Darparu ar Gyfer Anghenion Arbennig
Special Needs Provision
Nathan's place at Llanystumdwy school
Sometime between babyhood and school age it was discovered that Nathan had special needs, these manifested themselves in many ways and appeared to be on the autistic spectrum.
Only those who have experience of this problem can appreciate the problems involved and it was suggested by the many professional people we came into contact with that Nathan was unlikely to attend mainstream school, indeed may not attend school at all. However getting Nathan to socialise and mix with other children and take part in everyday life appropriate to his age was no easy task and it was suggested by education dept to try Nathan at school.
After being turned down by two local schools I approached Llanystumdwy School with some trepidation and was pleasantly surprised by the friendly informal chat I had with the headmaster who was prepared to 'give Nathan a go'.
It was agreed to start Nathan 2 hours a day with help from a special needs helper. The first days were extremely difficult but the school staff's handling of Nathan in a way sympathetic to his condition and without pressure bought it's own rewards. in my opinion this was and is mainly due to the fact that Llan. school is small and friendly and Nathan was welcomed into a caring and supportive environment to begin his school life.
I believe that small classes and the family atmosphere within the school has provided Nathan with all the nurture and care to see him through Junior school.
I belong to a support group in Gwynedd for Asperger, Autism and Special needs and have often heard parents who have been unable to access help and understanding within the ed. system and have thanked my lucky stars that Nathan was able to be a part of this school.
n.b. Each summer a fair is held in the school grounds and people from the village come to support the school, stalls sell home made jam and cakes, there are luckdy dip stalls and hot dogs, pony rides in a village setting of historical interest, this is memory making for the children as are the Christmas celebrations on a dark frosty evening when the whole village turns out to hear the children sing and celebrate Christmas. The Church is usually full to capacity.
The overall picture regarding Llanystumdwy School is idyllic and whilst cannot be available to all school children there can be no justification in destroying it...
