Posted on: Wednesday 29 November 2023
A primary school in Torfaen has won an award for its outstanding work with families and the local community.
Coed Eva and Blenheim Road Primary School received the ‘Heart of the Community’ award from The Foundation of Community Engagement, a charity that supports schools in building effective partnerships with parents and carers.
The glass plaque was presented to teachers and pupils at a special assembly on Friday by Sue Davis, the director of the charity.
Sue praised the school for its innovation and creativity in engaging with families and providing them with valuable learning opportunities.
Among the school’s exemplary initiatives are the running of adult education classes on parenting and financial management, delivering up to 100 Christmas food parcels to families across the two schools in the federation and dedicated 1:1 support for individual families whilst working with external agencies and support networks.
The school had already secured bronze, silver and gold level community awards, and received the prestigious Calon y Gymuned Heart of the Community award for maintaining standards and consistently empowering their communities.
Headteacher at Coed Eva and Blenheim Road Primary School, Paul Keane said: “Every family and every person within our schools puts our children first and our community first. It comes with a lot of dedication, passion, commitment, and professionalism. But above all, ambition and aspiration that we have for this part of Wales that we are privileged to represent. That’s the massive motivator for us every single day that we come into our school.
"We’re really privileged to be in partnership more widely with our council and our elected members because we want to make this real difference to our community and our children’s lives.
“We are thrilled to receive this award, which recognises our commitment to working closely with our families and the community. We believe that parent and carer involvement is key to enhancing children’s learning outcomes and creating a positive and supportive school culture.
“We are very thankful to The Foundation of Community Engagement and the Education Achievement Service (EAS) for their guidance and support in developing our Family Learning Programme and other initiatives.”
Councillor Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education at Torfaen Council, said: “I congratulate Coed Eva and Blenheim Road Primary School on winning the Heart of the Community award. The school has shown great leadership and vision in creating a culture of collaboration and mutual support, which benefits not only the children but also the wider society.
"I commend the headteacher, the staff, the pupils, and the parents and carers for their dedication and enthusiasm, and I hope they continue to inspire others with their achievements.”