SCHOOLS will be able to use funding from the Welsh Government to improve the experiences of children with disabilities and additional learning needs and an Amman Valley school has shown how the funding can be used.

The Welsh Government’s minister for education and the Welsh language, Jeremy Miles, announced £20m of capital funding for 2023-24 to help schools whilst on a visit to Ysgol y Bedol in Garnant.

Ysgol y Bedol used a grant of £120,000 from the 2022-23 funding to develop a new sensory room and two classrooms specifically equipped to meet the needs of pupils with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and a new outdoor playing area.

Gethin Richards, headteacher at Ysgol y Bedol, said: “This development has ensured that our pupils have access to their education in an inclusive environment. The sensory room provides opportunities for pupils to relax, and the teaching rooms accommodate the needs of pupils with autism. There are specific areas where they can develop awareness of their emotions and areas for learning, research and playing.

“The outer area is a place for the pupils to explore the world around them in a way that is completely safe for them. In a short time, the pupils have settled into the new classes and made huge progress in their development.

“The resource also allows us to offer expertise and provision to pupils with autism through the medium of Welsh, which is absolutely vital for Welsh-speaking families and children in the area.”

Mr Miles said: “This £20m investment will lead to a real difference for disabled learners, and those with additional learning needs, by making sure that our schools are accessible, and have the facilities to support inclusive learning.

“Every child in Wales deserves access to high quality education. I want to make sure every learner can fulfil their potential.”

The £20m of capital funding is allocated to improve the inclusivity of learning environments, create quiet or sensory areas, upgrade or buy new equipment including sensory aids and for works to improve additional learning provision through the medium of Welsh.

It will support the implementation of education reforms in Wales, including the Additional Learning Needs Act, the Curriculum for Wales and the aim to increase the number of Welsh speakers.