Education
Castle School in Haverfordwest to close in July
CASTLE SCHOOL, a private school for children of all ages in Haverfordwest, has announced it will close at the end of this academic year, a decision that has left parents and pupils shocked and dismayed.
Principal Harriet Harrison delivered the news in an email to parents, marking the culmination of a period filled with uncertainty, leadership changes, and a steady decline in pupil numbers. This email was just days after a previous email from the school stating that it was to remain open.
She said: “If you need to focus your frustrations, disappointment and any anger please let that be at me. I am more than happy to meet with any parent to further explain this difficult decision.”
Founded in 2009 by Mrs. Harrison, Castle School carved out a niche for itself by championing a holistic approach to education, consistently delivering strong GCSE results, and fostering an inclusive, family-oriented environment.
Despite the challenges of relocation from Narberth in 2020 and navigating the complexities of the post-pandemic landscape, the school endeavored to retain the essence of its ethos, focusing on creating a safe, engaging, and thriving space for its pupils.
The school’s recent history, however, has been less than stable. The departure of the previous headmaster, Mike Hughes, was one turning point, exacerbating existing issues and contributing to a growing atmosphere of discontent among the school community.
Hughes’ exit left a void that further strained the school’s operations and morale, with many families choosing to leave in search of more stable educational environments.
In her heartfelt announcement, Principal Harrison cited several factors behind the difficult decision to close Castle School.
The loss of key leadership team members, the financial and operational challenges of managing multiple school inspections, and the unsuccessful transition to a new management model have all taken their toll.
The school’s attempt to focus on its core 3-16 provision by shutting the sixth form and nursery proved to be a tipping point for many families, leading to a critical reduction in student numbers.
The response from parents to the closure news has been one of anger and frustration. Many feel let down by the school’s leadership, voicing their concerns over the lack of communication and perceived neglect of their children’s educational welfare in these trying times. Despite Mrs Harrison’s appeal for understanding and her commitment to support the students through this transition, some parents are clearly upset.
One mum, who asked this newspaper not to be named said: “Things have been up in the air for so long, and now the school has announced it is closing I am worried if my children are going to learn anything with the lack of teachers and classes being amalgamated.
“In short this is a huge mess and I think that all the pupils are going to miss out getting a decent education this year.”
Another parent said: “This is very upsetting and very shocking, unless I move work I am not sure now where I am going to send my child in September.”
As the school community faces this upheaval, efforts are being made to ensure a smooth transition for the students.
Mrs Harrison outlined plans for the remaining months, including the amalgamation of classes and a series of celebratory and transitional events, designed to provide a sense of closure and positivity for students and staff alike.
Looking towards the future, The Herald has learned that numerous parents are exploring alternatives, with many considering Red Hill School as a viable option for their children’s continued education.
It is expected that a significant portion of Castle School’s student body will transfer to Red Hill School in September, in the hope of finding a stable and nurturing environment that aligns with Castle School’s values.
The future now remains on ensuring the well-being and future prospects of the students.
UPDATE – FEB 5, 2024
As a result of last week’s announcement, Nant-y-Cwm Steiner School in Llanycefn says it has already received a number of enquiries from Castle School families. Consequently, we will be holding an additional Open Day to accommodate the Castle School community.
A spokesperson for Nant-y-Cwm said: “We have a limited number of spaces still available, so please get in touch to book your place.”
“We feel that many of the values and educational principles that led you to choose Castle School for your child’s early years and primary education are shared with Nant-y-Cwm. We are an independent school located in a wooded valley a few miles South of Maenclochog.
“We currently have just over 80 students aged 3-14 and have limited spaces in both our early years Kindergarten (3-6) and in some classes in our main school (6-14).”
“We would be very happy to talk through any questions you may have about Nant-y-Cwm or Waldorf education as well as arrange a visit or taster for your child/ren. Please do get in contact if you think your child might benefit from what Nant-y-Cwm has to offer.”
Education
Disabled children ‘denied rights to education’
DISABLED children and young people in Wales are being fundamentally let down and denied their right to education, Senedd Members warned.
Buffy Williams, who chairs the children’s committee, led a debate after an inquiry found many disabled children do not have equal access to education and childcare.
The Labour politician raised concerns about the Welsh Government rejecting six of the 32 recommendations emerging from the committee’s 239-page report.
She welcomed recognition that more must be done to uphold children’s rights to education.
But, addressing Welsh ministers, Ms Williams warned: “We do not feel that your response commits to a step change in the pace and scale of the action required to do so.
“Our committee, like the online advisory group, worries that maybe you are not giving these issues the priority they deserve.”
She told the Senedd that families’ distressing experiences left an imprint, with the committee hearing some children are thinking about and attempting suicide due to a lack of support.
Ms Williams said parents, carers and young people on the advisory group believe ministers’ formal response to the report fails to recognise the seriousness of the issues families face.
She warned the Welsh Government appears to have “resigned” itself to a substantial shortfall in inclusive childcare for disabled and neurodivergent children.
Criticising ministers’ decision to rebuff calls for mandatory training on disability for all school staff, she stressed the importance of understanding and meeting children’s needs.
Ms Williams, who represents Rhondda, said the Welsh Government’s response appears to delegate responsibility for equity in childcare and education to councils.
She asked: “What more will it take for the Welsh Government to step in, to give local authorities the support they so clearly need?”
Gareth Davies said support for disabled children is patchy across Wales, with schools lacking funding, staff and expertise to deliver inclusive education.
Mr Davies, the Conservatives’ shadow mental health minister, warned that disabled children disproportionately experience bullying in school as he called for greater safeguards.
Plaid Cymru’s Heledd Fychan described the committee’s inquiry as heartbreaking, with failings having a devastating impact on families.
She told the debating chamber or Siambr that children as young as five or six have been traumatised and failed by the education system.
Carolyn Thomas, a Labour backbencher who chairs the petitions committee, stated the Senedd has received five petitions on Wales’ additional learning needs (ALN) reforms.
“The sheer number of petitions and signatures highlights the strength of feeling,” she said.
South Wales East Laura Anne Jones warned ALN support is one of the most pressing issues facing families, with lower-level needs “falling under the radar”.
She said it is disgraceful that so many teachers and assistants still lack basic neurodiversity training, which leads to disabled children’s behaviour being wrongly labelled disruptive.
Calling for urgent action, the Conservative criticised ministers for failing to accept “crucial” recommendations, saying: “Inclusive education is not a luxury, it is a right.”
Hefin David, whose daughter is autistic, sought to place the debate in historical context as he drew on his own family’s experiences.
He said: “In the 1970s and ’80s, my daughter would have been in an institution for most of her early life, she would have spent the whole time there.”
The Caerphilly Senedd Member recognised that progress is sometimes not fast enough but he emphasised that young people are being treated better today than ever before.
Dr David, who is stepping down from the children’s committee, said: “To take too much of a downbeat note on these things is to devalue the experience of those who suffered.”
The Labour politician described the 32 recommendations as “too many”, warning this is problematic in terms of setting people up to fail with resources spread so thin.
Responding to the debate on November 12, Lynne Neagle apologised to families for their experiences which she said made for distressing and sobering reading.
Wales’ education secretary said: “I am truly sorry … and I say on behalf of the [Welsh] Government that it is not good enough.”
Ms Neagle, whose first job after university was working with parents of disabled children, recognised that families too often feel the need to fight for support.
“It affected me deeply,” she told the Senedd. “And I want to acknowledge that not enough has changed for enough families – we can and we must do better.”
She said: “Rights on their own are not enough, they must be translated into action…. I know too many children and families have been waiting too long for their rights to become action.
“Like them, I am impatient for change. As a government, we will not stop until we get it right for all children and young people in Wales.”
Business
Kurtz addresses Employment and Skills Convention
SENEDD Member Samuel Kurtz kicked off an Employment and Skills Convention at the Cardiff City Stadium recently, organised by the Learning and Skills Institute. The event sought to unite organisations, businesses, and training providers to discuss critical issues surrounding employment and skills development across Wales.
The convention featured a panel of distinguished speakers, including local Samuel Kurtz MS, who is the Shadow Minister for the Economy and Energy; Rhys Morris, Managing Director of The Busy Group; and Megan Hooper, Director for Employment and Skills at Serco. Together, they explored strategies for increasing employment and the positive impacts this can have on individuals, young people, and the broader community.
Following the event, Samuel Kurtz said: “It was a privilege to speak at this convention and to underscore the vital role of collaboration between government and the private sector in aligning skills and training with the evolving needs of our economy.
“By enhancing skills and creating jobs, we can foster a resilient workforce that will not only meet today’s demands but also drive essential green infrastructure projects, ensuring a prosperous future for young people in Wales.
“Welsh Government Ministers must acknowledge their role in addressing high levels of economic inactivity. Introducing employment targets is essential to support people in re-entering the workforce and contributing to Wales’ economic growth.”
Education
Concern over ‘highest-ever’ school bullying rates
RATES of bullying in Welsh schools have reached record levels, with more than one in three children and young people reporting being bullied, the Senedd heard.
Gareth Davies raised concerns about a 6% increase in bullying between 2021 and 2023, according to a survey of more than 130,000 pupils in 200 secondary schools.
The Conservatives’ shadow mental health minister told the Senedd: “These results are higher than ever previously reported in the survey, which is deeply troubling.”
He said the latest survey showed regression on “just about every metric of pupil wellbeing”, including growing social isolation and a rise in behavioural issues.
Mr Davies, who worked in the NHS in north Wales for more than a decade, pointed to a 2021 legal duty to have regard to the mental health of children and young people.
He said: “The mental health of pupils has declined and reports of bullying in schools have only increased, so the Welsh Government have failed in that duty, unfortunately.”
Plaid Cymru’s Cefin Campbell called for an update to 2019 anti-bullying guidance for school governing bodies following a commitment from the Welsh Government eight months ago.
The shadow education secretary focused on the impact of poverty, warning the high cost of school uniforms can cause stress and lead to bullying.
Mr Campbell, a former lecturer, expressed concerns about penalties, such as detention, for pupils over non-compliance with uniform policies.
Raising a report on “horrific” experiences of racism in Welsh schools, he said one pupil was told a classmate did not want to sit next to them due to the colour of their skin.
“That’s entirely unacceptable in our schools,” said Mr Campbell.
Labour’s Carolyn Thomas warned children’s mental health is at an all-time low, pointing to smartphones and social media as major contributing factors.
She said: “They can be used to bully, manipulate and control, sending young people into an isolated world of despair, not thinking they can get out of it or go to somebody for help.”
The North Wales politician highlighted a petition calling for a ban on phones in schools.
Rhys ab Owen, an independent who represents South Wales Central, stressed that bullying can impact people for decades to come after school.
“But it’s an issue that doesn’t affect learners equally,” he said. “In Cardiff, around a third of learners come from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
“And I was staggered to read a survey from 2020, which said that 61.5% of learners had expressed stereotypes over skin colour, religion and nationality.”
In a statement on November 12 to mark anti-bullying week, Lynne Neagle accepted that bullying continues to be an issue in Welsh schools.
Pledging to prioritise the problem, Wales’ education secretary said new statutory anti-bullying guidance will be published for consultation after Christmas.
Ms Neagle pointed to concerning trends, including 42% of girls scoring high or very high in a questionnaire on psychological problems compared with 27% of boys.
She told the Senedd: “I wouldn’t want to be a teenager growing up today.”
Ms Neagle stated the Welsh Government provided more than £800,000 this year for one of the biggest surveys of children and young people in the UK.
She said: “The link between bullying and mental health is well known. At its most extreme, young people have taken their own lives as a result of being bullied. This is a tragedy for the young life lost, for their family and friends and for whole communities.”
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