RDC(3) RRSWC1

Rural Development Sub-Committee

Inquiry into Reorganisation of Schools in Rural Wales

Response from Hattie Budd

Dear Ms Morris,

In response to the Assembly's Rural Development enquiry into rural education, I would like to express how benefitial I feel that local community schooling is for the well being of children and the broader community. My family are currently being enducated at our local village school and amongst the many social and educational benefits I have witnessed are the following few:

Journey to school. 

We are able to walk or cycle to school each day, involving the children in their environment and encouraging them to take responsibility for it. They meet different members of the community on the way and are able to see how the community works - a son visiting his elderly mother every morning, farmers going about their work etc. The opportunity to interact regularly with diverse members of the community offers them a basic, yet essential understanding of community spirit and social responsibility, which many children sadly miss out on.

Village/school life. 

Not only does the local school allow a close relationship between families and teachers, it is an enormously important part of the whole village, involving all members of the community in its events (the elderly and those without children are all included as well as families whose children have already past through the school).  The school motivates and unites the village in a way which other forums such as the church are unable to do. Families using the school also use other local facilities, all of which keeps the community alive. 

The ethos of a small school. 

Mixed aged classes mean that the older children encourage the younger ones from their first days in school and the children naturally develop a respect for each other. The children learn to be tolerant, helpful and co-operative from a very early age - qualities that are not only a good foundation for future learning but also aid teamwork, self respect and confidence. I have no doubt that the culture of respect fostered in small local schools is of benefit to the emotional and behavioural well being of the individual and ultimately to society beyond the school gates.

We have every reason to be immensely proud of our small community schools. The high results achieved and delightful characters developed are a great testiment to their success. The long term benefits of the fountation given to our children in these schools can not be underestimated.

Yours sincerely,

Hattie Budd.
Parent of children at Gladestry School.