APPROVAL for a consultation for a special resource centre for pupils with complex needs when the new Milford Haven primary school is built was backed by councillors.

At the May 14 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, members were asked to back a consultation on a proposal to establish a Learning Resource Centre (LRC) for pupils with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Complex Learning Needs at Milford Haven Community Primary School.

The establishment of an LRC forms part of the outline business case for the redevelopment of schools in Milford Haven.

A report for members said: “A Learning Resource Centre (LRC) is a classroom-based provision within a mainstream school for pupils with complex needs.

“A LRC provides pupils with a broad and balanced curriculum that is highly differentiated, to support them in achieving their full potential and at the same time offering pupils the opportunity to be part of mainstream activities and lessons to socialise with their peers whilst their individual needs are supported and met.

“Generally, LRCs are strategically located to minimise travelling time for pupils. There are currently 10 primary and five Secondary LRCs across Pembrokeshire.”

Primary LRCs in Pembrokeshire are at: Ysgol Glannau Gwaun, Waldo Williams, Fenton, Gelliswick, Monkton, Tenby, Johnston, Pembroke Dock, Neyland, and Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi.

Secondary LRC provisions are located in three areas: North Pembrokeshire – based in Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Fishguard, and Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, St Davids; South Pembrokeshire – based in Ysgol Harri Tudur, Pembroke, and Ysgol Greenhill, Tenby; Mid Pembrokeshire – based at the Pembrokeshire Learning Centre, Neyland.

The council resolved back in 2019 to establish a LRC at Milford Haven Secondary School, which will replace the current provision at the Pembrokeshire Learning Centre (PLC).

The report added: “Within the Strategic Outline Case for the redevelopment of the Milford Haven schools, provision has already been made for a purpose built 36-place LRC within the new secondary school, replacing the existing provision at the PLC as part of the rolling programme.

“Establishing a 24-place LRC within the proposed primary school on the same site would further enhance local specialist provision and would deliver improved standards of accommodation for pupils with ALN through dedicated, purpose-built facilities designed in accordance with the Welsh Government’s latest area guidelines.

“Milford Haven Community Primary School represents an optimal location for the establishment of a new LRC. The school is the largest feeder to Milford Haven Secondary School and the co-location of primary and secondary provision on a single site creates a clear and coherent pathway for learners with additional learning needs.”

It went on to say the 24-place LRC would account for some £2.6m of the overall projected £143m cost of the overall Milford Haven Schools Redevelopment; the 24-place LRC would receive £316,000 of funding a year.

Approval was moved by Cllr Guy Woodham, backed by Cllr Aled Thomas, and unanimously supported by members.

A CALL to discontinue a Pembrokeshire school has been backed by councillors despite 97 per cent of those responding to a recent consultation being against the change.

Last year, councillors backed a general consultation to discontinue Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School, and to establish it as a 3-11 community school, the consultation closing earlier this year.

That consultation followed a review which “considered the extent of surplus school places in the area, set against a significant decline in the pupil population,” the council has previously said.

Hundreds opposed the proposed changes, with a petition on the council’s own website opposing the changes gaining 391 signatures.

During the consultation, 203 responses were received; 97 per cent (197 responses) against the proposal, with just 1.5 per cent (three) in favour.

Earlier this year, councillors heard from vice-chair of the school governors Gary Fieldhouse who said the loss of the Church in Wales status would be “a profound mistake,” the school’s association with the church “not symbolic but fundamental”.

Reverend John Cecil had told councillors the proposals were “fundamentally flawed,” with the school’s land legally in trust as a Church of Wales school, and change “essentially creating a new school with no premises to occupy”.

Following the ending of the consultation, a report was brought before the May 14 meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council.

The report for members presented by Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language Cllr Guy Woodham, who moved approval, recommended the Director of Education be authorised to publish a Statutory Notice to discontinue Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled school and establish the same as a 3-11 Community School.

On the land issue, the report said: “The Authority acknowledges that the school site includes land owned by the Diocese. Should the proposal proceed, the change of school category would be subject to appropriate legal agreements to ensure continued occupation of the premises.

“No change would be implemented without resolving land ownership and occupation rights in accordance with statutory and legal requirements.”

The report concluded: “The consultation exercise has provided a valuable opportunity for statutory consultees and other interested parties to give their perspective on the proposal to discontinue Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Control School and establish the same as a 3-11 Community School.

“While arguments were made against the proposal, together with a small number of supportive comments, officers remain of the view that this is the most appropriate option in the context of quality and future sustainability of educational provision.”

At the May meeting, Cllr Jamie Adams felt the push for the change was “seemingly pushing water uphill,” with the school performing well; adding: “I’m a bit confused, we’re trying to impose a decision on a community that doesn’t want it.”

Recently elected councillor Scott Thorley echoed that, saying: “97 per cent want to keep it a VC, I think we should respect that.”

Director of Education Steven Richards-Downes said it was “about long term viability in the area,” members hearing from officers Cilgerran had a 28 surplus in pupil spaces.

Members by 34 to 16, with two abstentions, back the discontinuation recommendation.

The statutory notice will trigger a 28-day objection period, an objection report being brought to a future council meeting for determination.

SAUNDERSFOOT C.P. School has been praised by Estyn for its nurturing culture, strong staff teamwork and clear focus on pupil wellbeing.

The school received positive recognition following an inspection in March 2026, with inspectors highlighting effective leadership, high-quality support for pupils and a calm, inclusive learning environment.

The report describes Saundersfoot C.P. School as “an inclusive and nurturing community where pupils feel valued and supported”.

Inspectors said pupils benefit from safe, calm classrooms and strong, trusting relationships with staff.

Wellbeing at the heart

Estyn praised the school’s emphasis on wellbeing, noting that leaders place pupils’ emotional and social development at the centre of school life.

The report also recognised the dedication and professionalism of staff, highlighting effective collaboration between teachers and support staff.

Teaching assistants were described as “highly skilled”, with inspectors noting their important role in helping pupils, including those with additional learning needs, receive targeted support and make good progress.

The school was also commended for its strong culture of care, robust safeguarding arrangements and effective partnerships with parents, governors and external agencies.

Areas for development identified by the school and Estyn include outdoor learning and attendance. However, the report confirms that Saundersfoot C.P. School has a secure foundation built on positive relationships, committed staff and a wellbeing-led ethos.

Headteacher Nick Allan said: “At Saundersfoot C.P. School, wellbeing is central to everything we do. We are proud that Estyn has recognised the calm, nurturing environment our staff create, where children feel safe, confident and ready to learn.

“Strong relationships sit at the heart of our school. Knowing our pupils well as individuals enables us to support not just their academic progress, but their emotional and social development too.

“This is integral to the school’s ethos and values. I am proud to lead such a dedicated team that provides a meaningful difference to pupils’ learning and wellbeing here in Saundersfoot.”

Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language, said: “It is always immensely pleasing when one of our schools receives positive recognition from Estyn. Such recognition does not happen easily and is the culmination of months and years of hard work by everyone involved with the school.

“My thanks and congratulations therefore go to the headteacher, staff and all those who have made this success possible — well done all.”