New provision for pupils with moderate learning difficulties hails success

Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Cynwyd Sant, a Welsh-medium primary school, and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd, a Welsh-medium secondary school, both based in Maesteg, are celebrating the success of new provision which has supported primary school pupils with moderate learning difficulties transition to comprehensive school.

In November 2023, the first resource centre for those with moderate learning difficulties (MLD) was established at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Cynwyd Sant, supporting learners aged between seven to 11 with a formal diagnosis from the county, as well as those pupils needing occasional additional help through the medium of Welsh.  Prior to this, children with MLD received extra support in the mainstream classroom.

A host of strategies were developed for the four Year 6 learners at the MLD facility in a bid to prepare them for their transition to comprehensive school in the following September, including termly meetings at the secondary school, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd.

In September 2024, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd introduced ‘Y Bont’ provision, offering learners with MLD extra help to ensure that mainstream lessons are accessible. During this school year, each learner in Year 7 has attended mainstream lessons on a daily basis with a member of support staff available in the majority of the sessions, as well as received additional help in Y Bont to support core skills and social needs. 

One grandparent said: “My grandchild was anxious about moving to Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd, but the co-operation and support between Cynwyd Sant’s unit and Y Bont staff ensured the smooth transition. 

“He is dramatically happier due to his newfound confidence. The support he receives from the Y Bont staff has been crucial to the development of his independence. He now loves to go shopping and spend my pounds!” 

A parent of one of the pupils added: “Y Bont at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd has been really good for my children. It has been pivotal in the transition from primary to comprehensive school. They have both gained confidence in integrating into mainstream lessons which means they are succeeding in secondary education with excellent support from staff.”

Headteacher at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Cynwyd Sant, Sarah Gwen Richards sid: “We are thrilled to see the success of our new Welsh-medium MLD base, which is already making a difference to the lives of our pupils.

“By offering specialist support through the medium of Welsh, we’re not only meeting the individual needs of our learners, but also promoting inclusion and nurturing a strong sense of cultural identity. This is a significant step forward in ensuring that every child has access to the education they deserve, in the language of their choice.”

Headteacher at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Cynwyd Sant, Sarah Gwen Richards: “We are thrilled to see the success of our new Welsh-medium MLD base, which is already making a difference to the lives of our pupils.

“By offering specialist support through the medium of Welsh, we’re not only meeting the individual needs of our learners, but also promoting inclusion and nurturing a strong sense of cultural identity. This is a significant step forward in ensuring that every child has access to the education they deserve, in the language of their choice.”