Responding to Powys County Council's decision to publish a statutory notice to change Ysgol Bro Hyddgen, Machynlleth, from a dual-stream school to a Welsh-medium school, elected representatives Russell George MS and Craig Williams MP have urged Powys County Council to re-consider their proposals and to keep Ysgol Bro Hyddgen as a dual stream school.
Commenting Russell George MS said:
"I have been contacted by many people from Machynlleth who object to these proposals. People feel very strongly that there should be a choice on offer for children, so all pupils in the Machynlleth area have a reasonable opportunity to learn either through the medium of English or through the medium of Welsh. I am very concerned, as are my constituents, that a decision has been reached which could have a huge impact on the local community, but does not reflect the majority of parents’ views."
"It is fantastic to see that many want to learn through the medium of Welsh but removing the choice from those who wish to learn through the medium of English is causing concern for many. I urge Powys County Council to reconsider their proposal and to listen to the community and their representatives on this matter.”
Craig Williams MP added:
"Having recently met a group of constituents and parents in Machynlleth, whose children currently attend Ysgol Bro Hyddgen, I have heard their deep concerns regarding the Council’s intentions to replace the dual stream curriculum at the School with a Welsh medium curriculum. Clearly local people and parents are extremely worried that the Council’s consultation process was heavily weighted towards the views of the School’s governors, and against the views of parents. It would appear to be a step backwards to take away the choice of dual stream education for a whole community, forcing hundreds of Powys pupils to attend schools’ miles away from their homes and potentially out of county.”
Members of the public are still able to voice their views on Powys County Council's decision to publish the statutory notice to change Ysgol Bro Hyddgen to a Welsh medium school. Comments can be emailed to [email protected] up until 15th July 2021.
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