Two primary schools in Swansea could face closure as staff and governor numbers overtake pupils

Swansea Council has sent letters to the parents of children at two schools in the area warning they could face closure if pupil numbers do not increase.

Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Felindre has just 15 children in attendance which is less than half the average class-size of Swansea schools. The council have predicted that this number will decline further over the coming years.

Meanwhile at Craigcefnparc Primary School, pupil numbers have fallen to 55. Within five years, it is estimated that less than 25 pupils will be in attendance.

Swansea Council have said that although no decisions had been taken, informal discussions about the future of the schools have begun.

The authority had applied for a Welsh Government Small Schools grant to help improve shared working at YGG Felindre and Craigcefnparc with other schools however the bid was unsuccessful. Swansea Council said it had been difficult to attract teachers to YGG Felindre because of the falling numbers.

Due to the low numbers at YGG Felindre, the overall funding per pupil is £7,381. This is the highest of all primary schools in Swansea. Pupils at Craigcefnparc receive £5,156 of funding per pupil, the Swansea average is £3,481.

If the schools were to close, Swansea Council said assistance with transport would be provided for pupils where necessary.

If Swansea Council decide to move forward on the future of these schools, full statutory consultation would likely begin in September and both schools would remain open until at least July 2019. The consultation would consider if pupils would benefit from better facilities at neighbouring schools.

Education chiefs said they will work with existing staff in an effort to secure future employment, with no plans for compulsory redundancies.