To seek Cabinet’s approval to consult formally with the parents, staff and governing body of Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd and other interested parties on the proposal to establish a learning resource centre for pupils with autistic spectrum disorders at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd. 

The Interim Corporate Director Education and Family Support sought approval to formally consult with the parents, staff and governing body of Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd and other interested parties on the proposal to establish a learning resource centre for pupils with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd.  He informed Cabinet that consultation must take place in term time in accordance with the statutory code and consultation will not commence until 5 September 2017.

He reported that there is a focus in the Welsh Education Strategic Plan that Welsh medium provision for learners with ALN is extended to provide additional learning needs provision through the medium of Welsh during all stages of education.  He stated that if the proposal was approved it would mean that:

·         a learning resource centre at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd for a maximum of 12 pupils with ASD would be established from 8 January 2018;

·         there would be a graduated intake from 8 January 2018 and the admissions for the learning resource centre would be decided upon through an admissions panel;

·         the learning resource centre would be an integrated part of the mainstream school, providing an appropriate environment in which pupils can develop and thrive within their peer group and have normal access to mainstream curriculum, where appropriate;

·         the learning resource centre would provide specialist learning facilities within the school. It would also provide specialist expertise in respect of ASD to mainstream classes; and

·         the Council supports the principles that, as far as possible, children should be educated within a mainstream school environment and as near to their home as possible (the proposal of establishing a learning resource centre at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd would afford those children with ASD, who speak Welsh in the Bridgend County Borough, to be educated within a Welsh-medium school).        

He informed Cabinet that pupils would have access to individual, small group and whole class experiences and mainstream pupils at the school with ASD would also benefit from the proposal. He stated there was also a proposal to establish a Welsh- medium ASD learning resource centre in one of the Welsh-medium feeder primary schools and once the feeder primary school had been identified a report would be submitted to Cabinet to undergo a consultation exercise.

The Cabinet Wellbeing and Future Generations welcomed the proposal as it would provide much needed provision for pupils with ASD attending Welsh medium education.  The Cabinet Member Communities asked whether the expertise at Ysgol Bryn Castell could be tapped into.  The Interim Corporate Director Education and Family Support informed Cabinet that there is a duty on the authority to consult with Ysgol Bryn Castell on the proposal. 

RESOLVED:            That Cabinet agreed to consult formally on the proposal to establish a Learning Resource Centre for pupils with ASD at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd, and for the outcome of the consultation to be reported back to Cabinet, so that an informed decision can then be made on the proposal, with effect from 8 January 2018.