Canolfan Addysg y Bont has been presented with the prestigious Elklan Communication Friendly Setting award.
The special school, in Llangefni, is one of the first in Wales to gain the accreditation after staff followed enhanced communication and language development training over a two-year period.
“Effective communication is key for us to help pupils who often have complex needs and difficulties expressing themselves in everyday situations”, explained Canolfan Addysg y Bont’s head teacher, Andreas Huws.
“Our staff have worked hard for this new accreditation and I’d like to thank them for ensuring that we are one of the first special schools in Wales to gain the Elklan Communication Friendly Setting award.”
Elklan sees lead teachers cascade training to all staff (teaching, non-teaching, support and administrative) to develop and support speech, language and communication throughout the school. The sessions include:
- Understanding communication and interaction
- Asking effective questions
- Extending vocabulary
- Developing understanding and enabling children to speak out
- Encouraging expressive language and narrative development
Mr Huws added, “We are already starting to see the benefits with the communication friendly ethos spreading throughout the whole school. Staff have gained a new confidence in the way they interact and communicate; and this helping our pupils as they discuss topics and express their own views in the classroom.”
“We are certainly seeing a new, more holistic emphasis towards promoting communication and greater understanding within Canolfan Addysg y Bont, which is fantastic for the entire school community going forward.”
Anglesey’s Education portfolio holder, Councillor Meirion Jones, congratulated Canolfan Addysg y Bont on its success. Cllr Jones said, “This is a fantastic achievement for staff and the whole school. Effective communication is essential in a school setting as it helps to create a safe learning environment where pupils can thrive, prosper and learn. Gaining the Elklan award shows that Canolfan Addysg y Bont is committed to fostering excellent communication as an integral part of its pupils’ development and future learning.”
Liz Elks, Director of Elklan Training, added, “I was heartened and very impressed by the wonderful feedback provided by Canolfan Addysg y Bont as part of the setting’s evidence. I am glad the training has had such a positive impact on the whole school and is clearly benefitting staff and pupils alike.”
Ends 27.5.21