Developing partnerships paves way to greater pupil engagement
Information about the school
Ysgol Hen Felin is a day community special school which provides for 167 pupils aged 3-19. Pupils have a range of difficulties, including autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), hearing impairment (HI) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The school mission is to provide a secure, nurturing environment in which all pupils can achieve their potential
The school is organised into four departments: foundation phase; primary; secondary; and, leavers (post 16). Learning is adapted according to each child’s individual learning needs.
Context and background to sector-leading practice
Increases in the number of pupils diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders with severe behavioural and sensory difficulties led the school to re-consider its teaching and behaviour management methodology. Although the school worked effectively with children who have special educational needs, an improved approach was needed in order to maintain a happy learning environment and improve pupils’ standards. The school therefore worked with one of its partners, an independent behavioural specialist, on a new approach for managing pupils’ behaviour. The approach values each child and tailors interactions and learning experiences to their individual needs including their ability to self-regulate and share attention with others.
The partnership is funded through the Pupil Deprivation Grant.
Description of nature of strategy or activity
At Ysgol Hen Felin, we have reduced pupils’ inappropriate behaviours and increased their access to learning, through our new approach that is embedded in our daily practice at the school. Working initially on the pupil’s ability to regulate their behaviour and share attention, we develop their capacity to remain engaged with another person. These two initial capacities are fundamental to our practice. As each pupil masters these, it is then possible for them to engage in lessons and maintain their behaviour for longer periods of time in class.
The school developed a behaviour support team, of staff members and partners from the independent provider. The team focus on the identification of pupils’ inappropriate behaviours and devise strategies to de-escalate and manage these. Training staff about the individual behaviour strategies is an important aspect of the work of the team. Over time, the team has grown and continues to maintain effective behaviour management over the still increasing number of children with difficult behaviours entering Ysgol Hen Felin.
In 2012, the team established daily movement groups to improve pupils’ body awareness, visual spatial abilities and motor skills. Additionally, social skills groups were set up for key stage 4 and the school leavers’ group. These sessions focus on turn taking, problem solving and communication with peers. Our groups aim to promote pupils’ interpersonal skills and interactions, support the development of their self-care and development of relationships and friendships.
What impact has this work had on provision and learners’ standards?
This approach has had a positive impact upon pupils’ attendance and their wellbeing and has reduced the number of behaviour incidents. Using this, relationship based approach, has given staff members the opportunity to get to know every child better and understand, through rigorous recording and analysis, their individual profile. This comprehensive understanding of each pupil underpins the reduction of behaviours displayed.
Levels of pupil engagement within lessons have improved significantly since the introduction of this approach in 2010. This is because the school now supports successfully each child in mastering self-regulation and shared attention skills. Specifically, pupils’ relationships with staff and others are developing into one of improved mutual understanding and respect.
How have you shared your good practice?
Work with this partnership has been communicated and shared effectively with other schools in south Wales.
Useful links
Other resources from this provider
School-to-school support and collaboration - June 2015
pdf, 952.07 KB Added 01/06/2015