Plaid AM calls on Swansea Council to take up offer of formal federation to save school

Plaid AM Dr. Dai Lloyd has called on Swansea Council’s Cabinet to save Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Felindre by federating it with Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Lon Las, Llansamlet.

It is understood that both Governing bodies have agreed to federate, but Swansea Council’s Cabinet are due to meet on Thursday to decide the fate of Ysgol Gymraeg Felindre, with officers recommending closure of the school in August 2019.

Dr. Lloyd raised the issue of the school on the floor of the Senedd on Tuesday with Welsh Government Minister Rebecca Evans AM. He criticised Swansea Council for not exploring sufficiently the possibility of federation.

Speaking ahead of Thursday’s Cabinet meeting, Dr. Lloyd stated:

“We must not forget the fact that there were around 50 pupils in Ysgol Felindre as late as 2016, and before that, the numbers had been even higher. This shows that the school's catchment area can sustain more numbers with the right leadership.

"Both Estyn and the Welsh Government’s School Organisation Code have identified the need to thoroughly explore the possibilities of federation before closing a school.

“This is the case for both Craigcefnparc and Felindre on the outskirts of Swansea. In the case of Felindre, I understand that the Governing bodies of Felindre and Lon Las have agreed to federate, and therefore continue to provide education in the village of Felindre.

“Swansea Council should be doing all that they can to support the schools in trying to achieve this. So far, they have failed to do this.”

Dr. Lloyd has also called for greater Welsh Government oversight of school closures in Wales to ensure that Government guidance is followed in these cases. Dr. Lloyd stated:

“There is no ‘appeal’ option available to local communities. Once a decision has been made by the local authority, the only option open to residents would be a costly judicial review.

“This whole affair calls into question how the Welsh Government oversees school closures in Wales. What is the point in having Welsh Government codes, guidance and policy if they are not being followed?

“What is the point of the Welsh Government developing expectations of local authorities if there are no sanctions if they are not followed?”