SMALL schools in Ceredigion could still face closure despite new Welsh Government guidelines, the county council has warned.

The council has welcomed a statement from education Cabinet Secretary Kirsty Williams that new guidelines for councils will include measures aimed at protecting rural schools by increasing the amount of federalisation of schools.

But a council spokesperson said schools with “very small pupil numbers” were still likely to face closure.

As part of the new guidelines, councils will be encouraged to introduce more federalisation, with a presumption against closures.

A council spokesperson said: “The council welcomes the Cabinet Secretary’s statement in relation to supporting rural schools. The intention to develop a definition of a rural school is particularly welcomed and the council would also like this to include a definition of a ‘small’ school in relation to pupil numbers.

“The council’s current School Review Policy is based on periodic reviews of educational provision in the six catchment areas so that the wider educational needs of these areas are considered.

“This is fully compatible with the statement. However, as acknowledged in her statement, there is no guarantee against school closures.

“It is likely that schools with very small pupil numbers, even those in existing federation arrangements with other schools, will remain unviable."

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