Website: http://ysgolpencoch.org/

We are a maintained primary aged special school in the county of Flintshire, North Wales. Our provision meets the needs of learners with complex learning disability needs, including those with Autism.

• We have a Nursery class at the top of school, followed by 12 foundation and key stage two classes.
• Personalised learning is at the core of our approach. We seek to understand how a diagnosis and needs across the spectrum of learning disabilities affects a child in all aspects of their learning.
• We recognise our pupils for their strengths, and work with them to grow their ambitions, to achieve their aspirations and to develop positive attitudes towards them.
• We specialise in Therapeutic Intervention based on the belief that to realise the full potential of each child, we must support all of their educational, physical, emotional and behavioural needs in a personalised and holistic way.
• We apply and adapt the Curriculum for Wales guidance in a meaningful way for all pupils and track their attainment and progress using one of four tools: SCERTS, Autism Progress and Connecting Steps and Routes for Learning.
• Communication – Our provision uses a total communication approach across classes, including using Widget 3 made visuals, photos, Objects of Reference, PECS, Social Stories/Scripts, Intensive Interaction, Attention Autism and low/high tech AAC supports, including super core boards and eye gaze. We are also supported by our SALT team of professionals.
• Self-reliance – Our provision uses visual timetables that can be part/whole day, now and then boards, choice boards, familiar routines and visual scripts/cues. Our classrooms include the TEACCH methods, as well as one class using SCERTS.
• Sensory experiences – Our provision uses sensory diets and play. Individuals have access to building club (lego), light and dark rooms, soft play, rebound therapy, story massage and tac pac. Our classroom guidance follows the SPELL framework which includes low arousal.
• Well-being – Our provision uses the Incredible Years classroom management programme, which includes the use of motivators and rewards such as sticker charts and class dojo as well as Zones of Regulation. We are supported by the use of proactive and preventative behaviour support plans. Some pupils may also access our hydrotherapy pool. We have two Elsa trained staff within each Department.
 

Other specialisms: Specialist Aspiring - July 2021