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Who is Vyrnwy Academy for?

Vyrnwy Academy is for adults with Learning Difficulties, including Autism Spectrum Disorders. We feel that we are ideally suited to people with limited communication and self-help skills, who would benefit from a small family environment.

Is Vyrnwy Academy a college?

No, Vyrnwy Academy is registered as a care home and provides access to Daily Development Opportunities. However we are a learning environment and see ourselves as a bridging service between formal education and community living and provide access to Open College Network accredited units to recognise achievements.

How much does a placement at the Academy cost?

Our fees are based on the needs of the applicant. For a detailed breakdown please contact us.

How do I get funding?

Where funding comes from varies depending on the needs of the applicant. Often it comes from Social Services and occasionally includes a Health Board contribution, but that is entirely dependent on whether the applicant in question qualifies for such a contribution. We would recommend speaking to the applicants Social Worker to find out exactly what funding is available.

Is Vyrnwy Academy funded by the Learning & Skills Council?

We are not currently in receipt of LSC funding. We have been inspected by the LSC with a view to becoming one of their approved providers but have been advised by them that we are too small an operation to qualify for LSC funding, as we are a small “family” setting and only have a maximum of 5 students at any one time. They advised that all funding should be met by Social Services with some Health Board contribution if the applicant qualifies for such a contribution. They went on to say that the service we offer is valuable and necessary but that it is not the kind of service funded by the LSC.

Is Vyrnwy Academy a long term, or short term placement?

Our courses are based on a 3-year programme, though this is flexible and can be reduced or extended if it benefits the student.

How many weeks per year is Vyrnwy Academy open?

The Academy is open for 50 weeks per year, closing for two weeks over Christmas and New Year, typically from the 21st December to the 5th January, though this may differ slightly year to year.

What are the benefits of Vyrnwy Academy for parents and carers?

Vyrnwy Academy is the perfect bridge between home life and education, and community living. With strong ties kept to home and family we help our students gradually get used to living away from home, whilst equipping them with the skills necessary to move onto a community living situation, living as independently as is possible for that particular student. Parents and carers maintain an active role in the lives of the student.

What is the benefit of Vyrnwy Academy to the fee payers (Social Services etc)?

Vyrnwy Academy aims to reduce the amount of support required by our students by helping them become as independent as possible. This in turn should reduce the overall cost for services following the service user’s placement at the Academy.