Communication Disorder Unit

Communication Disorder Unit (CD Unit) opened in September 1999, for pupils on the Autistic spectrum.

It was the fist provision of its kind to be opened in a mainstream secondary school in Wales, and has been used as an example of excellent practice for other schools and Local Education Authorities across England and Wales.

R.C.T. LEA has since opened two other CD Units following the success at Porth County.

The LEA funds the provision and admission into the unit is decided by an LEA panel following strict criteria.

Staffing

The unit is staffed with two full time teachers, 1 Principle support assistant (NNEB) and 3 teachers aides (NVQ level3), and a Speech and Language therapist (SALT) 1 day per week.

Students

The CD Unit has 3 classes. The Autistic class is a provision for 6 pupils, the Communication Disorder Class has 8 places and there are also 4 students following vocational courses at post 16.

Accommodation

The CD Unit has 3 base rooms, a multi sensory light and sound room, 2 therapy rooms, male and female toilets and a physiotherapy / occupational therapy room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who uses the CD Unit?

A. The CD Unit is for students diagnosed as having Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD). It supports students with Autism, Aspergers Syndrome and global communication disorders.

Q. What are the opportunities for integration?

A. All students are given the opportunity to integrate into suitable classes. Some students integrate into P.E only , to help develop social skills, whereas other students integrate for up to 70% of the timetable and are following GCSE courses.

Q. How are the students supported during integration?

A. All the students have support staff with them in lessons and types of support vary depending on the individual students needs. Most often the support staff will assist with organisational skills, interpretation of instructions, recording of work/homework/deadlines and social situations. Students are supported during the change over of lessons, and when necessary some students leave classes 5 minutes early to avoid the busy corridors.

Q. Any other special arrangements?

A Pupils in the CD Unit go for their lunch 10 minutes earlier than the mainstream pupils. The extra time allows them to make choices from the menu and also avoid waiting in long / noisy queues which can be potentially stressful. The students leave school at the end of the day 10 minutes early to ensure that they are safely in their taxi/minibus and leave the school before the busses. Each student has a home school book, which is written in daily by staff and parents.

Visitors are always welcome in the CD Unit and the pupils enjoy meeting new people. It also gives them the opportunity to practice their communication skills.

For additional information or to arrange a visit please contact;

Mrs Hayley Lewis Head of Learning Support Department/SENCO/Head of CD Unit

Telephone – 01443 680119(direct line)

01443682137

email: hl1@porthcountycommunity.rhondda.sch.uk