PONT I PERTHYN
Bridging Learning and Belonging
Pont i Perthyn is a new, flexible learning provision, designed to support learners experiencing school-based anxiety and emotional barriers to attendance. It forms part of our inclusive ethos, Cynefin Eirias, which ensures every student feels they belong and can succeed.
Pont i Perthyn is a hybrid Subsection of Ysgol Eirias - A trauma-informed, personalised learning space located at Eirias Leisure Centre, adjacent to the school. It offers a safe and nurturing environment for learners to reconnect with education while remaining fully enrolled at Ysgol Eirias. It is not just a support unit — it is a distinctive, trauma-informed learning pathway, designed to meet the needs of learners who face significant barriers to attending mainstream school due to anxiety or emotional needs.
A School Within a School
Pont i Perthyn operates as a sub-school under the wider Cynefin Eirias inclusion framework. It has its own:
- Rules and expectations
- Timetable and learning structure: Currently, Pont i Perthyn is open for face-to-face pupil-centered learning once a week. This is supported by online learning on a second day. Learning is further supplemented through home learning access to the SWEET curriculum.
- Staffing model
- Physical location: Based at Eirias Leisure Centre
- Curriculum design
- Referral and review processes
- Main school integration programme
This allows it to function with the flexibility and responsiveness needed to support vulnerable learners, while maintaining strong links to the main school.
Key Differences
Pont i Perthyn is not an “off-site unit” or “alternative provision.” It is a pathway within Ysgol Eirias, and learners remain fully part of the school community. The language used is intentional — it’s a bridge to belonging, not a separation.
Ethos and Identity
The provision emphasises safety, respect, and community. Reintegration is always a goal, where appropriate.
Learning and Wellbeing
- Digital access and blended learning
- Trauma-informed pedagogy
- Therapeutic input
- Creative and physical activities via the Leisure Centre
- Progress is tracked through Personal Support Plans (PSPs) and Individual Development Plans (IDPs), with regular reviews involving families and professionals.
- Pont i Perthyn supports KS3 and KS4 learners who may be experiencing anxiety, emotionally based school avoidance, or trauma-related barriers to attendance and engagement
Overview
A safe, flexible, and relational learning space where learners experiencing school-based anxiety can reconnect with education and the school community.
Vision
Provide flexible, personalised learning pathways and enable reintegration into mainstream school where appropriate.
Key Aims
- Provide a bespoke learning pathway
- Support learner wellbeing and engagement
- Strengthen inclusion and belonging across the school
- Provide an alternative option for those considering Elective Home Education (EHE)
How it Works
- Learners are referred via a school-based panel
- Each learner receives a personalised learning plan and wellbeing support
- Learning includes:
- Small group teaching
- Online and blended learning
- Therapeutic input
- Creative and physical activities via the Leisure Centre
Outcomes
- Enhanced wellbeing and resilience
- Improved attendance and punctuality
- Increased engagement and confidence
- Progress against personal goals
- Positive reintegration into mainstream education
- Strengthened parental engagement, with opportunities to access wider support and services through the school
Staffing and Partnerships
- Eirias Leisure Centre and Learning 2 Bee tutoring
- Pont i Perthyn is led by experienced, trauma-informed staff and supported by:
- Inclusion and pastoral teams
- External professionals (e.g. CAMHS, TRAC, LFC Foundation)
- Families – co-producing support plans
Safeguarding and Monitoring
- Daily registration and safeguarding follow school policy
- Regular reviews with learners, families, and professionals
- Progress tracked through PSPs, IDPs, and wellbeing milestones
Next Steps
Pont i Perthyn is part of our strategic development for 2025/26. We are working with partners to launch and communicate this provision to families, staff, and stakeholders.