YSGOL Gymraeg Melin Gruffydd in Whitchurch will soon host a new purpose-built childcare facility, providing a 32-place provision delivered by Cylch Meithrin Eglwys Newydd.
The £1m project has established a modern learning setting for children aged two to four including a modular constructed nursery with interactive kitchen and age-appropriate toilets. It has been funded through the Welsh Government’s Childcare and Early Years Capital Programme and has been constructed by Wernick, the contractors chosen to deliver the scheme.
Opening in April, the new provision delivers on the priorities identified in Cardiff’s Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP), by providing Welsh medium childcare places on Welsh medium primary school sites.
Cylch Meithrin Eglwys Newydd will provide Welsh Government funded childcare places, both Flying Start and Childcare Offer, along with fee-paying places. Both funded and fee-paying places will be available for pre-school aged children as well as wrap-around provision for children attending Ysgol Gymraeg Melin Gruffydd nursery education.
As part of the Community Well-Being Benefits (CWB), formerly known as Social Value, Wernick are providing a host of resources to be used at the provision including indoor and outdoor play equipment.
Cardiff’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: “This new modern-learning environment is an exciting addition to Ysgol Gymraeg Melin Gruffydd. It will enable more young children to receive their education through the medium of Welsh, aligning with Cardiff’s Welsh in Education Strategic Plan whilst supporting the Welsh Government’s Cymraeg 2050 target of a million Welsh speakers by 2050.
“Through our commitment to ensuring that communities benefit from Council investment decisions and spending, the equipment provided by Wernick through Community Well-Being Benefits will provide children with excellent opportunities to play, supporting Cardiff’s Child Friendly strategy and highlighting the positive impact partnership working can have on communities.”
Headteacher at the school, Gwyndaf Jones said: “We are proud to offer a Welsh medium and nurturing environment for children to learn, play and grow.
“Cylch Meithrin yr Eglwys Newydd have a dedicated and qualified team of staff who are passionate about supporting children’s development and wellbeing.
“We look forward to working with the Cylch, parents and carers to provide the best childcare service for their children.”
Wernick Buildings Deputy Managing Director said: “As a company based in Wales, it’s especially meaningful for us to contribute to projects that benefit our local communities. We hope the new space will serve pupils and staff well for many years to come.”
Community Well-Being Benefits (CWB are designed to benefit local communities. Contractors delivering development projects of more than £250k are required to submit an overall delivery plan outlining their approach and are supported by the Council to deliver on their commitments to communities throughout the lifecycle of the project.
They focus on:
- Training and recruitment of economically inactive people
- Supply chain initiatives and working with the 3rd sector
- Educational initiatives
- Community and cultural initiatives
- Environmental initiatives
