Education

Islwyn MS says Wales faces ‘watershed moment for culture’

Published

7 months ago

September 22, 2024

A SENEDD member warned Wales faces a watershed moment for culture as the Welsh Parliament debated cuts at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Rhianon Passmore led a Senedd debate on a 10,560-name petition against the RWCMD’s decision to cut junior programmes which were established 25 years ago.

The Labour backbencher, who represents Islwyn, said the petitions committee is extremely concerned about the impact of funding cuts on the pipeline for talented musicians.

Ms Passmore, who has been chairing the committee temporarily, warned: “This would leave Welsh children at a profound disadvantage to their English and Scottish counterparts.”

She told the Senedd the scaling back of youth services is a “hugely significant blow” to the college’s ability to support learners from poorer backgrounds.

Ms Passmore, a former music teacher who is chair of the cross-party group on music, pointed out that the Welsh Government’s draft budget will be published in December.

She said: “How we minimise the impact of funding cuts on our cultural institutions in the current economic climate is a critical issue for Wales and for our young people.”

The Islwyn MS welcomed the Welsh Government’s “encouraging” announcement of an additional £5m for culture and arm’s-length bodies such as the Arts Council of Wales.

But Ms Passmore warned: “The economic impact of stifling music development and the nurturing of our young people’s musical talent is of grave concern.”

She added: “Unless the Welsh Government steps in to safeguard institutions like the RWCMD, then we are at a watershed moment in the regression of Welsh cultural life.

“This is without the devastating reduction of Welsh National Opera to a part-time outfit.”

Peter Fox, a Conservative member of the petitions committee, warned the cuts will result in 112 staff losing their jobs and a loss of 400 students.

He said: “This will be an incredibly damaging blow to the arts scene … and threatens the future of an important part of our future cultural offer.

“It is a jewel in the crown we should be proud of and we should look to preserve.

“Sometimes, things aren’t always about money – they’re about social value and the importance that these things bring.”

Mr Fox, who represents Monmouth, said about 50% of students received bursaries, with many paying minimal or no fees.

He warned that many talented young musicians will find accessing training unaffordable, saying the cuts will have an incredibly detrimental impact.

Heledd Fychan, Plaid Cymru’s shadow culture secretary, recognised the “huge” financial pressure on the RWCMD which faced a 6% cut in public funding this year.

She said: “They need to make 10% spending savings this year, which corresponds to £1.5m and closing the provision that we’re addressing today contributes 16% of the 10% needed.”

Ms Fychan cautioned that a generation of the most talented young Welsh artists have been disenfranchised and “reduced to an elite few who can afford private tuition”.

Julie Morgan, the Labour MS for Cardiff North, visited the RWCMD during the consultation.

“It was actually heartbreaking, particularly on the last day…,” she said. ”People didn’t know what other opportunities there would be. They didn’t have anywhere to go….

“It just seemed so awful that this was happening here in Wales and that this was happening to something that was so important for the hopes and the future of our young people.”

Ms Morgan, a former minister and MP, told the chamber alternative proposals were put forward but were not seriously considered by the college.

She added: “The other point is that children were taught in Welsh and in English, which was the only facility that offered this. So, it just makes you think: why on earth did this happen?”

The Conservatives’ Tom Giffard, who represents South Wales West, pointed out that culture bore the brunt of cuts in this year’s Welsh Government budget.

He said: “We can talk all the warm words we like about the importance of the junior academy, but without putting the funding in place to support it, unfortunately the Welsh Government has practically condemned it to close.”

Rhys ab Owen, an independent member of the petitions committee, said he has received countless letters from concerned constituents.

The South Wales Central MS said: “We can boast as much as we like that Wales is the land of song but it doesn’t happen in a vacuum.

“The accolade is meaningless if we just rely on the glory of the past because that’s what will happen, if schools like this and musical services are continuing to be depleted…. Wales will be less musical, not more musical than other nations, if we continue down this road.”

Jenny Rathbone, the Labour MS for Cardiff Central, said it was a tragedy that the debate took place after the decision to close the junior department had already been made.

“In a sense, it’s an affront to all the people who bothered to sign the petition that the Royal Welsh College wasn’t prepared to wait and see what solutions could be arrived at,” she said.

“I’ve no doubt that change was needed and was inevitable because of the financial circumstances but I feel hugely disappointed that this decision was rushed ahead.”

Vikki Howells, who was appointed further and higher education minister last week, responded to the debate on September 18 on behalf of the Welsh Government.

She recognised the strength of feeling and financial challenges as she pledged to continue talks with the college as it shapes proposals for future provision.

Ms Howells pointed to the Welsh Government’s national plan for music education, saying key partners will provide support and signposting to talented young musicians.

The junior minister told the chamber the national music service has received significant investment, totalling £13m from 2022-25.

She stressed that it is not the role of ministers to intervene in the operational detail nor routine financial management of institutions.

“These decisions are clearly a matter for the college,” she said.

Education

Something for everyone at the Torch Summer School

Published

14 minutes ago

April 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

WITH the summer holidays on the horizon, the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven is once again preparing to open its doors for a season of creativity, performance and fun.

Whether you’re planning an exotic getaway or opting for a staycation closer to home, the Torch’s popular Summer Schools promise to fill August with exciting activities and memories to last a lifetime.

Over the years, the Torch Theatre has earned a strong reputation for delivering high-quality summer programmes for children and young people. Now, with the addition of an adult summer school, the Torch is proud to offer something for everyone aged seven and over.

“Come and join our fun-packed creative sessions, which include performing in our studio theatre for family and friends,” said Tim Howe, Senior Manager for Youth and Community at the Torch. “We’ve got opportunities for adults and children to get inspired and express themselves artistically. With storytelling adventures, plays produced in a week, and workshops on writing, directing and performance, we know there’s something for everyone.”

Mr Howe added: “Led by professionals with international experience and top drama school training, our summer schools are open to all. There’s no audition, and no previous experience is needed. We’re committed to inclusivity and will make reasonable adjustments so that everyone can enjoy a fulfilling experience.”

The Torch Summer Schools 2025:

Dramatic Detectives
For Year 3 to Year 6 (ages 7–11)
A series of mysterious crimes has rocked the land of make-believe. But what happened, who’s responsible, and can it be stopped in time? Through creative play and storytelling, children will work together to crack the case.
Sessions run daily from 10:00am to 3:00pm, Monday 4 to Friday 8 August.

Playmakers
For Year 7 to Year 13 (ages 11–18)
Take on the exciting challenge of learning and performing a contemporary play in just one week. Participants will get involved in every aspect of the production – from casting and costumes to props and music.
Sessions run from 10:00am to 4:00pm, Monday 11 to Friday 15 August.

Show Off!
Ages 18+
Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, the adult summer school offers a supportive environment to explore writing, performance and direction. The programme concludes with a showcase performance in the studio theatre.
Evening sessions run from 6:30pm to 9:00pm on Thursdays 7, 14, 21 and 28 August, with a final performance on Saturday 30 August.

Tim concluded: “Our Summer Schools are always incredibly popular, so early booking is recommended. You can find more information and book your place at www.torchtheatre.co.uk or call our friendly Box Office team on 01646 695267.”

What are you waiting for? Try something new this summer – and make the Torch Theatre part of your August adventure.

Education

Wales leads the way as free breakfast clubs roll out across England

Published

25 minutes ago

April 22, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FREE breakfasts have been available in Welsh primary schools since 2004 — and now more than 700 primary schools in England are following suit, thanks to a bold new initiative from the UK Labour Government.

The scheme is expected to reach an initial 180,000 pupils, with over a third of participating schools located in areas of high deprivation. It represents a significant step forward in tackling child hunger and educational inequality.

The policy mirrors the successful approach pioneered in Wales, where an estimated 100 million free breakfasts have been served in the last decade alone. Take-up continues to grow, and the Welsh Labour Government is working with councils to increase participation even further.

“This is a fantastic example of the UK Labour Government learning from Welsh Labour successes. It’s Wales leading the way,” a spokesperson said.

The new initiative honours a key pledge made in Labour’s election manifesto and reaffirmed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her first party conference speech. The aim is simple: to ensure that no child starts the school day on an empty stomach.

A healthy meal in the morning not only improves concentration and wellbeing but also helps pupils achieve their full potential in the classroom.

England’s rollout builds on more than two decades of experience in Wales — experience that offers valuable insight into managing costs, designing nutritious menus, and monitoring outcomes.

Meanwhile, the Welsh Government will also benefit by gaining access to data from England’s larger school population, allowing it to further strengthen its own programme.

This move comes alongside the successful rollout of universal free school meals for primary pupils in Wales, first announced in 2021. Over 30 million additional meals have been served under that scheme so far.

“This is what two Labour Governments can achieve together — in Wales and Westminster — sharing ideas, expertise and a common goal: to invest in public services and give every child the best possible start to the day.”

From breakfast clubs to steel transition boards, freeports, investment zones, and growth deals, the message is clear — when Labour governments work together, Wales benefits.

Education

Calls for all Pembrokeshire schools to have EpiPens on site

Published

6 days ago

April 17, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL to develop a group to look at a Pembrokeshire-wide policy on schools stocking potentially life-saving EpiPens has been deferred, awaiting the outcome of a Welsh Government scoping exercise.

The current Welsh Government position on emergency adrenaline auto-injectors, commonly known as EpiPens, is different from England, where it was mandatory for schools to hold a stock.

EpiPens are commonly used in the emergency treatment of Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.

Welsh Government guidance allows schools to obtain adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) without prescription for emergency use, with Pembrokeshire favouring a school-led decision rather than an authority-led one, replicating Welsh Government guidance.

A call to review the county policy was heard at the April meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Schools and Learning Overview committee following a request from Independent Group leader Cllr Huw Murphy.

Cllr Murphy had said: “Ysgol Bro Ingli H&S Committee met on April 1 to review existing policies, one of which was the First Aid policy. The document provided is the Ysgol Bro Ingli First Aid Policy, which appears to be an adaptation of a generic PCC First Aid document sent to all PCC schools to adapt/implement as appropriate.

“It was highlighted at this meeting that the subject of ‘EpiPens’ was absent, and it appears that PCC may not have developed a county-wide policy on this subject to date, which I think needs scrutiny. At present the stocking of EpiPens is a matter for the Head of a School & Governing Body.

“As was the case when we as an O&S Committee moved to support the introduction of a mobile phone ban in schools, I think we as councillors should provide political leadership to also move to develop a county-wide policy on schools stocking EpiPens (possibly inhalers for asthmatics) and that PCC should fund this cost. It cannot be assumed every child with an allergy will always bring their EpiPen to school and furthermore this does not cover other potential severe allergic reactions eg bee stings.

“I was going to submit an NoM to council but with hindsight feel that the Schools O&S would be the appropriate forum for the matter to be given a thorough airing from where we can hopefully move a recommendation to council.”

Cllr Murphy’s call was backed by Cllr Micheal John, saying: “If there’s a chance of one person dying due to a lack of policy it’s something we have to consider,” moving for a working group to be established to obtain more data ahead of any formal decision.

Another supporter was Cllr Anji Tinley, herself an EpiPen user, compared the provision in schools with defibrillators, saying: “You don’t know you’re going to have a heart attack,” later adding: “£70 to save a life, I don’t think that’s a lot of money.”

Members heard a scoping exercise was currently taking place in Wales, with members agreeing to write to Welsh Government to for an update on its position ahead of any formal group being created.