Council considering expanding on additional learning needs services

Caerphilly County Borough Council is considering expanding the number of specialist resource centres for children with additional learning needs.

Members of the council’s social services scrutiny committee recently endorsed recommendations to carry out a consultation on the plans, with the council’s cabinet set to consider proposals before consultation begins.

The proposals being consulted on are to establish new specialist resource bases, to support pupils with complex needs and autism spectrum disorder, at:

• Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni (two classes)
• Idris Davies 3-18 (three classes over two years with capacity for maximum 30 children in total)
• Rhiw Syr Dafydd Primary (one class with capacity of 8 to 10)
• St Helens RC Primary (one class with capacity of 8 to 10)
• One other primary school to be determined (one class with capacity of 8 to 10)

If approved, the plans would help ensure targeted support is provided to meet the needs of individual pupils, in settings closer to home.

Cllr Carol Andrews, cabinet member for education, said: “We’re committed to ensuring all pupils in the Caerphilly borough receive the support they need to reach their full potential.

“Whilst most pupils will have their needs met in mainstream settings, there is an increase in demand for specialist provision. The proposals being consulted on aim to meet this rapidly increasing need.”