Cardiff University nursing school at risk

THE PRESTIGIOUS Nursing School at Cardiff University, ranked the best in Wales and fifth in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2023, faces potential closure as part of a major restructuring plan. The university has announced proposals to cut 400 jobs, discontinue several degree programmes, and possibly shut down academic schools, including nursing, modern languages, music, ancient history, translation, religion, and theology. These changes are subject to a 90-day consultation period.

The news has sent shockwaves through the academic and healthcare communities, with staff and students expressing outrage and concern.

Unions and government respond

University and College Union (UCU) representative Andy Williams described the scale of the proposed cuts as “devastating,” warning of their impact on the university, the city of Cardiff, and the wider region.

A Welsh Government spokesperson echoed these concerns, expressing disappointment that nursing courses could be discontinued. They stressed the importance of collaboration between Cardiff University, trade unions, staff, and students to address the challenges posed by these restructuring plans. The government is particularly concerned about sustaining the pipeline of trained nurses in Wales and is working with Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) to respond to the situation.

Impact on healthcare

Helen Whyley, Executive Director for Wales at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), criticised the proposed closure, highlighting the severe nursing shortages already affecting Wales. She noted that Cardiff University’s Nursing School plays a vital role in producing skilled nurses who serve communities across the region. “This decision could undermine efforts to address critical staffing challenges in the healthcare sector,” she said.

RCN Wales has vowed to respond formally to the consultation process, advocating for the preservation of nursing education in Wales. The union has warned that closing the school would have far-reaching implications for the profession, healthcare infrastructure, and local communities.

Future of nursing at risk

The proposed cuts have sparked widespread concern, with stakeholders questioning the long-term impact on Wales’ healthcare system. As consultations continue, the future of Cardiff University’s Nursing School remains uncertain. The decision could significantly disrupt the nursing workforce, potentially leaving Wales ill-equipped to address the growing demands on its healthcare services.

This decision comes at a time of financial strain for higher education institutions, with Cardiff University citing budgetary pressures as the reason for the proposed changes. Critics argue that the closure of such a highly regarded institution would damage not only the university’s reputation but also the healthcare landscape across Wales.

Stakeholders await outcome

The potential closure has prompted calls for swift action to protect the future of nursing education in Wales. As consultations progress, unions, students, and healthcare leaders are urging Cardiff University to reconsider the plans.

The Herald will continue to monitor this developing story, providing updates on the implications of these cuts for Cardiff University, Wales’ nursing workforce, and the broader healthcare sector.

LAMPHEY PRIMARY SCHOOL is celebrating a positive inspection report from Estyn, the body responsible for inspecting education and training providers in Wales.

The school, inspected earlier this academic year, received high praise as a ‘highly inclusive school’ which ‘supported pupils’ well-being exceptionally well.’

Inspectors commended Lamphey Primary for its ‘nurturing and harmonious’ atmosphere, noting that pupil behaviour across the school was ‘exemplary’.

The report highlighted that nearly all pupils made ‘exceptionally effective progress’ in developing their speaking and listening skills.

Additionally, the school was commended for prioritising reading development, ensuring that nearly all pupils cultivate a love for books and stories by the time they leave making excellent progress.

Headteacher Mr Thomas expressed his delight at the recognition from Estyn, stating: “We are thrilled that Estyn has acknowledged some excellent practices at our school, as well as the hard work and collaboration of our entire school community.

“This report highlights how we have created a caring and inclusive learning environment that allows pupils to thrive both academically and socially. I am incredibly proud of our whole school community.”

The positive feedback from Estyn reflects the dedication and commitment of Lamphey Primary School to providing high-quality education and fostering a nurturing environment for all its children.

Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language Cllr Guy Woodham said: “To see a second fantastic report in as many weeks is a real boost for our education community and testament to the hard work educators are putting into their schools and learners.

“Congratulations to Lamphey School and all those that are dedicated to the children there for this excellent Estyn report.”

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has announced plans to end business rates relief for certain fee-charging schools, reallocating the funding to bolster local public services.

Currently, all charities in Wales benefit from at least 80% relief on their non-domestic rates bills, a policy that includes some fee-charging schools. The proposed change will align independent schools with charitable status to the same tax treatment as non-charitable independent schools regarding non-domestic rates.

Similar measures have already been enacted in Scotland, and the UK Government is planning comparable reforms in England.

Following a public consultation last year, the Welsh Government made adjustments to ensure that relief will continue to apply to independent special schools where the majority of learners are placed by local authorities as part of their additional learning provision.

If approved by the Senedd, the changes will take effect on 1 April 2025.

Mark Drakeford, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, said: “We believe independent schools with charitable status in Wales should be treated in the same way as those which are not charities.

“By removing this tax break, we can free up as much as £1.3m every year to support local public services.”