ACT Schools
Together we belong, grow, learn and achieve
ACT Schools are an independent specialist provision for pupils aged 11–16 who benefit from an alternative to mainstream education. We support young people with social, emotional, or behavioural needs through a personalised approach in learning and engagement.
ACT Schools is passionate about supporting young people to become successful adults, equipped with a wide range of skills and abilities. We focus on developing pupils’ academic achievement alongside their social and emotional growth. With a strong emphasis on wellbeing, confidence-building, and life skills, ACT Schools aims to re-engage pupils in education and support successful progression into further education, training, or employment.
Our pupils are guaranteed
- An individualised, person-centred programme that suits their needs.
- Access to our experienced pupil support services, including an outreach worker.
- Daily support with behaviour and personal barriers.
- Regular progress and target setting.
- All the support they need to ensure a successful transition to post-16 destinations.
Pupils may be considered for placement at ACT Schools from Cardiff Local Authority through the Educated Otherwise than at School (EOTAS) panel. Following a referral from the Local Authority, ACT Schools will review the referral information of the pupil and the relevant documentation such as the Individual Development Plan (IDP) and identify whether ACT Schools is as an appropriate provision and can meet the needs of the referral.
Where the number of eligible pupils exceeds available places, priority will be given to those most in need. This includes pupils who are looked after children, where ACT School is considered an appropriate provision, and those whose current educational placement is no longer sustainable, placing them at risk of not receiving suitable education.
All new pupils will start with ACT School on a phased transition timetable (3 days a week) for two weeks. A Pastoral Support Plan (PSP) will be put in place prior to the pupil starting with ACT Schools. After this period, it will be reviewed and, in most cases, pupils will join a full-time timetable. If it is deemed necessary, a phased transition may be extended to ensure the successful transition of individual pupils.
At ACT Schools, we believe every pupil deserves a curriculum that recognises their strengths, nurtures their potential and prepares them for a successful future. Our curriculum is designed to inspire confidence, develop independence and equip young people with the skills they need for life beyond school.
What is our curriculum offer?
Our curriculum is underpinned by the principles of the Curriculum for Wales and is designed to meet the individual needs, strengths, interests and aspirations of every pupil.
We recognise that every young person follows a unique learning journey. Our curriculum is carefully planned to provide meaningful learning experiences that support academic, personal, social and emotional development, enabling pupils to make progress and achieve success in a way that is relevant to them.
Pupil progress is monitored and reviewed through a range of Core and Supplementary Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLEs).
Core Areas of Learning and Experience:
- Languages, Literacy & Communication
- Mathematics & Numeracy
- Health & Wellbeing
Supplementary Areas of Learning and Experience:
- Science & Technology
- Expressive Arts
- Humanities
Using the Areas of Learning and Experience allows staff to identify, monitor and celebrate progress across a broad range of skills that support pupils in everyday life. Upon admission, each pupil’s curriculum pathway is carefully mapped, with clear targets and personalised opportunities to achieve and succeed.
What is ALN?
Additional Learning Needs, often referred to as ‘ALN’, is a new term used to describe learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for a child to learn compared to children of the same age (SNAP Cymru, 2026).
What is the ALN Code of Practice 2021 and what does that mean for my child?
The Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Code of Practice is a statutory guide outlining legal duties for organisations in Wales. It ensures children and young people (0–25) with learning difficulties or disabilities receive early, equitable, and person-centred support to reach their full potential (ALNET, 2021).
As part of ACT Schools practice, all pupils that attend will have an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in place. The IDPs will be maintained by the Local Authority with ACT Schools support. IDPs will be reviewed by ACT Schools and the Local Authority annually.
What ALN support does ACT Schools offer?
Universal Learning Provision (ULP) – Support available to all of our pupils
At ACT Schools, we are proud to offer our Universal Learning Provision (ULP), which aims to support all pupils through a wide range of inclusive support. This includes wellbeing, literacy, numeracy, digital skills, personalised targets, academic progress assessments and post-16 support.
Additional Learning Provision (ALP) – Targeted support for pupils who require that little bit extra
We recognise that the ULP will meet the needs of most pupils; however, some may require additional support through our Additional Learning Provision (ALP).
Our ALP includes cognitive assessments, targeted literacy & numeracy interventions from our academic intervention workers and targeted wellbeing support from our Pastoral/Well-being Co-ordinator. We work to identify pupils who may benefit from the ALP and ensure they have everything they need to succeed in their education at ACT Schools. Our dedicated ALN team ensures that all pupils have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Transport
ACT School does not manage transport requirements to and/or from school premises for any pupils. However, some pupils who are referred by local authorities may be entitled to free school transport. This may involve specialised transport, including chaperones, for those with more significant BESD.
ACT School encourages all parents/guardians and carers of pupils to check with their local authority for eligibility. Where public transport is the main mode of transport, arrangements must be discussed with ACT School to ensure the Safe Travel policy is adhered.
Promoting Positive Behaviour
At our school, we believe that every pupil deserves the opportunity to succeed, belong and thrive. We recognise that behaviour is a form of communication and that every day presents a new opportunity for growth, learning and positive change.
- Anti bullying and harassment Policy
- Assessment and Progress Tracking Policy
- Complaints and Compliments Policy
- Curriculum Policy
- Fire and Emergency Procedures
- First Aid, Sickness and Medication Policy
- Behaviour Policy
- Off Site Activities Policy
- Admissions policy
- ALN Policy
- Attendance policy
- End of Placement Policy
- Marking and Feedback Policy
- Safeguarding Policy and Procedure
2024-2025 Academic Outcomes
During the 2024-25 academic year, 20 Year 11’s completed their education at ACT Schools. Their outcomes of those who completed the year can be summarised as follows:
Our School Staff
Meet the team
Pupil Support Team
Our Pupil Support Team is committed to helping every pupil achieve their full potential and is central to the work we do at ACT Schools. We provide a caring, inclusive, and responsive service that supports pupils’ academic, personal, and wellbeing needs, ensuring they have the guidance, resources, and encouragement to succeed throughout their educational journey. The Pupil Support team’s focus is the safety and welfare of all pupils, providing a safe space for pupils to access support, advice and guidance. The Pupil Support team operate an open-door policy for all pupils, following safeguarding guidance to ensure all pupils are seen, heard and supported.
Pastoral and Wellbeing Co-ordinator
As a key member of the Pupil Support Team, delivering targeted emotional, social and behavioural interventions to support pupils aged 11–16. Working closely with the Deputy Head of Safeguarding, Pastoral & Attendance, teaching staff, Youth Pupil Mentors and senior leaders, the role focuses on designing and delivering programmes that build resilience, improve emotional regulation and strengthen engagement in learning.
Pupil and Community Outreach Officer
As a key member of the Pupil Support Team, we adopt a pupil-centred approach, working closely with pupils to engage, support, and empower them to improve their participation, wellbeing, and progression. We recognise that every young person is unique, and support is tailored to meet individual needs on an as-and-when basis, ensuring interventions are flexible, responsive, and appropriate to each pupil’s circumstances.
Family and Community Outreach Officer
As a key member of the Pupil Support Team, we develop and maintain positive relationships with parents and carers while promoting the work and values of ACT School. We act as the main point of contact for parent and guardian communications, providing advice, support, and signposting to appropriate services when needed.
Academic Intervention Worker
As a key member of the Pupil Support Team, who will be delivering the school’s offer of additional learning provision. Working collaboratively with the teaching staff and Youth Learning Mentors, implementing effective targeted support to include literacy and numeracy interventions, reading support, and deliver effective strategies for groups and individual pupils.
Counselling Service
Our current school counselling provision is a database of external relevant, DBS checked private counsellors who have experience and qualifications in counselling young people within a school or PRU setting. A choice of male and female counsellors is available.
All correspondence for the attention of our Advisory Board should be addresses to ACT Schools Advisory Chair and sent to:
Ocean Park House
East Tyndall Street
Cardiff
CF24 5ET
Head of School: Leon Patnett
For all queries please contact: info@acttraining.org.uk
First Aid
We have first aiders on site who are available to deal with any minor injuries or incidents that may occur during the school day. Most injuries are minor and can be treated safely by our school first aid team. If your child sustains a head injury, however minor, we will always inform parents or carers so that they can monitor their child and seek further medical advice if necessary.
Health and Safety
The health, safety and wellbeing of our pupils, staff and visitors is a priority at ACT School. We are committed to providing a safe, secure and supportive environment where every pupil can feel confident, valued and ready to learn.
We take a proactive approach to health and safety, with clear procedures in place to identify and manage risks, respond appropriately to incidents, and maintain a safe learning environment. All staff have a shared responsibility for promoting safe practice and supporting the wellbeing of our pupils.
Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others, developing an understanding of appropriate behaviour, personal responsibility, and how to make positive choices.
We work closely with parents and carers to ensure that relevant health, safety and wellbeing needs are understood and appropriately supported. Where necessary, we also work with external professionals and agencies to ensure that pupils receive the right support.
Our aim is to create an environment where everyone feels safe, respected and able to learn, grow and achieve.
Complaints
We value the views of pupils, parents and carers and are committed to providing a safe, supportive and positive school environment. If you have a concern or complaint, we encourage you to raise it with the school as soon as possible so that we can listen, respond appropriately and work towards a resolution.
Complaints should initially be raised with the school in accordance with our Complaints Policy. All complaints will be treated seriously, fairly and respectfully, and will be investigated thoroughly and without prejudice.
A copy of our full Complaints Policy is available on request from the school office.