THE Assembly has asked all local authorities across Wales to prepare a new greater choice learning curriculum at the ages 14 to 19 phase.

Carmarthenshire Council's education department has now produced its first strategic review for consultation for the Dinefwr and Gwendraeth area only.

Plaid noted its disappointment that the opportunity to develop a county-wide response to the Assembly's document, which encourages cross-boundary collaboration and partnerships between schools, will not be part of this present review.

The Assembly has requested a final and comprehensive report by September 2010.

As the council's tri-level reform is confined to the Dinefwr and Gwendraeth area, Plaid councillors on Carmarthenshire Council have arranged three public meetings so that they can consult with parents, governors, staff and any interested parties and individuals over the various options listed for their area.

We are very concerned that Welsh-medium secondary education, as at present so successfully offered at secondary level to pupils in other areas throughout Carmarthenshire, is not offered for the Dinefwr (Amman and Towy valleys) area within the council's present proposals.

To discuss this and other important issues regarding the 14 to 19 type of education on offer, there is an open invitation to attend the following meetings:

Gwendraeth area — the cinema, Cross Hands, on Thursday, January 22, at 7.30pm.

Towy Valley area — Llangadog Village Hall on Friday, January 23, at 7.30pm.

Amman Valley area — Community Centre, Margaret Street, Ammanford, on Wednesday, January 28, at 7.30pm.

Peter Hughes Griffiths

Leader of Plaid Cymru councillors Carmarthenshire Council