Latest news with #CarolAndrews
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Bro classroom expansion finished!
Caerphilly council has announced the completion of a new extension at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Bro Allta in Ystrad Mynach. The project forms part of the authority's wider commitment to expanding Welsh medium education, aligned with its Welsh in Education Strategic Plan and the Welsh Government's vision of reaching one million Welsh speakers by 2050. The scheme, fully funded through a Welsh Government grant for Welsh medium provision, includes a modern four-classroom extension and the removal of outdated demountable buildings. Staff and pupils outside the new extension at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Bro Allta in Ystrad Mynach. (Image: Caerphilly Council) The development increases the school's capacity by 50 additional places, significantly enhancing opportunities for learners to access high-quality Welsh medium education in the area. Bro Allta is one of five schools across the county borough benefitting from strategic investment aimed at increasing and improving Welsh medium provision. Other projects include developments at YGG Y Castell, Ysgol Ifor Bach, YGG Cwm Derwen and YGG Penalltau. Councillor Jamie Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Council commented: 'The expansion of Ysgol Bro Allta is an example of our Place Shaping programme in action. "This investment has significantly improved the provision we are able to provide to pupils for years to come and helps the council encourage more children to embrace the Welsh language.' Councillor Carol Andrews, Cabinet Member for Education and Communities, said: 'We are incredibly proud of this investment, which reflects our ongoing dedication to the Welsh language and the communities we serve. "The extension at Bro Allta ensures more children can thrive in a Welsh medium environment.' Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Allta in Ystrad Mynach. (Image: NQ) Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Bro Allta continues now with the facilities to support even more young learners on their educational journey. Headteacher Meinir Jones commented: "This fantastic new extension is a real boost for our school. "It allows us to welcome more pupils into a vibrant, supportive environment where the Welsh language and culture are at the heart of everything we do." According to the Welsh Government there are a total of 440 Welsh medium schools in Wales which educate 23% of the total school population in the country. It plans to increase this number under the 2050 plan.
South Wales Argus
26-05-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Trinity Fields School and Resource Centre extension opens
The extension to Trinity Fields School and Resource Centre in Ystrad Mynach was officially opened on Friday, May 23. The two-storey extension provides additional classrooms to accommodate up to an additional 80 pupils with specialist intervention areas, a new soft playroom, and outdoor play spaces. There is also a relocated memorial garden and school allotment area. This project was jointly funded by Caerphilly County Borough Council and Welsh Government through the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, which forms part of the council's wider Place Shaping Strategy. The new wing that links to the original school was constructed by Willmott Dixon. This project, which includes the refurbishment of the existing school facilities alongside the new two-storey extension, totalled approximately £18 million. Councillor Carol Andrews, cabinet member for education and communities, said: "This investment is a powerful statement of our shared commitment to giving every child in the county borough the very best start. "The facility has been shaped around the needs and potential of the pupils that attend. "They will help children learn, play and thrive – and I cannot wait to see the amazing things that will be achieved here." Headteacher David Jenkins said: "It has been a privilege to lead the school through this exciting period of change which has resulted in a state of the art, multi-million-pound extension for our pupils, their families and staff. "Today's formal opening is a fitting celebration of the ethos, culture and sheer hard work associated with our school and its partners. "There are too many people to thank individually but on behalf of the school, my sincerest thanks must go to Welsh Government, Caerphilly Council, our governing body, the previous headteacher who started the journey and our principal contractor Wilmott Dixon for making our pupils' dreams a reality."
South Wales Argus
23-04-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Helping hand for Rhymney families thanks to Easter hampers
The initiative was led by MP Nick Smith and supported by Caerphilly County Borough Council. A total of 25 hampers were distributed from Rhymney Library Hub with support from Caerphilly Cares. The campaign builds on the success of the "Everyone Deserves a Christmas" initiative and continues to provide support to families in need. Each hamper included a chicken dinner with vegetables, hot cross buns, Easter eggs, and a few thoughtful extras. Community organisations and council services, including Parent Network, Supporting People, Housing Services, and the Youth and Family Service team, worked closely with Caerphilly Cares to ensure the hampers reached families who would benefit most. Cllr Carol Andrews, cabinet member for education and communities, said: "Campaigns like this remind us of the power of community and kindness. "I'm proud that the council, through Caerphilly Cares and Rhymney Library Hub, could support local families this Easter." If you or someone you know is in need of support, you can contact Caerphilly Cares by emailing caerphillycares@ calling 01443 811490, or texting 07537414443.
