30/4/2024

Significant works to redevelop and improve facilities at Moorland Primary School in Splott have been completed.

The £7million investment has seen a new 20 place Specialist Resource Base established at the school for pupils with Complex Learning Needs and a replacement Early Years Unit which was in essential need of updating.

A new Flying Start provision, Twinkle Star, has also been delivered increasing the number of places from 32 to 40 with the potential for 6 childcare offer spaces for 3 and 4 year olds available in due course. This will allow children to move over from the current Flying Start site at Willows high School which is to be relocated and rebuilt on land off Lewis Road in 2026.

The new community campus facility will provide both education alongside family support services to benefit families from pre-birth, with babies and up to primary age children. In addition, the scheme has also provided a new Multi Use Game Area, enhanced outdoor spaces, sustainable drainage features and a new crèche and community room for parenting and community use.The former caretakers house has been demolished andSplott Adventure Amateur Boxing Clubhas been relocated to Ocean Park.

Headteacher Emma Laing said: "We are delighted that our beautiful new buildings and playground will enable us to serve our community more effectively. The site is at the heart of the area and we are here to welcome everyone, and to meet the needs of all children and their families in the locality."

A Cardiff Council spokesperson said: "The completion of this exciting new redevelopment for Moorland Primary School has addressed the poor condition of the schools Early Years unit which was located in a demountable unit. It has also enabled the Council to deliver on its significant city-wide programme to help to meet demand for special school places by expanding Additional Learning Needs provision and improve the standard of facilities right across the city.

"This new community focussed campus represents a significant investment in the Splott area. It now provides a modern, state of the art learning environment whilst presenting a wealth of exciting opportunities for the school and the needs of its community. The new Flying Start site will present the community with beneficial facilities such as a community room for parenting courses and a creche facility, also for use of the school and community out of hours."

Constructed by Knox and Wells, the scheme has been delivered through the Council's Asset Renewal and Suitablity funding with support from Welsh Government's enhanced Flying Start contribution.

Guy Leach, Managing Director atKnox and Wells: "Knox & Wells have enjoyed working on the improvements to Moorland Primary School. We are proud of the finished project and delighted to have played our part in providing top quality and much needed new facilities for the school."