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Swansea Valley Schools reorganisation plan Judicial Review decision – council statement
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27 October 2022
On 20th October 2021, after a thorough consultation process, the council’s former Cabinet approved the proposal to establish an English-medium 3-11 school with a specialist Learning Support Centre for 16 pupils with a statement of special educational needs relating to Autistic Spectrum Disorder, in new build premises to accommodate pupils from the current catchment areas of Alltwen Primary, Godre’rgraig Primary and Llangiwg Primary, all of which would be discontinued on August 31st, 2024.
Earlier this year, the council received notification the decision was to be challenged by a Welsh-medium education parents group. The challenge was brought on three grounds all relating to the principle that a Welsh Language Impact Assessment should have been consulted on at the same time as the school consultation.
The judgement has now been received and the judge has found in favour of the applicant on one of the three grounds.
At the same time, the Rainbow Coalition administration at Neath Port Talbot Council has indicated it wishes to review the decision that has been taken in respect of the Swansea Valley school reorganisations.
In light of the decision and the desire for a review, the council is now considering the next steps for the process, with the continued aim of positively transforming the educational opportunities for children and young people and enhancing the community provision for all in the Swansea Valley.