Support for new specialist ALN bases at some borough schools

Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Proposals to set up specialist ‘resource bases’ for additional learning needs are expected to move ahead for some Caerphilly schools.

The vast majority of respondents to a recent consultation on the county borough council’s plans said they supported the move.

The council said it is “committed to supporting inclusion” but “recognises the need for a few children to access provision through specialist settings, in line with their needs”.

If approved, specialist resource bases could be set up at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni’s Gellihaf campus, in Fleur de Lis; at Rhiw Syr Dafydd Primary School, in Oakdale; at St Helens RC Primary School, in Caerphilly town; and at Idris Davies School, in Abertysswg.

A fifth school could also open a base, but the council has not yet determined its location.

According to the council, the benefits of setting up these bases include “ensuring needs are met closer to home and avoiding costly out-of-county provision”.

Pupils with additional needs will also receive “targeted” support while also having “access to a mainstream primary or secondary school environment”.

During a consultation period, 90 of the 106 respondents – which included parents, school staff and governors – said they supported the proposal to set up the bases.

The council believes the overall project will cost an extra £1.2 million to run annually, but will also mean less money is spent on transport for pupils who would otherwise be travelling out of the borough for similar support.

Transport costs for in-county provision at one of the new bases would be around £6,000 per pupil for the year, while out-of-county transport is estimated to be around £28,500 for each child annually.

In each case, a new base would be set up within existing buildings at the nominated schools.

The council intends to use funding from the Welsh Government’s ALN Capital Grant for 2025/26 to set up the bases, if they are approved.

Members of the council’s education committee are expected to discuss the proposals at a meeting on Tuesday September 2.

Cabinet members will then make a decision, at a later date, on publishing a statutory notice setting out the concrete plans for the bases.