Ysgol Heol Goffa

[EduCativ]

Heol Goffa is a local authority day special school located on the outskirts of Llanelli, near Park Howard and the village of Felinfoel. We cater to children and young people aged 3 – 19 years who have severe learning difficulties (SLD) or profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD). Our catchment area is the whole county of Carmarthenshire, as we are the only special school in the county that caters to SLD and PMLD.
Currently, we have 85 pupils on the roll, taught in 11 class groups. All pupils have a Statement of Special Educational Needs or are in the process of having their needs assessed. Our adult/pupil ratios are very high to ensure that individual care and educational needs can be met – a typical class would have 1 teacher and 3 teaching assistants for 8 pupils. However, a few pupils who have the most complex needs are supported on a 1:1 basis. The class-based staff is supported by the physiotherapy and occupational therapy service as well as the speech and language therapy service. We also benefit from input from the LEA’s sensory impairment team and advice from our link educational psychologist.
Whole school facilities include a purpose-built PMLD classroom, sensory rooms, a soft play area, outdoor sensory gardens, rebound therapy facilities, an adventure play area, and outdoor learning areas. The Sensory Curriculum has been designed for our pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) who require specialized management for physical disabilities, sensory impairment, and complex medical needs.
The Sensory Curriculum focuses on supporting and developing the pupil’s strengths and abilities. The Curriculum is multi-sensory in focus and flexible to be responsive to the needs of the individual pupil and it is delivered in an integrated manner incorporating learning, therapy, and health needs. Students in the 6th Form follow a Life Skills and Essential Skills course accredited through Agored Cymru (Welsh awarding organization specializing in meeting the needs of all learners in Wales ) backed up by modules from ASDAN (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network). These are designed to provide a full range of opportunities to develop existing skills and to acquire new ones. The 3-year course aims to maximize each pupil’s level of independence as fully as possible.
The life skills course is modular with credits awarded on the successful completion of each module. The modules start at Entry Level 1 moving through to Entry 3 to allow for progression. The course has been designed and written by the teaching staff of Ysgol Heol Goffa in collaboration with Agored Cymru to ensure that it best meets the needs of our learners.
ASDAN Towards Independence provides a framework of activities through which personal, social, and independence skills can be developed and accredited for those with severe learning difficulties (SLD) and profound multiple learning difficulties (PMLD). Towards Independence offers formal recognition for small steps of achievement towards a larger goal. Modules can be used separately and accumulated to build a record of personal achievement.
Work-related Education and Careers Guidance. Work-related education is an important part of the ‘Life Skills’ course in the senior school, where possible it provides students with the opportunity to learn and develop skills in a workplace environment. The school works in partnership with other organizations within the community, such as Careers Wales to help the students and parents make suitably well-informed choices about their future.

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