Education

County Councillors approve massive investment for Pembrokeshire schools

Published

3 years ago

October 16, 2021

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCILLORS have this week recognised the need for further significant investment in local schools. The decision was taken on Thursday (Oct 14).

Councillors have backed proposals to invest £62.4m in the community of Milford Haven with the creation of new-build primary and secondary schools in the town through the use of the Welsh Government Mutual Investment Model (MIM).

This decision recognises the educational need to provide the learners of Milford Haven with 21st Century School environments that will enhance the development of the Curriculum for Wales over the coming years and enable every learner, regardless of their background, to become the best they can be.

Council also agreed the teaching and learning environments for children who attend Portfield School in Haverfordwest and the Pembrokeshire Learning Centre (PLC) in Neyland need to be significantly improved, with a £38.5m investment into the two sites. This work will be funded under Band B of the 21st Century Schools Programme.

A total of £20.3m will be invested at Portfield School, which provides education for pupils with statements of special educational needs aged between 3-19 years.

Meanwhile £18.2m will be spent on improving the Neyland site of the Pembrokeshire Learning Centre, which provides education for pupils aged between 11 and 16 with complex needs.

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “While there are further stages as part of both the Band B 21st Century Schools funding and separate MIM proposal that we now need to successfully complete in partnership with Welsh Government, today represents a significant positive step forward in achieving Cabinet’s commitment to delivering all 21st Century School capital projects and significant investment in Milford Haven, Portfield School and the PLC.

“My thanks go to all those who have worked very hard to get us to where we are today, and I look forward to continuing to work with all those now involved in successfully delivering these exciting school capital projects that will provide the best educational facilities for learners.”

Education

Milford Haven School first to achieve gold in carer’s scheme

Published

4 days ago

November 1, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL have been recognised for their commitment to and support for young carers and is the first school to achieve the top level award.

The school have achieved the Investors in Carers Gold Level award for its work for learners and staff who are carers.

The scheme is delivered by Hywel Dda University Health Board and supported by local authority and third sector partners in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

The Investors in Carers initiative was originally designed to help health facilities such as GP practices, areas within hospitals and other organisations focus on and improve their carer awareness.

This scheme has now extended to many other teams, services, and organisations. It is a scheme that provides a foundation for helping to identify and support unpaid carers of all ages.

Milford Haven School was assessed against the six themes within the scheme: Carer Lead, Staff training, Identification, Information and Support for carers and Evaluation.

Janette Reynolds, Assistant Head Teacher said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive the Gold Investors in Carers Award, it is a testament to our commitment to supporting and recognizing the invaluable contributions of carers within our community. It was about developing a culture that respects, empowers, and advocates for the wellbeing of carers at Milford Haven School.

“We will continue to strive towards providing the best possible support, ensuring carers feel valued and equipped to balance their responsibilities.”

Pembrokeshire County Council Carers Champion, Councillor Mike James said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. Everyone at Milford Haven School should be extremely proud of their hard work and commitment that has led to them becoming the first school in Pembrokeshire to receive the Gold Investors in Carers award.

“The award recognises the awareness and support for carers provided by the school and this is to be congratulated.”

A carer is someone, of any age, who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. Anyone can become a carer; in most cases becoming a carer is not out of choice, it just happens.

For more information about the Investors in Carers scheme or for useful advice for carers, please visit: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/carers

Education

Kurtz calls for better conditions for supply teachers

Published

2 weeks ago

October 24, 2024

Richard Lewis

WEST WALES members of the National Education Union visited the Senedd on Wednesday to campaign for increased rights for those working as supply teachers employed through teaching agencies.

Commenting following the visit, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Member of the Welsh Parliament, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “It does not seem right that those opting to work as supply teachers are not afforded the same rights, pay and conditions as their full time, local authority employed counterparts.

“The flexibility that supply teachers offer our schools is essential to pupils being able to maintain a good level of education, covering staff sickness and training absences.

“My concern is that with the education line in the Welsh Government’s supplementary budget for 2024/25 showing a cut, the Cabinet Secretary has no intention of addressing these concerns.

“If we fail to demonstrate the value we place on the whole teaching workforce, we run the very real risk of being unable to improve the educational outcomes of pupils in Wales.”

Education

Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA to host open evening at Dewi Campus this week

Published

2 weeks ago

October 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

IN ST DAVID’S Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA will hold an Open Evening on Thursday, October 24 at its Dewi Campus in Millard Park, St Davids, Haverfordwest.

The event, scheduled from 5:00pm to 7:30pm, invites prospective students and their families to learn more about the school’s offerings.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the campus, meet with staff, and discover the school’s emphasis on achievement, inclusion, and respect. This event is designed to provide a comprehensive insight into the academic and extracurricular opportunities available at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA.

Prospective families can expect a warm welcome from the staff and a chance to engage with current students, gaining a firsthand understanding of the school’s community and values.

For more information, please contact Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA at [email protected] or call +44 (0) 1437 809200.