It gives me great pleasure to write a few words to introduce our centre which is part of Queen Elizabeth High School and is a fully integrated inclusion centre.

We treat each pupil as an individual who has their own strengths, interests and needs. We celebrate difference and promote a culture of acceptance and mutual respect and support. Pupils have an individualised programme of study that provides specialist teaching and access to mainstream teaching where appropriate. This allows pupils to benefit from the advantages of specialist and mainstream provision whilst working towards achieving their future aspirations. Canolfan Elfed has a highly skilled and dedicated staff that provide a Person Centred Approach. Pupils and their Parents/Carers play an integral part in planning their learning and school experiences. Linking in with the Person Centred Approach, please see Canolfan Elfed’s one page profile.

We have high expectations of our pupils and all pupils leave with a range of accredited qualifications including; GCSE’s, A Levels, WJEC Entry Pathways, ASDAN, and Duke of Edinburgh Award.

We strive to provide our pupils with rich learning experiences so that they become confident life-long learners and valued citizens within their communities. We offer a wide range of therapies and interventions to develop communication, social, physical and life skills. We have strong links with local businesses and organisations within Carmarthen who support us to deliver an extensive work experience and life skills programme to develop our pupils’ independence.

We are passionate about inclusion and believe in working closely with parents, governors and professionals to provide the best possible provision for our pupils. Our school motto ‘Ymlaen Gyda’n Gilydd’ which means ‘Forward together’ is what we strive to do every day as an Inclusion Centre within Queen Elizabeth High School.

Mrs Lisa Thomas, Inclusion Manager Centre, Canolfan Elfed.

September 2020

Selected from thousands of nominations, Canolfan Elfed Inclusion Centre at Queen Elizabeth High School has been honoured as one of 102 Pearson National Teaching Silver Award winners across the country.

Canolfan Elfed Inclusion Centre was honoured with a Silver Award in The Lockdown Hero Award for Learner and Community Support for their outstanding commitment to changing the lives of the children they work with every day.

Sir Michael Morpurgo, celebrated author and former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, said:

“Thank a Teacher Day gives us all a chance - children, families, all of us - to pay tribute to those wonderful educators who change more lives than they will ever know. Today we say thank you to the teachers who have helped our young people navigate these most difficult of times, and who will continue to inspire countless young minds over the coming years.”

Sharon Hague, Senior Vice President of Schools at Pearson UK, said: “After a year like no other we want to take today to say thank you to all the incredible school staff who have kept children and young people learning despite unprecedented challenges. We hope the celebrations today show how much you are appreciated, and that your hard work has not gone unnoticed nor unrecognised.”

Helen Starkey, Chair of Governors of Queen Elizabeth High School, said: “As Chair of Governors I am fortunate to have regular opportunity to witness first hand the excellent practice within Canolfan Elfed so I am not surprised by this prestigious acknowledgement of good work however I am delighted for our learners, their families, the Centre staff, Queen Elizabeth High School and the community we serve. As a Governing Body we are proud of the Inclusion centre and its contribution to establishment of the inclusive ethos and community spirit of our school. Many congratulations to our dedicated Team!”

The Pearson National Teaching Awards

Everyone at Queen Elizabeth High School would like to send a heartfelt and massive thank you to Balfour Beatty and the workers responsible for our new Elfed yard. All of the staff but especially the pupils are extremely grateful for your company's generosity. The new gate is brilliant too, and will really benefit our wheelchair users and the accessibility to our yard in general.