A care worker from Caerphilly who helped a young man with autism secure a place at a specialist residential school during the pandemic is up for a national award.

Sarah Russell, who is the education and care principal at Ty Bronllys residential school, near Brecon, has been shortlisted for a Wales Care Award.

She is up for the Promoting Excellence in Services for Children and Young People category after her efforts helping a youngster who “presented with significant and complex behaviour”.

Sarah said: “I went along and met him and his family and agreed a plan for his first residential placements.

“Working with a team of specialist carers, behavioural experts, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists, we organised everything from the initial assessment right through to staff training, coaching, mentoring supporting and modelling how best to support this young man.

“Doing so during the Covid-19 restrictions made the task even more challenging, but it worked.

“He is now able to learn again and does so with only minimal support. He is also able to access the community frequently, something which sadly he had been unable to do for some time, and recently was able to return home for a holiday which is something his mum never thought he’d be able to do.”

Speaking about her award nomination, Sarah said: “It means everything to me.”

She continued: “It recognises how collaborating with others can work in difficult circumstances. It is also a credit to the team who worked so hard to deal with this challenging issue. I was the manager but there was a large team working together towards the same goal and I know the mother of this young man is very happy at the outcome.”

The residential school is run by Orbis, which runs specialist schools and residential homes for children and adults with complex needs, such as autism and social, emotional and mental health needs.

Lisa Cowles, Head of Therapies at Orbis Education and Care, said Sarah’s work was “challenging but truly remarkable”.

She said: “The young person has made immense progress, increased his independence, is dependent upon fewer staff, has fewer restrictions, enjoys his life and is enjoying his relationships with his family. Sarah’s work has been inspiring.

“Also, as a by-product, her work has enabled a family to get their lives back, improving their relationships and quality of their lives across the board. It is also something which has inspired his Mum to go and work in a special school, to, and in her words, ‘give something back’.”

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at City Hall, Cardiff, on October 21, which will be hosted by radio presenter Wynne Evans.