A request for an independent inquiry into the controversial closure of Manorbier Church in Wales Primary School is set to be considered by councillors. The final decision to shut the fire-damaged school was approved in June, despite an impassioned eleventh-hour appeal by local councillor Phil Kidney to preserve it.
Fire damage and temporary arrangements
Manorbier Church in Wales VC School and its adjacent schoolhouse sustained extensive damage from a fire in October 2022, which started in the school's roof space. Following this, a 'school from school' arrangement was established at Jameston Village Hall.
There had been expectations that the school would be rebuilt, but last year councillors supported a statutory consultation regarding proposals to discontinue Manorbier Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School.
Petition and council vote
Over 1,500 residents signed a petition on the council's website demanding the school be rebuilt. During a special extraordinary council meeting on June 15, members reached the final decision on the school's discontinuation, supported by 30 votes to 23, with four abstentions.
At the meeting, local councillor Phil Kidney, who has been a steadfast advocate for maintaining the school, said: "We've all let these people down, the way this council has handled this situation is appalling; from day one not one of the executives came up to see these children, no-one came out; if that was Haverfordwest or Tenby they'd be all over the place."
Motion for investigation
Following that decision, matters concerning the controversial closure were discussed at the council's July 16 meeting. In a notice of motion presented to councillors, councillor Kidney put forward: "That council considers a full impartial investigation into the process of closing Manorbier school, specifically the time it has taken, broken promises, inadequate insurance, and the involvement of HR department."
A supporting statement accompanying his motion stated: "The review should be carried out by someone not employed by the authority, with powers to recommend disciplinary action if they deem necessary. A full impartial review should hopefully stop another school being treated so appallingly."
Councillor Kidney also submitted a question seeking an apology from the deputy leader, who now holds responsibility for education: "Would the Cabinet Member for Education [councillor Paul Miller] like to apologise to the staff and parents of Manorbier School for his comments at the last council meeting, where he stated children would get a better education in St Florence and children in Manorbier were being taught in one room? This is both factually wrong and insulting to staff, who have worked tirelessly to provide teaching of an excellent standard, and if he had taken the time to read the last Estyn report, he may not have made these derogatory comments."
Members agreed that councillor Kidney's notice of motion would be considered at a forthcoming cabinet meeting. Responding to Cllr Kidney's question, he stated he "had no intention of insulting staff," who were "doing a great job in very difficult circumstances". He continued by saying that if he had indeed uttered the words attributed to him by Cllr Kidney, he would offer his apologies, while maintaining: "I do believe it will be better for them [the pupils] to be in a larger school."
School closes for the last time
On July 16, as the summer holidays drew near, Manorbier Church in Wales Primary School shut its doors for the very last time. Friends of Manorbier School took to social media to share their feelings: "This isn't the ending that our children, families, staff, and community hoped for. Yet as we reach this difficult milestone, we are reminded that Manorbier School has always been so much more than a building. For generations, it has been a place filled with friendship, laughter, learning, kindness, and unforgettable memories." The post further read: "As we say goodbye, we do so with immense gratitude and pride. Thank you, Manorbier School, for the memories, the laughter, the kindness, and the community you created."
