Twyn Primary School in Caerphilly required a new modular childcare unit to enhance its early years provision and provide additional capacity for after-school care.
The school recognised increasing demand from families in the community, particularly in line with the Welsh Government’s Childcare Offer, which provides support for working parents. The brief called for a high-quality, single-storey modular building designed to include two dedicated childcare activity rooms, staff and pupil toilets, an office, and a staff room. The new facility needed to integrate seamlessly with the existing Early Years building and wider school site, offering safe and accessible connections. Sustainability, biodiversity enhancement, and minimal disruption during construction within the live school environment were also key priorities.
Timeline: Delivered in just 3 months from site set-up to handover, with minimal disruption to the live school environment.
Key Features: Improved thermal efficiency, SuDS drainage system, biodiversity enhancements, modular flexibility
Modern Facade– Plastisol cladding, Siberian larch panels, EDPM roof, and UPVC windows deliver durability, energy efficiency, and a contemporary appearance, reducing long-term maintenance while enhancing aesthetics.
Secure Parking– A gated car park provides staff access while safeguarding measures control entry. Pedestrian routes link the unit with the Early Years building securely and conveniently.
Outdoor Play– A canopy shelters outdoor play areas, encouraging year-round learning and exploration. This supports active development, outdoor teaching and the school’s vibrant extracurricular childcare activities.
SuDS Drainage– Sustainable drainage swales manage surface water, preventing runoff and enhancing site resilience. Compliance with Welsh SAB standards supports long-term sustainability and ecological responsibility.
Biodiversity– Native planting, swales and habitat features enrich the school grounds. Landscaping mitigates vegetation loss and encourages wildlife, improving site biodiversity alongside childcare provision.
Childcare Activity Rooms– Two flexible rooms designed for play and learning, with large windows, robust finishes and adaptable layouts to support diverse activities for pre-school and after-school provision.
Staff Facilities– Office and staff room provide comfortable, practical working environments for childcare teams, supporting administration, collaboration and rest while ensuring privacy for meetings with families.
Children’s Toilets– Purpose-designed toilets with appropriately scaled cubicles, sinks, and baby change area, supporting safe, hygienic use. Accessible toilets ensure inclusivity for all pupils and staff members.
Accessibility– Wide corridors, vision panels and level access ensure safe, inclusive movement for children and staff. The clear internal layout supports supervision and easy circulation throughout.
Safety Systems– Integrated fire and intruder alarms connect to existing school systems, ensuring secure safeguarding. Vision panels and secure access doors maintain visibility and control across the building.