Between policy and practice: equity and access in Welsh-Medium specialist settings

Davies, Carys 2026. Between policy and practice: equity and access in Welsh-Medium specialist settings. DEdPsy Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Aims: The study aims to provide an overview of the availability and distribution of Welsh-medium (WM) specialist settings for children and young people (CYP) with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) across Wales within the post-reform ALN system. It also explores the parents experience of their bilingual child attending WM specialist settings, providing an exploratory account of how families navigate and experience the system. Method: An online audit was conducted to examine the number of pupils, schools, and specialist settings across all twenty-two local authorities in Wales. In addition, semi-structured online interviews were conducted with three parents of bilingual CYP with ALN attending a WM specialist setting. Analysis: The audit data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2022), resulting in three themes and eleven subthemes in relation to the research questions. Findings: The findings indicate substantial inequalities in the availability of WM specialist settings compared with English-medium provision. WM specialist settings were fewer in number, unevenly distributed geographically, and often less ‘specialist’ in nature. Parents strongly valued WM education as central to their child’s identity, sense of belonging and cultural continuity. However, parents frequently encountered systemic barriers that required sustained advocacy to secure appropriate ALN support in Welsh. Implications of this research as well as possible future areas of research are discussed, alongside an exploration of the strengths and weaknesses of the current study. Keywords: Additional Learning Needs, Welsh-Medium, Specialist Setting, Parents, Bilingualism.

Item Type:	Thesis (DEdPsy)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Psychology
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	28 July 2026
Last Modified:	28 Jul 2026 14:06
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/188585

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