Pant Pastynog School
Cart y Plwyf

In 2022 the extremely popular community minibus 'Cart y Plwyf' was coming to the end of its life.

'Cart y Plwyf' was an extremely important resource for this rural community especially as public transport to the area is limited. Therefore Ysgol Pant Pastynog applied to the fund for £25,281.73 in order to buy a new minibus will be for the benefit of the school together with the community, and the school would take responsibility for running the bus and the booking calendar for the minibus.

By now 5 members of the school's staff together with 4 community volunteers can drive the minibus, with another 8 volunteers taking a minibus driving test.

This bus is a great resource for the community, it not only reduces the school's costs of getting a taxi, but also enables individuals to go on a shopping trip and for organizations to go on trips without having to pay too much. The minibus is used for community events and extracurricular activities, strengthening links between the school and the local community.

Headteacher Meirion Edwards said:

"We are extremely grateful to the Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm Fund for their financial support towards the purchase of a New Mini Bus for the School and the community. Since the bus arrived, every class has made use of the bus - Nursery/Receiving a trip to Tweedmill as part of its theme work, the Cylch has taken children to Brenig and we have taken Key Stage children 2 to 3 sports competitions. At the moment, we are supporting members of the community to be able to drive the bus and have created an online diary so that the Community can organize trips soon."

By now the community groups have restarted using the new 'Cart y Plwyf', and Merched y Wawr has made use of it when going to Glyn y Weddw in Pwllheli, and the neighbors of Cymdeithas Maes y Plwm went to Liverpool to see the museums there.

This project is a perfect example of how a rural school, with support from its community, can overcome challenges to provide better educational opportunities for its pupils. The new minibus has been a valuable investment, not only for the school, but for the wider community as well. This case study shows the importance of collaboration and strategic planning in rural areas to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Community and Voluntary Support Conwy
7 Rhiw Rd, Colwyn Bay LL29 7TG

  • Company Limited by Guarantee 3867751
  • Registered Charity Number: 1151397