The Curriculum for Wales grant support programme: grant awards

The Curriculum for Wales grant support programme has 6 overarching priorities: 

• Curriculum design
• Literacy
• Mathematics and numeracy
• Science and technology
• Music
• Foundation learning 

Further information on the programme can be found on the Curriculum for Wales grant support programme: guidance.

The following grants have been awarded in the grant priority areas following the submission of proposals in the November 2024 to January 2025 application window.

Design partnerships: creating learning for Wales (CFWGSP-49)

A grant of £2,025,141 has been awarded to University of Wales Trinity Saint David, in partnership with University of Glasgow. Project funding is provided until March 2028.

The project is aimed at practitioners in primary, secondary and special schools.

The project offers practitioners support to realise the Curriculum for Wales through a collaborative, evidence-informed approach. Key support includes co-constructing professional knowledge in curriculum design, progression and assessment, developing ‘knowledgeable others’ to build capacity within clusters, and creating ‘school narratives’ (case studies) to share effective practices. Participants will engage via design teams, workshops and school visits.

Further information can be found at University of Wales Trinity Saint David or for any queries please contact Designpartnerships@UWTSD.ac.uk.

Cwtch education project (CFWGSP-27)

A grant of £4,219,563 has been awarded to Stori Wales. Project funding is provided until March 2028.

The project is aimed at practitioners and leaders in primary and secondary schools.

The project supports the development of a whole-school approach that enables learners to form and maintain healthy, respectful relationships based on mutual trust and empathy.

National advisory support focusses on:

• delivering consistent, confident, and measurable relationships and sexuality education (RSE), equipping practitioners with cross-curricular knowledge and understanding needed to embed it effectively
• enhancing RSE understanding among governors, parents and carers, clarifying its content, methodology and positive impact on learners
• ensuring learner voice remains central to curriculum development and implementation

Further information can be found at Stori Cymru or for any queries please contact AddysgCwtch@storicymru.org.uk.

Love Reading Cymru, Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru (CFWGSP-56)

A grant of £849,860 has been awarded to the Books Council of Wales. Project funding is provided until March 2028.

The project is aimed at practitioners and learners in the non-maintained sector, primary and secondary schools, parents, carers and libraries.

The project is a 3-year multi-strand programme to support reading for pleasure in Welsh and English. 

It includes:

• primary and secondary workshops for equipping practitioners with integrated reading strategies and contemporary books
• book reading and discussion competitions for Year 3 to Year 8 learners and associated activities
• a campaign to support parents, carers and families on reading for pleasure at home
• the Summer Reading Challenge to keep learners reading through the holidays

Further information can be found at Llyfrau Cymru or for any queries please contact plant@llyfrau.cymru.

Creative Learning Cymru (CFWGSP-25)

A grant of £3,000,000 has been awarded to Arts Council for Wales. Project funding is provided until March 2028.

The project is aimed at practitioners, assistants and leaders in primary and secondary schools.

The project fosters creativity in learners, practitioners, assistants and leaders across the curriculum. It helps improve literacy and oracy through innovative, evidence-based approaches, while enhancing learner engagement and well-being. 

It includes:

• bespoke ‘creative schools’ support
• professional learning tailored to school needs
• a fund to support visits to cultural venues and activities, allowing learners to develop communication skills through music, drama, dance, art, film and digital media

Further information can be found at Creative Learning Cymru or for any queries please contact creative.learning@arts.wales.

Cymraeg PALS-UK (CFWGSP-66)

A grant of £99,637 has been awarded to Nottingham Trent University in partnership with Cardiff Metropolitan University. Project funding is provided until March 2026.

The project is aimed at primary school practitioners and leaders.

Peer-assisted learning strategies (PALS) is an internationally recognised class-wide peer tutoring intervention for learners working towards Progression step 3 that aims to improve reading comprehension and oral reading fluency. An Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) evaluation reported learners in the PALS condition made 2 months additional progress in their reading. The project will prepare PALS for the Welsh educational context through a co-construction approach to ensure alignment with the Curriculum for Wales framework guidance and Welsh language requirements.

Further information can be found at The Fuchs Research Group or for any queries please contact pals-uk@ntu.ac.uk.

Rhaglen Hyfforddiant ‘Dysgu Darllen a Darllen i Ddysgu’, ‘Learn to Read’ and ‘Read to Learn’ training programme (CFWGSP-69)

A grant of £224,000 has been awarded to CYDAG. Project funding is provided until March 2028.

The project is aimed at nursery and primary school practitioners and leaders.

The project entails a national training programme in Welsh language phonics for practitioners and teaching assistants working with learners aged 3 to 7. The support includes guidelines for practitioner self-assessment of the implementation of Welsh language phonics reading programmes, alongside facilitating peer-to-peer working to reflect on experiences and successes, discuss challenges and share practice in developing reading skills. The project will also develop and deliver follow-on training moving from ‘Learning to Read’ to ‘Reading to Learn’.

Further information can be found at Cydag Cymru or for any queries please contact post@cydag.cymru.

Ein Llais Ni: dyfnhau, gwreiddio ac ehangu (CFWGSP-46)

A grant of £761,291 has been awarded to Bangor University working in partnership Wrexham University. Project funding is provided until March 2028.

The project is aimed at practitioners in primary, secondary and special schools.

The project provides a support system for leaders and practitioners across school sectors to use the Ein Llais Ni programme, focussing on developing pedagogy and providing practical guidance for all practitioners and leaders to enhance Welsh language oracy.

The project will promote digital methods to inspire, facilitate development and record learner progress. It will effectively promote collaboration among practitioners and schools by sharing effective practices and developing a shared understanding of progression.

Further information can be found at Ein Llais Ni Cymru or for any queries please contact einllaisni@bangor.ac.uk.

Multilingual mentoring project (CFWGSP-30)

A grant of £1,229,400 has been awarded to Cardiff University. Project funding is provided until March 2028.

The project is aimed at practitioners in primary and secondary schools.

The project provides support for primary and secondary practitioners to integrate multilingual teaching into their curriculum, enhancing confidence and competence in delivering literacy-enhancing multilingual learning experiences. This includes mentoring to secondary learners, alongside professional learning, and teaching and learning resources to be used in primary and secondary schools. Webinars, guidance videos and in-person workshops help practitioners integrate multilingual teaching methods, with confidence and creativity.

Further information can be found at MFL mentoring or for any queries please contact mflmentoring@cardiff.ac.uk.

Yr e-sgol laith (CFWGSP-10)

A grant of £298,166 has been awarded to e-sgol. Project funding is provided until March 2028.

The project is aimed at providing professional learning for practitioners and direct teaching experiences for learners in primary schools.

The project supports the priority of literacy, international languages. The project will enhance language education in primary and all-age schools across Wales by engaging practitioners and learners in interactive language lessons. It will provide professional learning for practitioners and direct teaching experiences for learners, aligning with the Curriculum for Wales. 

The aims are to:

• upskill practitioners
• improve learner engagement in language learning
• foster a consistent approach to international language taster sessions in primary schools

A central language practitioner will design and deliver lessons in international languages and British Sign Language (BSL) during the academic year.

The project will:

• provide opportunities for practitioners to replicate the work of the language specialist, enhancing their skills and confidence in delivering language lessons
• engage learners using interactive online experiences for Progression step 3, with potential expansion to learners at earlier progression steps

Further information can be found at e-sgol Cymru or for any queries please contact ymholiadau@e-sgol.cymru.

Literature fires the imagination (CFWGSP-38)

A grant of £55,950 has been awarded to Stephen Spender Trust. Project funding is provided until March 2028.

The project is aimed at practitioners in primary and secondary schools.

The project provides international languages support including 2 professional learning programmes each delivered across 3 virtual sessions. It will design tools for primary and secondary practitioners to support participation and integration of ‘creative translation’ techniques into classroom teaching. Adaptable tools will cover French, German, Spanish, Mandarin and 4 home or heritage languages including unique audio-visual material. A virtual practitioner network supports ongoing development of practice.

Further information can be found at Stephen Spender Trust projects or for any queries please contact schools@stephen-spender.org.

Building number confident school communities in Wales (CFWGSP-23)

A grant of £290,595 has been awarded to National Numeracy. Project funding is provided until March 2028.

The project is aimed at primary school leaders, practitioners, parents and carers. 

The project aims to:

• transform attitudes towards numeracy in primary schools
• increase learner confidence with numbers
• improve positive feelings about mathematics
• highlight the value of mathematics outside the classroom

Support will also boost the confidence of parents, carers and school staff in supporting mathematics learning. This includes professional learning, accredited Numeracy Champions training, alongside access to interactive online sessions called ‘Feeling Better About Maths’ which focus on improving adults’ confidence and attitudes towards mathematics.

Further information can be found at National Numeracy or for any queries please contact Schoolsandfamilies@nationalnumeracy.org.uk.

Primed for success (CFWGSP-08)

A grant of £2,711,897 has been awarded to The Learning Partnership (Wales) Ltd. Project funding is provided until March 2028.

The project is aimed at leaders of mathematics in primary and secondary schools, and practitioners working with Year 6 and 7 learners in schools through secondary and feeder primary school cluster working.

With a focus on mathematics and numeracy, the project is an ambitious professional learning opportunity. Through a mix of expert input, regular facilitation and cluster inquiry, participants explore the teaching and learning of the 5 mathematical proficiencies:

• conceptual understanding
• communication using symbols
• fluency
• logical reasoning
• strategic competence

The aim is that learners experience a smooth transition in their mathematical learning between primary and secondary schools.

Further information can be found at The Learning Partnership Wales or for any queries please contact info@tlpwales.co.uk.

Maths Support Programme Wales (MSPW) (CFWGSP-70)

A grant of £1,645,771 has been awarded to Swansea University. Project funding is provided until March 2028.

The project is aimed at primary, secondary and post-16 practitioners and school leaders.

The focus of the project is on learner progression in mathematics from primary, through secondary and into post-16 GCE AS or A2 further mathematics qualifications. This is supported through professional learning, in-school capacity building, resources and direct support. Professional learning is available for non-specialist and specialist mathematics practitioners looking to enhance their practice, as well as mathematics leadership. Support promotes a broad appreciation and enjoyment of mathematics, emphasising accessibility and relevance to all learners from primary school upwards.

Further information can be found at Maths Support Programme Wales or for any queries please contact rhgmc-mspw@swansea.ac.uk.

Boosting science education in Wales (CFWGSP-55)

A grant of £1,845,545 has been awarded to the Institute of Physics. Project funding is provided until March 2028.

The project is aimed at primary and secondary school practitioners, technicians and school leaders.

The project will provide a significant programme of support to enhance science teaching and learning outcomes in primary and secondary schools delivered in partnership by the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Chemistry and Science Made Simple. It will strengthen practitioners’ pedagogical and subject knowledge, as well as build confidence through professional development and specialised mentoring and coaching. Practitioners and technicians will benefit from tailored teaching resources and online modules, alongside the creation of networks to foster peer support.

Further information can be found at Institute of Physics or for any queries please contact BoostingScienceWales@iop.org.

National Music Service (CFWGSP-64)

A grant of £12,000,000 has been awarded to the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) in partnership with local authorities. Project funding is provided until March 2028.

The project is aimed at primary and secondary school practitioners and leaders.

The National Music Service works with local authorities and key stakeholders to implement the National Plan for Music Education, delivering a wide range of inclusive opportunities for learners in schools, settings and communities to play, sing, take part in and create music. The programme includes vocal teaching in schools and settings, promoting pathways and making music together. Charanga Cymru is the National Music Service’s digital platform which offers professional learning for practitioners and equitable access for learners of all ages.

Further information can be found at National Music Service for Wales and National Plan for Music Education or for any queries please contact NMSpost@wlga.gov.uk.

Foundation learning support for non-maintained nursery settings (CFWGSP-59)

A grant of £184,000 has been awarded to National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) Cymru working with Cwlwm partners. Project funding provided is until March 2028.

The project is aimed at the funded non-maintained nursery sector.

The project supports the non-maintained nursery sector in Wales to enhance quality practice in nursery education and ensure continued alignment with the Curriculum for Wales. This includes advice, support, professional learning and resources to enhance curriculum implementation. Support improves quality practice in nursery education and ensures continued alignment with the Curriculum for Wales framework.

Further information can be found at Early Childhood, Play Learning and Care (ECPLC)/Curriculum for Wales: NDNA or for any queries, please contact wales@ndna.org.uk.

Foundation learning support for non-maintained nursery settings (CFWGSP-19)

A grant of £184,000 has been awarded to Early Years Wales, working with Cwlwm partners. Project funding provided is until March 2028.

The project is aimed at the funded non maintained nursery sector.

The project supports the non-maintained nursery sector in Wales to enhance quality practice in nursery education and ensure continued alignment with the Curriculum for Wales. This includes advice, support, professional learning and resources to enhance curriculum implementation. Support improves quality practice in nursery education and ensures continued alignment with the Curriculum for Wales framework.

Further information can be found at Early Years Wales or for any queries please contact Kelcies@earlyyears.wales.

Foundation learning support for non-maintained nursery settings (CFWGSP-12)

A grant of £184,000 has been awarded to Coram PACEY Cymru, part of the Coram group, working with Cwlwm partners. Project funding provided is until March 2028.

The project is aimed at the funded non maintained nursery sector.

The project supports the non-maintained nursery sector in Wales to enhance quality practice in nursery education and ensure continued alignment with the Curriculum for Wales. This includes advice, support, professional learning and resources to enhance curriculum implementation. Support improves quality practice in nursery education and ensures continued alignment with the Curriculum for Wales framework.

Further information can be found at Coram PACEY Cymru or for any queries please contact cymru@corampacey.org.uk.

Foundation learning support for non-maintained nursery settings (CFWGSP-20)

A grant of £596,000 has been awarded to Mudiad Meithrin, working with Cwlwm partners.

The project is aimed at the funded non maintained nursery sector.

The project supports the non-maintained nursery sector in Wales to enhance quality practice in nursery education and ensure continued alignment with the Curriculum for Wales. Support improves practice in nursery education, provides guidance on developmentally appropriate pedagogy and ensures alignment with the Curriculum for Wales framework. Working with Cwlwm, the support includes high-quality, bilingual resources and professional learning for funded and non-funded, non-maintained Cwlwm settings and practitioners offering a local, national and international context.

Further information can be found at Mudiad Meithrin or for any queries please contact post@meithrin.cymru.