A FREE initiative aimed at parents and members of the Gibbonsdown community has got underway at a Barry school.

Ysgol Gymraeg Gwaun y Nant has launched the Communities First-funded Gwaun y Nant Parents and Friends Group giving people and opportunity to enhance their skills, learn new techniques, and improve home life and employability.

The group meet for two and a half hours every Thursday morning under the guidance of learning support assistant, Natalie Page.

Topics covered to date include First Aid, discipline, ready for maths, basic Welsh and reading readiness.

Sessions planned for this academic year include a 10-week long nurture course, covering family life and new techniques for dealing with issues and challenges.

Also scheduled are courses on confident parenting and relaxation techniques.

Head teacher, Rhydian Lloyd said: “We’re delighted to offer this scheme to our local community. It encourages inclusivity with the school and is a great way for people to develop and learn key skills in a wide range of subjects. Many are child- and family-orientated, giving people an insight into hints and tips to assist learning in the home. Others focus on health and well-being.

“Alongside the group we offer a free crèche to enable greater take-up among new parents. We’ve secured funding for the project until 2016 and I’d like to encourage more local people to become involved.”

To get involved and find out more, call Gwaun y Nant on 01446 421723.