Latest news with #ALN
Leader Live
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Leader Live
North Wales MS shares updates from his week in the Senedd
MS for North Wales Questioning the First Minister, I asked her to respond to concern expressed by senior Third Sector representatives at the Family Fund's recent Senedd launch event for their 'Cost of Caring 2025' report, which I hosted, that 'It's time to talk about the wholesale crisis we are in for disabled children and adults in Wales'. Questioning the Education Secretary about the Welsh Government's Additional Learning Needs (ALN) reforms, I quoted both the ALN Reform Wales campaign, who told me 'they had received countless stories of children missed or left behind by the new system'; and Teachers Unions, which stated 'the system is forcing teachers away from the classroom' and told me 'effective interventions are only possible if education professionals are not spending precious time completing paperwork'. I co-Sponsored and attended the 21st annual 'Science in the Senedd Event 2025', organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry in cooperation with the Welsh Scientific and Engineering community, with the theme 'Education and the Future Workforce'. We are on the edge of profound societal transformation. If we are to build the future workforce we need, we must first build an education system that is adaptable, inclusive and forward-looking. Meetings included the Senedd Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee, which I Chaired; the Royal British Legion, where discussion included the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) on 15th August and Additional Learning Needs provision for Service Children; and NatPower, regarding their proposed new Battery Energy Storage System on land north east of Northop. I enjoyed meeting a group from Hawarden Village Church School during their Senedd visit. Other engagements included Wales Tourism Week Senedd Reception; Community Pharmacy Wales; Nuclear Industry Association; Newmedica's 'Blueprint for Preventing Avoidable Sight Loss in Wales'; Wales Women's Rights Network event, highlighting the importance of the recent Supreme Court clarification of the meaning of 'sex' and 'woman' for the lives of women and girls in Wales; and audit survey on Natural Resources Wales. During my speech on Fixing our NHS at the Welsh Conservative Party Conference in Llangollen, I stated 'this is about long-term failure and mismanagement' and 'after 26 years of Labour, we must move from ideology to pragmatism, focused on what works and unlocking the skills and experience of Health and Care staff'. At the Conference I was also a panel member at the Cwmpas and WCVA event, 'Charities, Social Enterprises and Volunteers' Vital Role in Community Cohesion', and met a wide range of organisations and charities. For help, email or call 0300 200 7219.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Going to A&E is unbearable for my autistic son'
A man has said A&E departments are "unbearable" and "terrifying" for his autistic son due to the overwhelming sensory environment they create. Robert Cummings, 49, from Merthyr Tydfil, has spent many "stressful" hours in hospital with his six-year-old son Ellis, who becomes distressed by the "bright lights, loud noises, and unfamiliar faces". His experiences have inspired him to fundraise to help open Wales' first immersive sensory room at the children's A&E department in Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil. James Radcliffe, from the National Autistic Society, said autism-friendly hospital spaces were "essential", as standard settings can be distressing and risk misdiagnosis. Families face years on autism waiting lists My son loves to swim but felt unwelcome at pool Ellis was diagnosed with autism at the age of four, which Mr Cummings described as a "difficult period". The youngest of four boys, Ellis is "quiet" unlike his "boisterous, rugby-playing brothers" and has been admitted to Prince Charles Hospital's A&E department eight times due to recurring infections. As he is non-verbal, Ellis finds unfamiliar environments "extremely stressful" and the chaos of A&E often leaves him "anxious, frightened, and misunderstood". Mr Cummings said: "While the doctors and nurses do their best, they don't always have the resources to help him feel safe. "It's devastating to watch, knowing he's not only dealing with a medical issue but also a barrage of overwhelming sensory input that worsens his anxiety." Mr Cummings added the stress does not just affect children but also places "massive pressure" on families who must try to keep them calm in already-difficult circumstances. "Every time we take Ellis to A&E, we face a heartbreaking struggle to soothe him as he encounters a world he doesn't understand," he said. Mr Cummings was inspired to start his fundraiser after one of Ellis' visits to A&E. When he became anxious and overwhelmed, nurses took him to a quiet room with a lamp which helped him calm down and made the experience "so much more manageable" for Mr Cummings and his wife. Moved by this, Mr Cummings spoke with a paediatric doctor in the department and together they came up with the idea of creating an immersive room - a multi-sensory space that uses technology to simulate real or imagined environments, helping children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) feel more at ease and engaged. He added: "No parent should have to watch their child suffer because the environment around them is too overwhelming. "Every neurodivergent child deserves a place where they can feel calm, grounded, and understood, especially in a medical setting." James Radcliffe from the National Autistic Society said hospitals can be "overwhelming" for autistic people with "bright lights, noise, and uncertainty" triggering distress that is "not just uncomfortable, but clinically risky". Mr Radcliffe added: "Miscommunication or misinterpretation of a situation or medical symptoms can lead to missed or incorrect diagnoses. "That's why autism-friendly spaces in A&E aren't a luxury - they're essential." While the charity is excited about Wales' first immersive room, Mr Radcliffe said he urges the Welsh government to "have the ambition of ensuring all health and care settings become autism-friendly". A similar immersive room already exists at Greenfield Special School in Merthyr Tydfil, which Mr Cummings hopes to replicate. Built in March 2023 for the school's 205 pupils, it was funded jointly by the National Lottery and community fundraising. Alison Hammer, the school's family liaison officer, said the room offers children experiences they might not otherwise have, such as visiting hospitals, airports and hairdressers. She added the room is used as part of the pupils' daily schedule as it helps with motor skills and communication as they can tap the screen or stamp on the floor. Ms Hammer said she was "over the moon" to hear about Mr Cummings' plans. "Lots of our children spend a lot of time in hospital and the A&E department so this will be amazing for them," she said. "The children will be familiar with the room so it should make the process so much easier." Prince Charles Hospital has found a space within the paediatrics A&E department for the immersive room, but it will cost £27,000 to install. The Cwm Taf Morgannwg NHS Charity has committed to covering half the cost, but Mr Cummings is raising the remainder, which he has almost achieved through a series of community fundraising events. "I just want to create an inclusive, compassionate space that will bring comfort to so many families like mine," Mr Cummings said. Luke Palmer, co-founder of Diversity Dragons sports group for children with ALN in Merthyr Tydfil, said the immersive room will "help so many children in the area". The club, run entirely by volunteers, creates a supportive environment where children can try different sports and help families connect - "without eyes on them". "I just think how amazing would it be for any child who is upset and overwhelmed to be able to go into a room and regulate themselves," he added. Mr Palmer said facilities like this are "invaluable" for helping children prepare for medical experiences and feel "safe, regulated, and included". Abe Sampson, from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said it was "delighted" to support the "incredible" project, which will be the first of its kind across local emergency departments. The Welsh government said it "strives to make hospital and care settings accessible to everyone". "We have been clear that all patients, including neurodivergent people and those with mental health needs, should receive a timely, coordinated assessment," a spokesperson said. It added health boards must reduce harm risks in emergency departments by ensuring accessible environments, reasonable adjustments, and smoother hospital-to-community transitions. Mum told to 'give up' career to care for daughters Disabled children denied education right - report Our soul-destroying wait for daughter's autism diagnosis
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Special school options announced after protests
Two options for a new special school are to be investigated after protests over a council's decision not to replace the existing over-subscribed special school. About 300 campaigners marched through Llanelli in September claiming Carmarthenshire council broke a promise to fund a new building for Ysgol Heol Goffa. The council, which u-turned on plans to shut the school last year, said it was looking at either a 150-pupil school, or one with a capacity of 250. Campaigners called the announcement "really positive". A replacement school was first proposed several years ago at the former Draka copperworks site in Llanelli. The council decided not to press ahead with it last year citing soaring project costs. People with learning disabilities 'locked up' Call for talks over additional needs school U-turn 'Brutal' restraint of autistic boy in calming room The decision sparked dismay and anger among campaigners, and the council commissioned an independent review of additional learning needs (ALN) provision in the Llanelli area. The review's findings were published in February outlining six options for the school and ALN locally. The ones that are to be explored further are two of the six. Glynog Davies, Plaid Cymru cabinet member for education, said he would propose to cabinet colleagues they further investigate the two options and that whichever one was chosen the proposed replacement Heol Goffa would be larger than the one that was shelved. "The original plan that many had pressed for would have resulted in a smaller school, which would have been full on day one," he said. "Following the independent report we commissioned by David Davies, a former ALN head, I'll be recommending either a 150-capacity Heol Goffa school on one site, with primary and secondary specialist centres for a total of 115 pupils with autistic spectrum condition attached to mainstream schools, or a new ALN school for 250 pupils, to include provision for pupils with autistic spectrum condition. "Despite huge financial pressures, we are determined to ensure the very best provision for ALN pupils in the Llanelli area, future-proofed for decades to come. I'm asking for more definite costings and, as always, we will engage with Welsh government to ensure funding for the scheme," he added. Chairwoman of campaign group Ysgol Heol Goffa Action Committee and a parent of a pupil at the school, said: "The local authority has acknowledged we do need a new school. That's fantastic. "The action committee is really pushing for a 250-pupil school." Ysgol Heol Goffa is over-subscribed, she said, and had a big waiting list with the demand for ALN education increasing. "We don't want to be in this position again in 10 years' time," she said. The independent review described "an exponential rise" in the number of children and young people with autistic spectrum condition over the last decade. He added the growth of young people identified with ALN was unprecedented in Wales. "There is no doubt that the learning environment at Ysgol Heol Goffa is not currently fit for purpose and that this must be addressed," the report added. Tech giving Welsh accents back to disabled people Pupils mocked and put in headlocks by school staff NHS home care gaps leave families feeling stranded
Wales Online
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
Major update on long-awaited new special school in Llanelli
Major update on long-awaited new special school in Llanelli Two options, both resulting in a new school, are to be explored further Ysgol Heol Goffa, Llanelli (Image: Richard Youle ) Two options for a new special school in Llanelli are to be investigated, a senior councillor has said. One option would be a 150-pupil school; the other a 250-pupil school. Both options would result in a larger provision than the current over-subscribed Ysgol Heol Goffa. A replacement Ysgol Heol Goffa was proposed several years ago at the former Draka copperworks site, Llanelli, but the council decided not to press ahead with it last year citing soaring project costs. The decision sparked dismay and anger among campaigners, and the council commissioned an independent review of additional learning needs (ALN) provision in the Llanelli area. The review's findings were published in February outlining six options for the school and ALN locally. The ones that are to be explored further are two of the six. Cllr Glynog Davies, Plaid cabinet member for education, said he will propose to cabinet colleagues that they further investigate the two options and that whichever one is chosen the proposed replacement Heol Goffa will be larger than the one that was shelved. "The original plan that many had pressed for would have resulted in a smaller school, which would have been full on day one,' said Cllr Davies. "Following the independent report we commissioned by David Davies, a former ALN head, I'll be recommending either a 150-capacity Heol Goffa school on one site, with primary and secondary specialist centres for a total of 115 pupils with autistic spectrum condition attached to mainstream schools, or a new ALN school for 250 pupils, to include provision for pupils with autistic spectrum condition." Article continues below He added: "Despite huge financial pressures, we are determined to ensure the very best provision for ALN pupils in the Llanelli area, future-proofed for decades to come. I'm asking for more definite costings and, as always, we will engage with Welsh Government to ensure funding for the scheme." Cllr Davies said he'd hoped to make his recommendation to cabinet in May, but the process has been delayed due to electoral law as there is a county council by-election in Llanelli's Lliedi ward on May 29. Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here Hannah Coles, chairwoman of campaign group Ysgol Heol Goffa Action Committee and a parent of a pupil at the school, described Cllr Davies's announcement as "really positive". She said: "The local authority has acknowledged we do need a new school. That's fantastic. The action committee is really pushing for a 250-pupil school." She said Ysgol Heol Goffa was over-subscribed, had a big waiting list and that the demand for ALN education - not just in Carmarthenshire - was increasing. "We don't want to be in this position again in 10 years' time," she said. The independent review carried out by consultant Mr Davies - formerly head of additional learning needs (ALN) and well-being at Vale of Glamorgan Council - said there had been "an exponential rise" in the number of children and young people with autistic spectrum condition over the last decade throughout Wales and beyond. He added that the growth of young people identified with ALN was unprecedented in Wales. Mr Davies' report said only one contractor had expressed an interest in building the replacement school planned at the former Draka copperworks site and that the costs quoted to build it were significantly higher than expected. He said Ysgol Heol Goffa was supported very well by the Llanelli community, who "are clearly very proud" of it, and highly regarded by parents and carers. There have long been concerns about its physical condition though. His report said: "There is no doubt that the learning environment at Ysgol Heol Goffa is not currently fit for purpose and that this must be addressed." Article continues below
Glasgow Times
10-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow institutions awarded funding for library projects
The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) has granted a share of £34,000 to six libraries and information centres across Scotland, including three in Glasgow, to support pioneering projects in 2025. Since 2013, the SLIC Innovation and Development Fund has awarded more than £400,000 to more than 40 projects. Read more: Former STV presenter to compete in international beauty competition (Image: Supplied) Now in its 13th year, the Innovation and Development Fund has previously helped develop new resources, inspired original research, and enhanced staff training. This year, the fund will support projects including an AI toolkit for staff training, a chill-out space for students, and a podcast studio. Glasgow Clyde College's Cardonald Campus Library will use the funding to create a quiet place for students to take breaks, complete with a mindful selection of books and air-purifying plants. The project is designed to encourage reading for pleasure, thereby increasing literacy skills while promoting student well-being. The University of Strathclyde's Department of Computer and Information Sciences is hoping to develop an AI toolkit and set of guidelines for Scottish libraries. This will be used to educate and empower library staff to make optimum use of emerging generative AI tools for information-related tasks and activities. Meanwhile, Glasgow Women's Library will extend its Adult Literacy and Numeracy (ALN) project, which supports women in understanding, reading, and writing words and numbers. The library aims to use the project to increase the knowledge of potential learners, partner organisations, and the general public. It also hopes to make the wider ALN project more accessible to women who struggle with literacy, or whose first language isn't English. (Image: Supplied) Read more: Concerns raised about drug use at historic Glasgow site Alison Nolan, chief executive of SLIC, said: "Scotland's libraries and information centres continue to evolve, creating vibrant, future-facing spaces that meet the needs of the communities they serve – and the Innovation and Development Fund is a vital catalyst for that continued progression. "By backing bold, creative projects, we're not just supporting innovation but helping services redefine their offering in a rapidly changing world. "These six initiatives demonstrate the power of libraries to lead on digital skills, wellbeing and inclusive learning in both urban and rural communities." More information on the Innovation and Development Fund is available on the Scottish Library and Information Council's website.
