On Thursday, July 17, Councillor Rhys Lewis, Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and the Welsh Language, visited Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Castellau in Beddau to formally open the new Nursery and Reception unit, which opened its doors to pupils in September 2024. The new facilities aim to support the growth and transition of pupils into the school once they reach statutory school age.
Representatives of the Council, Welsh Government, contractors GKR Maintenance, Mudiad Meithrin and the school Governors attended the Primary school to hear from the staff and see how the new facilities are benefiting them and the school’s youngest pupils.
The project included the construction of a new single-storey extension as well as the refurbishment of two classrooms, to create a modern, fit for purpose Nursery and Reception unit. The extension complements the existing outdoor areas in which brand new play equipment has been installed.
The project has enabled the well-established Cylch Meithrin Beddau to relocate to the school’s previous nursery classroom to operate a full-time Welsh Medium childcare facility during the mornings and a wrap-around childcare service each afternoon. Moving the services to a single venue with more available space is aimed at supporting the pupils transition into the primary school and increase numbers entering Welsh medium education.
Both elements of this scheme – the new Nursery and Reception unit and the new childcare space – have been made possible thanks to a significant £1.2m investment via Welsh Government’s Childcare and Early Years Capital Grant.
Providing quality education and facilities to our youngest Welsh learners is an important part of the Councils Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP) to promote and support Welsh medium education in RCT. Providing these services to the youngest Welsh learners is crucial in preparing them for their long-term Welsh medium education.
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, said: “I’m delighted to see the next generation of Welsh learners enjoying the new facilities at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Castellau. This investment with Welsh Government has enabled Cylch Meithrin Beddau to expand their current provision to full-time which is working fantastically well. The learning environment includes 21st Century school facilities, meeting the high standards of our School Modernisation Programme – as well as the range of joint projects across Welsh Government investment programmes, that are continuing across the County Borough.
“Creating additional Welsh medium education capacity, including increasing access to local Cylch Meithrin and creating more Welsh medium nursery places, are key priorities in our 10-year Welsh in Education Strategic Plan. This latest investment for the community of Beddau and providing these services to our youngest Welsh learners, is crucial in best preparing them for their long-term Welsh education.”
Posted on 30/07/2025