THREATENED Newport school will remain open while a city council working party considers options for its future – and might stay open permanently.

And the chairman of governors at Brynglas primary hopes an end is in sight to the uncertainty that has plagued the school for four years, believing that with the right support it has a rosy future.

The school, which includes a 12-place unit for children with autism, has suffered falling rolls for several years and is close to two-thirds empty.

But that, says Paul Cockeram, chairman of the governors and a city councillor, is partly down to the uncertainty over its future.

The school has been earmarked for closure twice in four years, by successive Labour and C o n s e r va t i v e - Liberal Democrat administrations.

“With falling rolls it is always going to be difficult to argue to keep a school open, but the main concern is the unit, because there must be mainstream integration for these children. The Welsh Government wants that,”

said Mr Cockeram.

“Take the primary school away, and where would that integration go?

“There is a working party looking at the future of the school, and that might mean keeping a small primary school, and there is a possibility of expansion for the autism unit.

“That could save a lot of money because there are only 12 places. A lot of other children go out to (places in) the Vale of Glamorgan and other areas.

“This could be a win-win situation for a lot of people.

Children with autism need integration with other children, and that in turn benefits all the children.

“We have been losing children, understandably, because of the uncertainty.

but we had a good inspection report.

“This is not a failing school, it is just a numbers issue. But if we can promote the school, people might start coming back.”

Time of uncertainty

BRYNGLAS primary currently has 67 pupils, including those in the autism unit. It has room for 174.

David Atwell, the city council’s cabinet member for education and young people, has decided not to proceed with a closure proposal.

A council spokesman said: “However, options for the school are being considered and will be the subject of a further report to the cabinet member.

“We understand that it is a time of uncertainty for the school and parents, but the council does not wish to accelerate a process where it is crucially important the right decision is made for all concerned.”