Author: Rhys Gregory

The Attainment Champions pilot, designed to help tackle the impact of poverty on learner’s educational attainment, will be extended into a second phase to further boost standards in schools. The pilot phase of the project showed the use of collaborative working, mentoring of partner schools and the sharing of innovative practices had a positive impact on improving the educational experiences for learners facing disadvantage. Schools engaged in the pilot reported improvement through high quality leadership and development of Teaching and Learning, increased confidence within leadership teams and the strategies were addressing the impact of poverty on attainment. Phase two will…

A Welsh animation company’s children’s series encouraging young audiences to take an interest in nature and the world around them has been picked-up to air by some of the UK’s leading broadcasters, including S4C and ITV. With support from the Welsh Government’s Creative Wales agency, Bumpybox’s new TV show under the working title of Mini Buds / Egin Bach, will be available in Welsh on S4C and English on ITV. The series also has the potential to be distributed globally. The 26 five-minute episodes of Mini Buds / Egin Bach explores the big adventures of six tiny, budding explorers navigating…

The significant investment in Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School is now complete, after a new staff parking facility was brought into use. It follows the delivery of modern classrooms and sports facilities earlier this academic year. Pupils and staff at the Beddau school are enjoying the new classrooms and outdoor spaces delivered in the first phase of the project by November 2023 – funded by the Council and Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, as part of a £79.6m investment for Greater Pontypridd. Phase one delivered classrooms dedicated for sixth form students, and other modern facilities for pupils across all…

An unlicensed taxi driver, who was found to be illegally plying for hire in Pontypridd, has been hit with fines and costs of £775. Mr Liam Downes of Church Village, was found to be operating as a taxi driver without a licence in the Borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf. On Sunday 13th August 2023 in the early hours of the morning, Mr Downes parked near Pontypridd Train Station waiting for public to leave the nearby pubs and clubs. Mr Downes was approached by a licensing officer and agreed to take them to a drop off point for a fee. On…

n event being held next month is aiming to help private landlords in the Caerphilly borough transform their properties into energy-efficient, cost-saving havens. The Caerphilly Landlord Energy Conference 2024 is being hosted by Caerphilly County Borough Council and will take place over two sessions at 2pm – 4pm or 6pm – 8pm on Thursday 27th June at Llancaiach Fawr Manor, Treharris, CF46 6ER. During the event, attendees will have opportunities to gain insights from leading experts, connect with fellow landlords, discover tools, resources and incentives to implement energy saving solutions and stay informed about the latest regulations. Landlords can book…

A married couple have been jailed after several incidents of non-payment of restaurant bills and shoplifting. Ann McDonagh, 39, from Sandfields, Port Talbot, was charged with five counts of fraud and four counts of theft (shoplifting). Bernard McDonagh, 41, from Sandfields, Port Talbot, was charged with five counts of fraud. Both pleaded guilty to the charges at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 8. Affected restaurants included Bella Ciao and River House, Swansea; La Casona, Skewen; Golden Fortune, Port Talbot; and Isabella’s, Porthcawl. Ann McDonagh also admitted counts of shoplifting affecting Tommy Hilfiger and Sainsbury’s at McArthurGlen Bridgend Designer Outlet…

When advertising a business, being seen is very important. Have you ever thought about why more companies are choosing LED signs for the outside? This change is happening because LED technology has so many great benefits. Not only is LED outdoor signage eye-catching, it’s also cheap. When compared to traditional signs, it is much brighter and uses less energy. LED signs are also very long-lasting and good for the environment. Find out why LED outdoor metal signage might be the best choice for your business by reading on. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings One of the best things about LED…

Are you planning your first home renovation? If so, you are probably feeling a mixture of emotions. The main two are likely excitement about turning your home into your dream space, and feeling overwhelmed about the task you are about to take on. Proper preparation and foresight are the best ways to prepare for such a project, as these factors are essential to ensuring everything runs smoothly. Without a solid plan in place, unexpected challenges can quickly turn your dream renovation into a stressful ordeal. Of course, this is something you will want to avoid! To help, keep reading as…

UEFA competitions have always been one of the highly anticipated sports competitions around the world.  With so many football enthusiasts around the world, it is impossible to resist the contagious enthusiasm they possess for these exhilarating competitions.  However, not everyone is a fan of football and some may be looking for other exhilarating sports competitions happening around the world. For those not inclined with football or perhaps, seeking a break from the football frenzy, there are other sports events that promise excitement, drama, and top-tier competition.  In this article, we will delve into some of the most compelling alternative sports…

Britain is a bird watcher’s paradise. We may get complacent at times, but Britain boasts diverse habitats and a rich avian population. From the cliffs of Wales to the marshes of England, there’s a trail for every bird enthusiast – here are our top five. 1. Gower Peninsula, Wales   The Gower Peninsula offers some spectacular scenery with its cliffs, salt marshes and sand dunes. This Welsh trail offers a lot of variety which creates a haven for birds. The coastal views are stunning, making your bird-watching experience even more memorable.   Birds to Watch: Here, you can spot the charismatic chough…