Cardiff

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Special Educational Needs

Sections

1. Types of SEN/ALN Support Available in Cardiff

Cardiff offers a range of support services for children and young people with SEN/ALN, tailored to meet individual needs. These include:

a. Mainstream School Support

  • Differentiated Learning: Teachers adapt lessons to meet the needs of children with SEN/ALN.
  • Individual Development Plans (IDPs): Replacing Statements of SEN, IDPs outline the specific support a child requires. These are reviewed regularly.
  • Teaching Assistants (TAs): Many schools employ TAs to provide one-on-one or small group support.

b. Specialist Resource Bases (SRBs)

  • Cardiff has several SRBs attached to mainstream schools, offering targeted support for children with specific needs such as autism, speech and language difficulties, or sensory impairments.
  • Children in SRBs benefit from smaller class sizes and specialist teaching while remaining part of the wider school community.

c. Special Schools

  • Cardiff has several dedicated special schools for children with more complex needs, including:
    • The Hollies School: For children with autism and severe learning difficulties.
    • Ty Gwyn School: For children with profound and multiple learning difficulties.
    • Meadowbank School: For children with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia.
    • Riverbank School: For children with moderate learning difficulties.
    • Woodlands High School: For secondary-aged pupils with additional learning needs.

d. Early Years Support

  • The Flying Start Programme provides early intervention for children under 4 years old in certain areas of Cardiff.
  • Specialist health visitors and early years practitioners work with families to identify and address developmental delays.

e. Health and Therapy Services

  • Speech and Language Therapy (SALT): Provided by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board for children with communication difficulties.
  • Occupational Therapy (OT): Helps children with physical, sensory, or motor skill challenges.
  • Educational Psychology Services: Cardiff Council employs educational psychologists to assess and support children with SEN/ALN.

f. Post-16 Support

  • Colleges in Cardiff, such as Cardiff and Vale College, offer tailored support for students with ALN, including IDPs and access to specialist staff.

2. Procedures for Accessing SEN/ALN Support

The process for accessing support in Cardiff is designed to be collaborative, involving parents, schools, and local authorities. Hereโ€™s how it works:

a. Identification of Needs

  • Needs are often identified by teachers, parents, or health professionals.
  • Schools are required to use a graduated response to address needs, starting with in-class support and escalating to more specialist interventions if necessary.

b. Requesting an Individual Development Plan (IDP)

  • If a childโ€™s needs cannot be met through standard school resources, an IDP can be requested.
  • Parents, schools, or health professionals can initiate the process by contacting the schoolโ€™s ALNCo (Additional Learning Needs Coordinator).
  • The IDP outlines the childโ€™s needs, the support required, and measurable outcomes.

c. Specialist Assessments

  • If further assessment is needed, schools may involve external professionals such as educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, or occupational therapists.

d. Appeals and Disputes

  • If parents disagree with the support provided, they can appeal to the Education Tribunal for Wales.

3. Costs Associated with SEN/ALN Support

  • Free Support: Most SEN/ALN support in Cardiff is provided free of charge through the state education system. This includes IDPs, specialist teaching, and therapy services.
  • Private Services: Families may choose to access private assessments or therapy (e.g., private speech and language therapy), which can cost:
    • ยฃ200โ€“ยฃ500 for private assessments.
    • ยฃ50โ€“ยฃ100 per hour for therapy sessions.
  • Transport Costs: If a child attends a school outside their local area due to their needs, Cardiff Council may provide free transport, subject to eligibility.

4. Local Considerations and Resources in Cardiff

Cardiff has a wealth of resources and organisations to support families of children with SEN/ALN. Here are some key local considerations:

a. Cardiff Council ALN Services

  • Cardiff Councilโ€™s Inclusion Service oversees SEN/ALN provision in the city. They provide advice, training, and support to schools and families.
  • Contact: [email protected]

b. Parent Support Groups

  • SNAP Cymru: A charity offering free advice and advocacy for families of children with SEN/ALN.
  • Autism Spectrum Connections Cymru (ASCC): Provides support for individuals with autism and their families.

c. Local Charities and Organisations

  • The Noahโ€™s Ark Childrenโ€™s Hospital Charity: Supports children with complex medical needs.
  • Touch Trust: Offers creative movement and sensory experiences for children with disabilities.

d. Bilingual Support

  • Cardiff is a bilingual city, and SEN/ALN support is available in both English and Welsh. Parents can request Welsh-medium education for their child.

e. Cultural Sensitivity

  • Cardiff is a diverse city, and schools are experienced in supporting children from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Interpreters can be arranged for families who do not speak English or Welsh.

5. Key Contacts and Resources

6. Summary

Cardiff provides a robust and inclusive framework for supporting children and young people with SEN/ALN. The cityโ€™s schools, specialist services, and local organisations work collaboratively to ensure that every child has access to the support they need. Most services are free, but private options are available for families seeking additional support. Parents are encouraged to engage with their childโ€™s school and Cardiff Council to navigate the process and access the resources available.

If you need further assistance or specific advice, feel free to ask!