Primary school faces uncertain future (From Penarth Times)

Primary school faces uncertain future

A PENARTH school, which just months ago was commended in an inspection, looks set to close.

Penarth Church in Wales Primary School, on Plassey Street, could shut with effect from September 2003 due to falling numbers.

The proposal has been put forward by the Vale of Glamorgan Council's cabinet and will be discussed by the policy committee tonight.

Members will look at the fact that if pupil numbers continue to drop, it will result in a reduction of funds generated by the funding formula for schools.

This would mean it would be "more difficult to deliver the full curriculum across the full primary age spectrum".

According to a report on the proposals, there are sufficient spaces in other local Church in Wales Schools for those parents who wish their children to continue in such education.

Otherwise, youngsters could be accommodated in county primary schools in Penarth. Numbers have dropped following the gradual emptying of Harbour View Estate.

Currently, the 1863-built school has just three teachers, including head teacher Ken Evans.

As for pupil numbers, between an inspection in February 1996 and one in the spring 2001, figures fell from 132 to 24.

The Rev Canon D G Belcher, who inspected the school last summer, said: "Pupils benefit from their (the teaching team's) approach to delivering the curriculum where class sizes are beneficially small. Within this context, they set and achieve good standards."

Following the meeting tonight, the report will be referred to the council's lifelong learning scrutiny committee.

If the committee recommends it, all interested parties will be consulted by the director of learning and development.

After this initial consultation, a report will be submitted by the director looking at possible arrangements for the remaining pupils at the school as well possible as re-deployment arrangements for staff.