Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Social Services Julie Morgan MS visited Tonteg this week, to officially open The Hollies Childcare Project, which has been relocated to a purpose built facility within Gwauncelyn Primary School thanks to Welsh Government funding.
This is one of nine childcare projects across Rhondda Cynon Taf that have benefited from successful bids from the Council for capital funding.
Since opening in 2015, the Hollies has been based in a classroom within the main school building. Due to increasing numbers on roll, the school was no longer able to provide the classroom space and the future of the provision was at risk.
The solution came through a relocation for the project, funded via the Welsh Government’s Childcare Offer Capital Grant scheme. Funding has allowed the setting to increase the services it offers and has increased to two sessions per day, as well as holiday care. The Hollies has also taken over the after-school club that operates from the school hall.
The new building has not only allowed them to increase its delivery of the Childcare Offer, but also to improve the service it offers to the children in the after-school club. The project is now registered to care for 50 children, an increase from 32 places previously.
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Cabinet Member for Education, Youth Participation and Welsh Language said:
It was fantastic to see for the first time today the new purpose built facility within the school site, with its own access, outdoor play areas and facilities that staff and children alike clearly love.
I’d like to thank the Council staff who worked so hard to secure funding for these projects, and I’d like to thank the staff and the volunteers in childcare settings like The Hollies who are helping parents give their children the best start in life at a time when many families are struggling with rising costs.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council have had success in a number of capital funding bids that have helped improve childcare schemes across the County, all of which have now been completed, or are nearing completion.
These include:
- Gofal Flourish Dolau, based in Dolau Primary School
- First Steps Llanhari, on the site of Ysgol Llanhari
- Dragons Tots, on the site of Treorchy Primary School
- Cylch Meithrin Abercynon, based in YGG Abercynon
- Cylch Meithrin Evan James, based in YGG Evan James
- Cylch Meithrin Nant Dyrys, next door to YGG Ynyswen
- Little Inspirations Tonyrefail, on site of Tonyrefail Community School
- Cwmlai Playgroup, based in Cwmlai Primary School, opening in September 2022
- Cylch Meithrin Cwmdar, based in YGG Aberdar, opening in September 2022
ENDS
For further information please contact the Press Office on 01443 424007 or email Thomas.j.godwin@rctcbc.gov.uk
Posted on 23/09/2022