A federation of schools in East Cardiff has seen a significant transformation in its use of Welsh, following a commitment by more than 50 staff members to strengthen their language skills.
By partnering with the National Centre for Learning Welsh, the Saints Federation, which includes All Saints Church in Wales Primary School and St David's Church in Wales Primary School, has introduced more Welsh into the classroom, sparking a new wave of enthusiasm among pupils.
The journey began following an Estyn inspection in 2025, which recommended a focus on raising pupils’ Welsh language skills. In response, Executive Headteacher, Claire Cook, commissioned an internal audit. The findings revealed that staff felt they needed extra support to be able to use their Welsh confidently on a day-to-day basis.
Claire contacted the Cardiff and Vale Education Workforce tutor, who works for Cardiff University as part of the National Centre’s provision for the Education Workforce, and a range of courses were organised for staff.
Every Wednesday evening for 10 weeks, staff members followed a ‘Cymraeg Bob Dydd’ (Everyday Welsh) course, and three Welsh Leads completed a week-long intensive course, tailored for the Education Workforce.
Leah Williams, Foundation Phase Teacher and Welsh Lead said:
"The ‘Cymraeg Bob Dydd’ sessions have given us confidence to use the language naturally in the classroom and with each other. Seeing the teachers enjoying learning the language has had an incredible effect on the pupils—they are much more ready to use their Welsh while playing and working. The atmosphere across the school has completely changed, and Welsh is now a part of our daily lives."
Families have seen a noticeable difference in how the children are bringing the language home, as Mrs Willets, a parent at the school explains:
"It’s been wonderful to see the change in my daughter, Molly’s confidence. She is coming home and sharing Welsh phrases she’s picked up in class, and she loves the brand new 'Clwb Hwyl' (Fun Club) after school. It’s clear that the teachers’ hard work is having such a positive impact on the children."
The commitment to the language is set to grow even further. Mr Baker, the Federation’s Curriculum Lead, has been selected to follow an Intensive Learn Welsh course for the education workforce starting this September, held over two academic terms by the National Centre. Upon his return, he will take on a strategic role across the Federation, mentoring fellow teachers and ensuring the momentum continues to build.
Claire Cook, Executive Headteacher, said:
"As a second-language speaker myself, I know that confidence is the key to unlocking the language. Following the Estyn visit, we wanted to see a significant change. Seeing over 50 staff engaged and willing to strengthen their Welsh skills every Wednesday night was inspiring. We are now at a point where the children aren't just hearing Welsh, they are living it. We are delighted that Mr Baker has secured a place on the intensive learning course - and we look forward to seeing the Welsh language flourish across the Federation for years to come."
