“There was no other option”: School set to close in Llanbradach

Cwm Glas Infants School in Llanbradach has made the difficult decision to close as of July 2024, blaming a lack of funding and dwindling pupil numbers.

In an open letter to parents, headteacher Helen Owen-Williams explained the “upsetting” situation, where she announced that the school has suffered as a result of low birth rates and increased costs.

The school, which opened in 1977, once had more than 100 pupils, according to Llanbradach’s Plaid Cymru councillor Colin Mann.

But with 17 pupils set to move on to junior school next year and only two enrolments to the infant school, it was left with no choice but to close.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Cllr Mann said: “It’s very sad honestly. I have spoken directly with the head and governors who have explained the situation and there really was no other option.

“It’s particularly difficult for me as I was one of the people who campaigned to get the school built and to now hear that it will close is tough.

“Everyone’s doing their best to discuss options for the future but there are naturally some concerns from parents. We’re lucky that there’s another school in the village but it’s still something I’m very unhappy about.

“The school will be subsidised until next year and teaching will continue at a very high standard. It’s been an excellent school and losing it will be a huge loss.”

Ms Owen-Williams outlined in her letter that parents should now get in contact with Coed-y-Brain, also in Llanbradach.

The letter also clearly laid out that in the meantime there will be “no impact on the quality of education and care provided,” and that “staff and governors are committed to continuing to give children the best possible start”.

In response the announcement, Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “The local authority will now proceed with a full consultation as prescribed by Welsh Government’s School Organisation Code, with proposals to close the school at the end of the next academic year.
 
“It is important to emphasise that staff and the governing body are committed to continuing to give pupils the best possible start to their education.
 
“Parents and guardians have been advised to contact the school directly to discuss any queries and staff will be on hand in the coming weeks to answer them.”