Claire Archibald MS has raised concerns in the Senedd over the future of rural village schools, following proposals affecting Manorbier Church in Wales VC School and Ysgol Clydau in Pembrokeshire.

During the Business Statement, Claire raised the issue of rural school closures and asked the Education Minister to come before the Senedd with clear answers.

The Reform Member of the Senedd for Ceredigion Penfro said communities facing the loss of a local school deserve to know what protection is in place, and whether the current rules are strong enough.

Claire warned that village schools play a vital role in rural life, particularly for children who benefit from smaller, calmer and more familiar settings.

In the Senedd, Claire said: “When a village school closes, the village does not just lose a building, it loses its heart. Families are drawn away, and often the shops, services and community spaces close too.”

Claire also highlighted the importance of smaller schools for children with additional learning needs, autism, anxiety or sensory difficulties.

She said: “Smaller schools can offer a calmer, more familiar environment. For some children, especially those with additional learning needs, autism, anxiety or sensory difficulties, that is where they are best able to cope and learn.”

Claire said the issue is especially important at a time when more children are struggling with anxiety, stress and school attendance.

Following her contribution in the Senedd, Claire Archibald MS said: “Village schools are often central to the life of rural communities. They are places where children are known, families are supported, and communities still have a shared point of connection.

“Once a rural school closes, it is very unlikely to reopen. That is why these decisions must be treated with great care.

“For some children, a smaller school is not simply a preference. It can be the setting where they feel safe, settled and able to learn.

“The Welsh Government says rural schools should be protected. But if schools such as Manorbier VC School and Ysgol Clydau can still close despite strong local concern, communities will rightly ask what that protection actually means.

“I am asking the Education Minister to set out clearly whether the current safeguards are strong enough, and what action the Welsh Government will take to ensure councils properly explore every alternative before a village school is lost.”

Claire had also written to Pembrokeshire councillors before the vote on the future of Manorbier VC School and Ysgol Clydau, urging them to consider the long-term impact on children, families and rural communities.