Ex-pupil in plea to save old school
Ex-pupil in plea to save old school
0 Comments | Carmarthen Journal, Jun 30, 2010 | by IAN LEWIS
A FORMER pupil of a Carmarthen special school earmarked for closure has spoken of its vital role in helping children with learning and emotional difficulties.
Katie Lillycrop, 20, of Llanarthne, attended Aalton House in Llansteffan Road between 2005 and 2007 after struggling in mainstream education at the town’s former QE Cambria secondary school due to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There is uncertainty over the school’s future, but it is understood that the school will stay open into the September term while talks over the pupils’ future continue.
One of the options being considered is giving pupils the choice of going to Ysgol Rhydygors across the road.
Praised Consultation with staff and parents over Aalton House’s closure follows an Estyn inspection which highlighted concerns over the state of the school building, but praised teaching standards.
Katie said her time at Aalton House was the making of her and paved the way to higher education at Coleg Sir Gar’s Graig campus — something she said would have been impossible for her at a mainstream school. Katie said: “I just couldn’t settle at QE Cambria. If it was not for Aalton House I would not be in college now, studying for a HND in computing and hoping to do a computing degree in the near future.”
Katie said Carmarthenshire Council should reassess the options facing pupils at Aalton House.
Teaching “The problem is the school building, not the teaching standards, so why not find another building. At Aalton House class sizes are small and there is a one-to-one style of teaching which I needed as well as the other children.
“Seeing that approach to teaching made me want to become a teacher myself.”
Katie’s mother, Jane Sandberg, said: “I saw a big difference in Katie when she went Aalton House and it is awful to think the school could close leaving other children without that level of support.”
Council head of governance and inclusion Gareth Morgans said: “We have now met the staff and informed them that the provision at Aalton House will be closed.
“A formal process has commenced with staff members and their unions.
“Parents and pupils have been informed via letter and are being invited to individual meetings with managers to discuss future provision.
“Rhydygors Special School is developing their provision for pupils and current Aalton House pupils will be invited to visit Rhydygors Day Centre to see the teaching areas and meet with the head teacher.”. ian.lewis@swwmedia.co.uk House pupils will be invited to visit Rhydygors Day Centre to see the teaching areas and meet with the head teacher.”
attention deficit disorder
Leave a Comment