Here is our latest update, covering: Cardiff plans for a cleaner, greener, healthier future; Offers of places in Cardiff's Primary Schools out now; and ‘Learn, Live, Believe' clearly reflects the aims of St Bernadette's R.C. Primary School, says Estyn.

Cardiff plans for a cleaner, greener, healthier future

An expanded bus service with cheaper £1 fares, a new tram network, and enhanced regional links could soon be part of a cleaner, greener, and more modern transport system for Cardiff. Yet these changes may only become possible if a road user payment is introduced to help fund it, a new report reveals.

The report, which will be considered by Cardiff Council's Cabinet on Thursday, April 27, explores ways in which a road user payment might be reinvested to help build a transport offer which could help the city reduce the harmful effects of air pollution for Cardiff residents, make a difference in the battle against climate change, and tackle congestion.

•Cardiff Road User Payment Scheme: What is being proposed and why

Currently, road transport is responsible for 40% of C02e (carbon) emissions in Cardiff. This is the joint highest C02e figure measured for road transport among the UK's 11 core cities, which include Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, and Sheffield.

And it is estimated that air pollution reduces average life expectancy in the UK by 7-8 months. In towns and cities with air pollution levels above the UK average, including Cardiff, this figure is likely to be even higher.

Evidence indicates that air pollution affects us all and is associated with impacts on lung development in children, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and exacerbates asthma, among other ill-health effects.

Cardiff, in particular, is a victim of this with a higher prevalence of asthma than the European average. Seven per cent of adults in Cardiff have been diagnosed with asthma, and over 9,000 Cardiff residents are registered with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Six percent of children aged 10-14 have asthma in Wales.

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Offers of places in Cardiff's Primary Schools out now

Thousands of parents across Cardiff have received an offer of a place for their child to start in primary school from September 2023.

In total, 3,847 children will make the move from nursery to primary school in the autumn, and to date, 3,233 applications have been made to Cardiff Council.

Based on current figures, 98.2% of those applying have been offered a place at their first preference community primary school, with 99.6% being offered a place at one of their top three preference schools.

This year is the first time that Cardiff Council has been able to use a co-ordinated admissions system for primary school applications, with applications to all community schools and the majority of faith primary schools being made via the local authority, using the one form and process. It is a system that the local authority first started using for secondary school applications in 2018.

When it comes to considering the combined figures for both community and faith primary schools under the co-ordinated system, the proportion of those applying being offered a place at their first preference school rises to 99.4%.

Parents with an offer of a place have until 2nd May to formally accept or refuse. Details on how to do this are included in the offer letter or email sent to them from Cardiff Council.

The 2nd May is also the deadline for any applications that are yet to be made. The decisions on those applications will be released in June.

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‘Learn, Live, Believe' clearly reflects the aims of St Bernadette's R.C. Primary School, says Estyn

Estyn inspectors have found that pupils from St Bernadette's R.C. Primary School thoroughly enjoy coming to school and are very proud to be members of their school community.

During a recent inspection of the Roman Catholic primary School in Pentwyn, the team from Wales's education inspectorate, commended the headteacher and staff for creating a very happy environment that welcomes all pupils who feel safe, respected and valued.

Inspectors found that most pupils develop their knowledge and skills well and make strong progress in developing their literacy, numeracy and digital skills and the oracy skills of pupils in English from the Nursery class to Year 6 are exceptional.

The report goes on to say that pupils' collaboration in class activities and around the school is a strength, they are kind and considerate to each other and their behaviour is exceptional at all times. They contribute well to a variety of groups and committees, and enthusiastically share examples of where their influence has had a positive impact on school life.

It also added, that across the school, teachers provide purposeful learning experiences which successfully stimulate and engage all pupils and ensure that provision for ALN pupils is robust.

Estyn also highlighted that the headteacher, ably supported by the senior leadership team, ensures that the well-being of pupils and the wider school community is at the heart of the school. Communication between staff and parents is good and governors know the school very well, fulfilling their role as critical friend and support the headteacher in moving the school forward.

At the time of the inspection, the school had 234 pupils on roll, 16.3% of whom were eligible for free school meals with 16.1% of pupils identified as having additional learning needs (ALN).

Overall a very positive report, highlighting the nurturing aspect of St Bernadette's. Estyn provided three recommendations to the school: Ensuring that the curriculum is meaningful for all pupils and builds systematically and coherently across the school; Developing pupils' independent skills and ensuring pupils have regular opportunities to improve their own work.

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