CARDIFF University chiefs have been urged to “reflect and think again” about colossal cuts, with the local Senedd Member saying: “When you’re in a hole, stop digging”.

Jenny Rathbone warned Cardiff University has been engulfed in an existential crisis that could threaten the future of the biggest and best-resourced university in Wales.

In January, the university announced plans to cut 400 jobs and courses – including nursing, languages and music – as well as merge departments such as maths and computing.

Ms Rathbone, who represents Cardiff Central, said the university is home to Wales’ only planning school and the country clearly needs a pipeline of planners.

And, raising a 4,000-name open letter signed by mathematicians across the world, she pointed out that the university provides specialist teachers who are difficult to recruit.

Ms Rathbone asked: “Where then will the brilliant mathematicians of the future come from unless they have inspirational teachers?”

She added: “If we don’t have a modern foreign languages department … what impact will it have on … inward investment and selling Welsh goods and services to other countries?”

Leading a short debate on ensuring Wales has a thriving university sector, Ms Rathbone told the Senedd: “I accept that no change is not an option. Cardiff University is currently subsidising its day-to-day operations from its reserves to the tune of £31m a year.”

The former Islington councillor argued all universities are struggling with the UK Government “killing off the golden goose of higher fees for foreign students”.

Ms Rathbone said the university’s debt now stands at £321m, according to latest accounts.

She warned: “Clearly, this is not doing Cardiff’s reputation any good. And individual schools of excellence are horrified that they may be bundled into new colleges.”

She told Senedd Members: “I’ve spoken to a wide range of Cardiff academics and I’ve yet to find any support for the university’s academic future proposals.”

She added: “I hope the vice-chancellor and her executive board will reflect and think again, because, when you’re in a hole, stop digging.”

Calling for a “team Wales” approach as in Scotland, she argued more collaboration between universities on common principles is crucial to ensuring Wales has a thriving sector.

“Cardiff clearly has to make some changes,” she said. “They can’t spend money that they haven’t got. But clearly, these proposals have got to be agreed in social partnership with their main stakeholders, principally their staff.”

Calling for genuine consultation, Labour’s Julie Morgan, whose son-in-law works at Cardiff University, was dismayed by the extent of cuts across Wales.

“Young people are our lifeblood and this is cutting off opportunities for them,” she warned, saying she has been inundated with letters from distressed staff living in Cardiff North.

Plaid Cymru’s Cefin Campbell, a former lecturer, called for a cross-party review to address a “broken” financial model, with universities grappling with a deficit of £70m.

The shadow education secretary said universities face a further £20m hit from national insurance increases as well as a loss of up to £80m due to changes to student visas.

Responding to the debate on March 12, Vikki Howells, who was appointed higher and further education minister in September, pointed to Medr’s five-year plan published on Wednesday.

Medr, which was established in August, is responsible for funding and regulating post-16 education and research – including colleges and sixth forms unlike its predecessor Hefcw.

Ms Howells, a former teacher at Caerphilly’s St Cenydd Comprehensive, said the Welsh Government increased tuition fees for two years running and has provided an extra £28m for Medr this year.

She told Senedd Members: “Medr is absolutely adamant in its belief that no university in Wales is at risk of going under and we also are not looking at any mergers at all, either.”

Ms Howells, who studied at Cardiff University, stressed that a 90-day consultation on the proposals remains open, with a final decision expected to be considered in June.

She urged universities, colleges and schools to get behind Medr’s collective vision for a more joined-up, inclusive and collaborative tertiary education sector.

A MAJOR step forward in outdoor learning was celebrated at the Senedd on Thursday (Mar 13) with the launch of Tirlun, a bilingual educational resource designed to connect children across Wales with the country’s eight Designated Landscapes.

Developed over three years through a collaboration between Wales’ National Parks and National Landscapes, Tirlun offers more than 90 interactive activities linked to the Curriculum for Wales. The resource, available on Hwb—the all-Wales digital learning platform—and a dedicated website, supports both classroom and outdoor learning, inspiring young people to engage with the landscapes on their doorstep.

Deputy First Minister for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “Tirlun is a great example of how we should make sure our response to the climate and nature emergencies is a part of everything we do. Projects like this are vital to developing the future guardians of our finest landscapes and our fragile biodiversity.

“Funded through the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Landscapes, Sustainable Places programme, I am excited to see this step forward, and my thanks go to all the schools, teachers, and the National Parks and National Landscapes teams for their help in making it happen.”

The materials include lesson plans, interactive presentations, and activities that encourage children to explore the natural world, whether in their local area or further afield. The project brings together expertise from across Wales’ Designated Landscapes, ensuring Tirlun reflects the cultural and environmental richness of these areas.

Graham Peake, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority-based project lead, said: “Tirlun is packed with exciting activities and interactive presentations, which we hope will enrich the outdoor learning journeys of many children across Wales.

“The National Parks and National Landscapes of Wales collectively cover more than 20% of our land area, so we really should be giving our learners the opportunity to explore these areas. The 90-plus activities included will also enable children to discover their own outdoors, where they live.”

A teacher involved in developing and testing the activities said: “Tirlun is a fantastic cross-curricular resource that we use to enhance our Outdoor Learning lessons. The presentations and activities motivate the children, who stay really engaged throughout. Everything is included in the resources, and they link perfectly to the Curriculum for Wales and Digital Competence Framework.”

The Senedd launch brought together educators and representatives from Wales’ Designated Landscapes. The event featured presentations from children already using the Tirlun resources, showcasing how the project is making an impact in classrooms across the country.

Teachers and learners can explore the Tirlun resources on Hwb and the dedicated website at https://tirlun.wales/.

For more information about Wales’ Designated Landscapes and their role in protecting and promoting natural and cultural heritage, visit https://landscapeswales.org.uk/.

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT is investing £20 million to upgrade facilities for children and young people with Additional Learning Needs (ALN). The funding will provide new and improved classrooms, equipment, and inclusive learning environments in schools and further education settings across Wales.

The investment will be distributed to local authorities to support mainstream educational settings. Schools and colleges will use the funding to create quiet and sensory areas, improve accessibility, and purchase essential equipment to enhance learning opportunities for ALN students.

Education Secretary Lynne Neagle visited Ysgol Craig y Don in Llandudno on Friday (Mar 14) to see the impact of a £50,000 grant from the Welsh Government. The funding has been used to enhance opportunities for pupils at the school.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “Providing opportunity to every family is crucial to this Welsh Labour Government’s plan for Wales, and I know it’s a priority for the people of Wales too. I’ve listened, and now we’re delivering.”

Education Secretary Lynne Neagle MS added: “Under this Welsh Labour Government, we don’t want a single learner left behind. That’s why we are putting millions into supporting learners with ALN.

“I was proud to visit Llandudno to see how this funding is making a real difference in schools.”