Cardiff Newsroom / Newyddian Cymraeg
Cardiff Council Update: 21 June 2024 / Cymraeg
Here is your Friday update, covering:
- Road closures for the Pride Cymru parade on June 22nd
- Travel advice for the Foo Fighters on June 25 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff
- Annual Report Highlights Cardiff’s Commitment to Children Looked After
- Llysfaen Primary School praised for exceptional standards and leadership
Road closures for the Pride Cymru parade on June 22nd
Pride Cymru is back with a two-day festival planned in Cardiff City Centre on June 22nd and June 23rd.
The parade will take place on June 22nd and road closures will be put in place to ensure that the event can take place safely.
The crowds will gather on Westgate Street before they start the parade at 11am walking up Castle Street onto High Street, then onto St Mary Street, back into the Hayes, onto St. John Street, along Queen Street, up Park Place, back along Greyfriars Road, onto Kingsway and finishing on Castle Street.
Travel advice for the Foo Fighters on June 25 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff
Foo Fighters will be playing at Principality Stadium on June 25h. With the gates to the stadium opening at 4pm, there will be a full city centre road closure around the stadium from 3pm until midnight.
The M4 motorway is expected to be very busy due to this concert – so please plan ahead – and avoid the congestion in Cardiff by using the park & ride at Cardiff City Football Club in Leckwith – CF11 8AZ.
For up to date traffic information on the motorway and trunk roads go to the Traffic Wales website, or @TrafficWalesS on Twitter and Facebook.
Those attending the concert are strongly advised to plan their journey and get in early. Please pay attention to the prohibited items listed at principalitystadium.wales, in particular the bag policy (no large bags permitted) before travelling into the city.
Annual Report Highlights Cardiff’s Commitment to Children Looked After
A report published by the Council’s Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee, highlights Cardiff’s dedication to offering the best care and support for the city’s children looked after and care leavers.
The Committee collaborates with various sectors, including Social Services, Health, Education, and other statutory agencies, to ensure collective responsibility for the wellbeing of children looked after, striving to safeguard their interests and provide them with the best opportunities to succeed in life.
The 2023/2024 Annual Report highlights the range of initiatives undertaken by the Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee over the past year and notes a number of key activities such as the expansion of the emotional wellbeing and mental health services, an integrated children and young people’s provision with a single point of access and no wrong door approach. A number of improvements include significant growth in workforce, a single point of access with a consultation line for professionals, clear pathways of care and communication platforms that were co-produced with children and young people.
The report also draws attention to the rapid development of the Accommodation Strategy which has been developed to set out the vision and direction for service provision over the next three years. It outlines how Cardiff will seek to work with partners to meet the needs of children, young people and their families, using the least interventionist approach. It focusses on three key areas: Place, People and Practice and gives an overview of the ambitious plans to increase residential care provision for children and young people. One of the reasons behind the need for more residential provision, is the consistent reduction in foster carer recruitment and the proposals look to use current assets within the authority, as well acquiring and developing a number of other properties.
Llysfaen Primary School praised for exceptional standards and leadership
During a recent visit to Llysfaen Primary School, Estyn have commended the school for its exceptional standards, outstanding leadership, and a nurturing environment that supports all pupils in achieving high levels of success.
Inspectors from His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales described the school as a highly successful and happy institution where high standards permeate all aspects of its life and work.
The inspection report highlights the strong and effective leadership provided by the headteacher, governors, and other senior leaders. Their deep understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for improvement, combined with the regular gathering of accurate performance evidence and effective planning, ensures that any shortcomings are addressed swiftly.
The report notes that that nearly all pupils, including those with additional learning needs (ALN), make very strong progress and the well-planned curriculum and wider curricular opportunities provide pupils with authentic and exciting learning experiences.
Many pupils are highly competent in mathematics, demonstrate mature writing skills for various purposes, and achieve very high standards in oracy and reading and the school’s whole-school approach to teaching and promoting Welsh has resulted in most pupils developing well-rounded Welsh language skills and a strong awareness of Wales’ history, culture, and people (cynefin).
The provision to support pupils with additional learning needs is highly effective, resulting in significant progress from individual starting points and the report praises the high quality of teaching, noting that most teachers skilfully plan lessons that build on pupils’ prior learning and set high expectations. This approach encourages pupils to respond positively to challenges and develop a passion for learning.
The inspection found that nearly all pupils behave impeccably, interacting with each other in a caring and supportive manner. The positive relationships between pupils and staff, coupled with a nurturing environment, ensure that pupils’ well-being is well supported. There is also a strong culture of safeguarding at the school.
Cardiff Council Update: 14 June 2024 / Cymraeg
Here is your Tuesday update, covering:
- Travel advice for Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour
- Organised Crime Group sentenced to a total 25 years in prison, with a further 9 years of suspended sentences
- Traders at Wales’s biggest free food festival revealed
- Lollipop Lady celebrates an incredible 50 years of dedicated service.
Travel advice for the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour on June 18 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff
Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour will be playing at Principality Stadium on June 18th. With the gates to the stadium opening at 4pm, there will be a full city centre road closure around the stadium from 12 noon until midnight – but Cowbridge Road East, Castle Street and Duke Street will remain open until 3pm.
The M4 motorway is expected to be very busy due to this concert – so please plan ahead – and avoid the congestion in Cardiff by using the park & ride at Cardiff City Football Club in Leckwith – CF11 8AZ.
For up to date traffic information on the motorway and trunk roads go to the Traffic Wales website, or @TrafficWalesS on Twitter and Facebook.
Those attending the concert are strongly advised to plan their journey and get in early. Please pay attention to the prohibited items listed at principalitystadium.wales, in particular the bag policy (no large bags permitted) before travelling into the city.
Organised Crime Group sentenced to a total 25 years in prison, with a further 9 years of suspended sentences
Members of a South Wales Organised Crime Group (OCG) which sold illegal tobacco, cigarettes and Nitrous Oxide while money-laundering more than £1.5m were sentenced today to a total of 25 years of immediate imprisonment and 9 years of suspended sentences, at Swansea Crown Court.
All eleven members of the OCG initially pleaded not guilty to a fraud in excess of £1.8m carried out between September 6, 2013, and February 5, 2022.
But during an initial trial three defendants changed their plea to guilty part way through, and two more defendants pleaded guilty during a second trial in which the remaining six defendants were found guilty of fraud by unanimous verdict.
Four members of the criminal organisation were also found guilty of money laundering offences to the value of more than £1.5million.
During the investigation, officers from Cardiff, and Bridgend and Vale councils’ Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) seized £600,000 of illegal tobacco, based on market cost, along with £12,500 worth of Nitrous Oxide cannisters.
Traders at Wales’s biggest free food festival revealed
Serving up some of the tastiest treats in town and an eclectic line-up of local musicians, Cardiff Food and Drink Festival is back in Cardiff Bay for summer 2024 – and it promises to be a real feast for the senses!
Taking place in the Oval Basin from Friday July 5th– Sunday July 7th, Wales’s biggest free food festival supports more than 100 small businesses including festival favourites like The Mighty Softshell Crab, Café Cannoli, and bringing their garlicky goodness all the way from the Isle of Wight, The Garlic Farm.
There are also plenty of local heroes to celebrate, whether it’s renowned Cardiff eatery, Purple Poppadom’s street food with an Indian twist, Samosaco’s vegetarian and vegan snacks -including their famous Onion Bhaji Scotch Eggs – or the dangerously delicious premium brioche doughnuts and cookies baked by Cardiff Dough & Co less than 5 miles from the Festival site.
Notable new faces at the festival this year include Artur Brew & Co, a new independent microbrewery that have been selling high quality craft beers from their base in Crickhowell since April this year. If you’re in the mood for mead, make a beeline for fellow festival first-timers Hive Mind Mead who make their drinks from honey collected across the Wye Valley.
Pentyrch Primary School will celebrate a remarkable milestone this week, as Hazel Davies marks 50 years of service as a lollipop lady.
Known for her motto, “Safe Journey Home” Hazel has dedicated her life to ensuring the safety of children and their families on the roads and, regardless of the weather, she has become a consistent and reassuring presence at the school.
During her time as a Cardiff Council School Crossing Patrol, Hazel has been awarded the British Empire Medal for her services and her commitment and inspirational spirit have made her a beloved figure in the community. She has educated generations on road safety and has even inspired her daughter and husband, John to take up the role.
Sarah Coombes, Executive Headteacher of Pentyrch Primary School, praised Hazel’s dedication, stating, “Hazel is an integral part of the Pentyrch School Community and we would all like to congratulate her on this remarkable achievement as she celebrates 50 years as a Lollipop Lady.
“Hazel has given her life in service to the families of Cardiff schools, spending the last 27 years at Pentyrch Primary School. She makes a point of getting to know all of our families and goes out of her way to chat to everyone. Her spirit never wavers and come rain or shine she is out on the crossing day in day out keeping the children safe. The school community is hugely grateful to her for her dedication and commitment as she celebrates her special day.”
Cardiff Council Update: 31 May 2024 / Cymraeg
Here is your Friday update, covering:
- Babies Remembrance Service
- Council launches new consultation document to tackle inequality in Cardiff
- Recent Estyn inspection recognises Birchgrove Primary School’s shining stars
- Cardiff Dogs Home residents have a new garden to enjoy
Babies Remembrance Service
A Babies Remembrance Service will be held at 11.30am on Sunday June 30th at the ‘Dear Mum’ garden at Western Cemetery.
Based around the story of a young mouse called Dora who wishes she could tell her mother how much she misses her, the ‘Dear Mum’ sculpture garden is designed to help young children cope with the loss of a loved one and provide a place of remembrance for parents who have lost a baby.
The memorial service is supported by the Stillbirth and Neonatal Deaths Society (Sands) and will be led by members of the University Hospital of Wales Chaplaincy team. Everyone is welcome to attend, and members of the Cardiff branch of Sands will be available at the service.
Cabinet Member with responsibility for Bereavement Services, Cllr Norma Mackie, said: “The ‘Dear Mum’ garden is a fitting location for this service, which offers families who have experienced the sad loss of a baby an opportunity to reflect and remember, in a caring and supportive environment.”
Council launches new consultation document to tackle inequality in Cardiff
Cardiff Council has published a comprehensive new consultation document outlining how it plans to tackle inequality in the city over the next four years.
The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (2024-2028) is designed to explain the measures that the authority is embracing to ensure its aim of a ‘Stronger, Fairer, Greener’ Cardiff is achieved.
A report on the consultation approved by the Council’s Cabinet yesterday (May 23) stresses that creating a ‘Fairer’ city means “ensuring that the many great opportunities of living in Cardiff can be enjoyed by everyone, whatever their background, where those suffering from disadvantage are supported and where every citizen is valued and feels valued.”
It also outlines that the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), which came into force in 2011, ensures the following characteristics are protected:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race – including ethnic or national origin, colour or nationality
- Religion or belief, including lack of religion or belief
- Sex, and
- Sexual orientation
The PSED also requires councils to publish objectives at least every four years and to publish a statement detailing the steps it has taken or intends to take to meet them, including tackling any gender pay gap.
Cllr Julie Sangani, the lead Cabinet Member for Public Health and Equalities, said Cardiff already had a proud history of promoting equality and diversity. “We are the most ethnically diverse local authority in Wales and one of the oldest ethnically diverse communities in Britain, with more than 100 languages spoken here.
“We also rank as the top city in Europe for immigrants and families with young children and we are a top 10 city for members of the LGBTQ+ community to live.
“Like all UK cities, however, we face instances of long-standing and deep-rooted inequality. Some residents face barriers to living full and active lives and more needs to be done to ensure that no-one experiences discrimination of any kind because of who they are.
“The patterns of poverty and inequality that emerged a generation ago remain, having been compounded by the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. Closing the inequality gap will require the ongoing delivery of excellent education, creating jobs that provide opportunities for progression and delivering sustainable housing solutions which meet the needs of all, as well as reducing health inequalities.”
Recent Estyn inspection recognises Birchgrove Primary School’s shining stars
Birchgrove Primary School has recently undergone a successful inspection by Estyn, His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales which highlights the school’s positive culture and strong leadership.
Inspectors found the school to be an inclusive and happy learning community, with pupils demonstrating excellent behaviour and a positive attitude towards learning. The school’s commitment to fostering a strong culture of care and understanding is evident.
The report gives praise for the engaging curriculum, which includes a wide range of authentic and stimulating learning experiences. Teachers provide diverse opportunities for pupils to develop their literacy, numeracy, and digital skills, which they enthusiastically apply across various educational activities. Additionally, the school offers a rich selection of extracurricular activities and educational visits, further enhancing the student experience.
Cardiff Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: “Estyn have acknowledged the good work taking place at Birchgrove Primary School and the report shines a light on the nurturing environment that has been established.
“I would like to congratulate the head, staff, pupils and families for achieving this positive report.”
The headteacher, Mrs Morgan, who has been with the school since 2012, was commended for her strong leadership and for fostering a vision centred around preparing pupils for their future lives and community-focused learning. The school’s governing body was also recognised for its effective collaboration with staff, pupils, and parents in supporting ongoing improvement.
Headteacher Mrs Sarah Morgan said, “The school community is delighted that inspectors recognised the excellent work of both pupils and staff as well as the school’s strong identity where pupils are clearly proud of being Birchgrove Stars. We are very fortunate to have a dedicated and talented team of staff who work closely with families and Governors to ensure that the school motto ‘Where every child is a star’ reflects the ethos of the school and enables all children to achieve highly.”
Mrs Christine Salter, Chair of Governors, added, “Governors are very pleased that the inspectors recognised that Birchgrove Primary School is a happy and inclusive community and that pupils have a positive attitude towards their learning.”
Cardiff Dogs Home residents have a new garden to enjoy
Residents staying at Cardiff Dogs Home have a new garden to enjoy as they wait to find their forever home.
The garden, which provides the dogs with additional space to exercise and play with the Dogs Home team, has been made possible with support from the Home’s affiliated charity the Rescue Hotel, Dogs Home volunteers, Keep Wales Tidy and partnership housing developer, Lovell.
Cabinet Member with responsibility for Cardiff Dogs Home, Cllr Dan De’Ath, said: “Many of the dogs who find themselves at Cardiff Dogs Home have come from difficult situations and they deserve a little luxury during their stay.
“Having this new garden on site will help ensure the dogs can spend more time outside of their kennels, and give them a space where the team can work with them to ensure they’re ready to be rehomed – a big thank you to all our fantastic volunteers, the Rescue Hotel, Keep Wales Tidy, and the team at Lovell who generously supported the project.”
Cardiff Council Update: 17 May 2024
Here is your Friday update, covering:
- Grant support to improve community buildings
- New trail exploring the history of Cardiff’s Dock Feeder Canal
- Green lit plans for a new Willows High School
- Rugby Codebreakers statue wins Sporting Heritage Award
Grant support to improve community buildings
Applications for grant funding to support voluntary-sector community organisations to improve their community buildings are now being invited.
Local community and voluntary groups across the city can apply for funding up to £10,000 to carry out internal and external improvements to their buildings such as improving accessibility, enhancing security, kitchen refurbishments, and energy efficiency measures, that would help secure or increase the use of their facilities by the local community.
Supported by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, the Community Building Grants Scheme requires eligible applicants to fund at least 15% of the overall project costs from other sources.
Eligible community buildings include community halls, community centres and other facilities which are used by, and accessible to the whole community, and not just used by a single or restricted number of groups.
A council spokesperson said: “We want to hear from community organisations and local groups who need funding to improve their building so that the local community can make better use of the facility, and from those seeking to respond to the climate emergency by making changes to their building that will help reduce energy usage.”
Funding can be used to enhance or improve the structure of the building, upgrade of fire safety, health and safety or security provisions, install new kitchens, windows and doors or toilet facilities; improve access or upgrade electrical, drainage and lighting systems.
Funding cannot be used for routine maintenance and repair work, staff or running costs, projects benefiting a limited membership or work already underway or completed. Other exclusions apply.
For the grant application pack, visit here
For queries contact: regeneration@cardiff.gov.uk
The deadline to apply is June 28.
Successful projects must be completed by February 21, 2025.
New trail exploring the history of Cardiff’s Dock Feeder Canal
Built in the 1830s, Cardiff’s Dock Feeder Canal entered a new phase in its history recently, when a section of the city waterway that had been hidden beneath Churchill Way in Cardiff city centre since 1948 was uncovered.
Now, QR codes which can be scanned by a smartphone to connect to information about the canal, have been placed along the entire route – from its source at Blackweir to the Pierhead in Cardiff Bay – to form a new ‘Cardiff Dock Feeder Canal Tour’ which makes the canal’s history even more accessible. The tour can also be followed virtually on the historypoints.org website.
Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: “The construction of the Dock Feeder Canal was integral to the coal-trade that fuelled much of Cardiff’s development and the recent re-opening on Churchill Way means it is also very much part of the city’s future. Hopefully this new trail will enable people to discover more about the rich history that sometimes hides just below the surface.”
The new tour, created with the support of Cardiff Council whose property the codes are displayed on, is part of the ‘HistoryPoints’ project. Established in 2012 the project aims to help people connect with local history using their smartphones. Since then, the non-profit organisation has installed QR codes at more than 2,200 points of historic interest across Wales.
Green lit plans for a new Willows High School
Cardiff Council’s Planning Committee have given the go-head for a brand-new home for Willows High School to be constructed on land off Lewis Road in Splott.
The scheme represents more than £50m investment and will see the existing school relocated and rebuilt, providing capacity for 900 learners aged 11 to 16 years in addition to a 30 place Special Resource Base for pupils with Additional Learning Needs and offering access to excellent quality education environments to support and enhance teaching and learning.
Delivered under Cardiff Council and Welsh Government’s Band B, Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, the new school will have a community focus and offer comprehensive sports facilities such as a sports hall, gym, drama studio, 3G and grass pitches, which will be available for public use outside of school hours. The scheme will also provide improved pedestrian facilities to support active travel arrangements in the area.
Deputy Leader of Cardiff Council, and Cabinet Member for Education Cllr Sarah Merry, said: “The reality of delivering an excellent brand-new, modern home for Willows High School moves one step closer with the approval of planning. This development represents a significant investment in the local area and will provide exceptional facilities, expertise and teaching opportunities for students and staff, as well as offering superb facilities for the whole community to enjoy and benefit from.
“The progression of the new school build, reaffirms our commitment to making sure all of Cardiff’s children have opportunities to learn in high quality school settings and supports Cardiff’s Child Friendly City status which prioritises the rights and needs of children and young people, putting them at the heart of everything we do.”
Rugby Codebreakers statue wins Sporting Heritage Award
A statue honouring Cardiff’s legendary ‘Rugby Codebreakers’ – has won the ‘Celebrating Black Sporting Heritage Award’ category at the Sporting Heritage Awards.
Unveiled in Cardiff Bay in July last year, the statue of Billy Boston, Clive Sullivan and Gus Risman is the first in Wales ever to feature non-fictionalised, named black men.
The project was inspired by calls from the Butetown and wider Cardiff Bay communities for a fitting tribute to the players, who all grew up close to where their statue now stands, before leaving their hometown and going on to achieve sporting stardom.
Leader of Cardiff Council and Vice chair of the Cardiff Bay Rugby Codebreakers committee, Cllr Huw Thomas, was particularly pleased that the statue had been recognised in the ‘Celebrating Black Sporting Heritage’ category, saying: “These players accomplishments had been undervalued for far too long. They brought pride to themselves, their families, the sport, and the multicultural communities in Cardiff which they grew up in and they deserved to be celebrated in their own hometown.
“The statue will act as a source of inspiration for generations to come and I’m delighted that its contribution to celebrating black sporting heritage has been recognised with this award.”
Cardiff Council Update: 14 May 2024 / Cymraeg
Here is your Tuesday update, covering:
- Action plan designed by the local community for Ely and Caerau revealed
- A new education investment strategy for Cardiff schools
- Joint Inspectorate Review of Child Protection Arrangements (JICPA) acknowledge strengths in Cardiff
- Council helps city cricket club bounce back from vandalism and racism
Action plan designed by the local community for Ely and Caerau revealed
A package of measures – designed to improve the lives of young people and the local community in the Cardiff estates of Ely and Caerau – has been agreed by Welsh Government and Cardiff’s Public Services Board.
The Plan – aimed at addressing the concerns and improving the lives of residents in the area – was created by the local community, working with the Public Services Board (PSB), which includes Cardiff Council, South Wales Police, and Cardiff and Vale Health Board.
Action for Caerau and Ely (ACE) – a local organisation with a long record of supporting the local community – undertook a lead role, working closely with the PSB while engaging widely with residents of all ages. This approach was designed to ensure that the community plan is deeply rooted in the needs and aspirations of the people of Caerau and Ely and was driven from the grassroots up.
Published on Tuesday, May 14, the agreed plan has set out 40 objectives which focus on six key themes:
1. Children and young people
2. Community safety and safeguarding
3. Spaces and the environment
4. Health and wellbeing
5. Employment, living standards and cost of living
6. Communications and community building
New education investment strategy for Cardiff schools revealed
A new education investment strategy aimed at ensuring more young people across Cardiff will have opportunities to learn in high quality school settings now and in the future, has been published by Cardiff Council.
The strategy – which covers the next nine years up until 2033 – provides a framework for future decision making and supports Cardiff’s Child Friendly City status which prioritises the rights and needs of children and young people, putting them at the heart of everything we do. It builds on the good work already carried out across the city as part of Cardiff’s Sustainable Communities for Learning programme (previously known as the 21st Century Schools Programme).
Over the past ten years, more than £460m has been invested in completing construction of three new secondary schools, with two more underway, nine new primary schools, hundreds of additional specialist places for children and young people with complex Additional Learning Needs and upgrading works to many other schools across the city.
Cllr Sarah Merry, Cardiff’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, said: “The education investment which this administration has driven since 2014 has seen real progress made in Cardiff. The number of Cardiff schools which offer a high-quality educational experience to their pupils, as evidenced by Estyn reports, has grown significantly. This has been driven by strong leadership, our governors, our head teachers, our teachers, and our teaching support staff, alongside our hard-working pupils. We have always sought to do our best, within available budgets, to improve the environment for teaching and learning in the city, and this work, and this investment, has also played its part helping Cardiff leap up the education ranks in Wales to produce some of the best exam results in the country for A-Levels and GCSEs in recent years.”
Joint Inspectorate Review of Child Protection Arrangements (JICPA) acknowledge strengths in Cardiff’s Education and Children’s Services
The findings of a Joint Inspection of Child Protection Arrangements (JICPA) by Cardiff Council, South Wales Police and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board have been published.
The extensive review focused on evaluating the city’s multi-agency response to abuse and neglect allegations, assessment and decision-making quality, protection of children aged 11 and under at risk of harm, leadership, and management effectiveness in child protection efforts and the robustness of multi-agency safeguarding partner arrangements.
Conducted by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW), His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) and His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales (Estyn), key findings include:
High Demand and Complexity
Cardiff is facing persistently high levels of demand and increasing complexity in children’s safeguarding. Despite challenges such as budget constraints and workforce deficits, there is a positive focus on safeguarding across agencies.
Positive Partnership Working
Professional relationships across agencies are robust, with a culture of safeguarding promoted as a collective responsibility. Recent changes in governance arrangements aim to strengthen monitoring, accountability, and coordination across the partnership.
Effective Multi-Agency Response
The multi-agency response to safeguarding referrals is generally proportionate and thorough, with a focus on the needs of the child and timely action to reduce risks of harm.
Strengths-Based Approach
Cardiff adopts a strengths-based and solution-led approach, ensuring families are involved in the design and delivery of care and support protection plans. Evidence-based approaches are utilised to reduce risks and meet children’s needs.
Education Excellence
Cardiff schools prioritise safeguarding, ensuring learners are safe and supported. Strong partnerships between education and children’s services facilitate continuous improvement and targeted support for vulnerable pupils.
Promotion of Cultural Sensitivity
Practitioners demonstrate a good understanding of cultural needs and prioritise culturally sensitive practices, ensuring effective engagement with diverse communities.
The report highlights several significant achievements specifically across Cardiff Council’s Children’s Services and Education.
Cllr Ash Lister, Cardiff’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Services said: “Safeguarding children and young people is a collective effort, and this report highlights the importance of multi-agency working between the Local Authority, schools, police, and health board. The report recognises the continued challenges being experienced across the UK and the rise in demand and complexity of cases. However, inspectors have found Cardiff Council to have a positive focus on safeguarding where our front-line staff, managers and leadership have a good understanding of the experiences of children and families that need help and protection. Practitioners understand their roles, information is shared efficiently, and children’s voices are heard.”
Cardiff’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry added: “This report underscores Cardiff’s commitment to support, safeguarding and continuous improvement in education and children’s services and it reflects the significant work that has been carried out to establish a culture of safeguarding across the Local Authority, which is promoted as everyone’s collective responsibility.”
Council helps city cricket club bounce back from vandalism and racism
Two years ago, at the end of a successful season, Llandaff Cricket Club was looking forward to a bright future, introducing the sport to women, boys and girls, in addition to continuing its senior teams’ rise up the local league tables.
Then, in October 2022, the club was attacked by mindless vandals who broke into its pavilion at Llandaff Fields, damaged its equipment and sprayed far-right graffiti on the walls, horrifying the club members, many of whom had spent years developing it into a mainstay of the local community.
Undaunted, the club resolved to bounce back stronger and embarked on a crowd-funding campaign to replace the equipment and, with the help of Cardiff Council which owns Llandaff Playing Fields, negotiate a 25-year lease, putting it on a secure footing for ongoing development.
Now, the future for Llandaff Cricket Club looks bright once more.
A key part of its recovery has been the creation of a new practice nets facility that overlooks its ground at Llandaff Fields.
Situated on land once taken up by unused tennis courts, and developed with the help of England and Wales Cricket Board, Sport Wales and Street Games Wales, it is as good as any of the artificial surface nets at the nearby headquarters of Glamorgan Cricket Club and was unveiled in a ceremony at the weekend attended by Cardiff Council leader Cllr Huw Thomas and Cllr Jennifer Burke, the Cabinet member for Culture, Parks, Events and Venues, along with the area’s Assembly Member, Mark Drakeford, and the Cardiff West MP Kevin Brennan.
“We’ve been delighted to help the club after the awful events of 2022,” said Cllr Burke. “Llandaff Cricket Club has long been a beacon of diversity in Cardiff and is bringing cricket to the wider community through its juniors, girls and women’s teams. We hope that with the new 25-year lease in place, the club now has a solid platform to grow and introduce even more people to the sport.”
In a speech at the event, Cllr Thomas praised the efforts of the council team which had repaired and decorated the pavilion to remove the offending graffiti, bringing it back into use for this season. The team also helped the club organise the lease of the land, which includes a parcel earmarked for a new pavilion.
Cllr Thomas also praised the club members who had worked hard to ensure it has emerged from the trauma stronger than ever.
He said the council wholeheartedly backed sport right across the city, hailing it as a ‘silver bullet’ which can bring communities and generations together, enhance social cohesion and embody the authority’s ‘Stronger, Fairer, Greener’ ethos.
