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About Sarah

Numeracy
Sarah brings a flexible and learner-centred approach to every session. Whether working 1:1 or with a group, she adapts her teaching style to suit individual learning needs, ensuring every learner feels supported and confident.

🧠 Teaching Approach

Uses the WEST tool to identify strengths and areas for development

Designs personalised sessions based on learner goals

Builds confidence in numeracy through real-life, practical examples

Encourages a growth mindset and celebrates progress at every stage

💬 Her Ethos
"Every learner is unique. My role is to meet them where they are and help them move forward with confidence."

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We’re excited to launch a Conversational Welsh Taster Course on 5th August, tailored especially for the veterans to support their children, grandchildren with their homework, or just for leisure. This engaging course is facilitated by Community Learning Merthyr Tydfil and delivered by Kathy Jones from Dysgu Cymraeg. It’s a great opportunity for learners to explore the Welsh language in a relaxed and supportive setting.

“We love the different opportunities our group has given us - thank you to Community Learning Merthyr Tydfil for asking us to be part of this.”

- Merthyr Valley Veterans

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About Diane
Diane supports learners in developing the practical skills they need for everyday life – from cooking and budgeting to gaining confidence with numbers and working towards qualifications. Her sessions are warm, hands-on, and always grounded in real-life experiences.

🧠 Teaching Approach

Teaches numeracy and essential skills through everyday tasks like cooking and shopping

Supports learners working towards qualifications in a relaxed, supportive setting

Builds confidence by making learning relevant and achievable

Friendly, approachable, and always ready to adapt to learners’ needs

💬 Her Ethos
"It’s not just about passing a qualification – it’s about learning skills that make life easier, one step at a time."

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What We Do

We support people aged 16 and over to build confidence and gain Agored Cymru qualifications from Beginner to Level 2.

Our learning areas include:

Essential Skills -

📘 Literacy

🔢 Numeracy

💻 Digital Literacy

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Learning

👩‍💼Independent Living Skills

We bring learning to your local community - whether that’s a community centre, hub, or other familiar space.
Flexible, friendly, and free.

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📍 Address:
15 Chestnut Way, Gurnos
CF47 9SB, Merthyr Tydfil
United Kingdom

We’re based in the heart of the Gurnos, making it easy for you to drop in, learn, and connect.

But don’t forget - we can also come to you!
We deliver sessions in local community centres and venues across Merthyr Tydfil.

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📧 Email: acl@merthyr.gov.uk
📱 Phone: 07729 230938

🔵 Facebook:
Community Learning Merthyr Tydfil /
Cymunedol Oedolion Merthyr Tudful

📸 Instagram & TikTok:
@communitylearningmt
@cymunedoloedolion

💼 LinkedIn:
Community Learning Merthyr Tydfil

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Our Community Learning team is here to support you every step of the way!
We’re made up of:

👩‍🏫 5 Tutors - Lauren, Cath, Diane, Sarah, and Emma
🗂️ Admin Assistant - Gaynor
🤝 Engagement Officer - Hannah
🧭 Coordinator - Scott

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About Emma

Literacy

Emma delivers literacy-focused support across Merthyr Tydfil, working in both community and early years settings. Her sessions are bespoke, learner-led, and designed to meet individuals where they are.

🧠 Teaching Approach

Collaborates with partners including Dysgu Cymraeg and STEP

Delivers community-based learning with occasional work in schools and nurseries

Supports parent and child learning together in playgroups and early years settings

Designs bespoke sessions based on learner goals and interests

Adapts delivery for large groups or 1:1 support

Promotes confidence and independence through real-life literacy

💬 Her Ethos

“Learning should happen on the learner’s terms. I’m here to support, adapt, and encourage - wherever they are in their journey.”

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Community Learning Co-ordinator - Scott Davis 

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Community Learning Co-ordinator - Scott Davis 

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👋 Meet Scott Davis - Team Coordinator

Scott is the Team Coordinator for Community Learning, and he plays a key role in guiding and supporting our work. Making sure our learning programmes are meaningful, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of our community.

What Scott Does:

Leads the team with a clear vision and a collaborative spirit.

Supports each team member to grow and succeed in their role.

Builds strong partnerships with local organisations and services.

Ensures our work connects with wider wellbeing goals across Merthyr Tydfil.

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About Lauren
Lauren supports families by helping parents understand and engage with the numeracy their children are learning in school. Her sessions are designed to reflect the classroom experience, giving parents the confidence to support learning at home.

📘 Teaching Approach

Follows the up-to-date school curriculum for numeracy

Uses school-based teaching methods to ensure consistency

Incorporates school-style assessments to track progress

Works closely with parents to help children develop strong numeracy skills

Focuses on building relationships

💬 Her Ethos
"When parents understand how numeracy is taught in schools, they can better support their child’s learning journey."

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Family Learning and Digital Literacy Tutor - Cath

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Family Learning and Digital Literacy Tutor - Cath

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About Cath
Cath brings creativity and innovation to her sessions, helping families build essential skills through engaging and imaginative activities. Her approach makes learning feel natural and fun, especially when it comes to literacy and numeracy.

🧠 Teaching Approach

Embeds literacy and numeracy through creative outlets such as art, storytelling, and digital projects

Supports family learning by making educational activities enjoyable and accessible

Builds digital literacy skills alongside core learning, helping adults navigate technology confidently

Encourages confidence and curiosity in both children and parents

💬 Her Ethos
"Learning doesn’t have to look like a classroom - it can be playful, creative, and woven into everyday life."

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Looking to brush up on your essential skills? Come along every Wednesday between 1–3pm there's a friendly tutor on hand to help with reading, writing, numbers, and more!

Hannah our Engagement Officer and Diane our Essential Skills Tutor will be there!

Free support

No appointment needed

All skill levels welcome

Pop in and take the next step toward your goals!

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🌟 Celebrating Gaynor’s Journey 🌟

We’re continuously proud of Gaynor, who began her journey through Adult Community Learning, achieving:

✅ Agored Cymru Level 2 Essential Application of Number Skills (GCSE Equivalent)
✅ Essential Communication Skills

Since then, she’s been with us for over 18 months as our brilliant Admin Assistant, bringing positivity, dedication, and a can-do attitude to everything she does. 💼✨

Gaynor’s story is a shining example of where learning can take you, and a reminder that this could be you! 🌈📚

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🎓 Essential Skills for Working Life – 8-Week Course at Marsh House

We’re excited to share that Diane Newman-Jenkins is delivering an 8-week Essential Skills for Working Life course with the residents of Marsh House!

This hands-on, practical course is designed to build confidence and independence through key life skills, including:

🍳 Cooking a Simple Meal – Learn how to prepare nutritious, budget-friendly meals.
🛒 Shopping for Food – Gain confidence in planning and shopping for ingredients.
💷 Budgeting – Understand how to manage money effectively and make it go further.

The sessions are friendly, supportive, and tailored to the needs of the group, helping residents build skills that support everyday living and future opportunities.

👏 A huge thank you to Diane for her energy and commitment to empowering our community!

📅 Running weekly at Marsh House

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🌟 Meet Gaynor Ralph – Our Admin Superstar! 🌟

Gaynor Ralph, our brilliant Admin Assistant in the Community Learning team. Who keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

With her incredible attention to detail, warm approach, Gaynor is a vital part of our team. Whether it’s organising meetings, keeping us on track with paperwork, or helping us stay connected.

Here are a few fun facts about Gaynor:

📍 Based in Calon Las

☕ Loves a good cuppa and a chat

💬 Always happy to help - just pop by or drop her a message!

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🌟 Meet Hannah – Our Engagement Officer for Community Learning! 🌟

Hi everyone! 👋
I’m Hannah Evans, and I’m thrilled to be your Engagement Officer for Community Learning here in Merthyr Tydfil.

My role is all about connecting with our amazing community, listening to your ideas. Whether you're looking to build new skills, meet new people, or explore fresh opportunities, I’m here to support and guide you every step of the way.

💬 What I love most about my job?
Creating spaces where everyone feels heard, valued, and inspired to learn.

📍 Let’s connect!
If you have ideas, questions, or just want to chat about what’s happening in community learning, I’d love to hear from you. - 07729230938

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We’re proud to celebrate our ongoing partnership with Ymlaen Merthyr Tydfil, supporting local residents to gain essential skills and open new doors to opportunity.

Every Friday, Emma works closely with the group, helping learners achieve qualifications in:

📘 Literacy

🔢 Numeracy

💻 Digital Literacy

These sessions are more than just learning-they’re about building confidence, independence, and pathways to employment and volunteering.

One inspiring success story is Nathan (pictured above), who, through his dedication and the support of the programme, has secured a volunteer position at Colliers Adventure Farm. His achievement is a testament to the power of community learning and partnership working.

👏 Well done to Nathan and all our learners!

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🗣️ Cymraeg i'r Teulu! | Free Welsh Taster Course for Parents & Grandparents

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🗣️ Cymraeg i'r Teulu! | Free Welsh Taster Course for Parents & Grandparents

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Do you have children or grandchildren in Welsh-medium education or learning Welsh?
Would you love to understand and use a bit of the language yourself?

Join us this September for a FREE Welsh Taster Course designed especially for adults who want to feel more confident engaging with the language their children are learning.

👥 Who is it for?
Parents and grandparents—no prior Welsh needed!