MACHYNLLETH town councillors are calling for more information from governors and senior staff at Ysgol Bro Hyddgen before deciding how to react to moves to scrap the school’s English-language stream at reception level.

While the threat of the English stream being removed in September has been lifted, school governors have asked Powys County Council to start a consultation into the future of the English stream.

Town councillors were asked to back parents over their concerns about the impact any possible removal could have.

One letter signed by over 20 parents raises concerns over the lack of information provided, especially in relation to how the needs of children with additional learning requirements will be met and the impact on youngsters from families who don’t speak Welsh.

Cllr Simon Morpeth said he felt the council should back the parents and criticised the school’s handling of the situation after it was announced without consultation that the reception English stream would not be running in September – the announcement coming just a week after the deadline for parents to apply for school places.

He said: “What I’d like us to do is support the parents. It was evident at the meeting that the head of the school had no intention of consulting with the public or the town council.

“They started this whole process saying there were only four pupils, but they didn’t have the figures.

“They’re only postponing this decision until next year. It’s not been binned.”

But Cllr Rhydian Mason said: “We need to give the school the right to reply before we’re in any position to make a decision.”

Mayor Richie Gaskell added: “We have to get answers first before we have a big discussion about this.”

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