Llanelli schools review published
A review has been carried out into catchment areas for schools in the Llanelli town area.
It follows increasing demand for Welsh-medium and denominational education, and significant changes in the population of certain areas.
The county council needs to ensure there are sufficient places in its schools for all children and that the places available match the needs.
A report, which went before the executive board on Monday, February 1 showed that at the moment, only 46 per cent of primary pupils are attending their local catchment school.
As a result, the catchment areas have now been revised in keeping with current and future need.
Consultation has taken place with all the schools involved, and new maps have been agreed with them.
The aim is to ensure enough places are available for those wanting either a Welsh first language, Welsh second language or denominational provision locally.
Executive board member for education Councillor Gwynne Wooldridge said: “The Education and Children’s Services Scrutiny Committee set up a Task and Finish Group two years ago to look at the issue of Welsh first language and denominational education in the Llanelli town area.
“This review was much needed and a lot of work has been carried out which now more clearly defines the catchment areas.”
The changes will not affect any child currently going to school, or their siblings, any more than it would at the moment. Any child will continue to be admitted to the school of choice provided there is room.
It may affect, from September, first born children who are starting school, but only if there is no room at their preferred school.
Council leader Meryl Gravell said: “It was very messy for a number of years, but now this makes a lot of sense.”
The executive board agreed to accept the report.
It follows increasing demand for Welsh-medium and denominational education, and significant changes in the population of certain areas.
The county council needs to ensure there are sufficient places in its schools for all children and that the places available match the needs.
A report, which went before the executive board on Monday, February 1 showed that at the moment, only 46 per cent of primary pupils are attending their local catchment school.
As a result, the catchment areas have now been revised in keeping with current and future need.
Consultation has taken place with all the schools involved, and new maps have been agreed with them.
The aim is to ensure enough places are available for those wanting either a Welsh first language, Welsh second language or denominational provision locally.
Executive board member for education Councillor Gwynne Wooldridge said: “The Education and Children’s Services Scrutiny Committee set up a Task and Finish Group two years ago to look at the issue of Welsh first language and denominational education in the Llanelli town area.
“This review was much needed and a lot of work has been carried out which now more clearly defines the catchment areas.”
The changes will not affect any child currently going to school, or their siblings, any more than it would at the moment. Any child will continue to be admitted to the school of choice provided there is room.
It may affect, from September, first born children who are starting school, but only if there is no room at their preferred school.
Council leader Meryl Gravell said: “It was very messy for a number of years, but now this makes a lot of sense.”
The executive board agreed to accept the report.
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