Jobs face the axe as chiefs plan shake-up for education
SCHOOL jobs could go as part of an education shake-up in Neath Port Talbot.
Council chiefs say they will be working closely with unions to minimise the impact of the changes.
They are expecting a backlash against some of the more controversial proposals but emphasise their plans are aimed at providing a high-quality standard of education for all pupils in all areas.
As well as some schools closing or merging, the education authority is also planning an investment programme.
Neath Port Talbot's education director Karl Napieralla told the Post: "It is too early to speculate on staffing issues. The trade unions have agreed to work together with the LEA to minimise any possible impact on staff."
Last year the council came up with proposals designed to meet key principles covering issues such as education standards, accessibility, quality of education and effective financial management.
Details will go before a special cabinet meeting next Wednesday, with a recommendation that the council should go out to consultation on its main proposals.
One is the closure of Duffryn Afan Primary School in the Afan Valley, with pupils transferring to Cymer Afan Primary despite a campaign by parents to keep it open.
The council also wants to close Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg in Lower Brynamman, with children moving to the Welsh school in Gwaun-cae-Gurwen — triggering the resignation of deputy Labour leader Arwyn Woolcock.
Visit our Education Website
Also in the plan is closing YGGD Rhiwfawr and move pupils to YGGD Cwmllynfell.
But a proposal to close Llangiwg and Godre'rgraig primary schools in the Swansea Valley, with a remodelled school opening on the Llangiwg site, has been put on hold for further consultation.
Other measures include:
Closing Dwr y Felin comprehensive's lower school and expanding the upper school site at Court Herbert at a cost of £9.6 million.
Closing Glanymor and Tirmorfa primaries in Sandfields, with a new school at the Glanymor site.
Expanding the capacity of the Ysgol Maes y Coed special school in Bryncoch with 30 new places and expanding the capacity of the Velindre school for pupils with emotional and behavioural problems.
Merging Crynallt infant and junior schools, and Cwmavon infant and junior schools, into primary schools.
A federation between Central infant and junior schools, moving towards a primary at a later date.
Mr Napieralla pledged the consultation with parents, schools, governors and others would be open and meaningful. "Reaction has understandably been mixed because there is such a mix of proposals," he said.
"But I have to look at the whole picture and ensure we deliver high quality education in a high standard environment for all young people."
paul.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk
4 Comments
by dai evans, swansea
Monday, February 15 2010, 6:13PM
“Best of luck Henry== I sincerely hope your protest match will shake up these councillors who seem to always pick on the most vulunable in society -- The Disable --The Children and the Elderly-- I only wish the people of Swansea would also be prepared to show their disgust-- It is no good thinking that these councillors are bluffing--Most of which are in these positions through financial reasons and not for the public they are suppose to represent. In the area of Swansea where i live the majority do not know who their councillors are, see them a week before election and still vote the same rubbish in.”
by Henry, Neath
Monday, February 15 2010, 4:18PM
“NPt Council seems to be having a mania for cuts closures and privatisation.
Join the march and rally to defend the seven threatened residential homes for the elderly at 10am outside the Port Talbot train station on saturday 20th Feb and bring your school banners, posters and petitions ..you will get marvellous support for your cause and in return you can back the elderly residents and the care..also present will be Defend Council Housing campaigners who are trying to defeat a proposal to privatise some 9300 council homes.
These fights have one thing in common..the spinelessness of our council to oppose the cuts and closures being imposed on them in the interests of Big Business.
There were trillions for the bankers but when it comes to working class children, families and the elderly the money flood suddenly turns into a money drought.”
by Michelle jones, Brynaman
Sunday, February 14 2010, 2:18PM
“Please help us in our fight to save Ysgol Y Glyn its a lovely school the staff are wonderful and the children have come on so well. please sign our petition wherever you see one. The school cant close it would be so heartbreaking and we are such a small community we need these small schools. please help in our fight to keep it open.”
by holly berry, brynaman
Sunday, February 14 2010, 12:58PM
“ysgol y glyn are trying so hard to fight the closure. parents have set up a petition and facebook group 'save the glyn school!!' please help us help our children. many thanks”