A school that only has eight students is aiming to draw in additional kids to ensure its continued existence.
The numbers at Ysgol Llansteffan in Carmarthon have fallen from around 30 in 2016 to just eight students.
The parents of students at the small primary school have created a social media video aimed at attracting new families.
The Carmarthenshire council mentioned that the county’s educational institutions face various difficulties.
Mared Lenny’s four-year-old child goes to the school.
The 41-year-old individual from Llansteffan mentioned that the video highlights what their school does.
Llansteffan is a coastal village offering a splendid natural setting for kids to enjoy.
The school highlights the importance of outdoor education with a focus on nature and the environment, and our thinking was, “While the school isn’t shutting down, we certainly need more students to enroll.”
She mentioned that it presented an occasion for those who believed “it would be great for their child to experience such an educational approach.”
They are at the beach, inside the castle, and within the forest.
The video provides an insight into what your child will experience upon joining our school. It’s a modest effort aimed at helping maintain the operation of this institution.
Llansteffan forms part of a school federation together with Bancyfelin and Llangain, where all institutions share a single headteacher.
Huw Iorwerth, a school governor, stated that the institution needs to draw in additional students for its continued existence.
He mentioned that currently, there are eight students attending the school. However, it has accommodated more than 50 students in previous years.
Eight is quite a limited number. Therefore, as governors, we are exploring methods to maximize the utility of this specific location for the federation.
Mr. Iorwerth mentioned that he has resided in the region for approximately 40 years and has observed significant transformations.
I believe the community might be getting older. Many of the residences seem to be rented out as vacation properties or serve as additional homes.
We remain optimistic about the construction of a new neighborhood featuring 12 brand-new homes. Our hope is that this community expansion will bring more families with children to our school.
He mentioned that he was urging individuals with young children to think deeply before deciding to send them there.
Glynog Davies, the Carmarthenshire council’s cabinet member for education and Welsh language, stated that schools within the county are encountering various difficulties such as a declining populace, financial limitations, and escalating demands for supplementary educational support and other services.
He mentioned that the cabinet had intentions to revamp educational services throughout Carmarthenshire.
The objective is to convert the system of nurseries, elementary, and high schools into an efficient resource with strategic and operational capabilities that fulfill both present and upcoming needs for education centered around schools and their communities.
The Welsh government stated that there should be a “preference for keeping rural schools open,” however, local authorities were responsible for planning school capacities.
A representative stated: “In suggesting major alterations to educational institutions, local administrations and other entities involved must adhere to the guidelines set forth in the School Organisation Code.”
Ms Lenny emphasized that it was crucial for Llansteffan to keep the school.
Having a school in a village is crucial because children play an integral role within their community.
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