Decision details

The Head of Inclusion Services provided Cabinet Members with an opportunity to consider proposals for the realignment of mainstream Learning Support Class (LSC) provision within Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT).

The Cabinet Member for Education, Youth Participation & Welsh Language was in support of the recommendations contained within the report. The Cabinet Member noted that the proposals would continue the Council’s work to adhere to the Welsh Government’s legislation around the ALNET Act and would support the Council’s ambitious WESP. The Cabinet Member emphasised the importance of acting in best interest of learners, including minimising any disruption caused by a change of setting, ensuring pupils have best facilities and opportunities are afforded to learn and develop through both the mediums of English and Welsh.

The Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care echoed earlier comments and applauded the work of the Council in reviewing ALN provision and enhancing more effective main stream inclusion through reorganising learning support classes, in order to meet the needs of the communities and its availability through the medium of Welsh.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To consider the information contained within the report;

2.    To consider the proposals for the realignment of Additional Learning Needs (ALN)  mainstream LSC provision within the context of the School Organisation Code (2018), the 21^st Century School Modernisation Programme and the Additional Learning Needs and Educational Tribunal (ALNET) Act (Wales) 2018.

3.    To consider formal approval to commence consultation on the following proposals:

-       To relocate the Observation and Assessment LSC at Penrhiwceiber Primary School to Abercynon Community Primary School taking effect from April 2024.

-       To transfer the LSC for pupils in Years 3-6 with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at Abercynon Community Primary School to create a through provision in the Primary Phase at Perthcelyn Primary School taking effect from April 2024.

-       To establish one Early Years Assessment and Intervention LSC for pupils under statutory school age with significant presenting needs at Abercynon Primary School. The proposal will take effect from April 2024.

-       To establish two Welsh medium primary phase LSCs at the new Welsh medium primary school in Rhydyfelin for pupils with significant ALN. The proposal will take effect from September 2024.

-       To establish one LSC for pupils in Years 7-11 with ASD at the new 3-16 school on the Hawthorn Primary/High School site taking effect from September 2024.

4.    To receive a further report in 2023/24 (academic year) on proposals to establish three Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (SEBD) LSCs provisions for pupils in Years 7-11, utilising funding already set aside following the suspension of a previous statutory consultation which was started prior to the pandemic. The earliest the provisions will be operational will be September 2024.