New pledge to gather school choice data from all parents — not just those choosing Welsh-medium education

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has revised its position following mounting criticism over its handling of Welsh-medium education policy, agreeing to broaden the scope of its planned parental survey.

The move comes after a political and public backlash to comments made during the Council Cabinet’s April meeting, where Deputy Leader Paul Miller suggested that some parents were choosing Welsh-medium schools not for the language but for newer facilities. His remarks, and the nature of the Cabinet debate, drew sharp criticism from opposition leader Cllr Huw Murphy, the Welsh Language Commissioner, and Cabinet Secretary for the Welsh Language and Culture, Mark Drakeford.

Critics accused the Cabinet of taking an “anti-Welsh” tone and of singling out parents who chose Welsh-medium education. The row escalated after Mr Drakeford told BBC Cymru: “I can’t see why we would ask parents why they choose Welsh or why they choose English… Local authorities should be making the case for choosing Welsh-medium education, not questioning those who do.”

Now, in an apparent attempt to address those concerns and reset the debate, the Council has issued a fresh statement following its Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (May 21). It confirms that data collection will be considered for all parents, not just those opting for Welsh-medium education.

A Council spokesperson said: “Cabinet has today agreed to explore the collection of information from all parents, regardless of language preference, in order to better understand school choice across the county.”

The updated resolution now asks the Director of Education to explore methods for capturing data on the relative importance of different factors influencing school choice. These include language preference, learning outcomes, quality of facilities, transport provision, and support for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN).

The Council says the data will help inform future decisions on modernising the school estate, ensuring they reflect the priorities of a broad and representative sample of parents.

Despite the softened stance, the issue remains politically sensitive. Cllr Huw Murphy, whose formal “call-in” prompted the Council to revisit its earlier decision, has argued that any perception of bias against Welsh-medium provision risks undermining public trust and the Council’s obligations under the Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP).

The Welsh Language Commissioner had also expressed concern over the original approach, stating that questioning only parents choosing Welsh-medium schools was “not compatible” with the Council’s statutory duties.

The revised position may go some way toward cooling tensions, but the debate has already highlighted deeper divisions over language policy, school choice, and how local authorities should approach data collection in the context of bilingual education.

The Herald will continue to follow developments closely as the Council works through the next phase of its data-gathering plans.

700 ducks to race the River Alun in fun-filled fundraiser

ST DAVIDS RNLI is preparing to welcome crowds once again for its much-loved duck race, which takes place on bank holiday Monday, 26 May, on the River Alun outside St Davids Cathedral.

Building on the success of last year’s event, this year’s race will see 700 plastic ducks released into the river, all competing for cash prizes. The race begins at 1:00pm, with festivities kicking off from 11:00am.

Visitors can enjoy a pop-up shop, home-made cakes, and the chance to name a duck for just £2 – with all proceeds supporting the vital, lifesaving work of the RNLI in St Davids.

“The duck race is always a fantastic day out for all ages and a brilliant way to support the lifeboat station,” said Simone Eade, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer. “Every duck sold helps us continue our mission of saving lives at sea.”

A MILFORD HAVEN woman is due to stand trial at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (May 22) charged with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and two counts of criminal damage.

Karen Harper, aged 57, of Marble Hall Close, Milford Haven, is accused of assaulting two individuals during an incident on March 18 this year in Milford Haven.

Harper is alleged to have assaulted Jane Annettes, causing actual bodily harm, and also faces a separate charge of criminal damage after reportedly destroying a £100 necklace belonging to Ms Annettes during the same incident.

In a further charge relating to the same day, Harper is accused of assaulting Lee Dimmick, also causing actual bodily harm.

She has also been convicted of criminal damage to a Dyfed-Powys Police vehicle, admitting to damaging the cage door of a police van following her arrest. That charge was dealt with at an earlier hearing, but sentencing was adjourned to be considered alongside the remaining matters.

All offences are alleged to have taken place on March 18 and were previously adjourned from March 20 for a trial to be held.

The trial is scheduled to begin at 10:00am at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.