New classes for pupils with additional learning needs

COUNCILLORS in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) are set to agree to set up new classes for pupils with additional learning needs.

Cabinet members will consider a report at their meeting today which suggests they approve funding for two years for English language places for pupils with social and emotional behavioural difficulties at Bryncelynnog School in Beddau, Ferndale Community School and Mountain Ash Comprehensive School.

They will also be asked to agree to provide two-year funding for Welsh language places for pupils with complex needs including SEBD at Ysgol Garth Olwg in Church Village.

They will also be asked to lapse the original consultation process because of the restrictions caused by Covid-19.

The main aim of the new classes is for significant reductions in both suspensions and permanent exclusions, reductions in-year transfer requests and managed moves, reduced requests for secondary pupil referral unit (PRU) placements, improved outcomes for vulnerable learners and improved attendance.

The schools will establish alternative curriculum or specialist provision suitable to accommodate the needs of pupils with SEBD in their local community.

The council hopes this will improve opportunities for inclusion, increasing the capacity of schools to meet complex needs in mainstream settings and reducing the demand for council led specialist SEBD placements.

The proposals are partly in response to the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) (ALNET) passed by Welsh Government two years ago which requires councils to keep their provision for pupils with ALN under review and consider whether they are sufficient.

The cabinet report says: “In light of the requirements of the ALNET Act, concerns regarding rising exclusions and an increase in requests for SEBD placements there is a clear need to enhance provision for learners with these needs. The measures implemented to date and proposals for change will provide an inclusive model for addressing the escalating exclusion rates and incidents of challenging behaviour in RCT secondary schools.”

It goes on to say: “This resource will also reduce pressures on mainstream secondary schools that are experiencing significant challenges in resourcing the support that is needed for pupils with the most complex needs.”

The council will pool the £416,000 a year originally set aside to fund the four learning support classes for SEBD provision, with the £500,000 funding allocated to extend the school based SEBD provision in as many schools as possible.