A public meeting on proposals to build an English-medium school to replace Alltwen, Godre’rgraig and Llangiwg Primary schools is to take place next week.
Last year, Neath Port Talbot Council was ruled to have acted unlawfully when it decided to establish an English-medium 3-11 ‘super-school’ without assessing the Welsh language impact.
The High Court ruling was made following a legal challenge - in relation to a Welsh Language Impact Assessment by parent group Rhieni Dros Addysg Gymraeg (RhAG).
After that ruling, the council said it would review its position; a fresh round of consultation for the proposed English-medium 3-11 ‘super-school’ being recommended, which was approved by the council’s Cabinet last November.
A spokesperson from Neath Port Talbot Council said: “The Rainbow Coalition administration at Neath Port Talbot Council has indicated it wishes to review the decision that has been taken in respect of the Swansea Valley school reorganisations.
“In light of the decision and the desire for a review, the council is now considering the next steps for the process, with the continued aim of positively transforming the educational opportunities for children and young people, and enhancing the community provision for all in the Swansea Valley.”
The public meeting is being held at 6pm on Monday, 30 January, at Cwmtawe Community school, with the opportunity to ask members questions and discuss the proposal.
An online meeting will also be held on Wednesday, 1 February, for those who can’t attend in person.
Please email here to request the link.
The current consultation was expected to run until January 24, but has been extended to Tuesday, 7 February, to allow for additional comments to be received following the meetings.
Background
In 2021, members of the council’s Cabinet had approved the new school and specialist learning support centre at Pontardawe to replace Alltwen, Godre’rgraig and Llangiwg Primary schools.
The new school, which would have fitted around 770 pupils, was going to accommodate pupils from the current catchment areas of Alltwen Primary, Godre’rgraig Primary and Llangiwg Primary.
The three primary schools were going to be discontinued on August 31, 2024.
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