MACHYNLLETH parents have won their battle to protect Ysgol Bro Hyddgen’s reception English-language stream - for at least a year.

Concerned parents had expressed alarm after a letter from the school said governors had made the decision to scrap the English-language stream at reception class level from September.

But after a public meeting organised by parents, governors have now backed down and will continue the English stream and will instead ask Powys County Council to launch a consultation into local opinion on the future of the English-language stream at the school.

A statement sent to parents after a governors’ meeting on Thursday said that the English-language stream at reception level would continue in September.

It says: “Following a full meeting of the governing body held on, 24 May, it was decided not to make any changes to the language structure of the school in September 2018. This decision was made in response to concerns raised by the community.

“The governors will contact Powys soon to start a process of collecting the opinion of the local community and the school’s catchment area.”

Former teacher Llinos Griffith, who taught in Machynlleth and taught both Welsh and English, said the decision would come as a relief after concerns that the decision was being rushed through without enough consideration of how it could affect some youngsters.

She said: “For now we’ve got some breathing space for the English-language students for the next year.

“They should have gone through the proper channels in the first place.

“They’ll consult with parents now so they can get everyone’s opinion. If they then make a decision it’s with all of the information.”

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