Public consultation backs expansion of Pentyrch Primary School

Extensive public consultation to consider the impact of the expansion of Pentyrch Primary School revealed widespread approval of the plan.
Under proposals revealed last summer, the existing school capacity of 140 pupils would be expanded to 210 and a 48-place crèche would be created to provide childcare and pre-school education for three-year-olds, in line with the policy of the Cardiff Council.
The Council believes that the new housing planned for Cardiff’s North West will lead to greater demand for school and nursery places and it is expected that part of the cost of the scheme will be funded by contributions from developers.
On December 14 last year, the Council began surveying the views of parents, teachers, local residents, children and a wide range of other groups, including the community council, governors schools, teachers’ unions, Estyn and a private crèche based in Pentyrch town hall. .
By the end of the process on January 25, the Council had received 85 responses to an online and mail-in questionnaire, held a series of public consultations and heard detailed views from professional groups.
The Cabinet of the Council will discuss the consultation at its next meeting on Thursday 10 March.
Cabinet Member for Education, Jobs and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry, said she was delighted the consultation produced a good response. “The Cardiff Local Development Plan (LDP) means that 41,400 new homes are being created across the city and a number of sites are planned in Cardiff’s North West which will have a significant impact on schools in the region.
“We expect a new primary school to open in the area in September 2023 and plan to expand Pentyrch to help meet increased demand, so it was important that as many people and interested parties as possible made know their point of view.”
Estyn, who monitors the quality of education and training in Wales, felt the expanded school would maintain current school standards but, like some respondents, felt there could be an increase likely traffic in the area.
The board is committed to continuing to work with all affected groups throughout the development stages of the plans.