You won't find pupils at one Swansea valley primary school in the classroom on a Friday morning. They are too busy serving customers at the 'Cuppalicious' cafe- a registered business in the heart of Clydach which is run by small groups of year five and six pupils each week.
But don't be fooled by the sweet name and young age of the employees- this cafe is a serious operation. In fact, I'm even told by a girl who could not be more than 11 that there are no tables left for customers when I arrived at the door this morning.
In fairness, she was absolutely right. The cafe was packed as kids in aprons took orders from parents, local residents and fellow pupils. Each young server eagerly brought out mountains of toast, big cooked breakfasts and drinks to their customers who later paid at the till which was also run by primary school kids. You can get more Swansea news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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It really was a sight to see and upon chatting to children, parents and school staff in the community hall turned café in the grounds of Craigfelen Community Primary School, it's exactly what the area needs. After I luckily managed to squeeze onto a table and a young lad took my order of toast and orange squash, I spoke to some of the people that have made this great idea a reality.
"I'm really passionate about Clydach. People are saying it's lovely to see the community coming together," said Emma Jones, the community-focussed school manager for the school. "[The cafe] just took off immediately. It's something the community needed. To have this back, it's massive for the people up here," she added.
After school pupils applied for various positions in the cafe and school staff held interviews with them, the children were able to choose the cafe name and design a logo which is now worn proudly on their matching aprons. Pupils also received basic food hygeine training, although staff at the school prepare the meals when the cafe is open, and met with hospitality professionals such as chefs and restuarant owners who shared their top tips. "They've got full ownership which is so important because it makes them believe in themselves," said Ms Jones.
One of the cafe's employees is manager Sophia Reeve, aged 10, who had her watchful eye on every table in the community hall to ensure all her customers were happy with their breakfasts. "We have to do the till and see if everything is okay with customers. I love it. It feels like my first job. You have responsibility and that's a good feeling," she said with a big smile on her face.
Sophia's mum Susan Reeve, 32, said she could not believe how busy the cafe had been. Her three children all go to the school and her two daughters have loved working in Cuppalicious. "The kids are working so hard and they all have their own roles and responsibilities. Before it opened the kids were well prepped and it was well organised. This really builds their confidence and it encourages everyone to come together," she said.
Richard Bevan is a governor at the school and has trained the pupils in accountancy and business in preperation for working in the cafe. He can be found at the till helping pupils when the cafe is at its busiest and said the business is already turning a profit despite only running for three weeks and keeping their menu items affordable.
"It's about having the building back under the school umbrella," said Mr Bevan, who explained the community hall was transferred back to the school by the council. "There wasn't a lot up here- there was nothing for the children to do. Now during the school holidays we have fun days and games. We're going to develop it and set up a charity."
Previously known as Graigfelen Hall, the building is now known as the Cwtch and various community events are held regularly. "It brings a community together," said Mr Bevan. "It's very important especially with the cost of living. We make sure it's affordable and we also run a community kitchen for families who are struggling. I want to see the area thrive."
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