It is the law that all children of statutory school age must have access to education, and this is usually done in school. You are statutory school age from the term after your 5th birthday to the end of the school year following your 16th birthday (Year 1 to Year 11).
School is a big part of everyday life. Here we have some advice and signposting to other services that offer advice regarding all aspects of school life. If you are worried about school, you should talk to a teacher, family member or friend that you trust. Talking can make you feel better and they may be able to help you. This may be difficult so you may find it easier to write it in a letter. It's always good to plan what you want to say first and think about what you would like to happen next. For example:
- What is wrong.
- How it makes you feel.
- How long it has been happening / you have been feeling this way.
- How you would like them to help you.
- What you would like to happen.
Rhondda Cynon Taf has lots of information about their schools online. Including:
- School Attendance, Wellbeing and Safeguarding
- Term dates and school closures
- Equality, Inclusion and Additional Learning Needs
- School Catering and Free School Meals
- Welsh Medium guidance and support
- School transport
- School Admissions
- Music
Youth Engagement and Participation Service (YEPS) have information on choosing options in Year 9 and changing schools.
YEPS also have Youth Engagement Officers that are based in Secondary schools in RCT. If you think YEPs could help you, please speak to a teacher, social worker or your parent or carer who can ask YEPs to help. If you are referred to this service, YEPS will contact your parent or carer to let them know.
If you don’t attend school regularly, the Attendance and Wellbeing Service (AWS) may contact your parents or carers to offer you support. If you are having problems that are affecting your attendance, the AWS can support you, your parents or carers and your school to resolve them. You can also contact them for advice.
If you are a Child Looked After by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council you will have a Personal Education Plan in place. You can find more information on this here.
Childline have excellent advice and guidance on the following topics:
- Homework and revision
- Exam stress
- Exam results
- Preparing for exams
- Moving schools
- Excluded from school
- Dyslexia and learning difficulties
- Your future
SNAP Cymru has information and support available regarding the following topics:
- Additional Learning Needs
- Getting help from school
- Getting help from the local authority
- Getting help from Health
- Exclusions
- Placement
- Discrimination
Meic is an advocacy service offers for those aged up to 25 in Wales.
They support to help you express your views, and help you stand up for your rights.
If you go to a school in another local authority, you can find information here: