A concerned parent has asserted that the proposed closure of a school is more about financial considerations than what is best for the children. Trallwng Infants School in Pontypridd faces the possibility of shutting down, with pupils being relocated to Coedpenmaen Primary School under the consultation being conducted by Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council. The school currently accommodates 50 pupils, despite having a capacity for 105 students. Laurie Dodd, a parent at Trallwng Infants School, expressed that closing a school that provides children with quality education, wonderful experiences, and a strong sense of belonging would be a significant error.
According to Laurie, all the children at Trallwng Infants School enjoy attending and have excellent interactions with teachers. The school’s staff are highly involved and caring towards the students, as reflected in their Estyn report from 2022. Laurie expressed surprise at the proposal to close the school, questioning the thoroughness of the investigation into Coedpenmaen’s suitability for the children to move to. She highlighted the recent improvements at Trallwng Infants, including a new sensory room and a child-friendly kitchen, compared to the lack of similar facilities at Coedpenmaen.
Laurie criticised the proposal for appearing to focus primarily on financial factors rather than what is in the best interest of the children’s education and well-being. Concerns were raised about potential overcrowding issues at Coedpenmaen, contrasting with the exemplary educational environment at Trallwng Infants School. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council responded by emphasising the importance of considering various factors before making a final decision. The council highlighted the significant decrease in pupil numbers at Trallwng Infants, the condition of the school building, and the current surplus capacity, deeming the situation unsustainable.
There are also plans for further investment in Coedpenmaen Primary School to accommodate the potential influx of students from Trallwng Infants. The council underlined Coedpenmaen’s capacity to absorb the current pupils and highlighted the school’s recent positive progress and improved leadership. The consultation process allows for stakeholder input until November 15, ensuring that community views are taken into account before any final decisions are made regarding the school closure proposal. The parent community, led by Laurie Dodd, continues to advocate for the retention of Trallwng Infants School, stressing its invaluable contributions to the children’s education and overall development.