"Other schools are at capacity"

A mother from Llandinam has spoken out about the devastating impact the potential closure of the village primary school would have on her children and others in the community, following yesterday's cabinet decision to begin the consultation process for closure.

Kirsty Jones, whose two boys attend Llandinam Primary School, has raised serious concerns after Powys County Council's Liberal Democrat/Labour cabinet unanimously agreed to commence consultation on closing the school by the end of August 2026.

"From the point of view of a mother of two boys that attend Llandinam, this school is extremely important," said Mrs Jones. "Some children can't cope in big mainstream schools - this is where the small village school becomes vital. There are many children in Llandinam school that need the additional personalised attention which they receive at this school to give them the chance to reach their full potential."

At yesterday's cabinet meeting, Reform UK's Cllr Karl Lewis (Llandinam with Dolfor) argued against the closure, describing himself as "absolutely devastated" by the decision. He explained that the school serves a number of children with additional learning needs (ALN) who have struggled in primary schools in nearby Caersws, Llanidloes and Newtown.

"For many of them Llandinam is the only hope of achieving an education level that will equip them for secondary school," Cllr Lewis told the meeting.

Mrs Jones echoed these concerns, believing her children would struggle in a larger educational setting. "My eldest son has excelled since being at Llandinam - his reading and spelling is well above average. He receives a very high standard of education, not only that his confidence has grown massively, but as his mum I know he will not cope in a big school due to him suffering with anxiety around too many people. This will undoubtedly affect his education."

The close-knit nature of the school has created strong bonds between pupils and staff. "All the children there have an excellent student-teacher relationship that helps with their education experience," Mrs Jones explained. "The children all have a brilliant relationship with each other - everyone looks out for one another. They have become like a family, not just school friends."

This reflects Cllr Lewis's arguments at the cabinet meeting about the benefits of "small class sizes" that "allow for personalised attention and a stronger teaching relationship."

The school currently has 33 pupils, with claims that numbers could rise to 39 or even 43 from September. However, each pupil costs £7,424 compared to the Powys average of £5,214, and the building has been defined as "poor with major defects" requiring an estimated £300,000 in maintenance work.

Mrs Jones questioned the council's priorities when it comes to educational provision. "Powys County Council say they need to make cuts to save money, but you can't put a price on the welfare of children's education. Over half the children have ALN which in larger settings will cost the council more!"

She also raised concerns about where pupils would go if the school closes. "If this school closes, what is the alternative for these children? As I say, a lot of them will not cope in the busy mainstream school, not to mention the surrounding schools are at capacity or very nearly. So where does that leave these children?"

Cllr Lewis raised questions about land ownership, citing "historic documents" showing that the Prue-Reid family donated the field with the understanding that if the school ceases to exist, the land and buildings would return to the village and could never be sold. However, school transformation manager Sarah Astley stated that the latest legal advice suggests there are no restrictions on the land use.

The councillor also mentioned a potential development for 50 houses in the village that could increase school numbers, though Council leader Cllr Jake Berriman cautioned that such developments are not guaranteed.

The potential closure has left Mrs Jones worried about the long-term impact on pupils' wellbeing. "The closure of this school is going to adversely affect their mental health and wellbeing in both the short and long term. For many of these children, Llandinam is their only hope to achieve a standard of education they need to thrive and move forward to secondary school."

Cllr Lewis shared similar concerns, warning that closing the school would "sweep the carpet from underneath these children and set them back years," and that many would likely be lost to the Powys education system and home schooled instead.

Despite the school's small size, Mrs Jones emphasised the strong community support it has received. "All this is why small schools are so important. For such a small school, Llandinam has got some serious support behind it - all the parents have really stepped up to fight for this precious school where our children truly enjoy being."

She concluded with an emotional plea: "Closing this school means nothing to Powys County Council, but for us, it is everything!"

The consultation process on the proposed closure will now begin, giving the community an opportunity to formally respond to the council's proposal. The campaign to save Llandinam Primary School continues as parents and the local community rally to demonstrate the vital role the school plays in their children's education and development.