There are five schools in total which are the subject of a six-week consultation
Carmarthenshire Council is considering proposals to extend early years education at primary schools across the county. The proposed changes would alter the age range from 4-11 to 3-11 years at five different schools.
If given the go-ahead, these changes would enable children as young as three to access part-time, funded nursery education in areas where current provision is limited. To meet the demand for part-time nursery education and wraparound childcare in areas with limited non-maintained provision, the council is proposing to redesignate the schools which will allow them to cater for pupils starting from the age of three.
The schools at the centre of the plans are Ysgol Y Ddwylan in Newcastle Emlyn, Ysgol Cwrt Henri, situated north of Dryslwyn, Ysgol Gymraeg Y Tymbl, Ysgol Llanybydder, and Laugharne VCP School. Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here.
The plans would allow the schools to offer a minimum of 10 hours per week of non-statutory, part-time early years education to help fill any gaps in provision and ensure fairer access to education across the county.
A consultation is now underway (having started on Thursday, September 4) which will run until October 16. The council has said the proposals form part of its ongoing commitment to modernising education provision across Carmarthenshire.
Parents, carers, staff, governors, members of the wider school community and other stakeholders are invited to share their views as part of the consultation process.
People can do this either online, by e-mailing [email protected] or by post to Mr Owain Lloyd, director of education and children’s services, County Hall, Carmarthen, SA31 1JP.
These proposals come after the council’s cabinet decided in March 2024 to scrap the “Rising 4s” policy from September 1, 2025. Under the new arrangements, children will begin full-time education at the start of the term after their fourth birthday.
Councillor Glynog Davies, Carmarthenshire Council’s cabinet member for education and Welsh language, said: “If agreed, this proposal will ensure that all children in Carmarthenshire have fair and equal access to early years education, regardless of where they live.
“By welcoming three-year-olds at these schools, we are helping to strengthen local communities and support families during an important stage in their children’s development.
“I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and share their views.”
