Neath Port Talbot Council is set to consult on plans to create two new units for children with communication and interaction difficulties, responding to rising demand for additional learning needs (ALN) provision in the borough.
Cabinet members approved the proposals in October 2026. The plans could see two new 16-place learning support centres (LSCs) built at two of the council's new school projects currently under development.
Locations and Timelines
One centre would be at Llangatwg Community Comprehensive School, with effect from September 2028. Another would be at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhosafan, opening from September 2027.
The new build Llangatwg Community Comprehensive School is currently under construction, with phase one due for completion in the summer of 2028. Phase one of the new build Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhosafan, based in Sandfields, is currently set for completion next summer.
Demand and Capacity Pressures
A report given to councillors noted that since the 2023-24 academic year, the council had secured more ALN provision, including 16 additional places for pupils with communication and interaction difficulties or autism spectrum disorder at Blaenhonddan Primary School, and 12 additional places for pupils with cognition and learning needs at Ysgol Hendrefelin Special School.
Despite the increase in special school places, the report stated that almost all specialist provisions in the borough continued to be at "full capacity."
The report said: "Recent work on reviewing the number and type of planned places and assessment provision across Neath Port Talbot has indicated that at primary level, the greatest area of need and therefore demand on specialist provision for the next 3 years remains in relation to Communication and Interaction difficulties, in addition to Severe and Profound Multiple Learning Difficulties."
"At secondary level, the greatest area of need and therefore demand on specialist provision for the next 3 years is also in relation to Communication and Interaction difficulties, in addition to Cognition and Learning difficulties and Behaviour, Emotional and Social Development needs."
"It has also become evident that there is an increasing need for Welsh-medium specialist provisions at both primary and secondary level."
Consultation Process
The plans were approved by Neath Port Talbot Council cabinet members at a meeting held in October 2026. The consultation on the proposal is intended to run between November 2 and December 14, with responses brought back to cabinet for consideration by members.
