SENC
Secondary Education Nurture Centre (SENC)
The Secondary Education Nurture Centre (SENC) is a Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council provision supporting learners from across the local authority who experience barriers to learning that impact engagement within mainstream education, including those at risk of permanent exclusion.
Although the SENC is located on the Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School site, it operates as an independent local authority provision. The SENC delivers a specialist, nurturing learning environment designed to meet the additional learning needs (ALN) of learners who require a bespoke, flexible and inclusive approach to education.
Vision and Purpose
In line with the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 and the ALN Code for Wales, the SENC is committed to inclusive education, early intervention and person-centred practice. Our purpose is to reduce barriers to learning and support learners to engage meaningfully in education, develop positive relationships and build confidence, resilience and self-esteem.
Through a tailored curriculum and targeted additional learning provision (ALP), learners are supported to develop academically, socially and emotionally. Teaching and learning are adapted to reflect individual strengths, needs and aspirations, ensuring that learners are able to participate, benefit from and enjoy learning.
Inclusive Practice and Multi-Agency Working
The SENC works in close partnership with parents and carers, base schools and a wide range of external agencies, including health, wellbeing, careers and therapeutic services. This collaborative, integrated approach ensures that appropriate pastoral and therapeutic support is in place and that learners are supported holistically.
Provision is designed to help learners develop alternative and appropriate ways of expressing themselves and to support the development of socially accepted behaviours within a nurturing, structured environment.
Staffing and Ethos
The SENC is staffed by experienced and dedicated professionals with a range of specialist backgrounds. All staff are committed to inclusive practice and supporting learners who present with additional or complex needs.
Strong, positive and respectful relationships with learners and families are central to our work. Staff aim to empower learners, support positive change and enable successful reintegration into mainstream education wherever possible. Our focus is on helping learners thrive not only in education, but in life beyond school.
Referral and Reintegration
Learners are referred to the SENC by their base school following evidence-based discussions and the submission of documentation outlining the support and interventions already provided within the mainstream setting. Decisions are made in partnership with the Local Authority and relevant professionals.
Where appropriate, the long-term aim is to support learners to reintegrate into mainstream education gradually, supported by clear planning, review and collaboration with their base school.
Curriculum and Additional Learning Provision
The SENC delivers a flexible, learner centred curriculum aligned to the principles of the Curriculum for Wales. Provision is tailored to individual needs and capacities, ensuring learning is meaningful, engaging and appropriately challenging.
Learners are taught in small groups, typically no larger than six. Small class sizes and a high staff to learner ratio enable personalised support, targeted interventions and differentiated teaching.
Regular communication between home, school and external agencies is prioritised to ensure consistency, clarity and shared understanding. Learners are supported to recognise and celebrate successes while developing skills and strategies to support ongoing progress.
Person-Centred Support and Target Setting
Each learner is allocated a key mentor who meets with them regularly on a one to one basis. These sessions support reflection, target setting and emotional wellbeing and ensure the learner’s voice is central to planning and review processes.
All learners have an Individual Development Plan (IDP) and a Pastoral Support Plan (PSP), outlining their ALN, agreed outcomes and the additional learning provision in place to support progress and wellbeing.
A school-based counsellor attends the SENC weekly, and learners are able to self-refer where they feel additional emotional support is required.
Home–School Partnership
Effective partnership with parents and carers is essential. Clear expectations are shared through a home–school agreement, which promotes responsibility, respect and
engagement in learning. Open communication is encouraged to support positive outcomes for all learners.
Careers, Guidance and Transition Planning
Learners have access to a Careers Wales adviser and a Legacy Team worker to support aspirations, pathways and future planning. Regular multi-agency review meetings are held to evaluate progress, plan next steps and ensure timely, coordinated support.
Trafnidiaeth
Where required, transport to and from the SENC is arranged by Passenger Transport Services, usually via shared or individual taxis in accordance with local authority arrangements.
Diogelu
Safeguarding and wellbeing are central to the work of the SENC. The Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Bev Lougher. All safeguarding concerns or disclosures are reported in line with local authority procedures and Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School safeguarding policies.
Concerns are recorded using the electronic welfare system and shared appropriately with parents and carers, base schools, external professionals and Children’s Services where required.
Daily Routine
The SENC day begins at 9:00am with a morning check-in and breakfast session, supporting wellbeing and readiness for learning. The morning consists of six 30-minute learning sessions, followed by lunch and afternoon enrichment activities. The school day concludes at 2:00pm.