Claire Archibald MS has written to Pembrokeshire County Councillors ahead of today's vote on the future of Ysgol Clydau and Manorbier Church in Wales School, urging them to consider the wider impact that losing village schools could have on local children, families, and communities.
The Member of the Senedd for Ceredigion Penfro believes small village schools provide something unique that cannot always be replicated in larger educational settings.
Ahead of the vote, Claire visited Manorbier Church in Wales School on Friday to meet staff and see the school for herself.
Claire Archibald MS said:
"Small village schools provide families with a type of education that is increasingly rare. They offer a more homely environment where children are well known by their teachers and where strong relationships exist between the school, families and the wider community.
"Not every child thrives in a large, busy setting. For some children, particularly those who struggle with anxiety or additional learning needs, a smaller school environment can make a real difference."
During her visit to Manorbier School, Claire said she was struck by the level of care shown towards pupils and the strong sense of community within the school.
"I was genuinely impressed by what I saw at Manorbier. The staff clearly know the children exceptionally well, and there was a real sense that every child matters.
"These schools are not simply buildings where lessons take place. They are an important part of village life and often sit at the heart of their communities."
Claire also raised concerns about the cumulative effect of closing or merging smaller schools across rural Wales.
"Each decision may be considered individually, but over time we risk losing an important part of rural life. Once a village school is gone, it is very difficult to bring it back.
"I appreciate that councillors have difficult decisions to make, but I would urge them to consider the educational, social and community benefits that these schools provide, alongside any financial considerations."
Claire has written directly to councillors ahead of the vote and has asked them to make the decision they believe is best for the children, families and communities involved.
The future of Ysgol Clydau and Manorbier Church in Wales School is due to be decided by Pembrokeshire County Council today.
***Please find the full letter below***
Dear Councillors,
I am writing ahead of tomorrow’s vote regarding Manorbier Church in Wales VC School and Ysgol Clydau.
I know that decisions around school organisation are never simple, and that councillors are asked to weigh up difficult financial, practical and educational considerations. But I would ask you to look carefully at what is at stake here, not only on paper, but in the lives of the children, families and communities involved.
Small village schools provide something that larger, combined schools cannot always offer. They give children a more homely learning environment, where each child is known properly and understood by the adults around them. For many children, especially those with additional learning needs, anxiety, sensory needs, or social and emotional difficulties, that kind of setting can make all the difference.
We know that many children today are struggling with anxiety, school avoidance, stress and poor mental health. At the same time, the new Curriculum for Wales places real importance on health and wellbeing being part of education. It seems deeply concerning, then, that we are considering closing the very schools that are often best placed to provide that care, nurture and sense of belonging.
I visited Manorbier School this week, and I was struck by the dedication of the teachers and staff. Of course, teachers in every school care deeply about their pupils, but in a small school that care can be personal in a very practical way. The staff know the children. They know their needs, their personalities, their worries, and the small things that help them feel safe enough to learn.
I was told that a significant number of children at the school have additional needs, whether formally diagnosed or not. I also spoke to children who had already experienced small schools closing, had moved into larger settings, and had struggled to cope, and these voices should matter in this decision.
This is not only about buildings or numbers, but also about whether we value different kinds of education for different kinds of children. A county such as Pembrokeshire should have a diverse educational offer. Some children thrive in larger schools, while others need the quiet, familiar, close-knit environment that a village school can provide.
Manorbier has also faced exceptional circumstances following the fire. The children and community are looking to the council to show leadership, to rebuild trust, and to demonstrate that the systems meant to protect them will work in their interests. The community has already stepped up, with The Community Council having bought and donated the demountable classroom, and the Jameston Association gave access to the village hall. That shows how deeply this school is valued locally.
I also understand that there are children currently waiting for places, and that further housing has been built, with more development expected. Before any final decision is made, councillors should be fully satisfied that the increased future demand has been properly considered.
Once rural schools close, they are very unlikely to reopen.
I therefore ask you, with great respect, to make the best decision for the children, families and communities involved. Please vote to protect these village schools. If you are not satisfied that every question has been answered and every alternative properly explored, then I urge you to support deferral rather than allow a permanent decision to be made without full confidence.
These schools are small, but they matter enormously.
