End of Week Message from Liz

19 June 2026

Hi Everyone / Helo bawb,

It has been encouraging to see so many examples recently of the positive difference our services are making for residents across the Vale.

Across very different settings and teams, there is a consistent thread running through this work – including the importance of supportive relationships and inclusive environments where people can do their best – and I am pleased to be able to share a number of updates that reflect this.

We have had a particularly positive period recently with a number of successful Estyn inspections across our schools.

All Saints Church in Wales Primary School was recognised for its caring and inclusive community, strong relationships between staff and pupils, and an engaging curriculum that supports pupils’ wellbeing, behaviour and sense of belonging. Inspectors highlighted the positive learning environment and effective leadership, alongside strong support for Additional Learning Needs.

Cadoxton Primary School was praised for its ambitious teaching, nurturing ethos and high-quality learning experiences. Inspectors also highlighted strong leadership, excellent support for wellbeing and ALN, and an innovative curriculum that provides meaningful, real-life learning opportunities. Particular recognition was given to the school’s “Breaking Barriers” approach, which is helping to improve attendance, engagement and outcomes for learners.

Llansannor and Llanharry Church in Wales Primary School was also praised for its nurturing environment and success in developing confident, independent learners. Inspectors highlighted their engaging curriculum, effective outdoor learning opportunities and strong pupil voice, which supports learners to take ownership of their education.

Across all three inspections, Estyn identified a shared set of strengths including strong relationships, high expectations and a clear focus on supporting every learner to succeed.

We have also received positive recognition for the Vale's Welsh language immersion provision and Estyn praised the strong partnerships that help learners develop confidence and fluency in Welsh.

This work plays an important role in supporting our wider ambition to expand Welsh-medium education and create opportunities for more children and young people to learn and use Welsh with confidence.

We have also seen another significant achievement recently with St. Nicholas Church in Wales Primary School receiving the UNICEF UK Gold Rights Respecting School Award – the highest accolade available through the programme. The achievement recognises the school’s commitment to placing children’s rights at the heart of school life and makes it only the second primary school in the Vale to achieve Gold status.

Having worked with UNICEF UK since 2018 and achieved Silver status in 2022, the school received Gold in January 2026. UNICEF praised its inclusive culture and strong focus on children’s rights.

Creating supportive and inclusive environments is not only important for our learners, but also for colleagues joining our workforce and the people we support through our services every day.

With that in mind, I would like to share some lovely feedback from a new colleague who recently joined our Families First Holiday Club team as they shared how welcomed they felt when they started in their new role.

The Families First Holiday Club is a play respite service for families of disabled children and young people in the Vale.

Senior Healthy Living Officer Jo Jones and Senior Playworker Sue McKenzie work with Play colleagues to deliver this provision, and they were praised for the positive and supportive atmosphere they have created for colleagues and how it is an enjoyable and rewarding place to be for both the staff and children.

This is such wonderful feedback and highlights the importance of creating both inclusive and encouraging environments for those joining us here in the Vale, and is a testament to the strong culture that already exists within their own team too. Thank you Jo and Sue for your care and commitment as you ensure that our Play Teams are great places to work!

While many of the achievements I mentioned reflect the excellent work taking place in the here and now, we are also continuing to invest in opportunities for future generations.

Earlier in the week, a steel signing ceremony marked another significant step forward in the redevelopment of St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School.

As the final phase in the transformation of Barry's secondary schools, the project represents years of planning, partnership working and investment. The new facilities will provide state-of-the-art learning environments, enhanced wellbeing and inclusion facilities, community sporting opportunities and sustainable features that support our wider environmental commitments.

On Thursday, colleagues gathered in Cowbridge to mark a major milestone in the development of the new Ysgol Gymraeg Iolo Morganwg with a ceremonial turf-cutting event.

The new school will double pupil capacity and provide modern facilities designed to meet the growing demand for Welsh-medium education in the area.

Once completed, it will provide an inspiring learning environment for generations of learners and represents another important investment in the future of Welsh-medium education within the Vale as one of the few areas in Wales that is continuing to see growth in the numbers of Welsh-speakers locally.

Both of these projects are creating environments where children and young people can achieve their potential, where staff can deliver exceptional learning experiences and where communities can thrive.

There was another reason to celebrate recently following the Bro Radio Community Awards.

Penarth Pier Pavilion was named winner of the Heritage, Arts and Culture Award, recognising its important contribution to arts, heritage and cultural life in the Vale.

The award – which was accepted on behalf of the whole team by our Cultural Venue Co-ordinator Leah Staff - comes during an exciting time for the historic venue, as the on-site cinema now offers more than 15 screenings each week across five days, offering visitors the chance to enjoy a wide range of films in the iconic building overlooking the Severn Estuary.

We were also proud to see another Vale service recognised on the night, with a photography exhibition by the Vale Domestic Abuse Service’s Survivor Photography Project at Art Central Gallery being nominated for the Triumph Over Adversity Award.

In addition, I’d like to say a huge well done to Stacey Long from Ysgol y Deri, who was named Entrepreneur of the Year for her work helping establish the Hubbub Shop in Penarth, creating valuable opportunities for young people to develop confidence, independence and employability skills.

Finally, I would like to offer warm congratulations to former Ysgol y Deri Headteacher Chris Britten on being awarded an MBE in the King's Honours List. Chris has made an exceptional contribution to education throughout his career, and it is wonderful to see his dedication and commitment recognised in this way.

Thank you for everything you all continue to do to support our communities and one another – it never goes unnoticed by myself and the rest of SLT.

Have a wonderful weekend, and for those who are not in work, I hope you enjoy a relaxing and well-deserved break.

Liz