NOT so long ago Llanbister Primary School was being considered for closure but thanks to the initiative of the local community Powys County Council has now reversed its decision to close the school.

The community of Llanbister have turned around what was thought to be a dying duck into a story of success. In turn, now in order to show their appreciation to the community and all their supporters, the school have held an open day to show the community how the monies have been invested and to say a big thank you for their support.

The acting headmaster Mark Huling Taylor who started last September says since arriving at the school he has received overwhelming support from the local community enhanced by Powys council reversing their decision to close the school.

The governors, pupils and staff, together with the headmaster, firstly identified many areas that they felt would benefit from investment and improvement to enhance the provision for the learners.

The community held many fundraising events led by the Friends of the School and the Team Ithon Action Group.

These groups were supported by cash donations from Llanbadarn Community Council which have enabled them to purchase two smart boards for the classrooms supported by visualizers.

This investment has now been complemented by the purchase of 15 iPads to ensure the pupils can access modern technology and learning applications.

They have also had the Friends of the School purchase the apps for the iPads and fund an extension to the reading and group reading provision with over a 100 new school books.

The gift of new bibles were given in both key stages by Llanbadarn Community Council on top of the financial support for their ICT.

Janet Thomas at the Lion Hotel has given the school a summerhouse to support the extensive redecorating and enhancement of the outside areas of the school by the parents and friends over many weekends.

The school has benefitted from a vibrant and supportive community spirit that it has been a privilege to share and they look forward to using the new equipment to enhance the learning of the young people.

Currently the school have 41 pupils and have a vey positive feel about the future.

All in all the community support has totalled over £10,000 with £4,000 extra support from Powys council.

As a result the friends in the community joined with pupils, staff and officials to view all the advancements during the open day.

Some of those who were involved are pictured left, including Matthew Williams, Julie Rees, Cllr James Powell, Joni Hughes, Jayne Griffiths of Tesco’s who are providing ongoing support, Sara Wilson,

school secretary and Mark Hulin Taylor the acting headmaster,

together with some of the pupils present.