CARMARTHEN — Around 100 parents, grandparents, children, and teachers gathered on the steps of County Hall today, Monday, November 2, to voice fierce opposition against proposed primary school closures, including Ysgol Blaenau and Ysgol Bancffosfelen. Bearing placards and banners, the demonstration resonated with a deafening cry in Welsh, “Achub ein Ysgolion” (Save Our Schools), as emotional families made a final plea to decision-makers.
Councillors were seen using a side entrance to enter County Hall while the crowd grew, hoping to postpone what many present described as a “foregone conclusion.”
Community Fears Rise Over Local Impact and Home Education
Demonstrators argued that Carmarthenshire County Council has taken a “one-size-fits-all” approach that fails to account for local realities. Campaigners pointed out that some affected schools are full and voiced frustration that councillors have allegedly disregarded alternatives and long-term village growth, including potential housing developments and the economic toll on local businesses.
Parents also warned of a potential surge in Elective Home Education (EHE). Protesters noted that forcing children into larger, central schools could disproportionately impact pupils who thrive in smaller, close-knit rural settings. A teacher at the rally noted that this trend is already visible across West Wales, pointing to neighboring Pembrokeshire, where home-schooling rates have risen amid similar educational reorganizations.
Council Consultation Defends Closure Proposal
The official consultation document paint a starkly different picture, emphasizing persistent low pupil numbers, a 71% surplus place rate, and a projected budget deficit reaching £362,566 by the end of 2026/27.According to the local authority’s assessment, several alternative options were formally evaluated and discounted before settling on closure:
Housing & Demographics: An assessment with the council’s Planning Department confirmed no housing developments are planned within the Ysgol Blaenau catchment area. While nearby developments (such as the former Emlyn Brickworks site in Penygroes) are expected, projected pupil yields remain too modest to reverse long-term demographic declines.
Evaluated Alternatives: Options including status quo, federation, extending age ranges to 3–11, introducing specialist Nurture/ALN units, further staffing cuts, re-establishing a Cylch Meithrin, and leasing school space for community use were all considered. However, the council concluded these measures would fail to remediate steep financial deficits or low enrollment.Home
Education Data: The council’s projections rely on official Pupil Level Annual School Census (PLASC) data, local birth rates, and historic parental preference trends, rather than quantifying home education as a distinct projection variable.Staffing: The authority has outlined policies to mitigate compulsory redundancies through redeployment across the wider school network.
Human Rights Assessment and Transition Plans: Addressing concerns regarding fairness, the council’s Integrated Impact Assessment evaluated the proposal against the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC):
Council Findings & Provisions.
Article 28 (Right to Education): Educational access remains safeguarded, with pupils offered places at alternative Welsh-medium schools such as Ysgol Gymraeg Penygroes or Ysgol Llandybie.
Article 29 (Goals of Education): Transporting pupils to larger schools is cited as beneficial, offering broader curriculum choices, enhanced facilities, and larger peer networks.
Article 12 (Respect for Views of the Child): Dedicated consultation sessions and online surveys were provided to gather children’s views.While Carmarthenshire County Council maintains the process adheres strictly to the Welsh Government’s School Organisation Code, the impact assessments acknowledge the socio-emotional strain placed on families.
The council promised mitigation measures, including structured transition plans, pastoral care, and free home-to-school transport for eligible learners, to help ease the transition if the closures proceed.
UPDATE: Nov2 12:44 Carmarthenshire County Councillors voted unanimously to approve the consultation to close four small schools.
