Christmas comes early for Llwynhendy teachers and pupils

PUPILS and staff in Llwynhendy received an early Christmas present – a £6.6million state of the art new school.

The official opening of Ysgol Gymraeg Brynsierfel took place with a special ‘festive themed’ ceremony and the unveiling of a plaque by Carmarthenshire County Council Chair Cllr Ivor Jackson.

The Welsh primary school, which has a capacity for 210 pupils and a nursery for 30 children, was built through the council’s Modernising Education Provision (MEP) programme.

The hi-tech, eco-friendly building opened its doors a few weeks ago after being completed ahead of schedule by contractors Kier Western.

An architectural design team from the council’s Property Services worked with the contractors to develop an inspiring learning environment. Its most iconic feature is the split level corridor which brings light into the building and creates space for pupils to display their artwork.

Work included a compete remodelling of the former school campus and the demolition of the old school which was built in the 1950s.

The official opening was attended by dignitaries and leading councillors and officers from the council, the Chair of Governors and the contractors.

Council Leader Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “Our children and teachers deserve the best and this is what has been achieved here in Llwynhendy with this fantastic new school.

“It is so important that we are able to provide first-class learning facilities such as this to give our young people the best start possible in life.”

Education Executive Board Member Cllr Gwynne Wooldridge presented pupils Chloe Morris and Owen Morris with the ‘key’ to the school (pictured) and there were a number of performances from the children including a special violin solo by pupil Nathan Landon as well as the official Ysgol Brynsierfel school song.

Deputy headteacher Lee James said: “We would like to thank everyone that has helped us to build our excellent new school which, not just the children and staff are proud of, but the whole community. But it is more than just bricks and mortar to us, it’s home.”

Ysgol Gymraeg Brynsierfel is the latest school to be built through the MEP programme and is part of the authority’s plan to meet growing demand for Welsh medium education in Llanelli.

To date, around £128 million has been invested in schools throughout Carmarthenshire and by 2020 a further £200 million will be spent; supported by the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools programme.