STAFF, pupils, and parents from Maes-y-Coed celebrated the 65th anniversary of its opening in Barry.
Ex-staff, pupils and parents of children who attended the school gathered for a reunion at the Vale Flying Start centre on Friday, August 18.
Maes-Y-Coed Special School opened on Gladstone Road in 1959, to provide education and support to children and young people with additional learning needs.
Barbara Milhuisen (Jenkins), headteacher, said: “I have kept in touch with a lot of people I have worked with at Maes-Y-Coed over the years, as well as past pupils and parents.
“But having so many of us at the old-school premises was something special. It really brought back a lot of happy memories of our time at Maes-Y-Coed and to see how the building has changed over the years.
Flying Start Centre on the site of the old Maes-Y-Coed school on Gladstone Road. Picture: Google
“I’d like to thank Kathryn and her team at Flying Start for accommodating us, and my friends and colleagues for celebrating with me.”
The school specialised in providing education to students with additional learning needs. Over the years, teachers and staff have offered crucial support to both students and their families, and many have remained in contact.
The school had several exceptional facilities, including a sensory pool, and was associated with Barry Hostel where some students resided full-time. These pupils were looked after by committed staff who also attended the reunion.
However, due to the emergence of larger specialist education schools in the Vale, the school had to be shut down.
The building, situated on Gladstone Road, was transformed into the Vale Flying Start Centre in 2012. The centre provides English and Welsh medium childcare, play and development sessions, as well as parenting classes.
Staff who used to work at the Maes-Y-Coed school. Picture: Vale of Glamorgan Council
Kathryn Clarke, Flying Start Centre Manager, added: “It was such a pleasure to be able to host the reunion at Flying Start.
“Learning the history of the building and hearing the stories of staff showed what amazing support they offered residents and the friendships they’ve maintained all these years.
“Now, the building continues to support the community, offering families and young children a range of learning, development and play opportunities.”
The centre features creches, childcare services for 2–3-year-olds, a clinic room for antenatal and healthcare, access to parenting support, and adult learning groups.
Staff, pupils and parents now - reunited to celebrate 65 years of Maes-Y-Coed School. Picture: Vale of Glamorgan
In addition, the Flying Start Centre has recently introduced a Community Well-being Garden.
This garden provides children with an opportunity to learn about nature and gardening. The garden will also serve as a venue for Well-being groups for parents and the community.
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