overall, the panel was told that Mrs Harries was concerned about a specific recommendation relating to Welsh writing for pupils at Key Stage Two at the school.

Evidence given before the panel indicated that there was considerable tension between Mrs Harries’ approach to attainment issues and other members of the school teaching staff.

Speaking to the panel, Mrs Harries’ Deputy Head Tim Davies said: “She said we had to raise the standards of writing in the school. All pupils in Year Six had to reach Level Four.

“I remember saying that there were going to be some children who would struggle to achieve this given the cohort of children we had.”

Mr Davies also referred to at least one ‘heated’ conversation with Mrs Harries about increasing the level of attainment expected of the school’s students to unreasonable or unrealistic levels.

Reading a statement from Ms Harries, her solicitor Esyllt Green said: “I dedicated my entire life to my work as teacher and head teacher at Eglwyswrw County Primary School, and I am fully aware of the full extent of my actions.

“I relive it every day and night and I am full of remorse at what has happened.

“I had to deal with all the rumours and gossip that naturally occurs when a head teacher leaves a school suddenly in a close knit community.

“My picture appeared on the front page of the local newspaper which made the situation worse but the comments that appeared beneath the online story were supportive.”

EWC committee chairman Richard Parry Jones, said: “We are satisfied on the basis of Ms Harries’ admissions and our findings that her conduct amounts to unacceptable professional conduct.

“Registered teachers are to act with honesty and integrity and to uphold their conduct in teaching.

“That is the decision of the committee following detailed consideration of the evidence presented to us.”

Ms Harries was made the subject of a prohibition order, which will prevent her from teaching in any capacity. She has 28 days to appeal.

A member of school staff told the hearing that Mrs Harries had told her that the marks had to be made to look good “because we don’t want Estyn coming back again”.

Recommendations had been made following an earlier Estyn inspection and presenting officer Cadi Dewi told panel members that Mrs Harries was: “under pressure because of that and she knew they were going to visit the school the following year.”

Evidence given before the panel indicated that there was considerable tension between Mrs Harries’s approach to attainment issues and other members of the school teaching staff.

Mrs Harries’ deputy head, Tim Davies, told the panel Mr Davies said: “She said we had to raise the standards of writing in the school. All pupils in year six had to reach level four.

“I remember saying that there was going to be some children who would struggle to achieve this given the cohort of children we had.”

Mr Davies also referred to at least one ‘heated’ conversation with Mrs Harries about increasing the level of attainment expected of the school’s students to unreasonable or unrealistic levels.

Mrs Harries denies any dishonest intent, while a picture has emerged at the panel hearing of increasing pressure being brought to bear on head teachers by Estyn demanding that certain levels of attainment be met regardless of past results or experience at schools inspected.

Community

Community exhibition showcases ateb customers’ creativity at Torch Theatre

Published

55 minutes ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW pop-up exhibition celebrating local history, identity and creativity is set to open at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven, showcasing artwork created by customers and partners of ateb Housing Association.

The free exhibition brings together a year’s worth of creative work produced through the Wales REACH project, which encourages participants to explore Pembrokeshire’s heritage while building confidence, skills and social connections.

Through workshops, visits and shared activities, residents have developed a varied collection of personal and community-focused pieces reflecting their own experiences and the stories of the county.

Among the featured works is Museum in a Bag, a reflective look at identity and self; REACH for the Landsker Line, which examines Pembrokeshire’s cultural divide through Norman castles and the Welsh language; and REACH Back in Time, a textile sculpture inspired by the history of Milford Haven.

An interactive scroll will also be on display, inviting visitors to add their own memories and reflections, alongside an oral history recorded by an ateb customer and disability rights advocate, offering a powerful first-hand account of life and resilience.

Organisers say the project has had clear benefits beyond the artwork itself.

Rex, an ateb customer who took part, said: “I have enjoyed the planned sessions – being able to get out and about and take part in the activities where possible. I also enjoyed the social aspect, mixing with other residents, sharing our local knowledge of the area and learning new facts.”

Another participant, Joan, added: “It has revived my school-level love of history. I am loving all the given work with interest.”

Project Officer Anne Kerr-Hughes said she had seen noticeable improvements in wellbeing and confidence.

She said: “We’ve noticed so many positive changes – from people trying new things and learning new skills to gaining the confidence to travel independently. One lovely outcome has been more residents using the local bus service after trips to the archives in Haverfordwest. It’s been heart-warming to see.”

The Wales REACH project has been supported by funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with partners including Open University in Wales, Amgueddfa Cymru and People’s Collection Wales.

The exhibition runs from Tuesday, February 10 to Saturday, February 14, with visitors welcome to drop in during opening hours.

Entry is free and open to all.

Entertainment

Community film season launches at Torch Theatre with audience-picked programme

Published

58 minutes ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Grant from Ffilm Cymru Wales helps bring affordable independent cinema to Pembrokeshire

A SEASON of independent films chosen by local audiences is coming to Milford Haven this spring, as the Torch Theatre hosts a special programme designed to celebrate bold storytelling and community cinema.

Running from February through to mid-April, the Community Choices season has been made possible thanks to Wales-wide grant funding from Ffilm Cymru Wales. The scheme supports independent exhibitors to bring diverse and inspiring films to screens across the country.

At the Torch, audiences were invited to take part in programming workshops to help select the titles themselves. The final line-up reflects a mix of Welsh-language work, environmentally themed films and stories that break down social and economic barriers, ensuring something for all tastes.

Chelsey Gillard, the theatre’s Artistic Director, said: “We asked you, the people of Pembrokeshire, what films you wanted to see at the Torch – and we listened. There’s a terrific variety in this season, from family favourites to powerful dramas. We’re very grateful to Ffilm Cymru Wales for the funding that allows us to bring these wonderful films to the big screen, and we look forward to giving everyone a warm Torch welcome.”

The programme opens with Mr Burton on Sunday, February 8 at 4:15pm, followed by Flow on Tuesday, February 17 at 4:45pm. Fantastic Mr Fox screens on February 19 at 4:45pm, with Moonlight closing the month on Friday, February 20 at 6:15pm.

March’s line-up includes Born Free on March 4 at 2:15pm, Earth on March 12 at 11:00am, Sinners on March 15 at 7:00pm, Booksmart on March 22 at 2:00pm, and Gwledd (The Feast) on March 27 at 8:00pm.

The season continues into April with I Swear on April 2 at 2:00pm, One Battle After Another on April 5 at 4:00pm, and This is Spinal Tap on April 12 at 4:00pm, bringing the Community Choices series to a close.

All tickets are priced at £4 and include a free tea or coffee, helping to keep the screenings affordable and accessible for everyone.

For tickets and full details, visit the Torch Theatre website or call the box office on 01646 695267.

Education

Family warns school move could harm child with ultra-rare condition

Published

1 hour ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

As closure looms, campaigners say Meidrim pupils thrive in ‘caring community’ as council consultation raises fears for vulnerable learners

A SMALL village primary school at the heart of rural Carmarthenshire is at the centre of a growing campaign to prevent its closure, with supporters warning that vulnerable children could suffer serious consequences if it shuts.

The Cymdeithas yr Iaith has backed efforts to secure the future of Ysgol Bentre Gymraeg Meidrim, describing small rural schools as “caring communities” that provide vital stability for children with additional needs.

At the centre of the case is pupil Tommy Webber, who lives with Bloom Syndrome — an ultra-rare genetic condition which causes complex medical issues and additional learning needs. He is believed to be the only child in Wales diagnosed with the condition.

Medical professionals have advised the school that continuity, routine and trusted relationships are essential for Tommy’s wellbeing. Any disruption — including changing schools, longer daily travel or unfamiliar staff — could have a negative impact on his health, emotional security and educational progress.

Supporters say the small, close-knit nature of Meidrim has allowed staff to provide consistent, personalised care that would be difficult to replicate elsewhere.

***Parents and supports protest at County Hall, Carmarthen*** ***(Image: Cymdeithas yr Iaith)***

However, Carmarthenshire County Council opened a statutory consultation on Thursday (Jan 16) on proposals to close the school, prompting concern from parents, campaigners and language groups.

Speaking on behalf of the Carmarthen region, Cymdeithas yr Iaith representative Sioned Elin said Tommy’s experience reflects a wider truth about the role of small rural schools.

“Tommy’s story shows how a small school can be a safe haven for children with additional needs,” she said. “Education here is genuinely child-centred, and pupils are supported as part of a caring Welsh-speaking community.

“In the same school there is also a deaf pupil, and the other children have learned some sign language so they can communicate with her. That demonstrates how this kind of environment benefits every child, not just one.”

She added that decisions about closures should not be based solely on budgets or pupil numbers.

“The impact cannot be measured purely in financial terms. The question must be whether any alternative provision can truly meet the needs of children who rely on stability and familiarity every day.”

Campaigners argue that losing the school would not only affect education standards but would also weaken the Welsh language and the social fabric of the village.