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Powys County Times
21-05-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Newtown preschool setting awarded top rating with Estyn
A Welsh language preschool where children 'feel happy and completely safe' has not only been rated 'good' but also 'excellent' following a glowing inspection. Cylch Meithrin Y Drenewydd at Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd in Newtown received the top rating in teaching, care and development, and leadership and management and classed 'Good' in wellbeing, learning and environment following a joint inspection by Estyn and Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) in March. The early years setting, which was praised for having 'confident and curious' children and staff as 'excellent role models', impressed the inspectors so much that it will be used as a case study for other preschools to learn from. At the beginning of each session, inspectors found that the children settle 'exceptionally quickly' and feel 'completely happy' playing confidently alongside their friends. 'Children of all ages interact extremely effectively with each other and practitioner,' the report said. The report also highlighted the children's curiosity and enthusiasm, especially in outdoor activities playing in the water and sand and walking along wooden units and soft blocks to reach the other side. Inspectors also praised the progress made by older children, stating that nearly all the children use appropriate language to discuss while playing and demonstrate sound personal, social and emotional skills and treat others with courtesy. Inspectors also commended the professionalism of staff who have fostered an 'exceptionally close' relationship with the children and greet them in a 'happy and loving' manner when they arrive at the setting. 'Practitioners promote children's play, learning and development particularly effectively, by using humour and encouragement continuously. They know the children exceptionally well and show pride and passion when discussing achievements. 'They demonstrate excellent knowledge and understanding of child safeguarding.' Estyn and CIW described the practitioners as 'excellent role models' (Image: Anwen Parry) Jan Davies, preschool setting manager, said: 'I'm incredibly proud of our dedicated team whose passion, care, and commitment have been recognised so highly in this report. 'Their hard work truly makes a difference every day. 'This recognition also highlights the vital role Cylch Meithrin plays in promoting the Welsh language here in Newtown. 'It's wonderful to see the language thriving, and we're proud to be part of its growth and visibility in our community'. Due to its success, the Cylch setting has been selected by CIW and Estyn to be the subject of a case study. The study will explore how the setting maintains strong partnerships that positively influence provision, with the aim of sharing best practices with other organisations.
South Wales Argus
12-05-2025
- South Wales Argus
Hafren Forest: Powys Council hopes for TikTok solution
A surge in tourists at one of Wales' most beautiful forests which is famed for its "world best" riverside boardwalk has led to concerns from locals that the area cannot cope with the sudden influx. TikTok, Instagram and Facebook videos of Hafren Forest, near Llanidloes have been watched millions of times, with one video gaining at least 1.8 million views, which has prompted a rush of visitors to the cherished local beauty spot. The Welsh Government's environment agency Natural Resources Wales, which owns and manages the forest, has kept the once-hidden gem from its social media and declined filming requests to discourage the hordes of walkers. A line of cars parked along the road near Rhyd y Benwch car park at Hafren Forest. (Image: Anwen Parry) Powys County Council was asked by local councillor Glyn Preston about what steps were being taken to reduce congestion, fly tipping, dog mess and improving road infrastructure. Powys County Council has now issued its response, saying it appreciated the "patience and understanding" of the local community as they work towards a solution that "benefits both visitors and residents". One of the improvements so far have been signage directing traffic along the "more acceptable" Staylittle route to reduce the impact on the Old Hall route. The council said it takes a "zero-tolerance approach to fly tipping" and anyone caught will be investigated and, if possible, prosecuted if there is sufficient and reliable evidence. Dog poo bags have been left on the side of footpaths at Hafren Forest. (Image: Anwen Parry) However, the council said cleaning up dog mess dumped at the forest is not the responsibility of Environmental Health. "Whilst we do welcome visitors to Powys and the economic benefits they bring to the local area, we need to ensure this is appropriately managed to provide a good experience for visitors and minimise the impacts on local residents," the council said. "We are aware that this sudden and unexpected increase in visitors has caused an unusual peak in traffic, affecting access and parking at this tourist attraction. "This issue is not solely the responsibility of the local authority. As cabinet member, I will be raising this matter with other partner agencies and stakeholders to consider a multi-agency approach for the most appropriate resolution." (Image: NQ) Natural Resources Wales has applied for planning permission to re-design and upgrade the existing Hafren Forest car park at Rhyd y Benwch, Old Hall to create extra "higher quality" parking spaces. Powys County Council said its exploring ways to support the wider Natural Resources Wales investment in developing the visitor infrastructure at Hafren Forest. However, the most suitable capital investment fund for site-based tourism infrastructure improvements that the council can access, the Brilliant Basics Fund, will not reopen for new application until spring 2027.
