ALN key information 

The Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCO) and the ALN manager/administrator co-ordinate and manage all aspects of ALN at Pentrehafod School. We believe that the quality of care, support, and guidance is a strong feature across the department.  We envision a School community that celebrates the diversity of our students, recognising that each individual brings a unique set of strengths and talents to our learning environment.  

Our mission to empower every learner, to ensure they reach their full potential, is at the heart of everything we do. In our commitment to inclusivity, we strive to create an accessible and accommodating learning environment. In addition, we hold strong partnerships between educators, parents, our cluster primary ALNCO’s, and the broader ALN community such as Educational Psychologists, Behaviour Support Teachers, Speech and Language Therapists, Visually Impaired teachers, Hearing Impaired teachers, and Specialist Teachers for physical and medical needs. 

Our department is not just a support system, it is a vibrant community that values and celebrates the uniqueness of every learner. Together, we strive to create an educational experience that leaves no student behind, preparing them for a future where diversity is embraced and inclusion is at the heart of what we do. 

Our team are trained in the four areas of need: cognition and learning, Emotional, Social, and Behavioural development, physical and sensory needs, and communication and interaction. High-quality interventions are led by specialist Teaching Assistants ensuring each student receives tailored support to successfully access the curriculum. In addition, our Social Communication Champion officer supports our students with autism spectrum disorder. 

To support our students with emotional, social and behavioural needs, we have two alternative provisions within our School. Our Key Stage 3 provision, Y BONT, is run by Miss E James where specialist teachers continue to support our learners to allow them to access the curriculum with reasonable adjustments made. In addition, our Key Stage 4 provision, PACE, is run by Mr N Gynn. Both are alternative learning environments that tailor support for students to succeed academically and socially, despite facing challenges that may hinder their progress in a conventional school setting.  

We hold close working relationships with our partner primary schools which enable the ALNCO to establish a clear picture of pupils’ needs and abilities before they join us in Year 7. Enhanced transition work is also clearly planned to enable a smooth and successful transition for our students with Additional Learning Needs. This enables the more vulnerable students to become familiar with our School before they start. 

Meet our ALN Team

Ms F Daniels – ALNCO/Associate Assistant Headteacher 

Ms R Rees – Teacher in Charge of our Specialist Teacher Facility (STF) 

Mrs J Gregory – ALN manager 

Mrs C Williams – Administrator for ALN 

Mrs C Wrona – ALNET implementation officer 

Mr N Gynn – Teacher in charge of PACE (Pentrehafod Alternative Curriculum Education) 

Miss E James – Y BONT teacher 

Ms N Marshall – Y BONT+ Behaviour Learning Coach 

Mrs J Bowen – Social Communication Champion  

Mrs S Young – Teaching Assistant for Mainstream. Language Link support.  

Ms T Weston - Teaching Assistant for Mainstream. Dyslexia support – Toe by Toe.  

Ms A Hammond - Teaching Assistant for Mainstream 

Ms A Steele– Teaching Assistant for Mainstream 

Mr D Long - Teaching Assistant for Mainstream 

Mrs G Harkus - Teaching Assistant for Mainstream 

Miss K Jones - Teaching Assistant for Mainstream 

Mrs N Eassi - Teaching Assistant for Mainstream 

Mr R Coleman - Teaching Assistant for Mainstream 

Mrs W Roberts - Teaching Assistant for Mainstream 

Our Specialist Teaching Facility  

Our Specialist Teaching Facility (STF) caters for students with Additional Learning Needs, primarily, specific speech, language and communication needs. Admission to the STF is determined by the recommendation of Swansea Additional Learning Needs panel. 

Our staff create a positive, nurturing environment where students are encouraged to meet their potential through a bespoke timetable for each student. Many of our students access a mix of mainstream lessons, and smaller, specialist lessons to help cater for their needs which are reviewed regularly. 

The STF aims to support students develop into happy, confident young people. They provide a holistic programme of support by including structured teaching sessions in communication, life and Social Skills. The curriculum prepares students for greater independence in adult lives.  

Staff and pupils in the STF were particularly proud to read the following information in the most recent Estyn Report (December 2019): 

Meet the Team

Lead Teacher (English): Mrs R Rees 

Teacher (Maths): Mrs K Jones 

Teacher (Science): Mrs A Ruddy 

Teacher (Humanities): Mrs C Wrona  

Admin Assistant:  Mrs S Bennison 

Teaching Assistant: Miss L Adams 

Teaching Assistant: Mr G Tanner 

Teaching Assistant: Mr R Thomas 

Teaching Assistant: Mrs G Pryde 

Teaching Assistant: Mrs E Williams 

Teaching Assistant: Mrs D Hughes 

Teaching Assistant: Mrs M James 

Teaching Assistant: Miss G Harries 

Teaching Assistant: Mrs J Phelps 

Teaching Assistant: Miss K James 

Linked documents 

These documents will provide any further information that you require. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the ALNCO at Pentrehafod School. 

Parent Leaflet

EVENTS 

Parents training – dyslexia – 7th February 3.15-4.15