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