Coleg y Cymoedd commended in this year’s AoC Beacon Awards

Coleg y Cymoedd recently celebrated its Enhanced Transition Team (within Additional Learning Provision) for earning the AoC Beacon Standard and Commended Status for their innovative response to the ALN Code of Wales 2021.

Their pioneering model was commended as an excellent support system for students in this year’s AoC Beacon Awards.

The Enhanced Transition Model (ETM), developed to assist learners with complex Additional Learning Needs (ALN) or disabilities in their transition to college, has shown exceptional success within just two years.

During a certificate presentation and celebratory buffet, Principal Jonathan Morgan praised the team for their invaluable contributions, particularly in two of Wales’ most economically deprived counties, RCT and Caerphilly. The team’s efforts are ensuring a brighter future for the learners they support every day.

The ETM works by creating tailored development plans and a dedicated cross-campus transition team that collaborates with schools and partners. This approach significantly improves pathways for these learners, allowing them to stay in their local areas and existing social groups, providing much-needed stability.

Additionally, the ETM reduces the risk of these learners becoming not in employment, education, or training (NEET). It streamlines information sharing between schools and college enrolment teams, easing workloads and enabling personalised teaching to meet learners’ needs effectively.

The introduction of the ETM has led to increased cooperation with schools, a rise in partnerships, and greater awareness of the model. This has enhanced overall support for those educated at homr or elsewhere otherwise than at school learners, contributing to its success and positive outcomes for students and their families (EHE and EOTAS).

Assistant Principal for Learner Experience, Lisa Purcell, also congratulated the team for their outstanding work and the increased reputation of the college within the local community. External companies have praised the team for delivering on the excellent theories they advocate.

A representative from RCT EHE shared: “Since working with the team, we have had more EHE learners in college than ever! The numbers continue to grow year on year. [The team] are so inclusive, supportive and most importantly have gained the trust of home-educated learners and their families. This is a difficult task when so many haven’t accessed any other services for a considerable amount of time and have lost all trust in education.”

Maria Morris, Home Education Officer for EOTAS at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, added: “The engagement of year 11 EHE learners and their families has significantly increased over the years. [The college] has provided a welcoming, supportive, and non-judgemental environment in which learners and their families are able to express themselves fully and have confidence in the team supporting them. Young people and their families are extremely grateful for the extensive support available from the Enhanced Transition Team.”

The Enhanced Transition Model’s Key Success:

• Higher ALN Support: An 81-learner increase in ALN support access in 2024, demonstrating the model’s reach and impact.
• Increased Partnerships: The ETM saw a 12-partnership increase with schools, highlighting growing awareness and collaboration.
• Improved IDP Reviews: A 106% rise in IDP reviews attended, indicating better-informed transitions for learners.
• Enhanced Engagement: A 950% increase in engagement with EOTAS and EHE learners, showcasing the model’s effectiveness.
• High Retention: 91% of learners needing ALN support remained enrolled in their courses by November 2023.

Congratulations to the Enhanced Transition Team for their incredible work!

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