Canolfan Addysg y Bont has become the first special school in Wales - and one of only seven across Britain - to be awarded 'Exemplar’ status, by the EQUALS charity.
EQUALS is committed to improving the lives of children and young people with learning difficulties and disabilities through supporting high quality education.
This prestigious award for the special school, in Llangefni, follows comprehensive and detailed monitoring by experts over the last two years. This included observing six classes across the school's range of learning disability and key stage, observing play-based learning and engaging in thorough discussions with the teachers and senior leaders.
Canolfan Addysg y Bont Headteacher, Andreas Huws, said, “EQUALS works with training within hundreds of special schools, referral units, colleges, and mainstream schools across Britain.
“We are, of course, delighted to have been recognised for the quality of learning provided here at Canolfan Addysg y Bont. Gaining exemplar status not only reflects positively on our school, its staff and county council, but should ensure that the school continues to develop and improve in the years ahead - which is hugely important.”
Mr Huws added, "Exemplar status places great emphasis on working together, sharing good practice and helping to develop other organisations too. We also hope to be able to provide leadership and support to others by holding 'development days' in due course.”
Established in 1994, EQUALS has built up a strong record in supporting teachers to apply the principles of government guidelines to curriculum development for pupils with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Anglesey’s Education and Welsh Language portfolio holder, Councillor Dafydd Roberts, congratulated Canolfan Addysg y Bont on its success.
Councillor Roberts said, “This is a fantastic achievement for staff and the school community as a whole. Gaining the EQUALS Exemplar status shows that Canolfan Addysg y Bont is committed to excellent standards and maintaining an environment where pupils can thrive, prosper and learn. These are both integral to pupils’ development and future learning.”
He added, “It also demonstrates the positive and close working relationship that exists between Canolfan Addysg y Bont and our Learning Services’ Additional Learning Needs team.”
Ends 19 July 2024