A public meeting to discuss education in the Templeton area will be held tomorrow (Wednesday, May 21) at Templeton CP School.

The meeting follows the launch of a recent Pembrokeshire County Council consultation on education in the area and members of the public are being asked for their opinions and suggestions.

The authority is seeking views on a preliminary consultation document, which sets out the case for change to education provision in the Templeton area.

“Pembrokeshire County Council has a statutory duty to secure sufficient and suitable school places in its area, and to determine whether it is making the best use of the resources and facilities to deliver the opportunities that children deserve,” said the authority in its consultation summary.

Officers have established that the level of spare places at both Templeton and Stepaside CP Schools are ‘a cause for concern’ while demand for places at Narberth and Tavernspite schools is high.

There is also ‘a significant number’ of pupils in the Welsh stream in Narberth school, which could offer the chance to look at enhancing this provision.

Options are:

•Retain the status quo

•Extend the age range of Templeton CP School to accept part-time three-year-olds

•Establish Federation with Narberth CP School or Tavernspite CP School

•Closure of Templeton with pupils transferring to Narberth and/or Stepaside

•Change of status of Narberth to English-medium and Templeton to Welsh-medium or vice-versa

The meeting starts at 6.30pm. A presentation by Kate Evan-Hughes, head of education, will be followed by a question and answer session.

Places are limited and must be booked in advanceby phoning 01437 764551.

The preliminary consultation document is available to view online, together with response forms at www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/haveyoursay The final date for all responses to the preliminary consultation document is Friday, June 13.