News
‘Major challenges to overcome,’ says cabinet member
THE Cabinet Member for Education, County Councillor Ken Rowlands, gave his six monthly report at the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday, January 23.
In his report he outlines the work he has been doing, his visits to schools and he also addresses the recent banding results.
He said: “The last few months have been a period of major change in the Directorate. We now have, with the exception of the Head of Business Services, an entirely new Senior Management Team.
“When I took over responsibility for my portfolio it was my intention to visit all secondary schools to see for myself the changes taking place. To date I have visited Greenhill, Ysgol y Preseli, Ysgol Dewi Sant, Milford Haven, Pembroke, Tasker Milward and Sir Thomas Picton. I am also making arrangements to visit Ysgol Bro Gwaun.
“In our schools where performance is good, I am glad to share in their achievement and to celebrate success. However, I feel it is as important for me to be aware of the schools where results are inadequate and where focussed work needs to be undertaken”.
Councillor Rowlands then went on to talk about the banding positions of certain schools.
“Following disappointing outcomes in inspection and performance, we have issued formal warning letters to the board of governors in Tasker Milward and Dewi Sant, setting out the need for rapid improvement and the requirements of the local authority to secure that improvement. The Chief Education Officer is closely monitoring the progress of the two schools and the work of the intervention boards that have been established.
“I receive regular updates in relation to progress in these two schools. In order to improve standards, every school in the authority has placed attendance as a priority, and, whilst it is early days, there are early signs this term that attendance is improving. However there is still a distance to go”.
Councillor Rowlands concluded by saying: “I intend to continue to work closely with the Director and his team to ensure our progress on the improvement journey is steady, long lasting and lays down a strong foundation for the future.
“This will not be achieved immediately and there is no doubt that there are still major challenges to overcome. Nevertheless, I am confident that the outcome we aim for, that ‘children, young people and families have the opportunity to fulfil their learning potential and live healthy and happy lives’, will be achieved”.
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).
Crime
Man arrested for murder following death of pensioner in Pembroke Dock
Officers called to Hawkstone Road property as investigation continues and residents urged to come forward
DYFED-POWYS POLICE officers have launched a murder investigation following the sudden death of an eighty-five-year-old man at a property in Hawkstone Road, Pembroke Dock.
Emergency services were called at approximately 1:30pm today (Friday, Feb 6).
Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.
A man in his forties has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.
Anyone with information that could assist officers is urged to come forward.
Information can be provided online, by 101.
Quote reference: 212 of February 6.
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via their website.
Education
Second west Wales school placed in lockdown within days
Precautionary measures activated at Ysgol Brynteg after morning disturbance outside gates
CARMARTHENSHIRE pupils were kept inside classrooms after a precautionary lockdown was triggered at Ysgol Brynteg on Friday morning (Feb 6), marking the second west Wales secondary school to enter lockdown in the same week.
Police were called shortly after 9:00am following reports of a verbal altercation outside the school grounds.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended and the Llanelli school activated its safeguarding procedures while the situation was assessed.
No weapons were reported, no injuries have been confirmed and there have been no arrests at this stage. The incident is understood to have involved a dispute outside the site rather than inside the school itself.
Pupils remained indoors under staff supervision while officers made checks. Once police were satisfied there was no ongoing risk, the lockdown was lifted and lessons continued as normal.
A spokesperson said the measure was purely precautionary.
The incident comes just days after armed officers were deployed to Milford Haven School following a serious assault on a teacher, prompting a temporary closure and widespread concern among parents.
While the circumstances in Llanelli were far less severe, the two events occurring so close together have heightened anxiety among families across west Wales.
Schools routinely use lockdown procedures when there is any uncertainty or potential threat nearby, even if the risk later proves minimal. The approach is designed to err on the side of caution and protect pupils while emergency services investigate.
Parents were informed that Brynteg was safe and operating normally once the situation had been resolved.
There is currently no indication that pupils inside the school were directly involved in the disturbance.
The Herald understands enquiries are ongoing.
Both incidents underline how quickly everyday school days can be disrupted, and how safeguarding responses are increasingly becoming part of standard practice across Welsh schools.
Anyone with information about the Llanelli incident is asked to contact police.
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