“Improving the well-being of children and young people is one of the council’s priorities as set out in our corporate plan. We want all of our children and young people to have the best start in life, so they can be the best they can be. Our vision is to champion the needs of all learners, particularly our vulnerable and disadvantaged, and build strong relationships with families, schools and communities.
“That is why my Cabinet colleagues and I are deeply concerned about Welsh Government’s decision to withdraw Education Improvement Grant funding, and the damaging impact that this will have on Minority Ethnic Achievement (MEAS) and Traveller Education Services.
“This decision will adversely affect many people. Firstly, some of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people will find the valuable support that they receive from these services come to a halt. People like the young man who was formerly supported by MEAS and has just successfully completed his degree course. His mother said that without the service he would never have had the support or confidence to pursue his English qualification, go on to College and apply for University.
“There are real risks that pupils currently benefitting from these services will become more marginalised, their achievements and attendance rates will reduce and exclusion rates could increase. This in turn could place increased pressures on our Inclusion services, Education Welfare Officer Team, support for Additional Learning Needs and Wellbeing Team.
“It will also mean that 22 highly skilled, dedicated and valued members of staff find their jobs at risk. In addition, the loss of this funding coming after the Council has set its budget for this financial year means that local taxpayers will be left to pick up the bill for filling the gap left by these services.
“We have made representations to the minister outlining all of the implications of this decision and will be supporting our Trades Union colleagues’ campaign for Welsh Government to reverse the decision to cut educational support funding.
“On behalf of the Council and the people we represent I am asking two things of the Welsh Government. We are requesting a copy of the Equality Impact Assessment for this decision and we would strongly urge the minister to reconsider this decision.”
Councillor Peter Rees, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Culture
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
