News
Concerns mount over rising violence in Welsh schools
VIOLENCE in Welsh schools has reached a deeply disturbing level, according to Darren Millar MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, who raised the issue during First Minister’s Questions (FMQs) in the Senedd today. His comments come in the wake of the recent conviction of a teenage girl for a stabbing attack at Ysgol Dyffryn Ammanford, as well as a serious lockdown incident at Ysgol Harri Tudur in Pembroke Dock, further highlighting the increasing threats facing students and teachers across Wales.
Mr. Millar expressed grave concerns about reports of school lockdowns, weapons being brought onto school premises, and a surge in assaults on teachers. He was particularly critical of the Welsh Government’s changes to exclusion reporting guidelines, which no longer require the possession of a weapon to be recorded as a reason for exclusion.
Teacher recruitment in crisis
In addition to growing safety fears, Mr. Millar pointed to the mounting teacher recruitment crisis, warning that rising violence is discouraging people from entering the profession. Figures show that the number of teachers registered with the General Teaching Council has dropped by over 20%, with last year seeing the highest number of resignations in over a decade.
Call for urgent action
Following the FMQs session, Mr. Millar called for immediate action to address the escalating crisis: “The rise in violence in our schools is deeply disturbing. No teacher or pupil should feel unsafe, yet with reports of weapons being brought into classrooms and teachers facing abuse and assault, it is clear that more must be done.”
He criticised the Welsh Labour Government’s stance on school exclusions, arguing that softening policies sends the wrong message:
“Rather than tightening policies to protect teachers and students, the Welsh Labour Government has weakened exclusion guidance. There must be a hard and fast rule that carrying a weapon into school results in exclusion, full stop.”
Mr. Millar also blamed the Labour Government’s inaction for exacerbating the teacher retention crisis:
“Under Labour’s watch, school violence is up, teacher numbers are down, and educational outcomes are suffering. It’s time for the Welsh Government to take responsibility and deliver the safe, high-performing schools our children and teachers deserve.”
With concerns mounting, pressure is growing for the Welsh Government to implement stronger measures to ensure the safety of both students and teachers in schools across the country.
A HAVERFORDWEST bank clerk has appeared in court accused of stealing a customer’s bank card and committing fraud by abuse of position.
Mary Roberts, 47, of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, is charged with stealing a bank card belonging to Keith France on November 22, 2023.
She is also accused of dishonestly abusing her position while working as a bank clerk, intending to cause financial loss while in a role where she was expected to safeguard her customer’s interests.
Roberts appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (March 11), where she entered not guilty pleas to both charges.
Magistrates declined jurisdiction and sent the case to Swansea Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing next month.
The offences are alleged to be contrary to the Theft Act 1968 and the Fraud Act 2006. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
CARDIGAN Curiosities has won the St David’s Day shop window award for the Cardigan division, an accolade presented by Menter Iaith Ceredigion.
High Street businesses and Guildhall shops embraced the festivities, decorating their windows in a vibrant display to celebrate the national day of Wales and the arrival of spring. The event, which highlighted the Welsh language, saw enthusiastic participation from across Ceredigion.
To mark the occasion and show appreciation for the community, Cardigan Curiosities is offering the chance to win an exclusive piece of local artwork. The prize is a one-of-a-kind watercolour painting of the nave of St David’s Cathedral, created by a Pembrokeshire artist. The framed artwork measures 74×95 cm.
To enter the competition, participants must:
- Visit the Cardigan Curiosities Facebook or Instagram page
- Like the competition post
- Comment with their favourite Welsh word
The winner will be drawn on March 20 by “Ddraig Goch” from inside a dragon egg, with the announcement made that evening on social media.
For those interested in viewing the artwork or the decorated shop window, Cardigan Curiosities is located at 32A Cardigan High Street and is open Thursday to Sunday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
HAVERFORDWEST FIRE STATION welcomed County Councillor Thomas Tudor for a community engagement event alongside Emyr and Amy from Gwasanaeth Tân ac Achub CGC / Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
The event focused on the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2040, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing public safety across Mid and West Wales. The fire service is encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the plan by providing feedback through an online survey.
Councillor Tudor praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of community involvement in developing a safer and more resilient region.
Residents can participate in the consultation by visiting: www.mawwfire.gov.uk.
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