Rhos-y-Fedwen Primary School is to benefit from Sustainable Communities for Learning funding to improve its facilities including a new 3G sports pitch; the refurbishment of classrooms and the creation of a sensory space and life skills room.
Blaenau Gwent Council and the Welsh Government work together on the Sustainable Communities for Learning (formerly 21st Century Schools) Programme, designed to modernise the school estate across Wales and, as announced recently, to create more sustainable educational spaces. The school has also made great use of their Small & Rural Schools Grant from Welsh Government, purchasing IT equipment and a new minibus to transport its pupils around.
As part of the Band B Programme, over the next 18 months or so Rhos-y-Fedwen will undergo extensive work including:
- Remodelling of the Foundation Phase classrooms creating direct access into the play yard
- Creation of flexible teaching spaces and sensory room in the Foundation Phase
- Creation of a life skills room for pupils to learn cooking and doubling up as a community meeting space
- Work on the hall to improve acoustics and replacement of stage area to increase flexibility
- Creation of a 3G pitch for the school and to improve active living for teams to hire out after school
- Classroom refurbishments
- Creation of flexible teaching spaces in the main school
- New revamped entrance area
- New play area in the inner yard of the school
Headteacher Sarah Helm says:
“This is such an exciting time for Rhos-y-Fedwen Primary and I’m so delighted for our wonderful pupils; families and staff that we are getting all these fantastic improvements.
“Our lovely school is at the heart of the community here in Rassau and we really want to provide the very best facilities that we can for our children in which to learn, grow and thrive. We also want to engage with our families and the local community and provide extra-curricular activities and well-being opportunities. We can’t wait to share the work with everyone when it’s complete.”
Councillor Sue Edmunds, the Council’s Executive Member for People & Education said:
“The objectives of the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme is to address educational priorities which includes raising standards, particularly at Key Stage 4; improving the suitability and condition of our schools; encouraging sustainability and meeting the needs of vulnerable learners.
“We’re working hard to make sure that our learners can access the very best modern facilities, and we have a proven track record of delivering on projects that allow our pupils to have access to modern, engaging learning environments in which to thrive and reach their full potential.”
