Parents' vow to battle on Swansea school future
THE fight to save an Eastside school goes on.
According to the chairman of governors at Cwm primary the stress of the closure hanging over the school is being felt by pupils, parents and staff.
Earlier this year Swansea Council voted to close Cwm and send the pupils to Cwm Glas primary in Bonymaen.
After an appeal from the school, the final decision now rests with Education Minister Jane Hutt.
Chairman of governors John Winchester said the time taken to make the decision is taking its toll on the school community.
He said: "Our biggest concern has to be the impact that this is having on children and families.
"The proposal has already taken one year, in which time it has caused a huge amount of unrest and insecurity for families.
"This has led to some parents suffering bouts of anxiety and depression, and children having nightmares and in some cases, bedwetting.
"For staff, for whom there have been no reassurances regarding redeployment, it is a time of huge strain as they face the very real possibility of being out of work in less than a year.
"This feels particularly harsh having only last year received an excellent Estyn report based on their hard work following an inspection in December 2008."
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However, head teacher Amanda Taylor said the school would continue to fight for its future. She said: "We continue to be positive and are working hard on a number of new initiatives to improve teaching and learning within the school.
"We have continued to plan as normal, with staff showing usual dedication and commitment.
"This continues to be rewarded by parents and pupils continuing to attend the school and support us.
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"More so, our numbers are continuing to rise – we have admitted more than 11 children since September, over and above the number expected.
"This, and the continued support from the parents and community — over 2,000 objections were sent to the council regarding the proposal to close — has been an enormous boost to morale."
alex.brown@swwmedia.co.uk
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by Megan, Bonymaen
Thursday, December 17 2009, 5:25PM
“Well said Paul Lloyd. its aways someone elses fault with Swansea Council. I thought, however, that Swansea Councillors were responsible for how they spend their budget, or are they told how to use our money by Cardiff or London?”
by Paul Lloyd, Bonymaen Labour Party
Thursday, December 17 2009, 11:24AM
“Message to James Sheridan - I don't think you understand- this is your LibDem /Independent Swansea Council that's closing Cwm School.”
by James Sheridan, Swansea
Tuesday, December 15 2009, 5:24PM
“Re:Paul Lloyd, Bonymaen Labour Party
Save Schools, UK Businesses or the Banks!? Labour decided to save the Banks!? Whatever happened to Labour's 'Education, Education, Education!? It seems to have been replaced by, Banks, Banks, Banks! The Banks have repaid the nation, by demanding bonuses and often refusing Credit to businesses that would have survived the Recession.
Money 'deposited' on the Taxpayers behalf, without consultation, by Labour, has been mismanaged and 'hidden'! The result is that the UK is the 'sick man' of Europe, Economically and Socially and has lost the respect of our Global Peers!”
by Megan, Bonymaen
Monday, December 14 2009, 1:31PM
“They have to close our school in Bonymaen so that they can build six new ones in other parts of the city of course. This Council is a shambles. Unfortunately, 2012 will be too late, as, if they get their way, Cwm, Afryn and Llanmorlais will be closed, and our childrens education will be in ruins. Cllr Holley still harps on about "falling numbers" and seemed to be shocked when I pointed out to him recently that ours were not falling! Does he not check out FACTS (avilable on his own councils website after all) before he jumps into these flawed ideas?”
by Paul Lloyd, Bonymaen Labour Party
Sunday, December 13 2009, 7:58PM
“This Lib-Dem/ Independent run Swansea Council lurches from 1 disaster to the next. The problem is that it's at the expense of our children. Ray Welsby is right, they could find the money to waste on so many pet projects to massage their egos. Now they need to sell off school site to refill their empty coffers. I can't wait until the 2012 Council elections.”