Blaenau Gwent Council is consulting on plans to increase capacity for pupils with Additional Learning Needs in mainstream schools on a phased basis over the next five years.
A formal consultation document proposal to Improve provision and build capacity for Additional Learning Needs (ALN) is now available to view on the website here.
The plan is to remodel existing learning environments to create classroom spaces and associated facilities to accommodate and provide appropriate resources for the proposed ALN and ASD provisions. In addition, and alongside this, the Council will work with schools to develop a long-term plan to support sustained growth and development.
There are a number of different ways to take part in the consultation and give your views:
- Via an online survey here.
- Via a proforma which is available within the consultation document and can be sent to 21stcenturyschools@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
- Via post to Joanne Watts, Service Manager, Education Transformation and Business Change, Education Directorate, Floor 8 Anvil Court, Abertillery, NP13 1DB.
There are also a series of drop-in sessions which have been arranged for anyone interested to find out more. These are:
- Tuesday 2 May, 3pm to 6.30pm - Ebbw Vale Learning Action Centre, James St
- Wednesday 3 May, 3pm to 6.30pm - Ty Bedwellty (Bedwellty House) Morgan Street
- Tuesday 9 May, 3pm to 6.30pm - Abertillery Metropole Cultural & Conference Centre
- Wednesday 10 May, 3pm to 6.30pm - Brynmawr Rugby Club, Catholic Road
The Council ‘s Executive Member for People and Education, Councillor Sue Edmunds says:
“All our children deserve the opportunity to develop their potential and succeed within our own schools and communities. We are committed to making sure they have that opportunity, with an education provision which meets their needs. Resource Bases provide local, high-quality education for children with Additional Learning Needs within the mainstream setting
"Our recent review has highlighted a growing need for ALN places within the borough and we believe that this proposal offers a real solution; giving learners the tools they need to access education alongside their own peer group and giving Schools the tools they need to support a wide range of learners in a local setting.”
The consultation will close at 5pm on Tuesday 6 June 2023.