Special school for ages 11 to 19 · Cwmdare, Aberdare

Bringing out the best in every young person.

Small classes, adults who always have time to talk, and real qualifications. Wellbeing comes first at Maesgwyn, because young people learn best when they feel safe.

Discover Maesgwyn Arrange a visit

Photo: Pupils and staff at Maesgwyn (hero)

01 I'm a parent or carer Letters, term dates, transport, meals and who to call. 02 Thinking of joining How places work, our transition video and first visits. 03 Governors & partners Our governing body, policies, plans and statements.

Our school

A school for young people with complex learning needs, and a family for the ones who come here.

We teach young people aged 11 to 19 with autism, moderate to severe learning difficulties, physical difficulties and social, emotional and behavioural needs.

Our foundation is wellbeing, with a balance of academic and vocational learning on top, so every pupil leaves ambitious, capable and ready for what comes next.

About Maesgwyn

11 to 19Age range
UNICEFRights Respecting School
TISUKTrauma & Mental Health Informed
SmallClasses with a class LSA

Photo: Wellbeing team with a pupil, or Forest School

Wellbeing first

Behaviour is communication. We listen to it.

Every member of staff is trained in trauma-informed approaches, and we are an officially recognised Trauma and Mental Health Informed School. Our relationship policy rests on four words.

Protect

Keeping every pupil safe, physically and emotionally. Adults spot triggers early and step in before things escalate.

How we support wellbeing

A day at Maesgwyn

Predictable, calm and built around each pupil.

New families often ask what a normal day looks like. Here it is.

01
Arrive and check in
Pupils are met by adults who know them. Check-in lets staff see how each young person is feeling before learning starts.
02
Regulation time
Every class starts by talking about how we feel and practising ways to regulate, so everyone is ready to learn.
03
Small-class lessons
Small groups with a class LSA for most of the day. Tasks are broken into manageable chunks and instructions are kept short and clear.
04
Literacy and numeracy
Weekly lessons with personal targets, plus Doodle apps for reading, spelling and maths. Progress is checked at least twice a year.
05
Support when it is needed
ELSA, Forest School, animal care, Relax Kids, nurture group and Eye to Eye counselling. If a moment gets hard, R&R (Reset & Reflect) gives one-to-one support.
06
Reflection time
The day ends by looking back: what went well, what was hard, and which strategies will help tomorrow.