Tavernspite and Templeton School pupils are all looking forward to the formal federation between the two schools which commences on Monday, April 11.

Pembrokeshire County Council members recently voted unanimously to approve the plans for the schools to become formally federated. It was clearly the best option from the original proposals and it is unprecedented that a federation has been met with such positivity; for the council to vote so positively was of great encouragement.

It is a very exciting time in the development of both schools. The proposed name for the new federation is the ‘The Federation of Tavernspite and Templeton Community Primary Schools’.

The schools will remain as separate establishments and maintain their own identity. They will be funded and inspected independently although they will share a federated Governing Body and will benefit from collaborative working and sharing of resources.

Mr. Andrew Thorne, Her Majesty’s Inspector from Estyn, the Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales, recently spent time at the two schools to understand the dynamics of this federation and the reasons for its great success.

As a result of his visit, Mr. Thorne wrote a best practice report to be published on the Estyn website as a case study to be shared across Wales. Other school communities considering federation in the future are advised to look at, and learn from, the successful model employed at Templeton and Tavernspite which is a great compliment to all those involved.

Headteacher Kevin Phelps said: “The success of this federation is down to the hard work, patience, understanding and willingness of staff, governors, parents and, of course, the children.

“It has been a real team effort in which everyone has played their part. We are all looking forward to a great future together.”

To celebrate the start of the federation, a ‘Celebratory Launch Event’ is to be held at the two schools on Wednesday, April 13.

All members of the local community, parents, prospective parents, children and anyone else who would like to have a look around are invited to come along and attend the evening which will be honoured with the children from both schools performing as one choir.

Please come along to Templeton School at 5 pm for a tour of the grounds and school and then the choir of children will perform at Tavernspite School at 6 pm followed by the opportunity to have a look around Tavernspite School and grounds.

Please come along and join in the celebrations - everyone is welcome!