Carmarthenshire to review early years provision at schools

Carmarthenshire County Council has approved plans to consult on changing the age ranges of four primary schools, and to reconfigure nursery provision in the Ammanford area.

Following a meeting held earlier last week (14 July), the council’s cabinet agreed to hold a six-week consultation starting in September on proposed changes at Ysgol Y Ddwylan, Ysgol Llanybydder, Ysgol Gymraeg Y Tymbl and Ysgol Cwrt Henri. Parents, pupils, governors and staff will be invited to submit questions and share their views.

The proposals follow the removal of the Rising 4s policy in the county, which means that from 1 September 2025, children will start full-time school at the beginning of the term after their fourth birthday.

Currently, children who have turned three are entitled to at least 10 hours a week of part-time, non-statutory early education, either at one of the county’s 42 age three to 11 schools or in approved non-maintained settings such as day nurseries or Cylchoedd Meithrin. 

Working parents of eligible three- and four-year-olds can also access up to 30 hours of funded childcare and education under the Welsh Government’s childcare offer.

The council said it plans to change some four to 11 schools into three to 11 schools in communities where there are gaps in early years provision, to improve equity of access.

Cllr Glynog Davies, cabinet member for education and Welsh language, said: “We strive to provide every child in Carmarthenshire with the same opportunities and as part of this, I’m pleased that cabinet has agreed to consult on the changes noted above in order to better meet primary education needs in these areas.

“This is the first tranche of schools, with more primary schools in Carmarthenshire to follow in the future.”