Education Secretary, Kirsty Williams has been in Conwy today to officially open two Welsh Government funded schools in Colwyn Bay.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Ysgol Nant y Groes and Ysgol Swn y Don have been refurbished and extended to provide state-of-the-art teaching environments, with all the facilities expected in a 21st Century School, including the latest in IT equipment.
The overall cost of these 2 projects was £4.2m, funded by Welsh Government 21st Century Schools and Education Programme (50%) and Conwy County Borough Council Education Capital Programme (50%).
During her visits, the Education Secretary toured both sites to see their newly improved facilities and enjoyed performances by pupils, before unveiling plaques in front of the gathered guests.
Kirsty Williams said:
“It is a pleasure to be in Conwy today to officially open the newly refurbished Ysgol Nant y Groes and Ysgol Swn y Don, and see first-hand how the Welsh Government’s investment is having a positive impact on education and learning in the area.
“Our national mission is to raise standards, reduce the attainment gap and deliver an education system that is a source of national pride and confidence. Our 21st Century Schools and Education Programme plays a key part in this and is the largest investment in our schools and colleges since the 1960s.”
The new Ysgol Nant y Groes is the amalgamation of infants school Ysgol Glan y Môr and junior school Ysgol Pendorlan, which were housed in separate buildings on the same site in Colwyn Bay.
This £2.25m investment project focussed on improving the school environment through refurbishment of the existing site in addition to developing a physical link connecting the 2 existing buildings.
In addition to the single storey glazed link area, internal improvements have included room remodelling and construction of a new platform lift and lift shaft, providing access for all pupils to the second storey KS2 area.
Alterations and extensions have also been made to all internal and external services including much needed boiler replacement and improved IT facilities.
Externally, investment has improved playground areas and school frontage, providing playground equipment, and a new 3G MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area) facility.
The Ysgol Swn y Don project involved the amalgamation of the existing infants and junior schools, Ysgol Babanod Penmaenrhos and Ysgol Iau Tan y Marian, with a new Primary School established on the Ysgol Tan y Marian site.
As part of this £1.97m refurbishment, the building has been extensively renovated, with a new school entrance and reception, extension of 2 new classrooms (nursery and reception), a redecoration throughout, renovation of the school kitchen, and new electronic whiteboards for each classroom and the hall.
A soft play area for Nursery and Reception Classes has also been established, and a new boiler and heating system installed. The school has also benefited from an extended tarmac play area, nature trail, benches, garden sheds and flower beds.
Leader, Conwy County Borough Council, Councillor Gareth Jones added:
“It’s very important to the Council that we are able to invest in our schools, to allow the governors and staff to provide high quality education and support in buildings that are fit for purpose. I wish the staff and pupils of Ysgol Nant y Groes and Ysgol Swn y Don all the very best, and I thank the Cabinet Secretary for taking the time to visit both schools today.”