Robs Weekly Round Up

20 September 2024 

Dear colleagues,  

The new term is less than a month old and already this week has seen two great successes for the Vale’s schools. 

I am very proud to be able to share the news that Holton Primary School in Barry has become the first primary school in the Vale of Glamorgan to achieve School of Sanctuary status. The news was announced at the school this morning at an event led by the Leader of the Council, Cllr Lis Burnett, and the Vale’s new MP Kanishka Narayan. 

In order to become a School of Sanctuary, Holton had to demonstrate an understanding of what it means to be someone seeking sanctuary, and a commitment to creating a welcoming and caring environment for those people in need of help. 

In granting the award the judging panel commended the school’s “naturally welcoming and friendly environment,” and were impressed with how the school “not only ensures that children feel part of the school community, but also their parents, families and wider community.” They said: “It is evident that Holton Primary School is the centre of the community they serve. Overall, there exists a clear and purposeful strategic vision which sits with all of the School of Sanctuary values.” 

What an incredible job the team at Holton have done. I would like to congratulate the whole team on the achievement. In particular Nicole Dudderidge who has led the school’s Junior Diverse group. This is also a great success for our Learning Links team in Learning and Skills, where Sandra Saif and Martine Coles have provided great support to the school.   

The work of these colleagues is fully in line with that of the whole organisation. In July of this year Cabinet approved the Council’s submission for accreditation of the Vale as a County of Sanctuary, something I hope to have some positive news on very soon.  

Another school in Barry has also been celebrating this week. Romilly Primary School has just received a glowing report from the school inspectorate Estyn. 

Inspectors visited the school in June and found that “through exceptional leadership and the collective efforts of the school community, improvement at Romilly Primary School happens quickly” and that pupils “have the social and emotional skills to prepare them for adult life and appreciate the high levels of care and support that staff provide.”   

The rapid progress and excellent written work produced by older pupils was also highlighted in the report. As was pupils’ success in frequently achieving high standards in digital, creative and scientific work.   

In describing the school’s pupils as a whole the report says: “From a very young age, they have well-developed independent skills, and their behaviour is exemplary. Remarkably impressive is how carefully they listen to feedback from staff and their classmates. They use this to improve their work and are often motivated to return to it to make it even better, when they have learnt new skills or techniques.”  

It really is a very positive report indeed and one that is a testament to the work of headteacher Katy Williams and the whole team at Romilly. Gwaith da pawb.  

Next a congratulations to the Stop Loan Sharks Wales team within Shared Regulatory Services who have been shortlisted for a Credit Union Partner Award at this year’s Credit Unions of Wales Awards 2024.  

The team has been nominated for its commitment to promoting the benefits of, and access to, credit unions. As well as their work in preventing vulnerable people from becoming victims of illegal lending and turning to unscrupulous loan sharks. 

The awards are decided by a vote and if you’d like to support the team you can cast yours now.  

Then last but not least in this week’s list of accolades I would like to congratulate four colleagues in our Children and Young People Services Business Support team who have recently gained new qualifications. Lisa Papura, Laura Tutsell, and Zoe Woollacott Butler have all achieved

a NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration and Jodie Dawe now holds an ILM City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Management.  

All have I am sure had to work very hard to balance the twin commitments of work and study to achieve their qualifications. This is no small thing. Llongyfarchiadau pawb.  

Last week I wrote about the importance of customer service and our new mantra of Brilliant Basics. It was great then to be passed some feedback about one of our waste teams. A resident got in touch to say thanks to our team for ensuring their bags were placed neatly back on the kerb. “Small things make a big difference” they said. I couldn’t agree more. Diolch yn fawr to the team - John Payne, Connor Peachey, Jamie Shepherd - and to all those colleagues who take such pride in their work.   

Finally, as many of you will remember we launched our new Project Zero Hub in June. The hub showcases some examples of our work to become more environmentally friendly and helps raise awareness of the Council's commitment to delivering its Climate Change Challenge Plan. 

It may have only been three months, but in that time we've celebrated many more fantastic Council projects, including the release of water voles at Porthkerry, the installation of energy efficient technology at the Ysgol Llyn Derw site, the opening of the Bee Hapus Garden in LLantwit, and the free 303 summer bus service.   

Over the next month the hub will be refreshed with new case studies. If you or your team are involved with a project that aligns with Project Zero, email Project Zero Programme Manager Susannah McWilliam so that it can feature on the hub and we can spread the word about your great work. 

Thanks as always to everyone for all your efforts this week. Diolch yn fawr iawn.  

Rob