PARENTS in Machynlleth have 28 days from today to have their say on the future of education in the town.

Powys Council has today issued a statutory notice on its proposals to convert Ysgol Bro Hyddgen, which provides education in the town for pupils aged three to 18-years-old, from a dual-stream school which teaches in both English and Welsh, into a Welsh-medium school.

Last month Powys County Council’s Cabinet agreed to the proposal and have today published a statutory notice.

The proposed language change to education in the school would be introduced year-by-year, starting with the school’s reception class in September 2022.

Powys Council says additional support would be provided to pupils to improve their Welsh language skills, including ‘opportunities’ for immersion centres.

Members of the public now have 28 days to submit any objections that they have about the proposal to the council.

Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Property, said: “Moving Ysgol Bro Hyddgen along the language continuum would help us meet the aims and objectives within our Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys.

“It would also ensure that all pupils attending the school have the opportunity to become fully bilingual, fluent in both Welsh and English, therefore contributing to the Welsh Government’s aspiration to achieve a million Welsh speakers by 2050.

“However, it is important that cabinet hears the views of those who object to the proposal before any final decisions are made and I would urge them to send their views to us so that they can be considered.”

Alternatively, you can send your objection in to us in writing by emailing [email protected] or via post to the Interim Chief Education Officer, Powys County Council, Powys County Hall, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5LG.

The Objection Period will close on Thursday, 15 July, 2021.