A special ceremony has been held to mark the start of construction of Canolfan Ethni, a new Specialist Resource Base (SRB) located at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf.
The new provision represents a significant £7.3 million investment in Welsh Medium provision for pupils with Additional Learning Needs. Funded through Welsh Government’s Welsh Medium grant, the new facility 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.
The SRB will be known as Canolfan Ethni, named after former teacher at the school and parent Mrs Ethni Jones who campaigned tirelessly and enthusiastically for all children to have their rights to a comprehensive and fulfilling Welsh medium education. Through her work a specialist unit was first established at the school in 1988 and was attended by her son, Garmon. Her vitality, energy and positive spirit triumphed and the school’s Governing Body are proud that Ethni’s spirit and vision will be formally acknowledged through the naming of the specialist provision.
During the event, the turf was cut by Cardiff’s Deputy Leader Cllr Sarah Merry and Ethni’s children Garmon and Rhiannon. They were joined by Headteacher Matthew Evans, Ethni’s grandchildren, pupils and Chair of Governors Iona Edwards.
Local councillors and representatives from Wynne Construction, the contractor chosen to deliver the project were also in attendance.
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.
Headteacher, Matthew Evans noted: “I am delighted to announce Canolfan Ethni as the name for our new provision. Everyone who met Ethni, were drawn to her positive energy and warmth of character. Her ambitious vision that all children in Wales, should have full access to the richness and cultural advantages of their Cymru and Cymraeg heritage, lives on within these walls. Opening our new facility is an important step in ensuring that equality of access to Welsh Medium education becomes a reality for all pupils”.
Cardiff’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: “Today marks a proud moment for Cardiff as we mark the start of construction on Canolfan Ethni, a facility that truly reflects our commitment to ensuring every child receives the support and opportunities they deserve. This new specialist resource base will provide a nurturing, inspiring environment where pupils with complex learning needs can thrive through the medium of Welsh.
“Ethni Jones’ dedication and passion for inclusive Welsh-medium education has left a lasting legacy at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf, and it is fitting that her name will be carried forward in a centre built on the same values of fairness, ambition, and community.
“This investment demonstrates our determination to expand high-quality specialist provision across the city, enabling more families to access support closer to home. I look forward to seeing the incredible impact Canolfan Ethni will have on the school and the wider community in the years ahead.”
Chris Wynne, Managing Director of Wynne Construction added: “Today’s turf-cutting marks the start of an exciting first partnership with Cardiff Council. We’re very proud to be delivering this high-quality, sustainable facility that supports inclusive Welsh-medium education and for the legacy of Ethni Jones.
“The scheme will deliver social value and investment in our local South Wales-based supply chain. Working closely with the community, our focus will also be creating a positive, long-term impact beyond the construction phase.”
