News

Milford Haven: Primary schools consider shutting at 12:15pm on Fridays

Published

7 years ago

February 18, 2019

PARENTS with pupils in many primary schools in Milford Haven have been told that a consultation is underway to see schools shut at 12:15pm on Fridays.

Already, parents have voiced concerns about the plans, which will see break times and lunch times shortened and lessons crammed into a longer school day on Monday to Thursday, with classes starting ten minutes earlier in the mornings.

One mother has told this newspaper that the earlier start and shorter rest times could affect children’s concentration and ability to learn in the afternoons.

A letter sent to parents in St Francis RC Primary School on Monday (Feb 18) states that the new timings are “an exciting time of change, and the shape of the New Curriculum for Wales.

The school says that the earlier finish time of a Friday “would enable pupils, parents and staff to benefit from improved wellbeing through increased family time”.

The school added that there would also be opportunities to benefit from long weekends to spend time with friends, or to engage in sport, hobbies or informal learning. It would also “further support parents who work in and run local businesses and mirror the flexibility in shift patterns shown by major employers in the local area e.g. the nine-day fortnight.”

But Tim Pratt, Director of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) Cymru says that it is an insufficiency of funding to Welsh schools is “likely to cause situations where some schools may decide to close early.”

There is currently a funding crisis in primary education in Wales and it is hard to think that a lack of money is not the reason for this change.

The proposed changes mean that staff training or inset time would increase from 23 hours per year to 61 hours a year.

Due to reduced play time and lunch breaks children’s teaching time would not be reduced.

SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE

Pembroke Dock Community School and Ysgol Harri Tudur have both started closing early on Friday afternoons.

Ysgol Harr Tudur, a high school with around 1,500 pupils in Pembroke Dock, is open from 8.40am to 3.15pm Monday to Thursday. On Friday it shuts early with school running from 8.40am and stopping “formal learning” at 1.30pm.

It says on its website: “Our new school day includes an early finish on Fridays to allow for an extensive programme of pupil enrichment activities, whilst also enabling professional development time to support teachers.”

Pembroke Dock Community School opens at 08:45 on Fridays and shuts at 12:15pm on Fridays or 12:45pm for pupils staying for lunch.

The rest of the week it opens 8.45am with the school day ending at 3.15pm for early years and reception, 3.20pm for years one and two and 3.25pm for years three and up.

THE LEGAL ASPECT

Schools wanting to change opening and closing times must abide with the Changing of School Session Times (Wales) Regulations 2009, which includes a full consultation with, amongst others, staff, parents and the local authority.

Pembroke Dock Community School, consulted on shutting early in spring 2018. The local education authority said the main reason it gave at the time was: “To allow for additional time for staff training.”

The school added in its consultation letter: “This additional training time for staff would allow us to further upskill all staff in order to develop them into the best skilled workforce, with the aim to further improve teaching and learning for all the pupils…
“…an earlier finish time on a Friday would also enable pupils, parents and staff to benefit from improved wellbeing through increased family time. There would also be opportunities to benefit from long weekends to spend time with friends or engage with sport, hobbies and informal learning.
“It would further support our parents who run and work in local businesses and mirror the flexibility in shift patterns shown by major employers in the local area”.

There is no reference to cost saving in any of the school’s consultation correspondence but the time away from formal teaching would mean teachers had statutory time away from their classes in the week to prepare lessons. Otherwise this time out is funded by teaching assistants covering their lessons.

A Pembrokeshire County Councils spokesman told The Pembrokeshire Herald: “We are aware that similar proposals are being considered elsewhere in Pembrokeshire, notably in the Milford Haven area.
“On the basis of consultation correspondence received to date, cost savings do not appear as reasons for the proposed changes.”

Tim Pratt, Director of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) Cymru, said he could not comment on schools shutting early in Pembrokeshire: “It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the decision of an individual school to close early because we don’t know the circumstances.
“However, in general, the insufficiency of funding to Welsh schools is likely to cause situations where some schools may decide to close early.
“This saves a small amount of money in terms of keeping premises open, and it means that with constrained staffing levels, schools are still able to allocate time for planning, preparation and assessment.
“The public can rest assured that schools will always take decisions in the best interests of their students and staff despite the very difficult funding conditions. But it is absolutely vital that the level of funding is improved as a matter of urgency.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “This is a decision for schools and governing bodies.
“Schools must fully consult before making any changes, ensuring that the number of teaching hours are not being compromised and that the curriculum is being delivered in its entirety.”

News

Welsh MS attacks ‘Nation of Sanctuary’ policy after asylum seeker jailed for child rape

Published

49 minutes ago

February 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Davies attacks ‘Nation of Sanctuary’ policy after asylum seeker jailed for child rape

A SENIOR Welsh Conservative has called for the Welsh Government’s “Nation of Sanctuary” policy to be scrapped after an Afghan asylum seeker was convicted of abducting and raping a 12-year-old girl.

Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd, said the case highlighted what he described as the “dangers” of the current approach to asylum and migration in Wales.

Ahmad Mulakhil, who arrived in the UK by small boat from France in March 2025, was convicted of the attack just four months later.

The case, reported nationally this week, has prompted renewed political debate over the Welsh Government’s stance on supporting asylum seekers and refugees.

Mr Davies said: “This appalling case demonstrates the dangers of importing violent criminals into Britain.

“Plaid Cymru and Labour’s decision to make Wales a Nation of Sanctuary for asylum seekers is a pull factor, encouraging more people to enter our country illegally.

“I reiterate my calls for this dangerous policy to be scrapped.”

The comments directly target the Welsh Government’s “Nation of Sanctuary” plan, launched in 2019, which aims to make Wales a welcoming place for refugees and people seeking asylum, with support for housing, education and integration.

The Welsh Government has previously defended the policy, saying it reflects “Welsh values of compassion and fairness,” and stressing that responsibility for border security lies with the UK Government.

Meanwhile, the UK Government has introduced tougher measures aimed at reducing small-boat crossings and speeding up removals of those with no right to remain.

The latest case is likely to intensify scrutiny of how asylum accommodation and safeguarding are managed across Wales.

For many residents, the debate now centres on how to balance humanitarian support with public safety and confidence in the system.

As Mr Davies’ intervention shows, the political argument over Wales’s role as a “Nation of Sanctuary” is far from over.

Meanwhile the official figures show that asylum seekers commit less crime than the general population.

Health

Health Board to decide future of nine key services at two-day meeting

Published

53 minutes ago

February 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DECISIONS on the future of nine frontline hospital services across west Wales will be made later this month when Hywel Dda University Health Board holds a special two-day Board meeting.

The Extraordinary Board will meet on Wednesday (Feb 18) and Thursday (Feb 19) to determine the next steps for critical care, dermatology, emergency general surgery, endoscopy, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, stroke, radiology and urology services.

Health chiefs say the proposed changes are aimed at tackling staffing shortages, improving clinical standards and cutting waiting times for diagnosis and treatment.

More than 4,000 people responded to a public consultation on the plans. Feedback was gathered through questionnaires, public meetings, staff sessions and discussions with stakeholder groups.

An independent consultation report compiled by Opinion Research Services will form part of the evidence considered by Board members. It will sit alongside updated data on workforce pressures, estate condition, clinical standards and how services link together across hospitals.

All documents to be considered by the Board have now been published online ahead of the meeting.

Alternative ideas assessed

During the consultation, communities also submitted 190 alternative proposals.

Each idea was tested against “hurdle criteria” to check whether it was safe, practical and capable of delivery before being taken forward.

Of those, 22 met the criteria and have been developed into full options. These will be considered alongside the Health Board’s original proposals.

Board members will assess whether each option is clinically sustainable, deliverable, accessible to patients, aligned with the Health Board’s long-term strategy and financially viable. They will also decide whether further engagement or evidence is needed before any final changes are introduced.

Some changes, if approved, could be phased in over time.

Dr Neil Wooding, Chair of the Health Board, said: “At our meeting next week, the Board will carefully consider the consultation feedback alongside the latest clinical evidence, workforce insights, updated impact assessments and the alternative options that were put forward during the consultation.

“Our responsibility is to consider the full range of evidence and ensure we make decisions that ensure that our services are sustainable for the future. No decisions have been made ahead of the Board. We are committed to a thorough and transparent process, ensuring each option and alternative options are considered in the round, and focused on improving services for the people who rely on them.”

Entertainment

Joyful half-term celebration of Welsh culture comes to Narberth

Published

1 hour ago

February 11, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FAMILIES across Pembrokeshire are being invited to enjoy an afternoon of music, stories and traditional festivities when a colourful half-term celebration of Welsh culture comes to Narberth next week.

The community-focused event, taking place on Wednesday (Feb 18), promises a relaxed and welcoming day out, with hands-on workshops, live entertainment and plenty of opportunities for people to drop in and take part at their own pace.

Organisers say the aim is to create a warm, inclusive atmosphere where all ages can explore Welsh heritage through creativity, craft and food.

At the heart of the programme is the Dewi Sant Promenade Parade, a lively procession through the town featuring traditional music and some of Wales’ best-loved folklore characters, including a dragon and the Mari Lwyd. The parade will be accompanied by music from Reel Rebels, encouraging families to join the celebration as it winds through the streets.

Elsewhere, adults can try their hand at a calming weaving workshop with artist Daisy Buckle at SPAN Arts, while younger visitors can enjoy storytelling and craft activities led by Hedydd Hughes and Luci Saunders at the Narberth Scout Hut.

The day will finish with a traditional family Twmpath, complete with live music, dancing, cawl and Welsh cakes, offering a sociable close to the festivities and a taste of classic Welsh hospitality.

Organisers say the event has been designed to be accessible and affordable, welcoming both local residents and visitors looking for a low-cost half-term activity.

Event highlights include:

• Adults’ weaving workshop with Daisy Buckle at SPAN Arts
• Children’s storytelling and craft session at Narberth Scout Hut
• Dewi Sant promenade parade with music, dragon and Mari Lwyd
• Family Twmpath with cawl and Welsh cakes

Event details:

Date: Wednesday (Feb 18)
Locations: Narberth Scout Hut and SPAN Arts, Narberth
Time: 1:30pm to 5:00pm
Pricing: Pay what you can, from £3
Booking: span-arts.org.uk
Accessibility enquiries: [email protected]