CYMDEITHAS YR LAITH have called on the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, to use the current review of the School Organization Code to state clearly the presumption against closing rural schools, and that local authorities must start from the point of view of trying to maintain and strengthen them, only considering closing them if all other options fail.

In a message to the secretary today, the movement referred to the words of Ceredigion Council’s Chief Executive, Eifion Evans, during the authority’s Cabinet meeting at the beginning of the month (Tuesday, 3 December), when it was agreed to treat statutory consultations on the proposal to close Ysgol Llangwyryfon, Ysgol Craig-yr-Wylfa, Ysgol Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn, and Ysgol Syr John Rhys in Ponterwyd as informal ones.

Mr Evans told the meeting: “The Code is extremely complex and extremely difficult. And as I’ve said all along, the Code is very vague at the moment. It’s a headache for officials as much as it is for anyone else as to how to interpret it and use it. I hope that the review that is currently taking place down in Cardiff regarding this Code is going to finally try to get some sort of clarity on what needs to be done.”

In response, Ffred Ffransis said on behalf of the Cymdeithas yr Iaith Education Group: “The 2018 edition of the Code states clearly enough that the introduction of a presumption duty against closing rural schools that are on the Government’s official list. But many local authorities such as Ceredigion believe that they can start from the point of view of an intention to close a number of rural schools to save money, and then, just go through the empty steps of naming and ruling out alternative options with the same generic sentence.”

In September 2018, when introducing the Code, Kirsty Williams AM explained its intention on the floor of the Assembly: “Local authorities in those areas, if they have a school that’s on the list, should start on the basis that closure is the last option and they should seek every opportunity through a variety of ways to keep those schools open… Presumption against a closure and the option to seek alternatives to keeping a school open, again, should not be left to the official consultation period, but should be employed by the council before they make any decision to go out to consultation on the future of the school.”

Mr Ffransis added: “It is clear that following a process similar to what we saw with Ceredigion Council did not follow the intention of the Senedd and the Welsh Government when introducing this change in the Code.

“Quite simply, the principle of presumption against closing rural schools needs to be emphasised and made clear in the third edition of the Code that will be published as a result of the consultation. This way, it should be impossible for anyone to mistake that the Senedd or the Welsh Government is serious about the policy.”

A SOUTH Pembrokeshire school devastated by fire more than two years ago is expected to cost some £2.6m to reinstate, with hopes it will be open by April 2026, councillors heard.

Manorbier Church in Wales VC School and its adjoining schoolhouse was severely damaged by a fire on October 11, 2022, which broke out in the school roof space.

Pupils and staff were successfully evacuated with no injuries, and a ‘school from school’ was set up in Jameston Village Hall, after a brief period of sanctuary at the nearby Buttyland caravan site.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s insurers have previously said the fire was accidentally started while ‘hot works’ were being carried out by contractors to renew an adjacent flat roof, but, as has previously been stressed, no liability has been accepted to date.

Councillors have previously heard the majority of costs were likely to be met from the council’s insurers, with the caveat of the unknown issue of liability and its effect on a £200,000 insurance excess.

They have also been told that, if liability was found or accepted, the council would “pursue for the full maximum claim of the costs associated with the fire”.

In a question submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council to its December full council meeting, local councillor Cllr Phil Kidney asked: “Manorbier School was subject to a serious fire in October 2022, so serious that the school premises has not been used since.

“At Schools O&S on February 6, 2023, Manorbier school was discussed, and Councillor Stoddart queried the possibility of the contractor insurance covering the cost of the rebuild, to which the cabinet member advised, legal discussions were ongoing.

“At full council on October 12, 2023, Councillor Aled Thomas asked: ‘had the Authority been successful in recouping any of the £200,000 insurance excess that PCC had to bear.’

“At the same meeting I asked a question requesting an update on the rebuild of Manorbier School and was informed by the Cabinet Member that it would be included as part of a business case for further consideration by Cabinet.

“Over two years have now lapsed, since the fire and considerable disruption it has caused to the school and community, therefore could full council be provided with a full update with regards to the insurance claim in respect of the school fire and some timelines for the rebuild?”

Answering Cllr Kidney’s question at the December meeting, Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said final negotiations with the insurers to achieve the most equitable settlement were ongoing, but it was “likely the insurance settlement will fall far short of the cost of renewing the school”.

He told members it was estimated the cost would be just over £2.604m, with hopes the works would take place from June 2025, with completion by April 2026.

On the insurance excess, he said: “We will join our insurers in any and every action they instigate against the contractors.”

Responding, Cllr Kidney said he had taken part in a recent positive meeting with Chief Executive Will Bramble, adding: “It’s over two years, hopefully we’re moving in the right direction, it’s good to get some clarity on time for the head, the teachers, the parents and pupils.”

A CHRISTMAS initiative by Milford Haven School has brought festive cheer to hundreds of children across Pembrokeshire. The Tags on the Tree project, which supports PATCH’s annual Toy Appeal, successfully expanded this year to multiple new locations.

In early November, a special Christmas tree was decorated with tags featuring anonymised details of children referred to PATCH, a charity supporting families in need. Staff and community members were invited to choose a tag, buy a gift, and return it to the tree in time for Christmas delivery.

Thanks to the overwhelming response, over 250 presents were donated this year, more than doubling last year’s total. New locations, including Milford Haven Library, Neyland Library, and Pembroke Leisure Centre, joined the effort, extending the project’s reach far beyond Milford Haven School.

Mrs Wilcox, Head of Defender House at Milford Haven School, said: “I am extremely proud that PATCH is our Defender House charity and that we get to support the amazing work they do. I am very grateful for the continued support of all of the staff at Milford Haven School that make this project possible, and this year I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to our extra venues for joining forces with us to more than double our donations.”

Milford Haven Round Table also contributed, purchasing gifts for 15 tags from the school’s tree. The initiative demonstrates the power of community spirit in helping families during the festive season.

“This is evidence that together we can make a real difference to local families and the Christmas they experience,” added Mrs Wilcox.

PATCH’s Toy Appeal ensures that children affected by deprivation receive gifts to brighten their Christmas morning, and Milford Haven School’s project is a shining example of generosity in action.

Nadolig Llawen!