Newtown parent are being told to direct their anger about cuts to pre-school early years funding provision to education portfolio holder, Cllr Myfanwy Alexander.
As well as cuts to breakfast clubs, parents are now being told that the early years provision for three-year-olds and over will be cut back from 12.5 hours to 10 at schools in the area.
Headteachers have already written to the education department to warn that the cuts are putting even “more pressure” on schools.
But Powys County Council (PCC) has indicated that cutting the two-and-a-half hours in provision is bringing them into line with other authorities across Wales and that 12.5 was “more than required."
This is another consequence of the new funding formula which will come into force from April.
All funding is now included in one pot given to schools as their “minimum” for core educational provision. What schools do with that money will be down to them.
The letter which has been sent to parents in the Newtown area says: “The assumption from PCC is that schools will pass on the additional costs of breakfast clubs and 3+ provision settings to parents.
“However this comes at a time when many of you will see rising council tax costs and reduction of public services.
“Obviously this news will raise many additional questions. However as headteachers we don’t have the answers as this is outside of our control .
“If you have any additional questions/comments, please address them to Cllr Myfanwy Alexander.”
PCC anti-poverty champion and non-aligned county councillor for Newtown East, Joy Jones, said: “I am angry as this hit the poorest in our community and with rises in council tax parents will be asking what are they paying for?
“No parent or grandparent will stand by and watch their children lose out.”
Cllr Myfanwy Alexander told the Local Democracy Service that she had not received any phone calls or emails from angry parents yet.
Cllr Alexander said: “There has been a misunderstanding. Headteachers and governing bodies are free to address the needs of their own communities how they see fit within the funding envelope.
“It’s a complex picture and our role is to ensure that funding is available. Which we do.”
The Welsh Government expects councils to provide “foundation phase provision” for a minimum of 10 hours.
It places emphasis on children’s learning taking part through in practical activities such as play and active involvement.
