04/10/24

Moorland Primary School in Splott has celebrated the official opening of its new school development worth £7million of investment.

A special event has been held to open the school's new 20 place Specialist Resource Base for pupils with Complex Learning Needs and the replacement of the Early Years Unit which was in essential need of updating.

A new Flying Start provision, Twinkle Star, has been established, increasing the number of places from 36 to 48 per session, allowing more local families to benefit from the provision. This expansion also opens up the potential for childcare spaces for 3 and 4-year-olds in the near future. The move has facilitated the transfer of children from the current Flying Start site at Willows High School, which is scheduled to be relocated and rebuilt on land off Lewis Road by 2026.

The event was attended by Cardiff Council's Leader Cllr Huw Thomas, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry and Cabinet Member for Childrens Services, Tackling Poverty & Supporting Young People, Cllr Ash Lister.

They were joined by Headteacher Emma Laing, local councillors and representatives from Knox and Wells, the contractor chosen to carry out the works.

School children provided African drumming and singing performances and guests enjoyed a tour of the new facilities.

The new community campus facility will offer both educational and family support services, benefiting families from pre-birth, right through to primary age children. Additionally, the scheme includes a new Multi-Use Game Area, enhanced outdoor spaces, sustainable drainage features, and a new crèche and community room for parenting and community activities. The former caretaker's house has been demolished, and the Splott Adventure Amateur Boxing Club has been relocated to Ocean Park.

Headteacher Emma Laing said: "We are delighted with the new facilities for our youngest learners and the building and gardens have really enhanced their learning. The arrival of Flying Start on site gives us the opportunity to work together as one community campus to serve the families in our community more effectively."

Cardiff's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "The official opening of Moorland Primary School's new and improved redevelopment marks an exciting new chapter for staff, pupils and the wider community. The significant works undertaken at the school, have addressed the poor condition of the schools Early Years unit which was located in a demountable unit and has 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, helping to 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 and health courses and a creche facility, also for use of the school and community out of hours."

Cllr Ash Lister, Cabinet Member for Children Social Services said, "I am excited about the positive impact this new provision will have on the local community. I'm looking forward to seeing the benefits of this facility for early childhood development and family support. We know that co-locating services on school sites enhances partnership working, enabling us to better meet the needs of babies, children, and their families."

Director of Knox and Wells Building Contractors, Mike Baynham said: "We are extremely proud of our contribution to transform the dated 70's Early Years Building into a modern facility, along with the new Flying Start Unit. These buildings have been enthusiastically embraced by students, staff, and the community alike. The engagement we have had with the pupils and staff have made it a project to remember for the whole Knox and Wells team."

Constructed by Knox and Wells, the scheme has been delivered through the Council's Asset Renewal and Suitability funding with support from Welsh Government's enhanced Early Years and Childcare Capital Grant.