Nantymoel Primary School was built in 1928 and a lack of central funding has meant that some of the classrooms had become very tired, however thanks to a £42,000 funding boost from Pennant Walters, the school facilities have been upgraded.
Headteacher at Nantymoel Primary School, Mrs Alyson Jones, explains:
“Over the years we have seen some of our classrooms become tired and we have been keen to upgrade our facilities to benefit and enhance pupil learning. However, due to the pressures the educational sector is under, this just hasn’t been possible for us.
“Thanks to this incredible amount of funding we have now been able to upgrade many of our facilities to benefit our 183 pupils.”
The money has been used to completely renovate three classrooms; which have been redecorated, have new furniture, and also boast interactive teacher walls. A further two classrooms have received a revamp and have been freshly decorated, with new furniture and blinds in place.
The funding provided by Pennant Walters is from a fund linked to the construction of the new, but standalone, Pant y Wal Wind Extension Farm adjacent to Ogwr Valley.
Year 5 pupil, Brooke said:
“When we went into the classrooms for the first time we all thought ‘wow – it’s a lot nicer!’
“It’s more comfortable, there’s more space to move around and work in groups so that we can collaborate more easily.”
The teaching walls are now accessible to 85 Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 pupils and the school is already reporting a positive improvement to learning.
Mrs Jones added:
“Providing opportunities for pupils to develop as independent and resilient learners is of paramount importance. The upgrade we have been able to carry out puts the school in a wonderful position to deliver the changes that Curriculum for Wales will bring. Never did we imagine we’d be able to bring our classrooms in line with the facilities offered by many new-build schools – we are over the moon.
“On behalf of all pupils, teachers, parents and governors, I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to Pennant Walters – this funding will make a huge difference for years to come. Diolch o waelod calon i Pennant Walters – bydd y cyllid hwn yn gwneud gwahaniaeth enfawr am flynyddoedd i ddod.”
Pennant Walters Managing Director, Dale Hart, said:
“We are delighted to provide this funding to Nantymoel Primary School. I’ve seen first-hand the difference the money has made to the classrooms and it’s fantastic.”
This is the second project that Pennant Walters has funded, after Councillor David Owen secured money in 2015 which allowed the purchase of Apple technology.
Councillor Owen added:
“I am very proud and passionate for all the children and staff at Nantymoel Primary School. The school has gone from strength to strength each year under the leadership of Mrs Jones and her staff.
“The funding we have received from Pennant Walters has helped to bring the classrooms into the 21st century, which all our children can enjoy and benefit from. I would like to thank Dale from Pennant Walters for making this dream happen for our school.”
