NEW classes for pupils with additional learning needs will be created in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT).
The council’s cabinet on Wednesday, April 9, approved five proposals for new mainstream learning support classes agreed in RCT.
The changes will see 47 mainstream learning support classes remaining unchanged, four extra learning support classes opened, one learning support class relocated and the total number of learning support classes increased from 48 to 52.
The first is to establish an early years intervention learning support class for pupils under statutory school age with significant presenting needs at Cwmaman Primary School.
The second is to establish an early years intervention learning support class for pupils under statutory school age with significant presenting needs at Penyrenglyn Primary School in Treherbert.
The third is to establish a learning support class for pupils in reception to year two with social communication needs or Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Hirwaun Primary School.
The fourth is to establish a complex learning difficulties learning support class for pupils in years 7–11 at Mountain Ash Comprehensive School.
And the fifth is to relocate the learning support class for pupils years 3-6 with social communication needs or Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Penywaun Primary School to Hirwaun Primary School.
RCT spends in the region of £5.8m annually on learning support classes.
There are currently approximately 420 pupils accessing the 48 LSCs within RCT across a range of needs which compares to 330 pupils accessing 46 LSCs in October, 2018.
Data analysis showed there is currently insufficient provision in the secondary phase, that the absence of cross phase specialist provision on some school sites means that some learners experience unnecessary transitions and that there is insufficient provision to meet the needs of learners in the early years.
The proposals will aim to develop a “robust continuum of provision that effectively addresses a wide range of need across all year groups,” avoid “unnecessary transition across schools by establishing cross phase specialist provisions within individual schools where possible,” and set up learning support classes in “fully accessible settings that provide a learning environment fit for the 21st Century.”
Any necessary changes to the classroom spaces will be met through ALN capital grant funding.
The additional costs of the LSCs required to meet the needs of ALN pupils, is approximately £474,000.
The cabinet report said that the creation and relocation of the LSCs would incur a transportation cost but that this increase in cost was seen as a necessity in order to enhance provision for RCT’s most vulnerable pupils.
It said that costs could not be quantified at this time as placements were dependent upon pupils’ home addresses, but given that there would be a net increase in the number of LSC provisions, additional funding was likely to be needed.
In September last year, cabinet agree to consult on the proposed changes and then, in January this year, cabinet agreed to publish statutory notices on the proposals and no comments or objections were received during the objection period.
The cabinet report said: “The proposals to enhance LSC provision will ensure that RCT has undertaken its statutory duty under the ALNET Act (2018) to review arrangements for supporting pupils with ALN within the county borough and has identified necessary steps to ensure the sufficiency of its provision for pupils with significant ALN who require specialist placement.
“The proposals will ensure greater compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and access to significantly improved premises which have benefited from the 21st Century Schools modernisation programme and investment.
