Help needed for Shropshire children to access education in Welsh

Calls have been made for cross border cooperation to help pupils on the English side of Offa’s Dyke to access Welsh language education.

The suggestion came from Cllr Bryn Davies (Llanwddyn – Plaid Cymru) at the Learning and Skills scrutiny committee on Monday, September 7.

Cllr Davies pointed out that there was money available to help 16 to 19 year old students travel out of county to study.

He believed there should be some way of helping those pupils who travel into the Powys for education.

Cllr Davies, said: “Is there any way to get some cooperation from Shropshire Council?

“This is very important as there are parts of Shropshire that are naturally Welsh speaking, have been for many centuries and they don’t get the opportunity of receiving their education in Welsh.

“It should be possible for some cooperation on paying for school transport from Shropshire to our bilingual schools here in Powys to help those children.”

Cllr Davies added that there is an important principle at stake as  parents who currently take their children from Oswestry and the surrounding area to Welsh schools are showing an “extraordinary commitment.”

Cllr Davies said: “If there was help I’m sure more would do it as it helps maintain the language and culture of the area.”

Finance and transport portfolio holder, Cllr Aled Davies (Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant & Llansilin – Conservative) said he would be happy to contact Shropshire Council to start a dialogue.

Cllr (Aled) Davies said:”I have no problem with transportation of Welsh speaking children to Powys schools to access some level of Welsh language education.

“I could write or speak to Shropshire Council to see if they are willing to work with us.”

Cllr (Bryn) Davies asked if this was a a firm commitment?

“I’m more than happy, it’s the least I can do” said Cllr (Aled) Davies.

Part of the Home to Schools Transport policy which was consulted upon in June and July focussed on Welsh medium education.

Until Powys has more Welsh medium schools, the transport policy will have a positive bias for those who want their children educated in Welsh.

Legally, Powys County Council (PCC) is obliged to provide and promote access to education and training in the Welsh language.

The tweaks in the policy show that exceptions would be made to provide free school transport for those wanting to be taught in Welsh, if it’s not available at their nearest school.

For centuries there has been a question mark over whether Oswestry – or Croesoswallt as it’s known in Welsh – should be in England or Wales?

It changed hands many times in medieval wars between England and Wales and was known as a frontier town.

Under the Acts of Union in 1536 and 1543 which formalised the border and  and did away with the Marches and the small lordships that had their own courts and laws, Oswestry was placed in England.