There are many calendared opportunities to discuss your child’s progress, share concerns and discuss any possible special educational needs with staff. You may wish to talk to your child’s classroom teacher, form tutor or their Head of Year during a regular parents evening. Another opportunity would be the annual family interview offered to every student; a meeting member of the Senior Management Team. Alternatively, you can contact the Learning Support Team at any time via main reception on 02920 544400. They will put you in contact with the relevant member of the team who will respond to all queries within 48 hours.

Information about a student’s individual needs are shared with staff confidentially through our internal internet system. Individual students may have a Statement, Student Profile and advice sheets which provide individualised information about a child’s strengths and difficulties and lists strategies for supporting them in all aspects of school life.

Quality teaching and learning is the main intervention we provide, ensuring that lessons are accessible to all and all needs and ability levels considered in the planning of a lesson. The Learning Support team works with teachers in all subject areas to ensure that a more bespoke package of support is provided for a student where needed. Our extensive intervention program provides opportunities for small group and 1:1 work in a range of areas as well as in class support where appropriate.

Cathays High School is committed to providing Opportunities for All by ensuring all students have access to a broad and balanced curriculum at a level accessible to them. For some, a more bespoke curriculum is required and opportunities for curriculum modification and alternative study can be discussed with the ALNCO.

Regular assessment points through the year monitor student progress and you will be provided with a formal data report. There are opportunities to discuss this report with staff, including the ALNCO, during parent’s evenings and family interviews. A more regular way to access your child’s progress in lessons is through SIMS Parent app. Through SIMS you can also monitor your child’s attendance, rewards points and behaviour. For students with Individual Education Plans and Statements, additional review meetings are held by the ALNCO and Specialist Resource Base teacher.

Our homework program at Cathays provides opportunities for you to actively engage with your child’s learning at home. For parents of children with additional learning needs additional support can be discussed during parent evenings or by arranging an appointment with the SENCO or Specialist Resource Base teacher.

We will endeavour to support the families of our students in whatever way we can, and often we will be able to signpost to external agencies who can provide additional support and advice. The Team Around a Family helpline is a confidential contact which many of our families have found helpful. You can contact them free on 0808 800 0038.

If you wish to receive updates on things available in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan for young people with disabilities, you may wish to register your child with the Disability Index. For more information click here

Cathays High School provide a safe, nurturing environment by providing supported challenge to enable our students to reach their potential. Our experienced Inclusion and Wellbeing team offer pastoral support to all students through mentoring, tutorials and our PSHE curriculum. Where needed, our Learning Support Team and Inclusion & Wellbeing Officers provide additional support for students whose emotional and behavioural needs are a barrier to safety, progress and overall happiness.

We have a school counsellor employed one day per week as well as excellent relationships with Cardiff’s Counselling Service, Barnados and Families First

At Cathays High School we employ Specialist Teachers in behaviour support, Specific Learning Difficulties and Austim. We have Teaching Assistants with specialist qualifications in speech and language interventions (ELKLAN) and Emotional Literacy Support (ELSA). As well as the staff in school we have excellent links with a wide range of outside agencies, such as Educational Psychology Service, medical professionals and colleagues from social care services.

For more information on our Specialist Resource Base take a look at their page here.

All staff at Cathays High School are part of an extensive program of training, with specific training in meeting the needs of students with additional learning needs. For example, all staff have received training on how to support students with Autistic Spectrum Conditions, literacy and numeracy difficulties, hearing impairment and supporting students with English as a second or other language.

The Learning Support team have weekly training opportunities to develop their practice in a wide range of areas. All staff in the school, including non-teaching staff, have had training Autistic Spectrum Conditions and how to approach young people on the spectrum.

Cathays High School offer an extensive Out of School Hours program of clubs, trips and additional study opportunities/qualifications. There are activities to meet all interests and learning needs and where appropriate additional support is provided by the Learning Support Team. For students with physical, sensory or medical needs, a full risk assessment is completed prior to activities and staff work in partnership with students and parents to ensure safety and accessibility.