YSGOL Gymraeg Brynsierfel in Llanelli has been praised for putting pupil wellbeing at the heart of everything it does.
Minister for Education and the Welsh Language Jeremy Miles visited the school to observe good practice in healthy, positive relationships.
The visit coincided with RSE Day (which stands for Relationships and Sex Education), an annual event which encourages parents, teachers, carers and educators to talk openly about relationships with their children.
Pupils at Ysgol Gymraeg Brynsierfel are taught about the importance of kindness, empathy, respect, healthy relationships and boundaries from an early age in order to help them recognise the signs of unhealthy or abusive relationships later on.
During his visit, the Minister observed a yoga session in a Foundation Phase class and also visited a KS2 class where he observed the use of a new wellbeing app to reduce anxiety in learners. The school was recently invited to participate in efficacy trials for the Sleeping Lions app in partnership with Gwylan and the University of Wales.
He also heard all about the outstanding work that has been undertaken by the school’s Global Goalkeepers to promote peace and strong partnerships in the school’s peace garden ‘Hafan Heddychlon’.
The Minister said: “It was great to visit Ysgol Gymraeg Brynsierfel today and see all the activities the school is doing to keep the children here fit and healthy. I even learned a bit of yoga myself, so it’s done me some good too!
“It was really interesting to hear what the children are learning about relationships, ahead of the introduction of the new curriculum for Wales from next year.
“I’m really grateful to all the staff and pupils for showing me around the school. Diolch yn fawr pawb!”
Executive Board Member for Education and Children’s Services Cllr Glynog Davies, who was also in attendance, congratulated the school for the excellent work that is being carried out to support pupils’ wellbeing.
Cllr Davies said: “It has now become more important than ever for schools to focus on health and wellbeing as our children and young people will have probably experienced a lot of ups and downs and mixed emotions over the past year due to Covid-19.
“It ensures that children and young people develop the knowledge and understanding, skills, capabilities and attributes which they need for mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing now and in the future.”
Headteacher Jayne Davies said it was an honour for the school to receive a visit from the new Welsh Education Minister and local dignitaries on RSE Day.
She said: “The wellbeing and self-esteem of all staff and pupils is at the heart of everything undertaken at the school.
“By talking to learners about relationships, this gives them the opportunity to share any concerns they might have, and they are then given the appropriate support,” she added.
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