Parents & Professionals
‘To give children and young people with additional learning needs every opportunity to pursue their fullest potential, by providing a specialised service through a holistic integrated approach.’
Student Profiles
Craig-y-Parc School offers day provision for pupils aged 3-19 years with physical and sensory disabilities, complex needs such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and a wide range of additional learning needs.
Craig-Y-Parc is more than just a school – we are a wonderfully warm and vibrant community where children and young adults come to learn, live, have fun and get the most out of life.
We are committed to providing and sustaining excellent multi-disciplinary holistic teaching and learning experiences for all pupils, supported by a positive, caring and vibrant working environment for staff. We encourage and enable our students to take on new and exciting challenges with the support of our skilled team.
Teachers and support staff work together very effectively to provide a stimulating and supportive environment for learning. Lessons are well-planned and address pupils’ individual learning targets well.
Curriculum
Bespoke Approach
Each child accesses a bespoke curriculum tailored to meet their needs as outlined in the statement / EHCP. The curriculum follows a thematic approach, the topics are based on the areas of learning from the Curriculum for Wales. PSHE and SMSC follow a 4-year cycle and covers a comprehensive range of areas / issues for the pupils to explore across their key stage.Targets are derived from assessments conducted by the multi-disciplinary team and drive the curriculum.
5-14 Department
Pupils have access to the full range of learning experiences. These fall in line with the curriculum for Wales requirements under the following headings: Language, Literacy and communication Mathematics and Numeracy Science and Technology Health and Wellbeing Expressive Arts Humanities
14-19 Department
As pupils approach the age of 14, change plays a significant part in life both socially and in education. A transition to 14-19 curriculum moves pupils from basic learning skills to preparing for life beyond school and involves the pupil, families/carers and professionals. All pupils are supported to develop communication skills and work cooperatively within the classroom. The pupils will follow an an individual accreditation pathway consisting of Agored Cymru, Duke of Edinburgh award, WJEC entry level pathways. In addition, we have partnered with Whitchurch High School which has enabled enrichment opportunities, providing authentic learning experiences.
Learning
Key Stage 1-4
Our key stage 1-4 students are taught within small classes of pupils grouped according to age and ability. Our high staffing ratio enables us to create pupil specific learning programmes that are tailored to their individual learning and developmental needs.
Pupils are taught within a topic-based curriculum allowing teachers to focus on activities that engage pupil’s interests whilst also covering the main national curriculum areas. Our curriculum is a key vehicle to delivering therapeutic interventions and life skills development.
Post 16
As pupils approach the age of 16, change plays a significant part in life both socially and in education. We recognise that transition can be both exciting and stressful. A transition to 14-19 curriculum moves pupils from basic learning skills to preparing for life beyond school and involves the pupil, families/carers and professionals.
Our post 16 curriculum also promotes greater self-awareness, self-esteem and independence. Independent skills are given a high priority and all pupils are supported to develop communication skills and work cooperatively within the classroom. Where possible we also support pupils to achieve recognised qualifications from WJEC, GCSE and entry level, personalised AQA units and ASDAN.
Sensory Motor Communication (SMC)
A high level of sensory and motor needs are encompassed within the SMC classes. The curriculum is topic based and works on core skills, following a sensory programme with a specific focus on communication, physical and independent skills. Our SMC post 16 pupils work on gaining ASDAN accreditation certificates.
Admissions
The admissions process is designed to ensure that prospective students find the right pathway that meets their unique needs and aspirations.
Application Form
It begins with an initial inquiry
Visit
We encourage prospective students to visit
Apply
Complete an application form
Assessment
Our intake team carefully reviews each submission
Funding Application
Successful applicants are offered a place at school subject to funding
Transition
Students are supported through the enrolment process, which involves completing the necessary paperwork, transition visits
Start
We ensure that every prospective student receives the guidance they need to embark on a successful educational journey with us
Term Dates
Academic Year 2023 – 2024
| No. | Start Date | End Date | Weeks | Days | Inset Days | Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5th September 2023 | 27th October 2023 | 7 | 3 | 4th | Sep-23 |
| 2 | 6th November 2023 | 22nd December 2023 | 6 | 4 | ||
| 3 | 9th January 2024 | 9th February 2024 | 4 | 3 | 8th | Jan-24 |
| 4 | 20th February 2024 | 22nd March 2024 | 4 | 3 | 19th | Feb-24 |
| 5 | 9th April 2024 | 24th May 2024 | 6 | 3 | 8th | Apr-24 |
| 6 | 3rd June 2024 | 22nd July 2024 | 7 | 0 |
Inspections
Sample of positive comments from Estyn’s Core Inspection of Craig Y Parc, March 2023
“Craig Y Parc provides a calm and nurturing environment that generally meets pupils’ physical, medical and care needs well. Teaching and support staff build positive working relationships with pupils and, as a result, many pupils are happy and settled”
‘This close team-working means that pupils make particularly beneficial progress in the development of their communication, physical and independence skills’
‘The current leadership team has brought stability to the school and has started to implement beneficial changes to the school’s curriculum, approaches to teaching and assessment, and the model of therapeutic support.’
Prospectus
Our Welcome to Craig Y Parc is available for download and has a comprehensive guide to the school and You can download the latest copy of our prospectus here.
