RDC(3) RRSWC5
Rural Development Sub-Committee
Inquiry into Reorganisation of Schools in Rural Wales
Response from Tricia Evans
23rd June 2008
Claire Morris
Community Clerk
Committee Service
Sustainable Development & Rural Development Sub Committee
National Assembly for Wales
Cardiff Bay CF99 1NA
Dear Sirs
I understand that there is currently an enquiry into the provision of education in rural areas and would like to be able to take part in the evidence collecting process.
I have lived and worked in rural Powys all my life and attended a village school. My children attended the same school and have transferred to High School, University and into the work place with an excellent start to their education and social development in what is now called a "small” school.
We are seeing the demise of any proper moral social structure within our country, where there is no respect for people or property. The advent of "total inclusion” has changed many people’s lives for the better, but it has also given individuals a green light to blame and point the finger, be more "self-centred and selfish” in their attitudes.
Within a small school, alongside the teaching we see the development of inter-personal and social skills which stand children in good stead for future interaction in the wider community. Adults within the school know each child by name and understand their personalities and needs. Children know each other and protect and help the younger and more vulnerable children. This atmosphere fosters caring and concern for others.
Many children belong to other community groups and spend time with other community members of all ages. This builds respect and helps the children realise that all individuals have something to offer. It shows children commitment and helps them understand that effort by others is often rewarded as in the example of a local drama group or rural show.
Both of my children went to a large High School, where they were not known individually by many of the teachers and despite having the best GCSE’s results for a girl in the particular year, my daughter was not congratulated by the Head Teacher because, in her words "she is no idea who I am”! Children often only get recognised and receive attention when they do something wrong or are disruptive - not a good example for future life.
Children will develop into mature, responsible, caring adults if they have been treated fairly, with respect and most of all feel cared for and loved. In rural areas the "family” nature of the school and surrounding area helps to ensure that children feel wanted and cared for. They have a sense of belonging and therefore feel it unnecessary to vandalise or spoil the countryside or area around them.
Finally, I am fully aware of the financial restrictions of local government spending and the ever decreasing pot which needs to supply an ever increasing demand. However, please take time to view the whole rural picture and not just the schools issue. I pay a considerable amount of tax and community charge, yet I do not have street lights outside my house, I have to take my bin bags to meet the refuse collector, the public transport network is non-existent, there are no pavements to clean, no parks to take care of etc, etc. It is important to "cost” the whole of rural life and existence and not just a small part. Rural communities are a vital part of the rural economy and they should be nurtured and not left to go into a state of decay.
This can only be achieved by ensuring that community schools are retained and developed. They can be so much more than a school and can easily be made the focus for many community services such as health, shopping and Post Office. The saving environmentally could be massive and the social benefits are immeasurable in finance terms.
I could go on and on……….
Many thanks for taking the time to read and consider this letter.
Yours truly,
Tricia Evans
Accountant, Farmers Wife, Mother and School Governor (rural school).
