Young learners from across the Vale of Glamorgan have been in the spotlight this week after a host of them have been recognised in the annual Vale Parent Child Homework Support Club Awards.
The Club, which is supported by Tarmac’s Aberthaw cement plant, has been running for over six years and was established to help support children across the county in their education. The annual awards, which have become a firm fixture on the calendar, are held to recognise the efforts of local children in improving their skills to help them reach their full learning potential.
Tarmac’s Aberthaw cement plant has partnered with the Club since its inception and is proud to continue to be a long-term community partner. The company supported the evening and was proud to sponsor and judge two awards:
- Tarmac Special Award went to Natasha Lynch. Natasha, 17, has severe allergies and an epipen care plan and has been a volunteer since 2014. A Welsh speaker, Natasha plays a pivotal role at the Club and instigated both the Welsh and Science Club. Natasha was recognised for her commitment – attending every club to support learners whilst qualifying in college for an LSA qualification at Level 2. Natasha also qualified as a youth worker and play worker in the last year whilst completing safeguarding level 2 and first aid at work. Natasha will be working with the Club as it expands into St Athan and Llantwit Major.
- Tarmac Child of the Year was awarded to seven-year old Nathan Faire. Having been with the club for almost two years, Nathan has seen his confidence grow tremendously. Nathan now attends both English and Maths clubs and he was made significant progress this year attending 1:1’s with tutor, Maria. Nathan was recognised for his caring attitude in supporting younger children and he continues to inspire many children with his drive to always do better.
Tarmac’s Aberthaw cement production manager, Nicola Bartholomey, presented several awards and said,
“We are incredibly proud of our role in supporting the Club. We have been there from the beginning and have seen, first-hand, the difference it continues to make to the many local youngsters who attend.
“Cath and the team continue to amaze me with their passion and drive to support the increasing numbers of members. The Club is positively impacting lives of young children and adults across the area and all winners should be incredibly proud of themselves.”
One of the Club’s founder members, Cath Watkins said:
“The Club has come such a long way since we started in 2012 and we now support over 450 children and adults across the Vale.
“These awards represent the achievements of all our members and the winners can be very proud. It is a pleasure to support eager learners and see how far they come in such a short amount of time. I’d like to extend a thank you to all the volunteers who put in many, many hours to make the Club work and to Tarmac for continuing to support us.
“This year will see us expand to run clubs in St Athan and Llantwit Major and we are hugely excited to meet eager youngsters who want to make a difference to their learning.”
Jane Hutt, AM for Vale of Glamorgan, added:
“We are very fortunate to have such an inspiring initiative in the Vale Parent Child Homework Club, which makes such a difference to the educational prospects of children and young people in the Vale. Special congratulations to founder member Cath Watkins and her volunteers as well as the support offered by Tarmac Aberthaw. And well done to all winners!”
The Club is run by volunteers and holds English and maths support sessions for local Vale school children and is now helping older family members to further their skills with adult learning support. It meets on Tuesday and Thursday during school term time at the Rhoose Community Centre.
Aberthaw Cement Plant is the only cement works in south Wales. Cement made at Aberthaw has contributed to some of Wales’ most significant construction projects of recent time, including Pembroke Power Station, The Millennium Centre and home of the Welsh Government – The Senedd, both in Cardiff Bay.