Here is your Friday update, covering:

• Building a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Cardiff progressing, but challenges remain
• School inspectors find Ysgol Melin Gruffydd ‘vibrant and inclusive'
• The Court's nurturing learning praised by Estyn

Good progress made delivering a stronger, fairer, and greener Cardiff, but significant challenges ahead

Cardiff Council's ambitious programme to create a stronger, fairer, and greener capital city is evaluated in the authority's latest Wellbeing Report, and while the assessment shows good progress has been made, it also identifies future risks and areas in need of improvement.

The council's annual Wellbeing Report looks to provide an honest assessment of the authority's work over the past year and uses feedback from residents, government auditors, and the political scrutiny function, to ensure the review of performance is fair and balanced.

Cardiff Council Leader, Cllr Huw Thomas said: "Our ambition is to make Cardiff a stronger, fairer, and greener capital city. A city of opportunity, a great place to raise a family with great schools, great jobs, and a great cultural life.

"We have high ambitions for Cardiff, and despite the cost-of-living crisis and the ongoing squeeze on public sector funding, we are determined to do our best to ensure Wales' capital continues to grow and prosper.

"Everyone will know that council finances across the UK continue to be exceedingly difficult. The post-pandemic recovery has been long and tough, with less and less money being made available for the public services people have come to expect. The demand for our services - especially in social care, both children's and adults, and the costs of delivering better schools and new council homes - all which are badly needed, are placing enormous strain on the finances we have available.

"Despite these financial pressures we must not get trapped into a standstill mindset.  We need to ensure we look after the elderly, the young and the most vulnerable, while at the same time seeking to build a city that will grow economically. A city which will have a high quality of life, alongside a great cultural scene, one which will attract investors, and business, opening new employment opportunities, delivering better paid jobs, helping everyone here, and everyone who comes here to live, progress."

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Ysgol Gymraeg Melin Gruffydd; a vibrant and inclusive primary school says Estyn

Estyn, the Education Inspectorate for Wales has released its latest inspection report on Ysgol Gymraeg Melin Gruffydd, a Welsh-medium primary school located in Whitchurch.

The report highlights the pride that pupils, staff, and parents take in the school's friendly and inclusive atmosphere and notes the successful respectful and well-organised learning environment created, where pupils' attitudes towards learning and their behaviour are exemplary.

Key strengths include pupils' happy and friendly nature, their thoughtful interactions, and their natural use of the Welsh language. Pupils show a keen interest in their local heritage and take pride in the school's achievements, particularly in music competitions at both local and national levels.

The report commends the school's creative, broad, and balanced curriculum, which offers stimulating learning experiences tailored to the local context and Estyn praises the leadership of the headteacher, appointed in January 2023, for fostering a caring and supportive environment that promotes a strong sense of teamwork.

The school's clear vision of providing a well-rounded education focused on pupils' well-being is evident.

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Estyn Report Highlights Success of The Court Special School

The Court Special School in Llanishen has been praised by Estyn, the education inspectorate for Wales, for its nurturing and inclusive learning environment, commending staff for their dedication and commitment to student well-being.

Currently located in Llanishen, inspectors found the school to foster a safe and welcoming atmosphere where students feel valued and supported. Nearly all pupils come from the Cardiff area, many having faced challenges with previous placements that impacted their confidence and self-esteem. The school's staff work hard to rebuild that trust and confidence, which is seen as a major strength of the school.

The report notes that the school places a strong emphasis on emotional well-being and personal growth, creating individualised education programmes that meet the specific needs and interests of each pupil. As a result, nearly all students have shown remarkable improvement in their attitudes toward learning and have developed a love for attending school.

The school excels in promoting health and well-being, with most pupils demonstrating a growing understanding of healthy lifestyles and becoming more confident in their own abilities. Estyn inspectors praised the school's curriculum, which has been recently revised to reflect pupils' needs and interests, encompassing diverse topics like astronomy and sporting heroes.

In addition to the core curriculum, the school offers rich opportunities for pupils to learn about diversity and different cultures, supporting their moral and cultural development. The report noted that many pupils, in line with their abilities, have developed a strong understanding of other cultures and faiths as well as their place in Welsh society.

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