Posted on: Friday 27 February 2026
A £17.1 million state‑of‑the‑art primary school and childcare centre was officially opened in Cwmbran on Thursday, marking a major investment in education, early years and community support.
Maendy Primary School and Community Childcare Centre in Northville were formally opened by Lynne Neagle, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Education, who presented the school with a commemorative plaque alongside Torfaen Council Leader Cllr Anthony Hunt and Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, Cllr Richard Clark.
The 420‑place Maendy Primary School is the first fully net zero school in Torfaen and features 16 modern classrooms, an additional learning needs base, individual outdoor play zones and a playground.
Alongside the school, the new Maendy Community Childcare Centre provides two childcare rooms, a Flying Start crèche and a community room.
Maendy First Steps Playgroup and Nursery Wraparound is the sole childcare provider operating from the building, offering 40 childcare places.
The centre will also host a range of early years and family support services delivered by Torfaen’s Early Years team, including early language sessions, family support groups and stay‑and‑play activities.
An additional community room will support wider community use, including a new food bank offer for local families.
Emma Payne, Headteacher at Maendy Primary School, said: “Although I have only been here a year, the school and its community already feel like home.
“As Torfaen’s first net zero school, it is more than a place of learning, it is a living classroom that shows our pupils we are serious about protecting the planet and empowering them to become the innovators of the future.”
“From the dedication of our staff to the patience and support of our families, and the energy and enthusiasm of our pupils, Maendy will continue to be a vibrant, caring and ambitious community.”
Outdoor facilities include a new Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) at the front of the site, a grass sports pitch, a dedicated Forest School area and a new car park.
Cllr Anthony Hunt, Leader of Torfaen Council, said: “This outstanding new school and childcare facility demonstrates our commitment to raising educational achievement and giving every child the very best start in life.
“The modern, spacious and welcoming environment has been designed around the needs of children and families, providing high‑quality, inspiring spaces to learn, play and grow.
“By bringing education, childcare and community support together in one place, the school will play a vital role in helping children thrive, supporting families and strengthening the community for the future.”
Designed to maximise energy efficiency, the school building is super‑insulated and powered by 700 square metres of solar PV panels and air‑source heat pumps, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
The project was delivered by Morgan Sindall Construction, with £5.2 million funded by Torfaen Council and a further £11.9 million provided by the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme.
For more information about education projects funded through the Sustainable Communities for Learning programme, visit the Torfaen Council website.