FOUR warning notices issued to schools with serious financial problems have been withdrawn after the situation has improved.

But, this leaves nine schools in Powys with warning notices to work with Powys County Council staff to sort out the problems and slash their debts.

At a meeting on Wednesday, November 11, members of the learning and skills committee were told that the financial issues faced by county schools are gradually getting better.

Cumulative deficits had been expected to hit £6.5 million in the current financial year, and £7.8 million in the next – but that forecast has now been revised down to  £4.7 million and £4.9 million respectively.

Education chief operating officer Lynette Lovell said: “In July 2019, 12 warning notices were issued for schools that had escalating deficit. That brought the total number to 13.

“Since that time we started to work with these schools, they came in for meetings with myself, Jane Thomas, the head of finance, challenge advisers and human resources.”

There are now nine schools left with deficits, after Carreghofa County Primary School in Llanymynech, Ysgol Cefnllys in Llandrindod Wells, Presteigne County Primary School and Ysgol-Y- Bannau in Brecon turned their finances around.

The schools with remaining warning notices are:

  • Brecon High School
  • Ysgol Bro Hyddgen (Machynlleth)
  • Ysgol Calon Cymru (Builth Wells and Llandrindod Wells)
  • Crickhowell High School
  • Ysgol Maesydderwen (Ystradgynlais)
  • Welshpool High School
  • Brynhafren County Primary School  (Crew Green)
  • Ysgol Gymaeg Dyffryn Y Glowyr (Cwm-Twrch)
  • Ysgol Cedewain Special School (Newtown)

Ms Lovell added that these meetings continued every six weeks or so, where schools were given “clear actions” to do in between the meetings.

The projected budgets were then reviewed again last summer summer giving the slightly better scenario.

This is based on data from school budget plans for the next three years

Ms Lovell said: “We withdrew four of these notices, they are primary schools that have taken action to bring their budgets back into a licensed position.

“Recovery plans have been submitted by schools on warning notices in October and we’ve been looking at those.”

“There is evidence that a further two schools are coming in to balance, and we will review those warning notices in January, to ensure the budget plan does happen and reduces the deficit.”

Llanerfyl Church in Wales Foundation school was also listed as having a warning notice – but closed on August 31.