12 July 2022
A satellite provision that was set up by a south Powys special school so that learners with special educational needs / additional learning needs are as near to home as possible, has officially opened.
Ysgol Penmaes in Brecon has based the new satellite provision at Crossgates Primary School, near Llandrindod Wells.
On Monday. 11 July, the provision was officially opened by senior leaders from Ysgol Penmaes and Crossgates Primary School and Powys County Council.
The satellite provision is for pupils from across Powys but largely benefits learners with complex needs living close to the Llandrindod Wells area.
The exciting provision has been developed with senior leaders from both schools in partnership with the council. It also forms part of the council’s strategy – The Future of Special Educational Needs (SEN) / Additional Learning Needs (ALN) in Powys – which looks to improve education provision for learners with SEN / ALN.
Although the learners attend the satellite provision at Crossgates Primary School, they remain on roll at Ysgol Penmaes. The learners are taught by specialist staff from Ysgol Penmaes who have a great deal of SEN / ALN experience.
Placements at the satellite provision, which are decided by the council, are only for those learners with profound and multiple learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties and / or severe communication difficulties.
Cllr Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “One of the ambitions of the council’s strategy, The Future of Special Educational Needs (SEN) / Additional Learning Needs (ALN) in Powys, is to place provision that meets the needs of learners as near to home as practically possible.
“I’m delighted that both schools have worked together to deliver this satellite school and thank them for the efforts. Not only does this provision meet the council’s ambition but it meets the needs of those learners with special education needs / additional learning need and is providing them with the best possible start they deserve.”
Chair of Governors Clancy Brett (Ysgol Penmaes) and Claire Lewis (Crossgates Primary School) said: “We’re thrilled that we have been able to successfully provide a provision that meets the needs of those learners with special educational needs / additional learning needs in our local communities.
“This collaborative working has also provided opportunities for staff training and development across both settings, which learners from both schools have benefitted from.”
