LAB Innovation provides exciting opportunities for learners to explore and develop skills in music, science and augmentative communication technologies. The LAB offers a stimulating, hands-on learning environment where learners can apply their knowledge, build confidence and develop their independence through engaging and meaningful experiences. The space has been designed to encourage curiosity, creativity and problem-solving, supporting learners to develop skills that can be transferred across the curriculum and into everyday life.

The LAB is led by Leigh Wharton, who works closely with staff and learners to create innovative learning opportunities that inspire exploration and achievement. Through practical activities and the use of specialist resources and technologies, learners are empowered to communicate, experiment, create and discover in a supportive and inclusive environment. 

Caffi Cynefin is our welcoming school café, open Monday to Friday, serving both our school community and the wider local community. The café provides a friendly and inclusive environment where visitors can enjoy refreshments while supporting the development of our learners. As part of their curriculum, learners take part in meaningful work experience opportunities within the café, helping them develop important skills such as communication, teamwork, customer service, food preparation and independence. These valuable experiences help prepare learners for future education, employment and community involvement.

We are proud that Caffi Cynefin has achieved a 5-star Food Hygiene Rating, demonstrating our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and cleanliness. The café is led by Karen Pitman and supported by Rebecca Stewart, who work closely with learners to create a positive and supportive environment where everyone can learn, grow and achieve success. Caffi Cynefin is an important part of school life, promoting independence, confidence and a strong sense of belonging within our community.

Caffi Cynefin is lead by Karen Pitman and supported by Rebecca Stewart.

The Analyse LAB is Ysgol Ty Coch's behaviour analysis provision, dedicated to understanding and supporting the individual needs of learners across the Quality-of-Life Pathway. Through assessment, data analysis, and evidence-based intervention planning, the team works to develop a deeper understanding of why behaviours occur and how learners can be best supported to succeed. Key areas of focus include conducting Functional Behaviour Assessments, analysing learner needs across the school, developing functional skill teaching plans, and supporting learners through tiered Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) pathways. The team also oversees data collection, progress reviews, fidelity monitoring, and provides coaching and implementation support for staff to ensure interventions are delivered consistently and effectively. Our vision is to enhance quality of life outcomes by understanding the purpose behind behaviour and equipping learners with the functional skills they need for greater independence, wellbeing, and long-term success. All functional skill teaching plans are regularly monitored and reviewed by the team, ensuring that support remains effective, personalised, and focused on meaningful outcomes for each learner.

Lab: Analyse is lead by Samantha Evans and supported by Carly Evans and Sophie Hessey.

Our Hydro LAB provides structured hydrotherapy sessions that support learners' physical development, wellbeing, engagement, and readiness for learning. Through carefully planned hydrotherapy interventions, learners can develop strength, mobility, coordination, and confidence within a safe, supportive, and therapeutic environment. The provision works closely with physiotherapy programmes, individual learner plans, and the MOVE (Movement Opportunities Via Education) approach to ensure activities are personalised and meaningful for each learner. A key focus of the Hydro LAB is ensuring that learners from across the school have opportunities to access the hydrotherapy pool and benefit from experiences that enhance their physical skills, independence, and overall wellbeing. By linking hydrotherapy to individual outcomes and therapeutic goals, we aim to create engaging and purposeful experiences that promote physical development, emotional regulation, and a positive readiness for learning.

LAB: Hydro is lead by Kelly Wharton.

At Ysgol Ty Coch, we are committed to supporting the emotional wellbeing of every learner. Our ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) and Resources Lead, Helen Kelly, provides targeted emotional literacy and wellbeing support to help learners develop confidence, resilience, emotional regulation, and readiness for learning. This includes individual learner support, emotional literacy interventions, regulation strategies, and small group wellbeing programmes delivered in a nurturing, trauma-informed manner. Helen also oversees the development, organisation, and accessibility of intervention resources across the school, ensuring staff and learners have access to high-quality materials that support learning and wellbeing. In addition, learners are given opportunities to develop valuable work-related skills through involvement in the school's resource ordering system. All ELSA support is delivered through a structured intervention model with clear outcomes, regular reviews, and planned next steps, ensuring that learners receive the right support at the right time to helpthem thrive both in school and beyond.

LAB: ELSA and Resources is lead by Helen Kelly.

Our Horticulture LAB provides learners with meaningful opportunities to develop practical life skills, confidence, communication, and wellbeing through gardening and environmental projects. Learners are supported to access Forest School and trauma-informed garden interventions, helping them build resilience, responsibility, and a connection with the natural environment. The provision is focused on developing allotment areas across both school sites, with opportunities to grow crops that can be used within Café Cynefin and the Buarth y Capel Deli wherever possible. The Horticulture LAB also works closely with community allotments to strengthen local partnerships and provide real-world learning experiences. In addition, the team supports timetabled classes in achieving their horticultural goals and provides all classes with termly horticulture or Forest School challenges that can be completed within classrooms or sensory garden areas. Through a range of practical activities, including planting, watering, potting, and maintaining garden spaces, learners develop valuable skills that promote independence, teamwork, wellbeing, and a sense of achievement.