Letter from the Council's Director of Education

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to you following a recent letter sent to all schools in Merthyr Tydfil.

I want to begin by saying that I am genuinely sorry for the distress and upset that the recent letter has caused to some families. Having listened carefully to feedback, I recognise that the tone of that communication was not helpful, and that it did not reflect as clearly as it should have our commitment to supporting children with additional learning needs in a compassionate and individualised way.

The intention of the original letter was to explain how concerns can be raised and to encourage positive collaboration between families and schools. However, I accept that this was not communicated well, and I regret the anxiety this has caused.

I also want to be clear in my support of our headteachers and school staff, who work tirelessly and professionally to meet the needs of all children.

Schools and the local authority have a legal and moral duty to make reasonable adjustments and to apply expectations flexibly, taking account of each child’s individual needs and circumstances. That principle remains central to our approach.

We are listening to schools, parents, carers and partner organisations regarding the concerns raised, so that we can reflect on practice and our communications going forward.

Discussions are also taking place around wider engagement, and we plan to arrange sessions with schools and parents/carers to attain a better understanding of the concerns raised. Details of these sessions will be communicated in due course.

Thank you to those families who have taken the time to share their experiences and concerns. Your voices matter, and they help us to improve how we support children and young people across Merthyr Tydfil.

Yours sincerely,

Sue Walker

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION 

MERTHYR TYDFIL COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL