Specialist provision

Page updated on: 22/12/2021

We are highly committed to inclusion and to educating as many of our children and young people within their local communities as possible. 

Whilst most of our learners’ needs can be met in our mainstream schools, a range of special schools and specialist provision has been developed to educate learners with additional learning needs, social, emotional and behaviour development and physical needs. We also have units for observation and assessment, communication and interaction and sensory needs where this proves challenging in mainstream classes.  In keeping with the commitment to inclusion, most of these settings are attached to mainstream schools. 

All requests for special provision are considered on behalf of the Director at the Inclusion Panel on a fortnightly basis.  The County’s Inclusion Panel recommends placements in its specialist settings and this is the only route by which a child or young person can enter a specialist placement.

In making a decision the Inclusion Panel considers whether the additional needs of the child or young person meet the criteria for entry to a particular setting.  A statement of SEN or IDP is required to access most of Carmarthenshire’s specialist settings.

If it has been suggested by a professional that a learner needs to attend a specialist setting and you wish to discuss this further and arrange a visit please email ALNQueries@carmarthenshire.gov.uk.

Observation and Assessment Units

This is a short term placement for children aged 3-7 years (Foundation Phase) with general or specific developmental delay, undergoing assessment. The child will have been seen by an ECP and following base line assessments from a range of agencies including health, a recommendation may be made that the child requires a period of observation and assessment to identify long term needs.

Speech, Language and Communication Units

For children whose speech, language and communication needs require a specialist setting; children have access to mainstream experiences and opportunities in the host school.

Learners with severe learning difficulties or profound and multiple learning difficulties

This is a placement for children with long term, severe or complex needs.  Evidence should include being on/below 1st centile.

Learners with Autism

This is a placement for children who have a diagnosis of Autism and experience the greatest difficulty in engaging with others. The child has persistent, complex, profound and long-term needs in the area of Autistic Spectrum Disorders. It will be expected that all reasonable steps have been taken to support a placement in mainstream and that these have not been successful.

Learners with hearing impairment

Learners with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties

  • Canolfan Bro Tywi Foundation Phase and Key Stage 2
  • Carmarthenshire Secondary Teaching and Learning Centre Carmarthen Key Stages 3 and 4
  • Carmarthenshire Secondary Teaching and Learning Centre Burry Port Key Stages 3 and 4
  • Carmarthenshire Secondary Teaching and Learning Centre Canolfan y Gors Key Stages 3 and 4

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