Work will soon begin on a new Specialist Resource Base (SRB) at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf, representing a significant £7.3 million investment in Welsh Medium provision for pupils with Additional Learning Needs.
The new facility, funded through Welsh Government’s Welsh Medium grant, will provide a safe and inspiring learning environment for pupils with profound learning needs, supporting their independence and growth in line with the Welsh holistic curriculum.
Located on the existing school site, the SRB will be delivered by Wynne Construction, with work commencing in December and completion expected next year. During this time Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf will remain open, with only minor internal remodelling required to connect the new SRB to the existing school.
Designed as an extension to the current school, the SRB will offer 30 places for pupils with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and 30 places for those with Complex Learning Needs (CLN). It will focus on enhancing communication, life skills, and drama performance, all delivered through the medium of Welsh.
The SRB will foster community engagement and will feature a shared community space, a learning kitchen and café, and access to a new performance hall. This will create opportunities for students to develop social enterprise skills through public interaction. Catering and hospitality education will be a central feature, promoting teamwork, communication, and essential life skills.
The community café will help build partnerships with the local area and benefit pupils across the school. In addition, the SRB’s external landscaping including a sensory garden and additional planting, will enhance the pupil experience and ensure the facility blends seamlessly into its surroundings.
Cardiff’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: “We have acknowledged the growing population of learners with complex learning needs, autism spectrum conditions and emotional health and wellbeing needs and through significant proposals to expand ALN provision across the city, Cardiff is strengthening our commitment to inclusive, community-focused education. This will ensure that growing demand is met with positive, proactive steps, so that every child and young person feels a true sense of belonging, thrives in their education, and reaches their full potential.
“The SRB at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf will allow pupils to access a range of opportunities and skills that enrich their education and wellbeing, delivered in a modern and nurturing setting through the medium of Welsh.”
Chris Wynne, Managing Director of Wynne Construction added: “This exciting project marks our first partnership with Cardiff Council and represents a significant addition to our growing portfolio of schools designed to support learners with additional needs. We are committed to delivering a high-quality, sustainable facility that reflects the aspirations of the school and the wider community. Supporting pupils with additional learning needs is a vital part of building an inclusive education system, and we’re proud to contribute to that vision.
“As with all our projects, social value will be at the heart of our approach. We will be investing in the local supply chain, creating opportunities for local businesses and employment, and fostering community engagement throughout the build. Our focus on sustainable construction practices will ensure that the project not only meets immediate educational needs but also leaves a lasting, positive legacy in the region.”
Cardiff Council is committed to meeting the increased demand for specialist placements for primary and secondary age learners. Through a range of comprehensive plans, places for learners with complex learning needs, autism spectrum conditions and emotional health and wellbeing needs – continue to be expanded. Over the last five years an additional 155 places have been delivered in existing SRB provision, 14 new SRB’s have been established providing up to 256 additional places and there are an additional 332 places in existing special schools, improving the distribution of specialist places and enable more learners to access education within their local communities.
