Special Needs Resource Base

Background

Abersychan Special Needs Resource Base (SNRB) is the only secondary SNRB in Torfaen. This year we have 33 pupils; the majority with a Statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN). Most pupils have Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) and associated emotional, behavioural, physical and medical problems. Our pupils can have a wide range of difficulties including Autistic Spectrum Disorder and join us from the whole of the borough; usually travelling to school in a minibus provided by the Local Education Authority (LEA).

Pupils are taught in small classes by a teacher and a Learning Support Assistant (LSA). Inclusion is social, locational and functional; when a pupil is able to join a mainstream class they are encouraged to do so. Any pupil from mainstream who is seen to need extra help is also encouraged to join us. Pupils attend assemblies, concerts, plays and take part in all school activities. Our pupils also play an active part within school bodies such as The School Council, Prom Committee and the SNAG Group. Pupils use all specialist classrooms around the school.

Torfaen LEA determines who attends Abersychan Special Needs Resource Base.

Aims of the Special Needs Resource Base

The SNRB shares the aim of Abersychan School in its endeavour to provide the best education for all our SEN pupils. Staff strive to help pupils play a full and active role within both school and society; this being achieved by offering an educational and social curriculum which develops both self-esteem and confidence through success. It is the aim of the Base to create an harmonious environment that is conducive to developing the pupils learning, social and emotional needs while respecting the individual’s rights at all times. The 2009 Estyn Report noted, 'Teaching and support staff within the SNRB are dedicated and enthusiastic. The quality of teaching and support is a significant strength.'

While the SNRB offers a more supported environment, the emphasis is still very much on mainstream inclusion when appropriate for the pupil. Pupils can access suitable mainstream lessons through Key Stage (KS) 3 and if able will then complete GCSEs in those subjects at the end of KS 4. Within the SNRB, pupils complete Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC) Entry Level Exams; however these will terminate this Summer and Year 10 pupils are presently following the WJEC Pathways Syllabi. The SNRB functions as a Department of the school and as a result operates as a fully integrated part of Abersychan School. 

The SNRB aims to fully involve parents in the education process and firmly believe close home/ school links are fundamental to this. A multi-disciplinary approach is sought in helping pupils; parents are informed very early if discipline problems emerge and are kept fully up to date on pupils’ progress. Parents are encouraged each term to come in and set educational targets with teachers and are invited to numerous update meeting such as Statement and Transition Reviews, Parents Evening and Tutor Days.  We also aim to create good links with any Outside Agency that is involved in our pupils' lives. Outside Agency input includes Careers Wales Advice from Year 9 onwards, Social Service Links, Educational Psychologist sessions and SEN Projects such as The Transition to Employment (Real Opportunities) Project.

Our Schemes of Work (SOW) and Assessment for Learning (AfL), target progression both academically as detailed by The National Curriculum Attainment Targets and also with Social and Independence Skills. The 2009 Estyn Report stated, 'It (The SNRB) provides a very effective social and educational placement within a caring environment.' Our ethos is detailed in Abersychan School's Vision Statement:

  • to provide an education of the highest quality for all pupils, which will prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.
  • to promote an ethos of high expectations, positive values and continuous improvement within a caring, orderly, supportive and fully inclusive community.
  • we believe that all pupils are of equal value and we are committed to the pursuit of individual excellence, achievement and success for all.

'The SNRB for pupils with moderate learning difficulties and associated behavioural difficulties is an outstanding feature of  provision with the school.' (Estyn Report, 2009)