The Councillor for Education, Francisco Miguel Alvarez, in the face of a protest by the Sabinillas School's Parent's Association (AMPA) has responded by assuring them that the timescale for the programme of works established by the Education Infrastructure and Council of Education is on target to be completely fulfilled 100% according to the plan implemented by Manilva Town Council and that the new school will be open for the 15 th September.

The opening of this new education centre will relieve the pressure on the existing schools and allow various classrooms, which have been converted to accommodate the increase in student numbers, to revert back to their original use.

Councillor Alvarez has been in constant contact with all those concerned with education in the Municipality, including the directors of Manilva's schools, so as to keep informed about any problems that have arisen, and to find possible solutions.

In the meantime the schools in the Municipality have sufficient resources to accommodate all new students likely to enrol during the course of the year.

It is common knowledge that the Education Department in Manilva provides support far beyond its responsibility and Mr Alvarez pointed out “We try and support the children throughout their academic lives and it difficult to understand the extreme criticism we have received”.

Manilva Town Council provide extra support staff at schools both in Manilva and Sabinillas as well as funding cultural trips for students to the tune of 11,000 euros for Manilva, 12,000 euros for Sabinillas, with the Instituto (secondary school) receiving 8,500 euros.

The local council have also funded breakfasts for children attending the morning classes which start at 7.30 for the children of parents that have to work.

The school dining room has also received subsidies as have the extracurricular activities.

The Education and Culture department has also invested heavily in the school environments with sports equipment, safety playground surfaces, recreation areas and even an artificial football pitch at the Sabinillas school.

So as from 15 th September this year the class sizes will fall and places for future students assured.