Children and young people with additional learning needs (ALN) who have faced a number of challenges in their education have been praised.

Pembrokeshire County Council has presented seven youngsters with special certificates for outstanding achievements in their learning.

The presentation took place at the recent inaugural ALN Achievement Event. Seven children and young people were invited, along with their parents/carers, schools representatives and members of the specialist service teams.                        

The recipients of the awards were as follows: Amber Janiurek - having a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, she achieved 8 GCSE A/A* certificates and is currently accessing an online A Level course in English and philosophy; Cameron Saunders -has managed a superb transition into secondary school and was voted class representative in 2014; Edward Davies - successfully accessed mainstream school and has achieved 3 A* certificated at GCSE level; Jared Pooley -consistently attends a full mainstream timetable and successfully achieved outstanding GCSE results; Sonia Czompel - has made remarkable progress moving from EAL Stage B, Early Acquisition to Stage C. Sonia also collected the most VIVO points in Sir Thomas Picton School which are awarded to pupils for results, conduct, contributions and overall ‘The very best achieving pupils’; Tegan Skyrme - has successfully accessed the curriculum through the medium of braille. Tegan takes a full and active part in all school activities and is also a school council representative; Toby Williams - has successfully accessed the curriculum and completed the national literacy and numeracy tests through the medium of braille.

Clr. Wynne Evans, chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “I’d like to congratulate the recipients of these awards for their determination in continuing their learning in the face of a number of difficulties. It was wonderful to meet them.”

Clr. Sue Perkins, cabinet member for education and safeguarding, added: “It was lovely to meet such inspirational children and young people who have faced considerable challenges but have overcome them with determination and perseverance.  We were very pleased to celebrate and recognise their achievements.”