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Plans to open a series of “specialist resource bases” for pupils with additional learning needs in Caerphilly have moved a step closer.

A final round of consultation drew two objections regarding concerns the bases would mean the loss of classrooms for existing pupils – a possibility the council has refuted.

If cabinet members approve the new policy, the new bases for ALN pupils will open at Idris Davies School, in Abertysswg; at Rhiw Syr Dafydd Primary School, in Oakdale; at St Helens RC Primary School, in Caerphilly town; and at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni’s Gellihaf campus, in Fleur de Lis.

In total, the bases are expected to cost around £1.2 million to run annually.

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

Carol Andrews, the cabinet member for education, said the bases are expected to open by the end of May 2026, except for a second classroom at Idris Davies School.

Each site will be managed by the schools’ headteachers, and pupil admission will be decided by the local authority, Cllr Andrews told the council’s education scrutiny committee.

A report on a recent consultation period shows two objectors originally supported the proposal for a base at Rhiw Syr Dafydd Primary, but later changed their minds.

This was over concerns about the “potential loss of existing school facilities and the lack of priority access for current pupils, which they find unacceptable”.

At the meeting, committee members asked whether the council had managed to allay those concerns.

Sarah Ellis, the council’s lead for inclusion and additional learning needs, said it “clearly isn’t the case” that schools would give up existing pupils’ resources.

She added that the council had only proposed setting up the new bases in schools which have surplus pupil places.

The committee agreed unanimously to back the plans for the new bases, and the council’s cabinet is expected to sign off on the policy at a future meeting.