This project is being led by Julia Green, ALNCo for Coleg Ceredigion abd Coleg Sir Gâr, Geraint Wadley, head of education at Coleg Elidyr and David Sibbons, CEO of Elidyr Communities Trust.

It has also benefitted from the involvement of the regional DECLO (Designated Education Clinical Lead Officer), head of occupational therapy for Hywel Dda Health Board and two local authority officials.

Both colleges have visited each other’s campuses and are engaged in CPD (continuing professional development) including peer mentoring and teaching and learning observations.

The colleges plan to co-deliver and information event for local authority officials, Careers Wales, health service leads and ALNCOs with the aim of providing clarity on the curriculum at all colleges for learners with complex additional learning needs.

They are also exploring including presentations from students to hear about their experiences from their own perspectives.

As a result of the project, a future model is being proposed where expertise can be combined when assessing the education and training needs of special school leavers with complex additional learning needs as well as introducing smoother transition planning which will help lessen repeated assessments.

Julia Green, assistant director of learner experience and designated additional learning needs coordinator (ALNCo) at Coleg Ceredigion and Coleg Sir Gâr said: “Under the new ALN reforms, collaborative working between professional organisations is vital for young people to have conformed decisions regarding their education. 

“The Natspec project enabled Coleg Ceredigion/Coleg Sir Gâr to work in partnership with Coleg Elidyr to create a joint understanding of each other's provision and to share professional training and staff development opportunities.”