Proposals to federate two village primary schools in south Pembrokeshire have been given the go-ahead this morning (Thursday).

Consultation took place at the end of last year on the concept of federating the schools in Tavernspite and Templeton.

This followed a preliminary consultation on education in the area, with concern being expressed at the amount of spare places at Templeton School, while demand for places at Tavernspite is high.

Out of 26 responses to the consultation, 19 were in support - including the governing bodies of both schools - while six (three parents and three residents) did not support the proposal.

Both school councils have also been consulted.

The proposed name for the new federation is The Federation of Tavernspite and Templeton Community Primary Schools, and if accepted, the arrangement will come into being on the first day of the summer term, April 12.

The schools would remain as separate establishments and funded and inspected independently. However, they would share a governing body, with an executive head teacher in charge of the two sites.

Money saved by not employing two heads could be used to improve resources or staffing arrangements.

Tavernspite CP’s School’s head teacher, Kevin Phelps, has assumed this role since the retirement of Templeton’s head, Mike Perkins, at the end of the 2013/14 academic year.

The federation would safeguard the future of Templeton school, which was originally built over 150 years ago, and which has shown improvement during the temporary federation period.

Said Pembrokeshire County Council’s director for children and schools, Kate Evan-Hughes: “The benefits of collaboration between Tavernspite and Templeton CP Schools are already evident.

“This arrangement will be formalised and improved further through the establishment of a federation between the governing bodies of the two schools.”