CHILDREN from a Newport primary who go to a secondary school in Caldicot could be 'brought back home' under council proposals to shift catchment areas.

Historically Llanmartin Primary School children have gone to Caldicot Comprehensive, which is run by Monmouthshire council.

But Newport council wants the youngsters to go to their school at Ringland, Hartridge Comprehensive.

Councillor Bob Poole, head of young people's services at Newport, said the shift could make the transition between schools smoother.

He said education projects and approaches differed between the two councils and added: "Monmouthshire realises the situation.

"We all used to be under the old Gwent banner but after councils were re-organised Monmouthshire and Newport have started to go different ways."

The proposal could affect about 35 children a year who leave Llanmartin from 2007. The 466-pupil school primarily serves the Underwood estate.

Parent governor Janet Camfield, of Waltwood Road, Underwood, has a 12-year-old son at Caldicot, Ben, and a ten-year-old daughter, Bethan, at Llanmartin.

She said: "I'd have no problem with Bethan going to Hartridge. She's got relatives there and she'd still be with all her friends.

"We are part of Newport schools and I think they'd benefit. The bus services would be more frequent.

"But as a governor I expect some opposition. "

Barbara Morse, head teacher at Llanmartin Primary, said: "It's sensible that Newport children are educated in Newport schools.

"I have to liaise with Newport and Caldicot colleagues and there are some issues which are different.

"There are initiatives we employ which aren't carried through in Monmouthshire."

A spokeswoman for Monmouthshire council said: "We are not able to comment on the proposal at present as we have yet to be formally consulted."