Refurbishments at Pencoed Comprehensive School receive pupils’ glowing approval

Earlier this year, Pencoed Comprehensive School received an overhaul of the facilities offered to learners with additional learning needs (ALN), as well as the construction of Pencoed Netball Centre on site, which includes two new netball courts for school and community use.

Initiated by Bridgend County Borough Council and funded by Welsh Government Community Focused Schools and Additional Learning Needs capital grants, the improvements have been welcomed by staff, learners, and the community. 

The new ALN resource centre, Ty Ewenni, has transformed teaching and learning at the school for the 56 pupils it supports. Accommodating two newly refurbished classrooms and offices for staff, updated toilet facilities, including an accessible toilet, a discreet personal care space for pupils, quiet areas designated for focused tasks, access to the outdoors to support learning, as well as a sensory room to encourage calm - the new purpose-built space caters for the various needs of the learners.

Nicola Perkins, Associate ALNCo and lead teacher for Ty Ewenni, said: “The improvements made to the learning environment at Ty Ewenni have enhanced the pupils’ feeling of belonging within the school, ensuring that they feel valued and are treated equitably. The alterations provide our learners with the opportunity to thrive and learn in a safe, multi-sensory, vibrant environment, equipped with the latest resources to support their needs.”

Headteacher, Edward Jones, added: “Ty Ewenni is very much a part of our school.  The recent refurbishments have provided a stimulating learning environment and improved facilities.

“In our recent Estyn Inspection, the inspectors recognised the warm, calm, nurturing learning environment offered to Ty Ewenni pupils, with staff having an excellent understanding of the needs of individual pupils and a strong focus on supporting those individuals to succeed.”  

Cllr Martyn Jones, Cabinet Member for Education and Youth Services, commented: “The improvements to the facilities of Pencoed Comprehensive School are an asset to the school and the community, with local netball group, Pencoed Pegasus Netball Club, benefitting from the new netball courts outside of school hours, as much as the pupils enjoy them during the school day.

“The works have also succeeded in uplifting the whole learning environment, helping pupils with moderate learning needs to fulfil their potential.  We are very grateful to be able to facilitate these refurbishments, supporting the staff – who are the biggest asset of the school – to operate most effectively.”

Images: Refurbished toilets, Ty Ewenni learners with Cllr Richard Williams, Cllr Melanie Evans and Cllr Martyn Jones.