End of Week Message from Rob

17 July 2026

Helo Bawb,

As another school year draws to a close, it feels like a fitting time to reflect on everything our Learning and Skills colleagues have achieved over the past twelve months. 

Summer always brings a sense of celebration, gratitude, and anticipation. We celebrate what has been accomplished, thank those who have made it possible, and look ahead to the opportunities that a new academic year will bring in September.

I wanted to briefly acknowledge the school deficit recovery plans, as initial response letters were issued to schools this week. I know this remains a difficult and sensitive area for many colleagues, and I appreciate the professionalism shown by schools and Council teams alike as we continue working together through the process. 

We all have the same shared goal, which is to ensure that we provide education of the highest possible standard to each and every learner in the Vale, and I’m grateful for the constructive conversations that have already taken place to secure sustainable futures for our schools. 

There has also been plenty to celebrate following the latest round of Estyn inspections at a number of Vale schools.

Inspectors visiting Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg highlighted the school's caring and inclusive ethos alongside pupils' excellent Welsh language skills and positive attitudes to learning – da iawn a llongyfarchaidau. 

Whilst at High Street Primary School, inspectors recognised its strong leadership, nurturing environment and the positive relationships that help pupils thrive.  Great work - well done!

And Barry Island Primary School also received praise for its welcoming culture, ambitious curriculum and the enthusiasm pupils show towards their learning – congratulations and keep up the great work. 

Inspection reports are always the result of years of dedication and hard work by everyone involved in making our schools inclusive, welcoming and inspiring places to be for our young people. Llongyfarchiadau pawb – gwaith arbennig!

Speaking of inspiring learning, I’d also like to congratulate Cogan Primary School as their Year 2 project exploring the history of Penarth's reading rooms received recognition in the Welsh Schools Heritage Initiative Competition. 

Their imaginative work earned a £400 prize and demonstrated a wonderful blend of local history, creativity and innovation. 

As part of the project, the children learnt about three important local reading rooms: the former Mission to Seamen's Reading Room in Penarth Dock, Penarth Library in the town centre, and the Reading Room in Harriet Street, Cogan.

They re-enacted the opening ceremony of the Mission to Seamen using archive newspaper reports from the time, visited Penarth Library to take part in a workshop, and created a timeline of key historical events.

The judges were particularly impressed with the pupils' creative use of AI to bring historical photographs to life. A fantastic achievement by everyone involved – da iawn pawb!

On the subject of recognising achievements, a number of our schools have been working collaboratively in recent years to increase the amount of Welsh being used in the classroom – and these efforts were highlighted this week by BBC Wales.

Danielle Gardiner, a teacher at St Josesph’s RC Primary School in Penarth, spoke to BBC Radio Cymru and BBC Cymru Fyw about her own Dysgu Cymraeg journey and how that has helped support her work to introduce more Welsh to her students too.

This is fantastic to see, and supports our wider ambitions to help nurture Cymraeg right across our communities – especially as the Vale is currently one of the only areas of Wales that has seen a growth in the number of Welsh speakers in recent years.

Diolch Danielle for being such an enthusiastic ambassador for the Welsh language - Cymraeg yw iaith y daith!

This time of year is also when we say farewell to colleagues whose careers have left a lasting legacy. 

After 35 years at Ysgol Iolo Morganwg in Cowbridge, Mrs Nia Tough is retiring, having joined the school as a trainee teacher before remaining at the school throughout her career.

Her contribution to Welsh-medium education in the Vale has been immense, and generations of children have benefited from her care and expertise.

Diolch Nia for everything you have given to the school and our communities. We wish you every success in your well-earned retirement.

Learning certainly doesn't stop when schools close their doors for the summer. 

This week also highlights the fantastic work of our Youth Service and the Hive Guys, who continue to demonstrate the positive difference young people make within their communities. 

Their Warm Space event on Thursday at Buttrills Community Centre marked another important milestone, as young people prepared and served a two-course meal from the centre's newly installed kitchen for the very first time. 

The kitchen was generously donated by the local supplier of multi-national company, Howdens, with support from the Vale Youth Service. 

Through planning, budgeting and cooking, they develop practical skills all while bringing people together across generations. It is a wonderful example of young people leading with confidence, kindness and generosity.

As schools break up, I'd also encourage families and colleagues to take a look at the wide range of free and low-cost activities available throughout the summer through our Youth Service and Family Information Service programmes.

Whether it's sports, creative activities, outdoor adventures or opportunities to meet new friends, there is something for everyone, helping children and young people stay active, curious and connected throughout the holidays.

As a starter, the Flying Start Fun Day returns at Pencoedtre Park on Wednesday with plenty of activity for children and families with free entry!!

Another highlight from the past week was the Anti-Racist Action Research Day, where schools from across the Vale presented their findings from a year of thoughtful research and reflection. Tackling racism requires action as well as intention, and it was inspiring to hear about how school staff shared practical changes that will help create more inclusive learning environments for everyone. 

Thank you to colleagues at Pencoedtre High School, Pendoylan CIW Primary School, Peterston Super Ely CIW Primary School, Llansannor and Llanharry CIW Primary School, Colcot Primary School, Gladstone Primary School and Llangan Primary School for embracing sometimes challenging conversations with openness and sincerity. 

Particular thanks also to Martine Booker-Southard and our Learning Links Team for leading this important programme and supporting schools throughout the year.

That commitment to creating welcoming communities is also reflected in the growing number of Schools of Sanctuary across the Vale. Congratulations to St David's CIW Primary, St Joseph's RC Primary, St Illtyd Primary, Ysgol Y Ddraig Primary and Pendoylan CIW Primary on achieving this important recognition. 

These awards celebrate schools that place kindness, understanding and cynefin (belonging) at the heart of everything they do, ensuring every child feels welcome and valued. 

Finally, to school colleagues who off over the summer holidays, I hope everyone has the opportunity to enjoy some well-earned rest, spend time with family and friends, and recharge for the year ahead – mwynhewch eich gwyliau.

Thank you also to everyone else for your efforts this week.

They are always very much appreciated by myself and the rest of SLT.

To those not in work over the coming weekend, have a wonderful couple of days off.

Diolch,

Rob