Inspectors highlighted strong safeguarding, caring leadership and close links with parents and the wider community

TWO Pembrokeshire primary schools have been praised by Estyn for creating happy, inclusive and supportive communities in which pupils feel safe and valued.

Wales’ education and training inspectorate visited the Federation of Ysgol Brynconin and Ysgol Maenclochog in May, and has now published its findings following a full inspection.

Inspectors found that both schools have a strong culture of safeguarding and provide nurturing learning environments where staff are committed to pupils’ care, wellbeing and progress.

The report described the schools as positive communities built on respect and trust, adding that many pupils, including those with additional learning needs, make good progress in their learning and development.

Learning support assistants were also praised as valued members of the school teams who work diligently and skilfully to support pupils.

Estyn identified the opportunities given to pupils to influence decisions about school life as a particular strength of the federation. Inspectors said pupils make an effective contribution to the life and work of both schools.

The report also highlighted the exceptionally strong relationship between the schools and their local communities.

Parents were said to be proud that their children attend the schools and appreciative of their caring ethos and the wide range of opportunities available to pupils.

Headteacher Edryd Eynon was praised for providing caring and purposeful leadership and promoting a clear vision across the federation.

Mr Eynon said: “I would like to commend our outstanding staff and governors, who work tirelessly and diligently to ensure that every pupil is valued and that their wellbeing and progress in learning remain our highest priorities.

“The Federation of Ysgol Brynconin and Ysgol Maenclochog is one that our pupils, families and the wider community can be extremely proud of.”

Haverfordwest business recognised for chocolate bars featuring Welsh seaweed and Anglesey sea salt

A PEMBROKESHIRE chocolate producer has secured three Great Taste awards little more than a year after launching.

The Pembrokeshire Chocolate Co, based in Haverfordwest, received one-star awards for its Seaweed, Dark Salted Caramel and Sea Salt chocolate bars in the Great Taste 2026 competition.

More than 15,000 food and drink products were entered into this year’s awards and assessed through a blind judging process organised by the Guild of Fine Food.

A one-star award is presented to products judged to be “simply delicious”.

Each of the company’s winning bars uses ingredients connected to the Welsh coastline.

Its Seaweed bar combines 55 per cent dark chocolate with dulse hand-harvested by Câr-y-Môr, a community-owned regenerative ocean farm near St Davids.

Judges described the bar as an “innovative product” which delivered “a long and lingering mouthful”.

The company’s Dark Salted Caramel bar, which contains a rich liquid caramel filling, was also praised for the skill involved in its production.

Judges said: “We hugely admire the level of skill displayed here.”

Completing the award-winning trio is the Sea Salt bar, made using 34 per cent milk chocolate.

All three bars are finished with protected designation of origin sea salt produced by Halen Môn on Anglesey.

The awards follow a period of rapid growth for The Pembrokeshire Chocolate Co, which was established in July 2025.

The business has expanded from a standing start to a range of seven flavours, with its products now stocked in more than 60 shops across Wales.

The team also recently attended the Royal Welsh Show, where it showcased its products to visitors from across Wales and further afield.

Further expansion is planned later this year, when the company is expected to move into a larger production facility in Fishguard.

The investment will allow the business to increase production, develop a wider range of products and create new jobs in the local area.

Collaborations with other established Welsh producers and brands are also being planned.

Founder Ieuan Griffiths said: “We’re delighted. We only launched just over a year ago, so for three of our bars to be recognised by the Great Taste judges is a real vote of confidence in what we’re doing.

“It’s been a busy summer. We’ve just come back from a great week at the Royal Welsh, and with the move to a bigger site in Fishguard at the end of the year, we’re looking forward to creating new jobs locally and putting even more back into Pembrokeshire.”

The award-winning bars are available from local retailers including Four Seasons Farm Shop, Wisebuys and Vincent Davies.

A full list of stockists is available through The Pembrokeshire Chocolate Co’s website.

Great Taste has been running for 33 years and is regarded as one of the world’s largest food and drink accreditation schemes.

Products are assessed without packaging or branding by panels of industry experts, including chefs, buyers, retailers, food writers and producers.

This year’s judging took place over 105 days, involving more than 800 judges and products submitted from 116 countries.

Great Taste awards remain valid for three years.

Phyl Griffiths steps down from the leadership role but will remain on the board

YESCYMRU has appointed Rob Hughes as the new Chair of its Board following the decision by Phyl Griffiths to step down because of increased work commitments.

Mr Hughes, who represents the South-East region on the board, was elected to lead the non-party-political campaign for Welsh independence. Sam Murphy, director for the South-West, has been chosen as Vice-Chair.

Mr Griffiths, who became Chair in 2024, will remain a director of the organisation.

YesCymru said his two years in the role had seen the campaign broaden its activities and record substantial membership growth during 2026.

Paying tribute to his predecessor, Mr Hughes said: “Phyl’s ability to connect with people has helped create a harmonious and united organisation, leading YesCymru forward to the position of strength in which we find ourselves today.

“He will be greatly missed as our Chair, but we are delighted that he will continue in his role as a fellow director for the South-East.

“He is a huge asset as we help move Wales towards independence.”

Mr Griffiths established a local YesCymru group in Merthyr Tudful in 2017 before later joining the organisation’s board and becoming Chair.

He said: “When I set up my local group of YesCymru in Merthyr Tudful back in 2017, I didn’t imagine for a second that I’d be on the Board of Directors just a few years later, let alone become Chair of the movement I love so dearly.

“I’ve long felt that Wales needs cross-party thinking if we’re to become an independent nation and, during my time as Chair, I’ve been immensely proud of the work of the Board in ensuring that YesCymru is a home for all who share that view.”

He thanked members and supporters for their work and encouraged those who support Welsh independence to take part in a planned march in Aberystwyth on September 26.

Mr Griffiths said the decision to step down had been difficult, adding: “I’ve had an amazing time as Chair, superbly supported by a brilliant Board, and I look forward to giving my full support to Rob as the new Chair.”

Nerys Jenkins, who served alongside Mr Griffiths on YesCymru’s National Governing Body, praised his leadership at what she described as a crucial period for the movement.

She said: “His commitment to YesCymru has been unwavering. He took on the role of Chair at a crucial time for the movement and has worked tirelessly to provide steady, thoughtful leadership.

“His ability to bring people together and listen to different viewpoints has been invaluable.”

Former Chair Barry Parkin, now director for the Outside of Wales region, described Mr Griffiths as a gifted and motivational speaker who had made a significant contribution to both YesCymru and the wider independence movement.

He added: “I am proud to have worked alongside Phyl and am delighted that we will be able to continue working together as directors of YesCymru, striving for an independent Cymru.”