PONT PERTHYN
Bridging Learning and Belonging
Pont 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.