A Special School

Cameras return to capture the reality of life in Britain's biggest special school as staff and pupils push boundaries and challenge misconceptions. There are plenty of laughs and a few tears at a school where every child's achievement is celebrated.

It's the first day back after the summer holidays in Ysgol y Deri, a school that caters for a wide and diverse range of differently able pupils in Penarth, just outside Cardiff. Headteacher Chris Britten recalls the strain of staying open during the pandemic and looks forward to the school getting its mojo back.

It's also the first field trip of the year for some of the young pupils, and the excitement is palpable. Kai cannot wait to tuck into his huge packed lunch on the beach at Barry Island, but he'll have to wait until the adventurers have conquered Cardiff Castle. As the pupils challenge their fears, so does newly qualified teacher Josh, who's taking a few highly anxious pupils out for the very first time.

Back at school, a sixth former who finds it hard to control his emotions and temper has had an outburst and escaped class. Staff have to act quickly to try to control the situation.

Out in the yard, 13-year-old Grace is having her favourite lesson of the week with assistive technology teacher Lisa Rees-Renshaw. Grace is currently a manual wheelchair user, but with a piece of new technology, Lisa hopes to teach Grace to drive her own electronic chair and perhaps enjoy a little bit of tennis at the same time.