A NEW Welsh-medium primary school could be opened in Newport.

Due to increasing demand, the council is moving to formal consultation on plans to open a temporary school at Maindee Primary School in September 2011.

It would then look at finding a permanent location for a new school.

There are currently two Welsh-medium primary schools in the city - Ysgol Gymraeg Casnewydd in Ringland and Ysgol Cymraeg Ifor Hael in Bettws.

A report to councillors says there are currently 77 places available in each of the school’s year groups, with a combined total of 89 in the reception classes.

But a survey carried out by the authority found that 105 reception places would be needed in 2012 and more than 140 would be needed in 2013. The increase in demand means that the two schools, which are already over their foundation phase capacity, will no longer be able to cope past 2011.

The council is therefore seeking to create a seedling school at Maindee Primary School, which will accommodate a total of 120 pupils from nursery to Year 1 and potentially Year 2.

The report says the city centre location of the school will allow as many pupils as possible from across Newport to have access to Welsh-medium education within two miles of their home.

If it gets the go ahead the facility would be open for a maximum of three years, which will give the council the opportunity to consider plans for a permanent location for a third school under its 21st Century Schools Programme.

Until then the temporary school would operate under its own name, identity, governing body and staff, the report says.

A consultation document and online survey will be available on the council’s website shortly.

For more information e-mail educationbusiness.support@newport.gov.uk or contact Ceri Dowsett, senior school organisation officer, on 01633 656656.