Starting a new school is a big step, especially for young people who find change hard. We take it slowly, plan it carefully and make sure every pupil feels welcome from day one.
How places work
Maesgwyn is a Rhondda Cynon Taf special school. Places are agreed through the local authority, usually as part of a young person’s additional learning needs plan. If you think Maesgwyn could be right for your child, talk to their current school or the RCT ALN team, and call us to arrange a visit.
Before your child starts
- A visit to look around, meet staff and ask questions.
- Our transition video, made by pupils and staff, so your child can see the school before they arrive.
- An All About Me profile and a Motional assessment, so adults know how to support your child from the start.
- A visual timetable and social stories where they help.
What we offer
Use the filters to see the support available to every pupil.
Small classes
Every class is small, with lots of adults and a class LSA who knows each pupil's needs.
Reading and spelling
Lessons at least once a week, with different ways to practise and improve.
Literacy and numeracy support
One-to-one and small-group help with reading, writing and maths.
Curriculum for Wales
Six areas of learning, brought to life by our Four Core Purpose avatars: Ambitious Alex, Enterprising Ellie, Healthy Harri and Ethical Enfys.
Immersion mornings
Pupils have a say in what they want to learn.
Qualifications
Maths, English, science and IT, plus vocational courses such as hair and beauty, mechanics and construction.
Catch-up support
Staff help pupils catch up when they have missed days.
Visual timetables
Every pupil gets a timetable to map out the day, and social stories where they help.
Wellbeing team
A dedicated team that supports everyone, every day.
ELSA
Emotional literacy support from trained assistants.
Forest School
Learning outdoors, building confidence and resilience.
Eye to Eye counselling
A counsellor pupils can talk to when things are tough.
R&R: Reset & Reflect
One-to-one support using the strategy that suits the young person best.
Sensory room
A calm space every pupil can access.
Motional assessment
Helps adults understand how best to support each pupil emotionally.
Rewards and celebration
Weekly reward sessions, personalised reward cards and celebration assemblies.
Nurture, animal care, Relax Kids
Interventions that support social and emotional development.
All About Me profiles
A profile that tells every adult how to support that pupil best.
Specialist agencies
Links with educational psychology, youth engagement, attendance and wellbeing, the disabled children's team and more.
Careers and transition
A dedicated lead helps pupils find work placements, apprenticeships and college places.
Independent travel
Travel training to build confidence getting about independently.