Protest result of parents "deep concerns" over education cuts in Conwy

Conwy’s schools could be set to receive a funding cut of four per cent for the next financial year, which equates to figures of more than £400,000 for some of the county’s 60 schools.

These cuts could also see a number of teacher redundancies within the county.

A letter, co-signed by headteachers in Conwy, went out to all parents last week informing them of the “make or break” situation schools in the county were faced with.

This news has caused worry among parents and has led to a protest in Colwyn Bay on Saturday.

Vicky Davila, part of the Fund Conwy Schools group - who are organising the protest, said: "The protest was organised by a group of mums in response to the letter sent out by headteachers last week.

"As parents, we are deeply concerned by the changes that will have to be made in schools across Conwy which will inevitably have a severe impact on the quality of education our children receive.

"Something must be done. We are pleased to have the support of both councillors and assembly members from across the political spectrum and would encourage all parents in the county to attend on Saturday and hear what they’ve got to say."

Fellow protest organiser, Mrs Jane Vo-Hughes, said: "These budget cuts will have a detrimental effect on the quality of education our children will receive.

"We cannot make up time lost in our children's foundation years whilst we wait for the allocation of funding to change. Something has to give now before it's too late.”

The protest is set to be held in the Queens Park, Colwyn Bay, from 11am on Saturday, and will feature a range of speakers including Clwyd West AM, Darren Millar; National Education Union's John Owen; and Labour parliamentary candidate for Aberconwy, Emily Owen.

Concerns have also resulted in more than 5000 signatures on a petition that has been circulated through the county, and will be presented to the Welsh Government on the issue of education cuts.