Up to 150 Powys pupils could have to go to English schools (Brecon and Radnorshire Liberal Democrats)

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Brecon and Radnorshire Liberal Democrats <info@brecon-radnor-libdems.org.uk>

Up to 150 Powys pupils could have to go to English schools

November 25, 2009 12:00 AM

Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon and Radnorshire has questioned the Plaid-Labour Government on their policy which could mean up to 150 pupils will no longer be entitled to free transport to Powys secondary schools but will instead only be entitled to free transport if they go to school in England.

In a letter to Kirsty Williams Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for Economy and Transport, says: "Under the Measure, local authorities have a legal obligation to provide free school transport to the nearest suitable school irrespective of boundaries." Kirsty today questioned the Minister for Heritage on how this sits with the Welsh Government's aspirations of a bilingual Wales and policies to promote the Welsh language.

Kirsty Williams said: "My concerns are two-fold. Firstly that the Welsh Government is necessitating Powys County Council to disrupt such large numbers of children's education with up to 150 pupils currently receiving free transport due to loose it and potentially having to move to a school outside the country. Secondly that a child's right to a Welsh education is being eroded.

"The fear is that with children being bussed away from Powys schools their pupil rolls will be reduced undermining our schools and raising serious questions about their future in any review of the county's secondary schools."

"A large number of Powys pupils will be denied the opportunity to learn in learn about the nation's history, culture and the Welsh language through the Welsh curriculum if their parents are unable to pay for their transport.

"I am shocked that the Deputy First Minister's letter so strongly contradicts the Government's stated policy and Welsh Medium Strategy. It was quite clear that the Minister for Heritage was unable to defend the Deputy First Minister's position."

Notes:

The Learner Travel (Wales) Measure, which the Welsh Liberal Democrats heavily criticised throughout its drafting, was passed by the Welsh Assembly in September 2008. The measure makes provision about the travel of persons receiving primary, secondary or further education or training to and from schools or other places where they receive it; and for connected purposes.

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