News

Welsh Government consults on school year changes

Published

2 years ago

November 21, 2023

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT opened a consultation about changing the school calendar on Tuesday, November 21.
The Welsh Government wants to spread breaks more evenly throughout the school year, including a 2-week half-term autumn break.
The current school calendar means that the autumn term is longer than others. Research suggests this term is tiring and challenging for learners and staff, as more teaching is squeezed into this term than any other.

CHANGES COULD BENEFIT DISADVANTAGED

The number of days of school holidays and teaching days will not change.
Some pupils, especially those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds and those with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), find it difficult to return to learning after long summer breaks.
Because the summer break is long, the autumn term has to be devoted to going over things rather than advancing learning. Teachers also report more behavioural and well-being issues after the summer break.
Under the new proposal, a week would be taken from the start of the summer break and added to the October break so that staff and learners get more time to rest during the long autumn term.
Teachers and pupils will still get 13 weeks of break, but some will be moved so they happen when they provide the most benefit.
These changes would be made from September 2025, meaning schools would get a two-week break in October 2025 and a five-week summer break in 2026.

TEACHERS AND TORIES EXPRESS DOUBTS

Teachers oppose changes to an academic calendar based on the pre-industrial revolution teaching pattern of Oxford University.
Emma Forrest, NEU Assistant General Secretary Regions, Wales, and Legal Strategy, said: “NEU is disappointed that the Welsh Government has chosen this time to propose changes to the pattern of the school year.
“It’s a really difficult time in education. The education workforce has seen significant periods of change to implement the new curriculum and significant additional learning needs and Reform.
“The Welsh Government must provide a clear rationale for Reform.
“Any changes need to be evidence-based and ensure the workforce’s well-being.
“Any changes must also show how they would benefit children and young people’s learning.
“NEU Cymru will be consulting with our members over the proposals.”
Welsh Conservative Shadow Education Minister Laura Anne Jones MS said: “There are many issues with Labour’s plans to reform the school year, with the biggest impact potentially being felt by pupils, teachers and parents. As well as an already struggling tourism sector.
“The Labour Government must learn the lesson from their disastrous 20mph consultation and listen to parents and teachers before they move forward with any plans.
“Although we support reforming the school day, Reform to both the day and the holiday cannot take place without compelling hard evidence on why it is needed and the positive difference it would make to pupils and teachers. This must not be based on perception or opinion.”

FURTHER CHANGES PLANNED

The consultation will also explore additional changes that could be taken forward in the future, but not from 2025.
These changes include the option of moving a second week from the summer break and adding it to the Whitsun break. This would help make terms similar lengths and the summer term more consistent, making it easier for pupils to learn and teachers to plan.
In this case, GCSE and A Level results days could happen in the same week. This will be explored over the coming years in the same timeframe as the rollout of our Made-for-Wales qualifications.
The proposal would also make the spring term easier to plan for. The two-week break in the spring always coincides with Easter, which moves around.
Keeping the spring break at a constant midpoint and separating it from Easter would make the term more consistent. Easter Monday and Good Friday public holidays would still apply. Teaching time for these days would be made up elsewhere in the year.

LONG SUMMER BREAK BAD FOR FAMILIES

Looking at different school term dates is part of the Co-Operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru.
Jeremy Miles, the Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, said: “The long summer break can be a real strain. Families struggle to find childcare over the six weeks, and others struggle with the additional costs long summers bring. We also know our most disadvantaged learners suffer the most ‘learning loss’ from a long summer.
“There are plenty of examples of local authorities across the UK changing their school calendar to suit local needs.
“We want to make sure education works best for pupils, teachers, and families. We’re looking for people’s views on these changes and what it would mean for them.”
Designated Member Sian Gwenllian said: “The current school calendar was designed long ago, under very different circumstances. We suggest changes that could work better for everyone, but most importantly for pupils of all ages.”

PARENTS WELCOME CONSULTATION

Jason Elsom, the Chief Executive of PTA organisation Parentkind, responded: “Our recent poll of 6,800 parents in Wales revealed that most parents support a move to spread school holidays more evenly across the year, with 72% of lower-income families in favour.
“It is fair to say that the current concentration of school holidays in the summer months results in inflated childcare and family holiday costs, compounding the challenges faced during the cost-of-living crisis.
“Most importantly, this impacts the life experiences and chances of the most vulnerable of children.
“We are pleased to see this consultation by the Welsh Government.”

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

12 seconds ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.

Crime

Publican jailed for six years for supplying cocaine and cannabis

Published

23 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Milford Haven man sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following drug dealing operation

A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been jailed for six years after admitting supplying cocaine and cannabis.

The defendant, who previously appeared before magistrates and was remanded in custody, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following an investigation into drug dealing activity linked to the town.

The court heard that he had been involved in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, with evidence including material recovered by police and analysis of mobile phone data. Investigators said the activity had been ongoing since at least 2024.

Cocaine, a Class A drug, carries the most serious penalties under UK law, and the involvement of both cocaine and cannabis was reflected in the length of the sentence imposed.

During proceedings, the court was told that the case went beyond isolated incidents, with the defendant playing a significant role in the supply chain. The judge said the offending was serious and sustained, warranting an immediate custodial sentence.

He was sentenced to six years in prison.

The case had previously been heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where the defendant was remanded due to the seriousness of the allegations before being sent to the Crown Court for sentencing.

Education

Prendergast School achieves gold award for Armed Forces support

Published

47 minutes ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Top honour recognises commitment to Service children and families

PRENDERGAST CP School in Haverfordwest has been awarded the highest possible recognition for its support of Armed Forces families.

The school has secured Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing work to support pupils from Service backgrounds.

Headteacher Louise John said the achievement reflects a strong, whole-school commitment to ensuring Service children feel supported and able to succeed.

She said: “We are committed to ensuring Service pupils feel welcomed, understood and able to thrive.

“We recognise the unique experiences of children from Service families and have worked hard to embed that understanding across the school.

“Our approach focuses on early identification, strong communication with families, and consistent pastoral support.

“Achieving Gold status recognises the dedication of our staff and the inclusive practices already in place, while reinforcing our ongoing commitment to supporting Service children’s wellbeing, sense of belonging, and educational success.”

The Gold award, delivered through Supporting Service Children in Education Cymru (SSCE Cymru), requires schools to demonstrate strong and sustained support for Service children. This includes creating a positive environment where pupils can share their experiences and strengthening links with the wider Armed Forces community.

Prendergast CP School previously achieved both Bronze and Silver awards before progressing to the top level.

Cllr Simon Hancock, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, praised the achievement.

He said: “I would like to congratulate Prendergast School on achieving the coveted Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status.

“From my visits, it is clear the school actively engages with the Armed Forces community and provides a positive and supportive environment for Service children.”

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, added: “This is fantastic recognition of the ongoing work at Prendergast School.

“It highlights the importance of supporting Armed Forces families and sets a strong example of best practice. Well done to everyone involved.”