Cwm School closure is confirmed
THE long fight to save Cwm school is over.
Despite fierce opposition from campaigners, Assembly Education Minister Leighton Andrews has confirmed that the 150-year-old school will close for good this summer.
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Cwm School campaigners pictures last year
The school's head, Amanda Taylor was told last night of the decision, which will be a crushing blow to those who mounted a long campaign to save Cwm.
The news is now being passed on to teachers, parents, governors and pupils.
According to the latest available figures the school's 100 pupils are now expected to transfer to Cwmglas Primary school, which only has 87 surplus places.
Swansea Council has said it will ensure enough room is available by modifying existing accommodation at Cwmglas.
However, in a letter written on behalf of the minister, Sylvia Lindoe, Head of Schools Management and Effectiveness Division, said: "The Minister has decided to approve the proposal subject to the following condition: That the local authority ensures that sufficient classroom space will be available at Cwmglas to accommodate the additional pupils expected to transfer from Cwm Primary prior to the implementation of the proposal."
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The minister received a total of 2062 letters of objection and a petition of 584 signatures as campaigners battled to reverse the council's decision.
The closure is part of Swansea Council's Quality in Education (QEd) 2020 plans — a huge shake up in the city's education system with closures and mergers on the cards.
Swansea Council made its final decision to close Cwm last March.
At the same time they also approved plans to shut Llanmorlais Primary and Arfryn Primary, and merge Tregwyr Infants and Junior schools to form a primary school.
Final decisions on the remaining schools are expected to be made by the education minister before the end of the current school term.
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by annemarie, bonymaen
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 6:52PM
“tax man i didnt give 2 f**ks wat u say about my spelling as ill speall things way i wanna weather i wanna shorten them etc etc and yer my kids r good at spelling thanks and thats all to do with the good work of cwm school, i hope u wont ever b in this situation as i dont c how u can b so heartless!!!”
by dai evans, swansea
Monday, March 08 2010, 10:54PM
“Skin-Deep -- Where would you rather see our finances go-- The very best of education to the Swansea children--and given the same opportunity you had of reaching the highest potential you could obtain?.--- Or having to spend £millions in providing another gypsy travelling site to these people who have turned their present site at the Liberty into a smelly disgusting degrading part of our City?.”
by Interested, Bonymaen
Monday, March 08 2010, 9:58PM
“Reasons why the schools should not be merged...
1. Cwm Glas does not have enough room for all of the children in Cwm to attend.
2. Merging will result in considerable larger class sizes for all pupils currently attending Cwm and Cwm Glas which could have a negative impact on learning opportunities and achievement.
3. The closure of Cwm will result in the loss of numerous community services and facilities.
4. The closure will result in the loss of what is currently the oldest Primary School in Swansea, which has been a landmark in Bonymaen for almost 150 years, whilst telling a valuable and important history of the social and historical changes within Swansea, from its origins with the chapel, to the fight to maintain the welsh language during the period of industrialisation, through the sponsorship of the school via Swansea's own Mr Llewelyn and onto the journal of the impact of the Blitz in Swansea, logged carefully in the school log books. Other key events such as the coronation, jubilee, VE day etc etc are all logged, with the school having been central to community gatherings to celebrate.
5. And most importantly -n because it offers a secure, nuturing, exciting and innovative place where children can develop and learn - socially, academically, emotionally and physically.”
by Skin deep, Vasoline
Monday, March 08 2010, 4:43PM
“What, there is no argument to keep this school open. So you get a 4000 name petition, whoopy doo.! Do you think the council even reads them, they are filed where the belong, in the bin, so why waste your time,
We need more school mergers so that we can save money, seriously apart from your personal choice please provide me with one, only one, reason why the schools should not be merged”
by roy,, swansea west
Monday, March 08 2010, 4:37PM
“Well stated g of bonymaen-- In a case where our childrens education is at stake -- All parents of Swansea need to stick together-- As we all love our children --and it does not matter if we live in Swansea North --South-- West or East . funding cuts in education or school closures will affect all sections--- Lets all come together and protest against the decline in state education.”