Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet member for Prosperity and Development, Councillor Mark Norris, Councillor Jayne Smith, and Councillor Susan Morgans attended Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llyn y Forwyn on Friday, 14th February, to meet the learners and staff that are thriving in the new facilities.
The state-of-the-art school in Ferndale is fit for the 21st Century, and includes a 30-place Cylch Meithrin. The project has delivered fantastic modern facilities for staff, learners and the community on a new site, that could not be delivered at the former school site – particularly in relation to outdoor learning and play opportunities. The development has expanded the local Welsh Medium primary offer for the Rhondda Fach, and includes modern, flexible and accessible facilities.
The school’s old site had limited opportunities for improvement, and the new building has been built a short distance away in a more suitable location. It includes a Multi Use Games Area, a grass sports pitch, external play areas, a staff car park, and a drop-off/pick-up car park, alongside modern teaching and learning spaces.
The new school also includes safe cycle storage areas to promote Active Travel as we aim to encourage families to walk to and from school where possible.
The multi-million pound investment has been jointly delivered with Welsh Government. The Council has benefitted from a 65% contribution from the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme to construct the school.
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, said: “I'm thrilled that the pupils and staff at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llyn y Forwyn are enjoying their fantastic new facilities. The state-of-the-art building is a significant improvement over their previous school and the new outdoor areas have utilised the ample space to enhance pupils' outdoor learning and play experiences. Additionally, the new site offers safer and more efficient pick-up and drop-off arrangements, making mornings and afternoons less disruptive.
“This project in Ferndale represents the latest major education investment we have delivered in Rhondda Cynon Taf, thanks to our partnership with Welsh Government.
“We will continue to invest in our youngest residents to give them the best opportunities for their future, having recently secured planning permission for a new £15 million school in Glyncoch, increasing Learning Support Classes for pupils with Additional Learning Needs,and increasing childcare settings so more residents can access Welsh Givernment’s Childcare Offer for Wales.
Three new schools were delivered in Hawthorn, Cilfynydd and Rhydyfelin in September 2024, as part of a £79.9m investment across Greater Pontypridd – while Llanilltud Faerdref Primary and Penygawsi Primary also received new buildings in 2024. This investment via the Mutual Investment Model will be completed with a new school for Pontyclun Primary in 2025.”
Posted on 19/02/2025