Several schools in North Cardiff will have new specialist resource bases (SRBs) as part of council plans to increase additional learning needs (ALN) provision across the city.
If agreed by Cardiff Council's cabinet next week (20 June), there could be more than 100 new formal ALN places city-wide from September.
The proposals acknowledge the growing number of pupils 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 students.
In North Cardiff, the potential new bases include:
a 20-place SRB for autism at Coed Glas Primary School, Llanishen, within the existing buildings.
an 8-place SRB for emotional health and wellbeing at Fairwater Primary School, replacing the wellbeing class.
a 16-place SRB for emotional health and wellbeing at Lakeside Primary School, within the existing buildings and replacing the wellbeing class.
an 8 place SRB for emotional health and wellbeing at Springwood Primary School, Llanedeyrn, within the existing buildings and replacing the wellbeing class.
a 20-place SRB for learners with emotional health and wellbeing needs at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr, within the existing buildings.
A Cardiff Council spokesperson said: "The proposed changes would be carefully planned 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 are working with schools to identify appropriate locations within the existing buildings with appropriate investment to ensure that facilities are fit for purpose.
"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".
The report will be reviewed by Cardiff's Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee next Monday (17 June). You can see the full report here.
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