NEW PROVISION WILL SUPPORT YOUNG CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN HAVERFORDWEST

EARLY years education in Haverfordwest has received a boost after Bishop Dorrien officially opened a new Flying Start setting at St Mark’s Church in Wales VC School.

The Bishop of St Davids cut the ribbon at the school in Merlins Bridge last week to formally launch the Little Lions Flying Start provision, which will support younger children and families in the area.

The new setting will provide funded early years childcare for eligible children from the age of two, with youngsters benefiting from dedicated facilities and support from trained staff.

Flying Start is a Welsh Government-funded programme aimed at giving children the best possible start in life through childcare, health visiting, parenting support and speech and language development. Eligible children can receive up to 12.5 hours of funded childcare a week during term time.

Little Lions is based at St Mark’s VA School in Haverfordwest and welcomes children from the age of two. The setting is part of Pembrokeshire’s wider Flying Start programme, which has expanded in recent years to support more families across the county.

During the visit, Bishop Dorrien praised the work being carried out at the school and the commitment shown by staff and families.

The Diocese of St Davids said the Bishop greatly appreciated the leadership of Mrs Gillespie, while recognising the dedication of staff, parents, carers and governors in helping children to thrive.

A spokesperson said the school had “a real school family” atmosphere, adding that Bishop Dorrien keeps all schools in the diocese in his prayers and asks for God’s blessing on pupils, staff and families.

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Official opening: Bishop Dorrien cuts the ribbon to launch the Little Lions Flying Start setting at St Mark’s School in Haverfordwest.

NEW specialist facilities at Portfield School in Haverfordwest have officially opened as part of a major £28.8m redevelopment aimed at transforming education for pupils with additional learning needs in Pembrokeshire.

Representatives from Pembrokeshire County Council, Portfield School and contractors gathered to mark the completion of the first main phase of the project, which will eventually deliver a fully modernised specialist education campus.

The redevelopment, supported through the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme and Pembrokeshire County Council, has created a carbon net zero in operation school building designed to meet the growing demand for specialist education provision.

The new facilities include therapy rooms, sensory spaces, treatment rooms and a main hall equipped with a retractable trampoline. Outdoor improvements include a new multi-use games area and redesigned spaces intended to support pupils’ wellbeing and development.

A former bus lay-by has also been converted into a car park with more than 100 spaces, including ten accessible bays.

The first phase of the scheme involved refurbishing the existing school building to create a more joined-up, campus-style environment for pupils and staff.

The building has been designed to achieve net zero carbon in operation through the installation of solar panels, air source heat pumps, improved insulation and energy-efficient lighting.

Construction firm Morgan Sindall, which delivered the works through the South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework alongside engineering consultants AtkinsRéalis, said it had also exceeded its carbon reduction target during the build process.

The contractor said 95 per cent of the supply chain budget was spent locally, while 86 per cent of subcontractors used were based in the local area. Two graduates and two Pembrokeshire College work placement students were also involved in the project.

Cllr Jon Harvey, Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, described completion of the first phase as an important milestone for both the school and the wider community.

Headteacher Sarah Hartley said: “We are delighted with the new provision for our pupils at Portfield School.

“It represents a significant step forward in ensuring every pupil has access to an inclusive, supportive and inspiring learning environment where they can thrive.

“As Headteacher, I am incredibly proud of how well the pupils have transitioned into the new site and adapted so quickly to their new learning environment.”

Morgan Sindall’s Area Director for Wales, Robert Williams, said the facilities would make “a lasting difference” to children, staff and families needing specialist education support.

The second phase of works is expected to be completed in early 2027 and will include the demolition and replacement of the respite block as well as remodelling of the SEN Sixth Form facilities.

The project follows previous collaboration between Pembrokeshire County Council and Morgan Sindall on Haverfordwest High VC School and Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Penfro.

Figures show 87% of UK graduates were in work or further study 15 months after graduation

GRADUATE outcomes have remained resilient despite a challenging economy and a cautious jobs market, new figures show.

The National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) said 87% of graduates with permanent residence in the UK were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation.

The data reflects a cohort entering the labour market during a period of subdued economic growth. UK GDP grew by just 0.3% in 2023 and 1.0% in 2024, while business investment and hiring remained cautious.

However, the figures also show that graduate unemployment has increased slightly, although it still rounds to 5%.

There were also significant differences between subject areas. Unemployment reached 10% among Computing graduates and 8% among Business and Management graduates.

The figures also showed that 67% of postgraduate Physical Sciences graduates were in full-time employment, compared with 47% of undergraduates in the same field.

Despite the tougher labour market, graduate satisfaction remained high, with 73% of graduates saying they felt satisfied or very satisfied with their lives 15 months after graduating.

Dr Joe Marshall, Chief Executive of NCUB, said the figures showed universities and employers had adapted to changing labour market needs.

He said: “We know that this is a challenging time for the economy and a changing time for the labour market. Against that backdrop, it is encouraging to see that graduate outcomes remain resilient, with the overwhelming majority of graduates progressing into employment or further study.

“This resilience has not happened by accident. Universities have worked hard, alongside employers and other partners, to adapt to changing labour market needs and develop new and innovative ways to prepare students for the world of work.

“Across the sector, we have seen growing employer partnerships, placements, work-based learning and other opportunities that help students build the skills and experience they need to succeed.”

Dr Marshall said the figures should not lead to complacency, particularly as some graduates are finding the transition into work harder than in previous years.

He added: “Graduate success reflects the strength of the wider economy, the opportunities available to young people, and how effectively universities, employers and policymakers work together to develop and deploy talent.

“If the UK wants stronger growth, higher productivity and greater competitiveness, helping graduates succeed remains a critical part of the answer.

“No university can achieve this alone. Creating more opportunities for graduates and ensuring their skills are fully utilised requires genuine collaboration between universities, employers, government and other education providers.”

The NCUB said institutions with the strongest outcomes were often those embedded within strong networks of partnership between universities, employers and other education providers.