CANOLFAN ELFED Inclusion Centre in Carmarthen recently welcomed Samuel Kurtz Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire for a visit to showcase the incredible work being done to support children with additional learning needs.

During the visit, Mr Kurtz met with staff, students, and members of the Rotary Club District 1150 who are working in partnership with the centre to develop their vision for an inclusive outdoor play area.

The centre, which provides specialist support for children with a wide range of additional needs from the three counties of Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, is seeking funding of £275,000 from the community to transform its outdoor space into a fully accessible and stimulating environment over a three-year project plan. The planned development aims to create a safe and engaging area that will promote physical activity, social interaction, and sensory play for all students.

Speaking after the visit, Samuel Kurtz MS praised the dedication of the staff and the positive impact of the centre on the children and their families. “It was a privilege to visit Canolfan Elfed and see first-hand the incredible work being done to support young people with additional learning needs. An inclusive outdoor play area would be a fantastic asset for the school, providing children with the opportunity to develop key skills in a fun and supportive environment.

He added, I fully support their efforts to secure the necessary funding and will do what I can to help. For anyone in a position to consider helping – even by contributing a small amount to this project, it means being part of something very special that will make a long-lasting impact on the children who attend the centre for generations to come.” 

During the visit, Canolfan Elfed’s leadership team Mrs Thomas, and Mr Cooke, School Business Manager at Queen Elizabeth High School where the centre is located, highlighted the importance of the project, emphasising how outdoor play is essential for children’s physical and mental wellbeing. They are now appealing for financial support from local businesses and community fundraising initiatives to bring their vision to life.

Mary Adams, Immediate Past District Governor 1150 Rotary Southern Wales, who attended the meeting said, “ I am delighted that Samuel has visited to see the pressing need for a new outdoor space for the students. The Rotary Club is pleased to be working in partnership on this project as it aligns with our core values of inclusivity, equality and excellence in education and we hope to be able to help with match funding donations .”

Mrs Thomas, Canolfan Elfed’s Inclusion Manager said, “We are incredibly grateful to Samuel Kurtz MS for taking the time to visit us and listen to our plans. An inclusive outdoor play area would make a real difference to our pupils, ensuring that every child, regardless of their needs, can enjoy outdoor play in a meaningful way. As we are located within the school, we are not able to access any specialist funding schemes combined with constraints on local authority education budgets mean we have to look to the community to support us. We are thrilled to be working in partnership with the Rotary Club on our fundraising project Ymlaen.

The school is encouraging anyone who wishes to support their fundraising efforts to get in touch. For more information or to contribute, please visit their JustGiving page Canolfan Elfed Sensory Play Area – or visit www.qehs.carms.sch.uk/ymlaen/.