CONCERNS have been raised that the federation of two Carmarthenshire schools could have a negative effect of staff and pupils.

A consultation is currently open on Carmarthenshire County Council’s plans to federate Ysgol Rhys Prichard and Ysgol Llangadog from the start of the next academic year.

The plans state that each school would retain its name, category, budget and staff, and would each remain separately inspected by Estyn.

The schools would be managed by one executive headteacher and a single governing body – which can “use budget, resources and staff across the federation”.

Jonathan Edwards, MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, has written to the council asking for the plans to be reconsidered.

Mr Edwards said there has been “strong opposition” to the plans, and raised concerns that they could place additional pressure on to staff and affect the day-to-day running of the schools.

“It is understandable that there is strong feeling in the local community regarding the proposal to federate Ysgol Rhys Prichard and Ysgol Llangadog,” he said.

“Both schools are presently doing very well and have benefitted by financial investment from the Local Authority.  Having visited both schools I can attest the facilities in both schools are second to none.

“There is worry that federating would place additional pressure on staff members who are already under incredible pressure. There are additional concerns regarding the merging of school budgets and how this will affect the day-to-day running of the school.

“Every decision made by the Local Authority should be based on the educational standards of the school and pupil welfare. I share concerns that this is merely a cost saving exercise and will have a negative effect on staff, pupils and the wider community.

“I understand the strength of feeling from the local communities on this matter and urge decision makers to think carefully before implementing this proposal.”

The consultation can be found here on the Carmarthenshire council website.