Dear David,
21 October 2025
Thank you for your letter of 9 October regarding Godre’r Graig primary school. I appreciate that this follows on from your previous correspondence on the subject earlier this year. As I said in the Siambr on 8 October I remain committed to ensuring well-being and education continuity for all our learners and I want to pay tribute to the school, because I know that, despite any challenges, they’ve had really positive inspections and they’re a warm and supportive school for the children that they serve.
Again, as I did in the Siambr it may be worth setting out the chain of events. In 2020, business case submissions were received by the Welsh Government for the original Swansea valley primary school project, which was a new-build, amalgamating Alltwen Primary School, Llangiwg Primary School and Godre’r Graig Primary School. Approval was given, subject to the satisfactory completion of a Welsh language impact assessment. That wasn’t forthcoming due to the subsequent judicial review and a decision by the local authority to not progress with the plans. Godre’r Graig Primary School is not currently included in Neath Port Talbot’s nine-year Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, and we haven’t received a business case. In November 2023, the council submitted a request to amend its strategic outline programme for capital investment in their buildings, and that request included the addition of a new-build replacement for Godre’r Graig Primary School. In January 2024, in response to the request, the local authority was asked to undertake a Welsh language impact assessment and also to consider any mitigating actions that may be required. That assessment was submitted in January 2025 and, in April 2025, the local authority submitted their proposed mitigating actions. I had correspondence about the school in the summer and I have asked officials to proactively engage with the council. They have had discussions with the council and I know that later this month, my officials are due to meet with the chief executive and director of education, leisure and lifelong learning to discuss their plans.
Given the above, I have to take issue with the characterisation in your letter of “My department’s decision not to provide funding”. With regards to your request for a public
enquiry, I have acted transparently, as have my officials, and we have responded to multiple freedom of information requests (FOI). For these reasons, I do not believe a public enquiry
would be the most appropriate use of public funds at this time. I will continue working in partnership with local authorities, particularly in cases where school closures have occurred, to ensure that learners’ needs and wellbeing are fully supported.
Yours sincerely,
