School and youth work - What are we doing?

View this page in Welsh / Gweld y tudalen hwn yn Gymraeg


The Vale’s schools and youth groups play an important role in Project Zero, regularly coordinating eco-projects and helping to shape sustainable ways of operating.

This page is designed to show you some examples of the school and youth work the Council is doing as part of Project Zero.


Penarth alleyway tranformation

Our Placemaking Team recently led on the transformation of the alleyways linking the St Paul’s Avenue flats to Hazel Road and Lavernock Road in Penarth through a community-led project focused on creativity and sustainability. Year 8 pupils from Stanwell School collaborated with local artists Hurts So Good to design murals inspired by Cosmeston Lakes, the coast, and local wildlife—celebrating nature and encouraging care for public spaces. A final mural reading Keep Your Lane Clean reinforces the message of community pride and responsibility. The project also included a community litter pick with support from Council teams and Penarth Fire Station, creating a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming space for all.




Walk to School Week 2025

Pupils at Ysgol Sant Baruc in Barry celebrated Walk to School Week 2025 as part of their ongoing participation in WOW – the walk to school challenge from Living Streets. The Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan, Naomi Marshallsea, joined the school run to highlight the many benefits of active travel for children, families and the wider community. Since joining the WOW programme in September 2023, the school has seen a 57% reduction in car journeys to the school gate, with 22% of pupils regularly walking all the way. Funded by Welsh Government, the project supports sustainable travel and healthier lifestyles, with pupils recording their journeys and earning monthly badges for walking, wheeling, cycling, scooting or ‘Park and Stride’.




Big Fresh Catering Company Evenlode Primary investment

During the past few years, The Big Fresh Catering Company, who provide catering services for many schools in the Vale, offer schools funding to support wellbeing projects that benefit pupils.

Evenlode Primary School in Penarth used their grant to create inclusive outdoor spaces that support both play and emotional wellbeing.

Their new facilities include a giant natural xylophone, outdoor musical instruments, willow huts, mini rainbow rooms, a mud kitchen, and sensory equipment like jumbo magnifying glasses.

These additions have not only provided fun and stimulating activities but also calm, quiet areas where pupils can take time out when needed.

View this page in Welsh / Gweld y tudalen hwn yn Gymraeg


The Vale’s schools and youth groups play an important role in Project Zero, regularly coordinating eco-projects and helping to shape sustainable ways of operating.

This page is designed to show you some examples of the school and youth work the Council is doing as part of Project Zero.


Penarth alleyway tranformation

Our Placemaking Team recently led on the transformation of the alleyways linking the St Paul’s Avenue flats to Hazel Road and Lavernock Road in Penarth through a community-led project focused on creativity and sustainability. Year 8 pupils from Stanwell School collaborated with local artists Hurts So Good to design murals inspired by Cosmeston Lakes, the coast, and local wildlife—celebrating nature and encouraging care for public spaces. A final mural reading Keep Your Lane Clean reinforces the message of community pride and responsibility. The project also included a community litter pick with support from Council teams and Penarth Fire Station, creating a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming space for all.




Walk to School Week 2025

Pupils at Ysgol Sant Baruc in Barry celebrated Walk to School Week 2025 as part of their ongoing participation in WOW – the walk to school challenge from Living Streets. The Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan, Naomi Marshallsea, joined the school run to highlight the many benefits of active travel for children, families and the wider community. Since joining the WOW programme in September 2023, the school has seen a 57% reduction in car journeys to the school gate, with 22% of pupils regularly walking all the way. Funded by Welsh Government, the project supports sustainable travel and healthier lifestyles, with pupils recording their journeys and earning monthly badges for walking, wheeling, cycling, scooting or ‘Park and Stride’.




Big Fresh Catering Company Evenlode Primary investment

During the past few years, The Big Fresh Catering Company, who provide catering services for many schools in the Vale, offer schools funding to support wellbeing projects that benefit pupils.

Evenlode Primary School in Penarth used their grant to create inclusive outdoor spaces that support both play and emotional wellbeing.

Their new facilities include a giant natural xylophone, outdoor musical instruments, willow huts, mini rainbow rooms, a mud kitchen, and sensory equipment like jumbo magnifying glasses.

These additions have not only provided fun and stimulating activities but also calm, quiet areas where pupils can take time out when needed.