Education
Pembrokeshire parents reassured amid concerns about school concrete

AS more than 100 schools in England grapple with the closure of classrooms or the introduction of safety measures due to concerns over the structural integrity of their buildings, Pembrokeshire council has extended reassurances to parents.
This crisis stems from the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in several key facilities, prompting concerns over potential structural hazards. Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest made headlines recently when it declared a “major incident” after RAAC was discovered on its premises. A “limited part” of Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth was also found to have RAAC.
In a related development, the UK Government took action last week, instructing many schools and colleges near the border to either fully or partially close their buildings due to the presence of concrete that could pose sudden collapse risks. RAAC, a building material in use from the 1950s to the mid-1990s, came under scrutiny following the collapse of a concrete beam over the summer, prompting this drastic response.
The issue of infrastructure falls under devolved powers, and the Welsh Government has announced its intention to assess the extent of the problem within the country.
Pembrokeshire County Council has offered a glimmer of hope for parents, confirming that all schools in the region will open as scheduled after the summer holidays. They stated that “no specific issues” have been identified in the authority’s buildings.
A council spokesperson addressed the situation, saying, “Parents and guardians will be aware of media reports in England regarding concerns about Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete in schools. Pembrokeshire County Council can confirm that at this time there are no specific issues highlighted across the council’s buildings. All schools will re-open as planned after the summer holidays, and staff are looking forward to welcoming pupils back. The authority will continue working closely with the Welsh Government on this matter.”
In contrast to England’s response, the Welsh Government has opted for a different approach since the 1960s, focusing on a comprehensive school and further education building program aimed at mitigating the risks associated with aging structures.
A Welsh Government spokesperson elaborated, “Earlier this year, we commissioned a condition survey of all state-funded schools and colleges, which will identify any structures suspected of containing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete.
Local authorities and further education institutions have not reported to us any instances of RAAC being present within schools or colleges. We will continue to work closely with the WLGA (Welsh Local Government Association) and local authorities on this issue and will provide an update once the survey has been completed.”
Education
Council pledges action after school stabbing verdict

CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has pledged to review the circumstances surrounding the Ysgol Dyffryn Aman stabbings to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Following the conclusion of the trial, in which a 14-year-old girl was found guilty of attempted murder, council leader Cllr Darren Price issued a statement expressing his “heartfelt sympathies” to those affected.
He said: “The incident that took place at the school on April 24, 2024, shocked and appalled the communities of Carmarthenshire and beyond. Violence, in any form, has unequivocally no place within our schools or any aspect of society.
“I would again like to thank the emergency services that responded at pace during this incident, along with the teachers, staff, pupils, council officers and the local community.
“On completion of the trial, all partners will be working together to review the circumstances of this case and to ensure we do all we can to prevent an incident of this nature happening again.”
‘Resilience and compassion’
The council praised the response of the school community, with Cllr Price commending the resilience shown by pupils and staff.
“The resilience and compassion that define the close-knit society of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman has allowed pupils to return to their classrooms at the safest and earliest opportunity, for their benefit and wellbeing,” he said.
“I sincerely hope that today’s verdict will permit the victims and the school a sense of closure on this awful event and that their privacy is respected.
“Ysgol Dyffryn Aman is an excellent school, and long may it continue its excellent work in educating the children and young people of Ammanford.”
Safety concerns
The attack, which left two teachers and a pupil injured, sent shockwaves through the community. Dyfed-Powys Police and Carmarthenshire County Council will now work together to assess security measures and response procedures at schools across the county.
The girl, who cannot be named due to her age, will be sentenced at a later date.
Education
Ysgol Bro Gwaun headteacher to retire after nearly four decades in education

PAUL EDWARDS, the headteacher of Ysgol Bro Gwaun in Fishguard, has announced he will retire at the end of the summer term, bringing his 37-year career in education to a close.
In a letter to parents last week, Mr Edwards confirmed his decision, saying it was the right time to step aside and allow new leadership to guide the school forward.
Mr Edwards first joined the school, then known as Fishguard High School, as a newly qualified teacher in the early 1990s. After a period working elsewhere, he returned in 2017 as headteacher. Of his 37 years in education, 26 have been spent at Ysgol Bro Gwaun.
“This decision has not been an easy one,” he wrote. “However, after 37 years in the profession, 26 of which have been at YBG (or Fishguard High School as it was), I feel it is the right time to step aside.”
Reflecting on his time at the school, Mr Edwards described being headteacher as a “privilege and honour,” expressing pride in everything the school community has achieved. He praised students, staff, parents, and carers for making Ysgol Bro Gwaun a vibrant and supportive environment for all pupils, regardless of background or ability.
The school’s chair of governors was informed of his decision some time ago, and the process to find his successor is already underway. The position will be advertised soon, with an appointment expected before Easter. The new headteacher will take up the role on September 1, allowing a smooth transition during the summer term.
In the meantime, Mr Edwards assured parents that it would be “business as usual” at Ysgol Bro Gwaun, with the school continuing to focus on its core purpose while the recruitment process takes place.
Education
Thousands more learners to receive financial support through Education Maintenance Allowance

THOUSANDS more post 16 learners in colleges and sixth forms will receive the Education Maintenance Allowance following a Welsh Government decision to uplift the household income thresholds resulting in more families being able to apply.
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a weekly grant of £40, designed to support 16 to 18-year-olds from eligible households with further education costs, such as transport or meals. EMA was ended in England in 2011, and is retained at a lower rate of £30 in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Currently over 16,000 students receive EMA but starting from the new academic year in September an estimated 3,500 more learners will benefit from the uplift.
The threshold for households with one dependent child is currently £20,817 and this will increase to £23,400, meaning families with a household income of £23,400 or less will be eligible to receive EMA.
The threshold for households with two or more dependents is currently £23,077 and this will increase to £25,974, meaning families with a household income of £25,974 or less will be eligible to receive EMA.
Minister Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells, said: “Wales already delivers the most generous Education Maintenance Allowance in the UK, helping post-16 learners to continue studying academic or vocational courses, and this change means we will now be supporting thousands more learners.
“We are very proud of our record in maintaining and increasing the Education Maintenance Allowance. We are clear that our Draft Budget is a budget for a brighter future and the uplift to EMA eligibility is one of the ways we are delivering this. The announcement means thousands more learners will now benefit from further financial support to continue or start their further education journey.”
Deio Owen, President of NUS Cymru, said: “NUS Cymru welcomes the Minister’s announcement today. Raising the household income threshold for EMA will enable more than 3500 young people to engage with post-16 learning. That’s 3500 young people that we will now hopefully see continue with their education and continue to equip themselves for a better future.”, said Deio Owen, President of NUS Cymru.
“We have been campaigning for this for quite some time, and we are delighted that the Welsh Government have finally listened to student voices. I look forward to working ever closer with the Minister in the coming months on areas where we can further strengthen the student offer in Wales.”
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