Cardiff Council has announced plans to extend the age range at Ysgol Gymraeg Coed-Y-Gof, introducing a Welsh-medium nursery class for children aged 3 – 4 years from September 2026. The proposal follows a comprehensive public consultation that revealed overwhelming support for the initiative.
The new nursery provision aims to strengthen early years education through the Welsh language, aligning with the Council’s Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP) and the Welsh Government’s “Cymraeg 2050” strategy. The initiative is designed to improve access to Welsh-medium education, support early language development, and promote continuity from nursery to primary education.
Key Highlights:
- 93.4% of consultation respondents supported the proposal.
- The nursery will offer 24 part-time places, with capacity to expand.
- The initiative will help address falling pupil numbers and support financial sustainability at the school.
- The nursery will be housed in existing facilities, requiring minimal adaptation.
The proposal provides the opportunity to develop wrap-around childcare provision in partnership with existing local organisations including provision on the school’s site.
Councillor Sarah Merry, Cabinet Member for Education, commented: “Establishing a nursery class at Ysgol Gymraeg Coed-Y-Gof would allow more local children to access Welsh-medium education whilst attracting a wider range of families. This would support the school’s long-term sustainability and help to grow its future intakes.
“This proposal is also a vital step in ensuring equitable access to Welsh-medium education from the earliest years and supports our commitment to bilingualism, community integration, and educational excellence.”
