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Gofal Teg

By Wernick Group in Article

Project name: Gofal Teg

Sector: Childcare

Location: Pontypool, Torfaen

Client name: Torfaen County Borough Council

Supplied by: Wernick Buildings​

Project duration: 14 weeks

Accommodation type: Single-storey childcare building

Size: 285m² / 8 modules

Features: Sustainable drainage system, rain gardens, child-friendly features, mono-pitch roof

Requirement

Torfaen County Borough Council required a single storey building within the grounds of Panteg School in Torfaen to accommodate preschool children. The Welsh Government’s childcare offer provides 30 hours a week of early education and childcare for working parents of three to four year olds for 48 weeks of the year. With funding in place, the council started the procurement process.

A defined construction programme, along with speed of build helped the council to decide on a modular solution, rather than a ‘traditional’ build.

Solution

The council use the SEWSCAP framework to procure their buildings, and on this occasion, they selected Wernick Buildings from the modular buildings lot.

The nearby school influenced the building’s design. Brick panels, a mono-pitch roof and the colour palette of fixtures and fittings ensure that the new building is an unobtrusive addition to the estate.

Internally, a centrally located office with windows at each end offers a viewpoint onto two main play areas. Low-level windows allow children to see out whilst flooding the building with natural light, and low-level sinks encourage independence.

Externally, swale ponds and rain gardens naturally manage rainwater, and each play area flows onto its own garden with natural grass and safety flooring. Feature canopies encourage inside/outside play in any weather.

In just 14 weeks, the building opened to the community. In addition to Flying Start childcare, Gofal Teg provides wrap-around care for the school and parent and toddler groups in the Welsh language.

Client comment

Danielle Connor, Nursery Manager commented: “It’s a really well thought out building that provides a welcoming environment for its users. Parents are really impressed with the space – it has the wow factor. The children don’t want to go home and ask if they can book an extra day!”