Here is your Friday update, covering:

• Kitchener Primary School applauded by school inspectors
• Maitland Park play area improvements unveiled
• Cardiff public sector worker spends nothing on petrol and gets paid by his energy company

Kitchener Primary School applauded by Estyn for inclusive ethos and strong learning community

Kitchener Primary School in Riverside has been praised by Estyn for its inclusive and welcoming environment, which fosters a culture of respect, responsibility, and empathy among its diverse student body.

During a visit by the inspection by the Education and Training Inspectorate in Wales, the report commended the school's inclusive ethos, noting that pupils, staff, and parents share strong, positive relationships built on mutual trust. This supportive environment allows pupils to feel safe and nurtures their motivation to learn.

Inspectors noted that the school offers a rich variety of stimulating learning experiences that engage and motivate pupils and has been effective in supporting pupils to become independent learners, with most Year 6 pupils demonstrating strong self-reliance and perseverance.

The report also highlights the school's commitment to celebrating diversity and broadening pupils' understanding of global events. Pupils are encouraged to consider complex issues thoughtfully and to understand how they can contribute to positive change. This has been a key part of their development as respectful and globally conscious individuals.

Headteacher Reena Patel said: "I am proud to lead a school that values its community, reflects the diverse needs of its children in the curriculum, and ensures everyone has a voice and is valued."

A positive report, Estyn have recommended two key areas for further improvement which the school will address in its action plan;

Improving the provision for the systematic development of pupils' numeracy and mathematical skills.

Ensuring that all teachers maintain consistently high expectations for pupils' written work.

Cardiff's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "Kitchener Primary School is known for its vibrant and diverse community and Estyn have recognised the good work taking place at the school which provides opportunities that help children grow not just academically, but also as compassionate, engaged citizens of the world.

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Maitland Park play area improvements

Improvements are to be made to the play area at Maitland Park in Gabalfa.

The improvement works, which will take approximately 6 weeks to complete, will include:

• The installation of new play equipment.
• The installation of new safety surfacing.
• New seating.
• New litter bins.

Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: "Access to good quality, local outdoor play facilities is really important and I'm sure these upgraded facilities will be welcomed by families living locally.

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Cardiff public sector worker spends nothing on petrol and gets paid by his energy company

As an Occupational Therapist, Reuben Morris spends his days driving the streets of Cardiff to visit clients in their homes. He's the first to admit it would be "very difficult" to do his job without a car - but six years ago he made the green choice to switch to an electric vehicle and now, despite the miles he clocks up every day, he never spends a penny on petrol.

"I got a cheap Nissan Leaf off Gumtree and that," Reuben explains, "was my gateway into green technology. Since then, it's become a bit of an addiction. I realised I could charge it from solar panels, and it all went from there. Now we've got battery storage and a heat pump as well and our energy supplier pays us!"

Transport is the biggest cause of carbon emissions in Cardiff - making up 35% of the 1.78 million tonnes of CO2e generated in the city every year, so every green choice made by people like Reuben today - whether that's walking or cycling a little more or switching to an electric vehicle - adds up to a brighter future tomorrow.

With a growing network of approximately 200  publicly accessible electric vehicle chargers  now available in Cardiff, and more expected to be introduced as part of Cardiff Council's One Planet Cardiff response to the climate emergency as well as by the private sector, the infrastructure to support EV vehicles is improving, but Reuben admits to some early ‘range anxiety.'

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