At Coleg Gwent a group of hearing-impaired learners are
developing independent life skills through individually tailored
support.
On a visit to the Newport campus, the Minister for Further and
Higher Education, , met staff and learners from
the Cwmbran D/deaf Choir and had the chance to see their
Christmas choir concert.
Over the past four years hearing-impaired learners from Cwmbran
High school have been a part of the Deaf Club at Coleg Gwent,
helping to build their confidence and supporting their transition
from school.
The college has a strong partnership with Elite training who
support learners in their transition to employment.
said:
“The Deaf Club at Coleg Gwent is an inspiring example of how
learners with additional learning needs are thriving in
mainstream education, thanks to our person-centred approach.
“The reforms we're implementing in Wales are aimed at achieving
the systemic change in culture and practice that's needed to
ensure all our children and young people can reach their full
potential.
“I'm so pleased to see Local Authorities, schools and colleges
are working hard with learners and their families to ensure they
get the provision they need to thrive, working with outside
agencies and health boards.”
Coleg Gwent is deaf friendly, and staff are deaf-aware. Learners
with hearing impairments, ranging from mild to profound who use
hearing aids and cochlear implants, receive tailored support in
British Sign Language (BSL) and Sign Supported English (SSE). In
2023-24 78 learners at the college stated hearing impairment as
an additional learning need.
As well as enabling hearing-impaired learners to access their
learning and reach their full potential, the college supports
work experience for learners through the local charity Elite, who
provide disabled and disadvantaged people with vocational
opportunities, training and employment.
As well as improving learners' confidence, Elite provides
supported apprenticeship schemes leading to successful outcomes
for learners when they leave college. Elite staff attend Deaf
Club meetings, so learners see a familiar face as they move into
the world of work.
Nicola Gamlin, Principal at Coleg Gwent, said:
“We were delighted to welcome , Minister for Further &
Higher Education to Coleg Gwent to witness the incredible talents
of the Cwmbran D/deaf Choir. This inspiring performance is an
example of how learners with additional learning needs are
thriving both in college and beyond.
“At Coleg Gwent, we are passionate about creating an inclusive
environment where every learner is supported to achieve their
full potential. Seeing the talent celebrated today makes me feel
very proud of what our learners have achieved, and we're pleased
to be able to share this with the Minister.”
It's not just in Gwent where learners with additional learning
needs are being supported in the transition to their next stage
of learning. Grwp Llandrillo-Menai in
North Wales has been building close relationships with local
schools to support learners with ALN.
Sharon O'Connor Head of Additional Learning Needs at Grŵp
Llandrillo Menai explains how the ALN system promotes
collaboration and communication:
“This is a system where we can identify the student's
aspirations, the aspirations of the parents, and how we cooperate
with schools. The teachers are integral to this, sharing
information on what's needed in the future.
“Cooperating with external agencies and local authorities has
been essential and at the heart of everything we have done as an
ALN team. We strive to create close relationships so that
communication is clear, early identification, and that everyone
is comfortable to have a conversation about young people”.
The ALN system implemented in September 2021 has been gradually
rolled out across Wales creates a single legislative system
supporting children and young people aged 0-25, replacing the
Special Educational Needs System (SEN).
Alongside the ALN reform, the Curriculum for Wales offers schools
and colleges more flexibility to teach in a way that best meets
the individual needs of each child, breaking down barriers to
provide excellent educational opportunities and outcomes for all
learners.
Since 2020, more than £107m revenue funding has been invested to
support the implementation of the ALN system and £60m capital
funding has been provided to local authorities in Wales to
improve facilities and infrastructure for all learners, including
those with ALN.
