Young people with complex needs associated with autism are progressing well at a specialist school and residential service in Cardiff thanks to ‘positive and calming classroom routines that maximise learning’, according to a new report.
The latest annual Estyn monitoring inspection at Ty Coryton shows that pupils are supported to form ‘trusting relationships with staff’ and ‘respond positively to the caring and inclusive ethos of the school’.
Ty Coryton was also praised for ‘strongly’ promoting values of ‘tolerance and respect’, and for supporting its pupils in developing ‘valuable independence skills’ effectively too.
Ty Coryton is part of Orbis Education and Care, a sector-leading group of specialist services in England and Wales. With 23 pupils on its roll, the school has welcomed the positive news.
Kelly Price, Head of Education at Ty Coryton, was also commended for promoting stability within the school as a leader who is ‘passionate for staff to develop their skills’. She said: “Every day our amazing team works tirelessly to ensure that our children not only receive an education that is tailored to their own learning needs, but also the care and therapeutic support that they require.
“Effective schooling of our children relies not just on the fantastic education staff we have, but also the dedication and commitment of our care, clinical, administrative, maintenance and other colleagues too.
“To have our hard work and dedication formally recognised by Estyn, confirms that we are doing well to care and educate those we are here to support. It is as an absolute delight to the team here at Ty Coryton,” Kelly added.
The report also identified a culture where ‘leaders know the school very well’ and where the board of governors is ‘fully involved’ in the school’s self-evaluation process as a whole.
Multi-disciplinary working was also deemed to be ‘a significant strength of the school’ and ‘highly effective in meeting the needs of pupils’, with many engaging ‘consistently well’ in their learning, and respond ‘enthusiastically’ as a result.
Mike Currier, CEO at Orbis Education and Care, said: “Our model is successful because it applies a person-centred approach when it comes to the children and adults in our care. This model extends to our highly valued staff too.
“This report from Estyn identifies not only an environment where pupils at Ty Coryton are supported to develop and progress, but where our loyal and hard-working colleagues are also encouraged to develop in their careers at every opportunity.”
Mike added: “The comments in this report ultimately speak for themselves, and we’re truly thrilled that the team’s efforts to create a warm, welcoming and above all supportive environment for young people have been formally recognised. We are very proud of our team at TyCoryton and congratulate them on their success.”
