Author: Rhys Gregory

An additional 2,150 Primary school children in years 5 and 6 are set to receive free school meals in Neath Port Talbot. Children will automatically receive the free school meals directly through their school at the start of term. Parents do not have to apply. However, parents that receive benefits that entitle their child to a free school meal are still being encouraged to register for a free school meal if they haven’t already done so as they may be entitled to a SEG – School Essentials Grant. The scheme is a part of the Welsh Government’s commitment for every…

School lunchtimes have become calmer and more enjoyable says the Headteacher of Neyland Community School, thanks to a new initiative. Round tables have replaced the traditional long tables to encourage communication and relationships, while plates and bowls have replaced the plastic trays. Children set the tables with their cutlery and serve themselves vegetables and side dishes from serving bowls in the middle of the table. Headteacher Clare Hewitt said the aim was to create a social, relaxed and enjoyable lunchtime for the whole school community. “Staff join the pupils for lunch to support with skill development and role modelling, and…

Universal Resource Trading Ltd, trading as UniGreenScheme, is an award-winning asset resale service based in Pontygwindy Industrial Estate in Caerphilly, started by Welsh founder Michael McLeod. The company has been in operation since 2015, originally launching as a student start-up. The company collects, stores, and sells unwanted and redundant laboratory equipment from universities and returns a share of the profits back to the institutions. To date, about £450,000 has been invested back into institutions, with about £3 million saved for institutions in equipment costs. As well as this, by preventing equipment from being sent to waste disposal, UniGreenScheme has also…

Ty’n Y Wern Primary School, already the recipients of the ‘Active Journeys Silver Award’, have now been awarded with the gold title. The school is only the third school in Wales and the first school in Caerphilly to receive this prestigious award. It recognises and celebrates the commitment and dedication of the children, teachers, and parents to active travel to creating a happier and healthier community. Since Ty’n Y Wern Primary School began their journey as an Active Journeys School in September 2019, they have worked hard to encourage as many children as possible to choose an active journey to…

Keep Wales Tidy recently announced that Parc Taf Bargoed has again been awarded Green Flag status – its 12th consecutive year since it was originally given the prestigious award in 2011. It is joined by Cyfarthfa Park, Aberfan Cemetery and Thomastown Park, as well as thirteen community projects, in recognition of their environmental efforts, excellent visitor facilities, and community involvement. Councillor David Hughes, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “Attaining the Green Flag for our parks and cemetery is a truly wonderful accomplishment, and testament to the dedication of our staff and volunteers who have created these green…

A project aimed to improve maths confidence is underway across Powys libraries, the county council has said. Powys Library Service is now offering Number Up, a project which aims to grow maths confidence in parents and carers, helping to improve their numeracy skills and ignite a passion for maths throughout the family. Number Up will be offering a variety of learning opportunities for free, from bitesize maths courses to formal qualifications that can open doors to new job opportunities or further education. Courses can be accessed online or in person, with library users able to borrow an iPad or laptop…

Welsh Food and Drink exports were worth £797 million in 2022, the highest recorded yearly value, Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has announced. With the Royal Welsh Show in full swing and crowds enjoying some of Wales’ best food and drink products, the Minister has revealed the industry’s exports increased by £157m between 2021 and 2022, representing a 24.5% rise. This is a larger percentage increase than the UK as a whole, which grew by 21.6%. The highest value export categories for Welsh Food and Drink in 2022 were Meat and Meat Products at £265m, a 42% increase from 2021,…

Leading timber supplier Premier Forest Products has rebranded its Crumlin location to bring it under the Mon Timber banner. The decision to rebrand was taken because of the strong brand recognition that Mon Timber enjoys across south Wales. On a practical level it also enables Mon Timber’s existing customers to use their accounts across a wider selection of sites more easily. The Crumlin branch will continue to sell its current range, which will be extended to incorporate Mon Timber’s offering which includes hardwoods, flooring, doors, joinery and engineered timber. The rebrand coincides with the launch of the new Mon Timber…

Christ College Brecon has announced a new partnership with Ebbw Vale RFC as it looks to strengthen ties with local rugby clubs. The collaboration will see the co-educational independent school and the club work together to develop opportunity pathways for players across all age groups from senior, youth and junior rugby, and coincides with two Upper Sixth players being selected to play for Ebbw Vale next season. Pupils Owen Conquer and Ewan McIntyre will begin squad training with the experienced ‘Steelmen’ team and have the opportunity to develop their rugby skills further by playing at competition level. The partnership is…

THE Welsh Ambulance Service has appointed a new Director of Digital.Jonny Sammut has been appointed to oversee an ambitious digital services strategy which will support the delivery of patient care and improve the experience of staff. Jonny joins the Trust from North West Ambulance Service, where he is currently the Chief of Digital and Innovation. Prior to that, he spent 15 years in the private sector, including as a Business Intelligence Director at Health Management Ltd and Client Intelligence Manager at Capita. Chief Executive Jason Killens said: “The Welsh Ambulance Service has undergone significant transformation over the last couple years…