A SCHOOL has been told it can no longer run its after-school club by Conwy Council.

Earlier this year, the cash-strapped authority slashed all school budgets by 5%.

Already Conwy is seeing schools ask for loans whilst the council is set to review the school loans process this autumn – with more schools expected to struggle to balance the books.

Meanwhile Ysgol Cynfran in Llysfaen has started a compulsory redundancies process, without confirming how many jobs are at risk.

Other schools, such as Ysgol Cwstennin and Ysgol Babanod in Mochdre, could also be forced to reduce the number of staff.

Now Ysgol Llanddulas has written to parents informing them that their after-school club is being axed, and the council has admitted it is reviewing all schools’ provision of the service.

In a letter to parents, the school on Ffordd Minffordd said: “We have been given notice by the Local Authority that the school will no longer be permitted to run an after-school club childcare provision.  This will take effect from the start of the next academic year.

“As many of our parents rely on our after school wraparound provision, we endeavour to find an alternative solution to ensure there is a provision in place.  This may involve outsourcing to an external provider, which is likely to make booking places a more formal process.

“This policy is affecting all schools who run their own after-school club provision within Conwy. This is particularly disappointing, as our after-school club has always offered parents great value and flexibility to suit the needs of all.”

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A spokeswoman for Conwy County Council commented: “Conwy has recently carried out an audit of all after-school clubs in the county. Some schools may be required to change their current provision to become a charity to formalise arrangements and ensure effective processes are in place.

“Ysgol Llanddulas is currently awaiting / collating responses from parents about the provision required, which will determine what the provision will look like in the future, and they may decide to register with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW).

“There are many positive opportunities if a setting decides to register with CIW; parents will be able to access tax-free childcare / childcare offer and a number of small grants via the county. Also, if it’s a registered charity, there are a number of other grant streams available to support after-school clubs.

“As a county we are working with the school and Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids Club to ensure a smooth transition for the existing after-school club to become a charity incorporated organisation (CIO) over the coming months.”

Ysgol Llanddulas was contacted for a comment.