Special Event For Closure-Threatened School

A Pembrokeshire school at threat of potential closure is holding a special early Christmas event to give its pupils a special treat with appearances by Santa’s reindeers this weekend.

Ysgol Clydau in Tegryn is one of several small schools – including Manorbier – under threat as part of proposals from Pembrokeshire County Council’s School Modernisation Working Group.

The May meeting of full council heard that there has been a 34 per cent decline in the school’s pupil population during the period 2015-2025, with no indication that this will be significantly reversed during the next five-six years.

The report from the council’s working group recommended that the Director of Education be authorised to commence statutory consultation on a proposal to discontinue Ysgol Clydau.

A plea on behalf of Ysgol Clydau was launched at that meeting by Cllr Iwan Ward, local member, who said closure was “a disaster for the future of education locally” and was “not fair and was not moral”.

Since then, a petition calling for the school to stay open, on the county council’s own website, which runs up to November 26, has attracted 207 signatures to date.

The e-petition, started by Sarah Farnden, reads: “Ysgol Clydau is more than just a school; it’s a hub for community life, offering a safe and welcoming space for children, families and residents of all ages. Its closure will isolate our community, leading to a decline in population and a weakening of our social fabric.

“We believe small schools to be a bedrock of rural communities, essential in the survival of the Welsh language, and most importantly, as loving, centres of academic excellence for our children.”

Now, Ysgol Clydau’s PTA is hosting a special event this Saturday, November 15, at the school, open to all, complete with reindeers from the Welsh reindeer retreat, and a chance for youngsters to feed and be photographed with them.

“We as a community have come together to give the children a special treat. We have Santa’s magical reindeer coming to our school fair this Saturday.

“Reindeer will be available to feed from 11-1. Santa, Mrs Claus and the elves will also be there to welcome the children with lots of crafts to do. Parents are invited to look around our fair – with all local businesses supporting us – from craft stalls to baked goods.”

The PTA praised the support of local businesses, saying: “Without their support this wouldn’t be possible. As a small community school we value all the support these companies give.”

If a petition gets 500 signatures, the creator will have an opportunity to debate it at a full council meeting; more than 100 will trigger a debate at a council overview and scrutiny committee, the number of signatures received meaning this will already take place.A change.org petition opposing the school closure has also been set up, attracting 967 signatures to date.

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