MAJOR improvement work is under way the old St Baruc Primary School site is prepared for the arrival of Ysgol Y Deri pupils.

In June it was revealed, funds were being invested by Vale of Glamorgan Council to establish a second base for the award-winning Ysgol Y Deri school for children with additional learning needs.

This base was chosen as St Baruc Primary School in Barry.

Now, it can be revealed more than £300,000 has been invested in projects such as creating a new entrance and main reception with ramp access, installing a CCTV system, replacing all toilets and fitting a new kitchen.

A list of the work currently undertaken includes:

  • Creating a new entrance and main reception with ramp access;
  • Installing a CCTV system;
  • Boxing off all radiators and low-level pipework;
  • Replacing all toilets and cubicles;
  • Fitting a new kitchen;
  • Access control introduced to the building;
  • New fencing erected;
  • Decorating and new flooring throughout;
  • Replacement guttering;
  • The creation of six classrooms, a breakout room and food technology room.

Known as Ysgol Y Deri Barry, around 60 pupils and staff will be based at the location from September.

This is a temporary measure while a new purpose-built campus, known as Ysgol Y Deri two, is developed at Cosmeston, near Penarth.

Barry And District News: Ysgol Y Deri's temporary facility in Barry is taking shapeYsgol Y Deri's temporary facility in Barry is taking shape (Image: Vale Council)

Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet member for education, arts and the Welsh language, says the new temporary site will help Ysgol Y Deri in a number of ways.

“With Ysgol y Deri oversubscribed, this building will help support pupils while a new, permanent site is developed.

“It will mean class sizes can be kept small, which combined with the host of adaptations being made, will offer the best learning environment.

“As Ysgol Y Deri caters for children across the county, it will also make travelling to school easier for many.”

Earlier this summer, Welsh Government confirmed it would not intervene in the planning process for Ysgol Y Deri two.

This means the council can begin development in line with plans approved in March.