Question over future of Swansea special measures school

There are concerns over falling pupil numbers at the school

Assurances are being sought over the future of a comprehensive school in Swansea that is in special measures.

The city's council says it is discussing what happens to Daniel James Community School in Treboeth as part of its strategic review of education.

Opposition councillors are seeking clarification, with school governor Ceinwen Thomas concerned about the moral of staff and pupils.

Pupil numbers have fallen from almost 950 in 2004 to around 600.

The school was placed in special measures in April after an inspection found it was performing "significantly less well" in English, maths and science compared to its counterparts.

Inspectors raised concerns over the school's leadership and management and the effectiveness of teaching.

The head teacher and deputy head teacher retired at Easter.

Mrs Thomas and a number of other councillors have submitted a question to Thursday's full council meeting seeking assurances on the school's future.

In a written response cabinet member for education Mike Day said: "The authority is continuing to fully support the school to address the issues as it has consistently done over many years.

"There are significant issues around education standards to address at the school and significant and growing surplus capacity within the secondary sector which makes the current organisation unsustainable in the medium term.

"In light of the concerns raised previously by the authority, and confirmed most recently by Estyn, the future of the school is currently being discussed."

A decision is expected later in the year.

Mrs Thomas said she would be seeking further clarification.

"Daniel James is a unique school in Swansea. It's in a deprived area," she said.

"My concern and that of all the governors is the moral of the staff and the pupils. We have got to support them 100 percent."