Comprehensive proposals to enhance and increase Additional Learning Needs provision in Cardiff are proposed from September 2024, following two public consultations which concluded in January.

Providing more than 100 new places city-wide, the range of proposals acknowledge the growing population of learners with complex learning needs, autism spectrum conditions and emotional health and wellbeing needs, and look to address the increased demand for specialist placements for primary and secondary age learners.

At its next meeting on Thursday 21^stMarch, the Cabinet will hear the views from members of the public, pupils and stakeholders of the schools involved in the plans and will be recommended to approve the following;

• establish a new 8 place Specialist Resource Base (SRB) for Emotional Health and Wellbeing at Baden Powell Primary School from September 2024 within the existing buildings.
• establish an 8 place SRB for Emotional Health and Wellbeing at Fairwater Primary School from September 2024. This would replace the existing Wellbeing Class.
• establish a new 16 place SRB for Emotional Health and Wellbeing at Herbert Thompson Primary School from September 2025, within existing buildings or a new building.
• establish a 16 place SRB for Emotional Health and Wellbeing at Lakeside Primary School from September 2024, within the existing buildings. This would replace the existing Wellbeing Class.
• establish an 8 place SRB for Emotional Health and Wellbeing at Springwood Primary School from September 2024, within the existing buildings. This would replace the existing Wellbeing Class.
• establish a 20-place SRB for learners with Emotional Health and Wellbeing Needs at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr from September 2024, within the existing buildings.
• establish a 20 place SRB for Autism at Coed Glas Primary School from September 2024, within the existing buildings.
• establish a 20 place SRB for Complex Learning Needs and /or Autism at Greenway Primary School from September 2024, within the existing buildings.
• establish a 20 place SRB for Complex Learning Needs and/or Autism at Severn Primary School from September 2024, within the existing buildings.

Of the 87 responses received across the two consultations, there was overall support for the establishment of SRB provision supporting learners with Complex Learning Needs and/or Autism, and learners with Emotional Health and Wellbeing Needs.Some respondents requested furtherdetail in establishing and running a specialist provision within a mainstream school and the implications for all learners, staff and their parents, including additional resources, staff and funding required by schools.

A number of issues were raised by the Ysgol Gymraeg Pwll Coch Governing Body in relation to the proposed establishment of an eight place SRB at the school, formalising its existing Wellbeing Class provision. The Council will continue to work with the school to support learners already enrolled and placed within its Wellbeing Class and further work will be carried out prior to bringing forward revised proposals for the provision of Welsh-medium emotional health and wellbeing primary school places.

Cardiff Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said:"These plans will provide a phased increase in places which aim to foster an inclusive approach to address the unique requirements of learners with additional learning needs, with a focus on enhancing capacity and delivering an innovative curriculum through suitable provision.

"It is positive to see that of the 87 responses received across the two consultations, there was overall support for the establishment of SRB provision for Complex Learning Needs and/or Autism and Emotional Health and Wellbeing.

"Some concerns raised aroundthe detail in establishing and running a specialist provision within a mainstream school and the implications for all learners, staff and their parents, including additional resources, staff and funding required by schools will be addressed through the range of specialist support to schools including expert staff, support for staff development, ALNCO forums and educational psychologist and specialist teachers who work closely with classroom and staff, advising, coaching and supporting.

"The proposed changes would be planned carefully so that the school's leadership and governance are not disrupted, and staff ratios, skills and experience will be kept under review in all settings. We have developed a specification for resource bases that can be adapted for various settings and we will work with schools to identify appropriate locations within the existing buildings with appropriate investment to ensure that facilities are fit for purpose.

"In addition, the Council is progressing the proposed expansion of Ysgol Cynefin which will support some of Cardiff's most vulnerable learners aged 4-11 and will reduce the pressure on Cardiff's Wellbeing Classes and Specialist Resource Bases. The expansion ofCardiff's Pupil Referral Unit will also provide 180 places to support learners with a range of emotional health and wellbeing needs."

Cllr Merry added: "The consensus from schools currently hosting resource bases is that the experience enhances learning for all pupils, and further strengthens the inclusive ethos of the school and the community.Importance is placed on early identification, research-based intervention, accessible school buildings and strong multi-agency partnerships, which together can ensure that no learner is left behind and is provided with equal opportunities to thrive."

Prior to implementation of the proposals a further report will be provided to Cabinet providing details of any objections received, the response to those objections and recommendations for implementation or otherwise of the proposals.

The Pupil Referral Unit is being expanded as a single establishment for learners aged 11-18 across two sites including the current Cefn Road site in Mynachdy and temporarily on part of the site formerly occupied by Fitzalan High School.

The report will be reviewed by Cardiff's Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday 20^thMarch. To view the full report please visitAgenda for Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday, 20th March, 2024, 4.30 pm : Cardiff Council (moderngov.co.uk)