New nursery facility for North Cardiff primary school

A Welsh-medium primary school in North Cardiff now hosts a purpose-built childcare facility for children aged two to four.

The 32-place facility at Ysgol Gymraeg Melin Gruffydd in Whitchurch is run by Cylch Meithrin Eglwys Newydd.

The £1m project has established a modern learning setting for young children including a modular constructed nursery with interactive kitchen and age-appropriate toilets.

It has been funded through the Welsh Government's Childcare and Early Years Capital Programme and has been constructed by Wernick, the contractors chosen to deliver the scheme.

Cylch Meithrin Eglwys Newydd provides Welsh Government funded childcare places, both Flying Start and Childcare Offer, along with fee-paying places. Both funded and fee-paying places are available for pre-school aged children as well as wrap-around provision for children attending Ysgol Gymraeg Melin Gruffydd nursery education.

As part of the Community Well-Being Benefits (CWB), formerly known as Social Value, Wernick is providing resources to be used at the facility, including indoor and outdoor play equipment.

Cardiff Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for education, Sarah Merry said: "This new modern-learning environment is an exciting addition to Ysgol Gymraeg Melin Gruffydd. It will enable more young children to receive their education through the medium of Welsh, aligning with Cardiff's Welsh in Education Strategic Plan whilst supporting the Welsh Government's Cymraeg 2050 target of a million Welsh speakers by 2050."

Headteacher Gwyndaf Jones said: "We are proud to offer a Welsh medium and nurturing environment for children to learn, play and grow.

"Cylch Meithrin yr Eglwys Newydd have a dedicated and qualified team of staff who are passionate about supporting children's development and wellbeing.

"We look forward to working with the Cylch, parents and carers to provide the best childcare service for their children."