ASPERGER’S pupils could be the biggest losers if Powys County Council go ahead with plans to close Llanidloes High School.
The closure of Llanidloes High School is one of the options listed in Powys County Council’s secondary education modernisation report, meaning the North Powys Asperger’s Centre, based at the school, would also cease to exist in its current format.
The centre, which less than 12 months ago received high praise from Estyn inspectors, currently caters for 16 pupils from across Montgomeryshire and parts of Radnorshire.
“The one thing we know about people who suffer from Asperger’s Syndrome is they don’t like change,” said Francis Stanbridge, assistant headteacher at Llanidloes High School.
“If they went ahead with plans to close Llanidloes High School it could have a seriously detrimental affect on the 16 students who currently attend the excellent Asperger’s Centre based at this school.
“The pupils at the centre are all doing so well - two year 11 students with Aspergers exceeded their GCSE predictions and are continuing with their studies - what is going to happen to all pupils if they close Llanidloes High School?
“Asperger’s Syndrome is a recognised disability that is part of the autistic spectrum. Typically people with Asperger’s have social interaction difficulties and have difficulty coping with changes to routine.”
Llanidloes High School, including the North Powys Asperger’s Centre, underwent a stringent Estyn inspection in May 2009 and within the glowing report the author, William Gwyn Thomas, wrote: “Care arrangements and support services at Llanidloes High School are outstanding. A key element of the school’s support is the availability of the centre before school, during break and lunch.
“Teachers adapt the curriculum to enable pupils of all abilities to succeed including the more able and gifted. Pupils with Asperger’s Syndrome and specific learning difficulties are given the support needed to sit examinations that lead to external qualifications.”
The Asperger’s Centre in Llanidloes is run by manager, Gail Beaurain, and support assistant, Julia Lloyd, who work closely with staff at the school and primary schools to ensure the success of these students.
Asperger’s students attend normal lessons in the high school and all of the teachers adapt to meet their needs.
There are currently three specialist Asperger’s Centres in secondary schools in Powys: Brecon High School (South Powys), Llandrindod High School (Mid Powys) and Llanidloes High School (North Powys).