People in Carmarthenshire will be able to have their say on plans for more Welsh-language education at four primary schools.

It comes after the council’s cabinet approved a proposal to strengthen Welsh-language learning at Ysgol Bro Banw, Ammanford; Ysgol Griffith Jones, St Clears; Ysgol Llangynnwr, Carmarthen; and Ysgol Llandybie, Llandybie.

A cabinet report said the proposed changes sought to establish clearer and more consistent Welsh language routes for learners particularly by strengthening early immersion and expanding provision across the primary phase where appropriate.

A statutory consultation will take place in September and October and responses will be considered prior to further decisions with full council having the final say early next year.

Cllr Glynog Davies said the council, which is run by a Plaid Cymru-Independent administration, wanted “to move schools along the language continuum” and help play its part in achieving the previous Welsh Government’s target of a million Welsh speakers by 2050.

Welsh language provision differs at the four schools and the proposals are tailored for each. An additional temporary classroom would be needed at Ysgol Llangynnwr.

Cllr Davies referred to standards of English being excellent at the county’s Welsh-language schools, and added: “That’s what we want – children who are confident in both languages.”

Council leader Linda Evans said: “We have done this already at many schools in the past and it proves to be successful.”

The plans have been welcomed by Welsh language campaigners Cymdeithas yr Iaith. Speaking before the June 29 cabinet meeting a spokesman for the group said: “We are very pleased that the council intends to expand Welsh-medium education provision in these schools, moving closer to the goal of ensuring that no pupil is deprived of the ability to work and communicate confidently in both languages.

“We particularly welcome the changes at the large urban school Ysgol Bro Banw. However we seek clarification regarding the decision to introduce bilingual provision at the school rather than converting it into a fully Welsh-medium school.”

If approved by full council the changes at the four schools would be phased in from September 2027.