Information for parents booklet 2025 / 2026

What if my child has Additional Learning Needs?

A child with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) has a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others of the same age and / or has a disability, which hinders them from making use of facilities for education of a kind generally provided for others of the same age in mainstream school.

A child with ALN may require Additional Learning Provision (ALP), in order to ensure their needs are met and any barriers to learning are removed. It is important that children with ALN are identified early in their school career, so appropriate intervention can be put in place at the earliest opportunity. Class teachers have a key role in this identification process.

The majority of learners with ALN will have their needs met through school based support and provision. However, in some instances, enhanced support from the Local Authority will be required.  Educational psychologists and specialist teachers based in the local authority  are also available to help the school.  Most children with additional learning needs will have their needs met in their local school from the school's resources. Schools receive training on supporting learners with additional needs to ensure that they are able to support a wide range of needs. A few children have long-term, complex needs which are best met in a Special Teaching Facility (STF) or special school where additional specialist teaching, expertise and equipment is available. There are two special schools in Swansea. These are Ysgol Crug Glas and Ysgol Pen-y-bryn.  Pupils attend these Special Teaching Facility's (STFs) and special schools if they are placed there by the Local Authority.

All mainstream maintained schools in Swansea have a designated person who will have responsibility for co-ordinating provision for learners of ALN. That person is known as the Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator, or ALNCo. The ALNCo is the individual who at strategic level ensures the needs of all learners with ALN are identified and met. If you think your child may have additional learning needs (ALN), you should talk to your child's headteacher or the Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCO) at the school. You can also contact the local authority Additional Learning Needs Team: ALNIT@swansea.gov.uk

If you would like further information about provision, policy or procedures for children with additional learning needs, please visit our website: www.swansea.gov.uk/aln.

Is there specialist support available for behavioural difficulties in school?

In general, young people with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties are supported and managed within school by their mainstream teachers. In a small number of cases specialist input is needed. Schools can then call on the support of the educational psychologist or behaviour support teacher who will work with staff in the school to help resolve any difficulties. If, despite the additional support, the young person continues to behave in a particularly challenging way then the school can make a request for a place in Maes Derw, the pupil referral unit (PRU). Before being placed in the PRU, pupils will generally have had support from the educational psychologist and/or behaviour support teacher whilst in school. Pupils placed in the PRU are expected to return to their mainstream school and their length of stay in the PRU varies. Referrals for PRU are made by the school to the Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) Panel or the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Panel.

Is there any extra help for my child whose home language is not English or Welsh?

Yes, most schools have funding to develop their own provision for children whose home language is not English or Welsh. If you think your child might need help for learning English / Welsh as an additional language (EAL / WAL) you need to speak to your child's school. If the school needs advice or guidance on how to support your child the school can contact EAL@swansea.gov.uk.

How will my child get to school?

The council provides home to school transport on the basis of its published Home to School Transport Policy. This is in accordance with the requirements of the Welsh Government's Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008. Free transport is provided for pupils who live two miles or more from their catchment area primary school or three miles or more from their catchment area secondary school. The distance is measured by the shortest available walking route in accordance with the council's Home to School Transport Policy, the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008 and the Welsh Government's Learner Travel - Statutory Provision and Operational Guidance (June 2014). Free transport is provided from the beginning of the school year in which pupils reach the age of five. Free transport is not provided for younger / nursery aged children.

If you are applying for a place at a school that is not the designated school for your home address, the responsibility and the cost for getting your child to and from school lies with you as parent / carer. The local authority will not provide free home to school transport when a pupil does not attend their designated school. This also applies if a pupil is granted a place at a school which is not their designated catchment school as a result of a successful appeal. You can check the designated school for your home address by contacting admissions@swansea.gov.uk.

Pupils who qualify for free school transport will be sent an application form in May / June for the academic year starting in September.

The council operates a discretionary Sale of Spare Seats Scheme for pupils who do not qualify for free Home to School Transport. You can get more information from the council's School Transport webpage: www.swansea.gov.uk/schooltransport

For children with Individual Development Plans (IDPs), the general transport policy described above applies. The council will provide free transport for children with additional learning needs where they are placed by the Education Department at the mainstream school other than their local catchment school, at a specialist teaching facility other than at their local school, or in a special school, as long as they live 2 miles or more away in the case of primary pupils and 3 miles or more in the case of secondary school pupils. The local authority does have discretion to provide free home to school transport according to the nature of the additional learning needs of the child. If the Education Department feels that a child's needs can be met at their local catchment school, but the parents choose an alternative school, the parent is then responsible for any transport arrangements and costs.

You can get more information about school transport by ringing the council's Integrated Transport Unit: www.swansea.gov.uk/schooltransport.

The local authority is currently reviewing its school transport arrangements. Should any changes be proposed appropriate consultation will be undertaken and this booklet will be updated accordingly.

Bishopston Comprehensive, Pontarddulais Comprehensive and YG Gwyr may be affected by changes to the availability of walking routes in future that could remove free transport. Areas subject to review are: Kingsbridge to Gowerton, Grovesend to Pontarddulais and Clyne to Bishopston.

What is the Education Welfare Service?

The Education Welfare Service (EWS) supports the Local Education Authority (LEA) with statutory duties in ensuring that every child and young person in Swansea has access to appropriate and relevant educational provision which enables them to learn.  Regular attendance at school is very important to make sure that children and young people get the best possible education.  Each school has a named Education Welfare Officer (EWO). There is also a named EWO aligned to the Pupil Referral Units. 

EWS work with children and young people whose education is being affected by punctuality, irregular attendance, absence from school and wellbeing issues.  Assessing problems and looking at solutions by working closely with schools, pupils, their parents and carers.  EWO`s are very supportive and work from a preventative angle so every effort is made to avoid legal sanctions.

EWO`s work hard to engage with children, young people and their families, to build positive working relationships in order to address any concerns and work with them to resolve issues rather than to take legal action. However, EWS have the responsibility for ensuring regular school attendance and may use Fixed Penalty Notice and/or Court prosecution processes to support this.  The service has allocated officers to undertake specific duties for Child Employment (CE), Elective Home Education (EHE) and Children Missing Education (CME).

Young people working while of school age

If your child wants to have any part-time work while still at school there are a number of rules that apply. These legal requirements ensure that young people are registered and licensed with the local authority's Child Employment Officer and that they do not undertake work that could damage their health, place them in physical danger, or have an adverse effect on their education. The official date for leaving school is the last Friday in June in the school year in which the pupil is 16 years old.

Before this date young people over the age of 13 may apply for a work permit for part-time work. An application form must be completed and signed by the parents and the employer. If the type of work is suitable and the hours to be worked are within the stipulated limits, a work permit will be issued. For further information please contact child.employment@swansea.gov.uk

Additional information can be found on the National Network for Child Employment and Entertainment (NNCEE) at www.nncee.org.uk/

Elective Home Education

Swansea Council respects and accepts the right of parents to educate their children at home.

The LEA recognises that Elective Home Education is a key aspect of parental choice and therefore aims to encourage good practice in its relationships with home educators.

The Elective Home Education team recognises and respects the rights of the parent to educate their child at home. The EHE team will seek to develop positive working relationships with home education networks and will work co-operately with EHE parents to enable children to have the best life choices available to them, and will endeavour to support children and families by ensuring that children access their right to education.

Further information can be found at: https://www.swansea.gov.uk/electivehomeeducation

Useful contacts:

Education Welfare Service: educationwelfareservice@swansea.gov.uk

Child Employment information: child.employment@swansea.gov.uk

Elective Home Education: electivehomeeducation@swansea.gov.uk

What if my child wants to be involved in entertainment productions?

Some children have the opportunity to take part in the world of entertainment such as on stage or in films and television. A licence is needed for this and as with part-time employment, there are conditions to follow. The person arranging the production is responsible for applying for a performance licence and this needs to be done at least 21 days before the first day of the performance. There is a section of the application form for the parent to complete and if your child is involved in an entertainment production you will need to make sure that a licence has been issued. Licence application forms are available from the School and Governor Support Team: childperformancelicence@swansea.gov.uk

Safeguarding

The Local Authority Education Department employs a full time Education Child Protection and Safeguarding Officer who works alongside the Lead Officer for Education Welfare and Safeguarding. The Officer provides advice, guidance and support on child protection and safeguarding matters for school staff, parents and other professionals and also provides training for school staff, education staff and governors. The officer also works closely with other agencies responsible for safeguarding including social services, police and health as part of an Integrated Safeguarding Hub. Each school has appointed a designated person - usually the headteacher in primary schools, with responsibility for child protection and safeguarding. Each school governing body has appointed a governor with responsibility for child protection and safeguarding.

Each school will have their own Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy which specifies their duties for safeguarding pupils in their schools.

In addition to the duty to follow Wales Safeguarding Procedures 2019 (https://safeguarding.wales/en/) they are required to work with police and other agencies under the Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence legislation - VAWDASV (Wales) Act 2015 as well as the Home Office guidance under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 where children living with domestic abuse should be considered victims. We recognise that pupils living in domestically abusive situations are likely to be suffering trauma, may be feeling scared or nervous and are less likely to achieve in the same way as pupils not living in such circumstances. Our schools are committed to responding to such pupils with child protection and safeguarding policies in mind.

Our schools work closely with South Wales Police officer to respond to pupils who may have experienced domestic abuse at home under Operation Encompass processes. If police officers attend a dwelling where domestic abuse is identified and children are in attendance or recorded as living at the address they will submit an operation encompass report to the child's school the following morning. The report contains details of the alleged perpetrator and victim alongside a brief summary of the reason for police contact. The purpose of this report is to allow schools to understand why pupils may be feeling worried and or low and provide appropriate wellbeing and nurture support at the time when it is most needed. To find out more about Operation Encompass following this link: www.operationencompass.org/

Physical punishment

The Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Act 2020 came into force on 21 March 2022. It does not create a new criminal offence, but it abolishes a defence of 'reasonable punishment' in the existing criminal offences of assault and battery against a child.

Physical punishment includes smacking, hitting, slapping, shaking or otherwise punishing a child using physical force. The change means all physical punishment of children will be illegal in Wales, including by parents, carers and anyone acting in loco parentis in any setting in Wales.

All of our schools are required to work within the law by reporting any witnessed incidents of physical punishment and working with statutory services and police where appropriate to support families when a disclosure is received relating to physical punishment or other kinds of harm.

The telephone number of the Education Child Protection and Safeguarding Officer is 01792 637148 / 07827 822700

Will school meals be available for my child?

The primary school lunch consists of a freshly prepared two course meal with a drink of water and this is provided at every school. These meals meet the nutritional guidelines as required by 'The Healthy Eating in Schools (Nutritional Standards and Requirements) (Wales) Regulations 2013' and it is our aim to make these attractive and appetising to children.

There is a three weekly menu which is available on the Swansea Council website: www.swansea.gov.uk/primaryschoolmenu All primary age children will receive a free meal as of September 2024 due to the full implementation of Universal Free School Meals up to and including year 6 and you do not need to apply for these.  We still encourage pupils to seek free school meal entitlement as explained in the paragraph below as they can also benefit from the school essentials grant (previously known as school uniform grant) and additional funding for their school.

Recent research suggests that eating healthily at regular times by combining a breakfast in the morning with a school lunch at midday can help children to learn better. Special dietary requirements can be catered for on request to your school which must be supported by a medical professional. 

Secondary schools have cafeterias which presently provide a variety of foods, also available is the meal of the day at a price of £2.40. Most schools use a cashless system via internet payment/paypoint. 

Is my child entitled to a free school meal?

Pupils whose parents are in receipt of Universal Credit and have annualised net earnings of £7,400 or less, Income Support, income-based Job Seeker's Allowance, Child Tax Credit (with a taxable income of up to £16,190 per annum and as long as they are not receiving Working Tax Credit), the guaranteed element of Pension Credit or income related Employment and Support Allowance are eligible for free school meals. Welsh Government also protects those who were on Free School Meals until December 2023 (transitional protection).

Further information on free school meals and the protection criteria can be found via the details below:

Website: www.swansea.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals

Email: freeschoolmeals@swansea.gov.uk Telephone: 01792 635353

From September 2022 universal free school meals began rolling out to primary school pupils in Wales. In Swansea all reception age children receive a free school meal. There is no need to apply for these meals but we still encourage pupils to seek free school meal entitlement, as above, as they can also benefit from school uniform grant and other cost reductions, such as school trips.

Breakfast clubs

The majority of primary schools in Swansea have free breakfast clubs that usually run for around half an hour prior to the start of the school day. Many schools also include some provision for childcare prior to the breakfast club and make a small charge for this service. You should contact your child's school for details of opening times, charges and how to register.

School visits

A charge is made for accommodation and food for children who take part in activities where they stay overnight. Schools also often request voluntary contributions for activities and day trips.

No charge is made for any agreed residential course or camp (which is part of the curriculum) for pupils whose parents receive Income Support, income-based Job Seeker's Allowance, Child Tax Credit (with a taxable income of up to £16,190 per annum and as long as you are not receiving Working Tax Credit), the guaranteed element of State Pension Credit or income related employment and support allowance.

If a pupil travels from home to an activity encouraged but not provided by the Education Directorate or school (for example work experience) you will be asked to pay the bus fares. You can find out what is provided free and when you will be expected to pay by getting details of these policies from the school, or the Education Directorate.

School uniform

The Welsh Government offer an annual School Essentials Grant (previously known as the School Uniform Grant) to pupils who are eligible for free school meals (not those who are transitionally protected).  In September 2024 this grant is available to children entering Reception through to Year 11 as well as Looked After Children (LAC).  If the grant is available in future years, the council will keep the below website link updated.

Further information is available here: www.swansea.gov.uk/schooluniformgrant

Email: schooluniformgrant@swansea.gov.uk

What examinations will my child take?

All secondary schools will give you details of their public examination results if you ask for them. All students have the entitlement to sit examinations, at the appropriate level, in subjects they study. The school will pay the examination fee when the pupil is sitting the exam for the first time. If a pupil misses an exam without a valid medical reason, then the parents of that pupil may be asked to pay the fee. If the pupil has been prepared for the exam somewhere else or chooses to take an exam which the school has not offered or recommended, then the parents of that pupil will be asked to pay the fee. You can obtain further information about the examination policy from the school.

School governors

Every school has a governing body which plays an important part in the life of the school. Governors have a responsibility for school improvement, school policies and the conduct of the school. They look after important matters such as the school's finances and the appointment of staff. Governing bodies are made up of local people who are ready to give their time on a voluntary basis because of their interest in the school. They will include parents, people appointed by the local authority, teachers, the headteacher, business people and other members of the local community.

All newly appointed governors must attend a two hour induction course and also a two hour course on school performance data. In addition to this there is a training programme for governors on a range of subjects to help them fulfil their role effectively. The local authority provides this training programme for governors free of charge. If you are interested in finding out how to become a school governor there is more information on this page: www.swansea.gov.uk/schoolgovernors or email schoolandgovernorunit@swansea.gov.uk

Careers information and guidance

As pupils enter the crucial years for career decisions - Years 9, 11, 12 and 13, Careers Wales will be available to help parents as well as pupils. They can also arrange for parents to attend a careers interview, either with your child or separately. Careers Advisers also attend parents' evenings and careers events at school or college, and parents are welcome to visit them at one of their careers centres. While at school or college they will offer pupils / students group talks on career related topics and individual interviews to discuss their options and career ideas.

Further information and advice is available from: Swansea Careers Centre, Grove House, Grove Place, Swansea SA1 5DF. Telephone 0800 028 4844 or https://careerswales.gov.wales/

What education is available when my child is over 16?

A wide range of courses are available for students who wish to stay on in full time education after their 16th birthday. Students may choose to continue their studies in a secondary school with a sixth form or a Further Education (FE) college. The Swansea schools with sixth forms are Bishop Gore Comprehensive school, Bishop Vaughan Catholic school, Gowerton Comprehensive school, Morriston Comprehensive school and Olchfa Comprehensive school.

Both Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryn Tawe and Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr offer sixth form provision through the medium of Welsh.

Applications for admission to School Sixth forms or to colleges should be submitted directly to the school or college.

The FE college, Gower College Swansea is independent of the local authority.

Can my child get financial assistance if he / she goes into further or higher education?

Education Maintenance Allowance - funded by the Welsh Government is available for students on full time post-16 courses in sixth forms or Gower College Swansea. Families on low income are able to apply for the grant and a maximum of up to £40 per week, payable fortnightly, can be paid to eligible students General information about the scheme and necessary application packs should be available in school or college. Alternatively you can contact the Student Finance Wales EMA: www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/ Telephone: 0300 200 4050

Welsh Government Learning Grant Further Education (WGLG FE) - an income-assessed grant aimed to encourage those aged 19 and upwards to continue with further education.

Students from low income households and aged 19 or older may be eligible for a Welsh Government Learning Grant Further Education (WGLG FE) (previously known as Assembly Learning Grant FE) for full and part-time courses in sixth form and tertiary colleges. You can get all the information you need directly from your college or by contacting Student Finance Wales FE Customer Services: www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/further-education-funding/welsh-government-learning-grant/ Telephone: 0300 200 4050

What can I do if I have a complaint or if I am not satisfied with my child's education?

Every attempt is made by schools to discuss and resolve difficulties and complaints made by parents. First, make an appointment and go to talk to your child's headteacher about the problem. Most concerns can be resolved by doing this. However, if your complaint has not been resolved you can ask for a copy of the school complaints policy. All schools have a written complaints policy which will explain how to pursue any unresolved complaint. If you have a query about the procedure to be followed contact School and Governor Support Team: schoolandgovernorunit@swansea.gov.uk

What can I do if the information I want is not in this document?

If you want any further information or advice, speak to the headteacher of the school or contact the Education Directorate on 01792 636000 or email education@swansea.gov.uk