Cameras roll again at Penarth's special school

BBC Cymru Wales

A BAFTA-nominated documentary on Penarth's special needs school is returning for a third series in December.

BBC Wales cameras have returned once again to Ysgol y Deri for three new episodes of 'A Special School'.

The fly-on-the-wall series was recommissioned after being nominated for a BAFTA Cymru award for Best Factual last year.

The latest series sees pupils and former pupils taking on their first ever jobs.

Eight year-old Jack is offered the role of school postman after his application form declared: "I sing well, I have good behaviour and I am very popular."

Meanwhile, former pupil Charlotte may have found her own "forever job" working at a Greggs branch.

And Phil marks his final year as head boy - but his departure poses a very daunting prospect that teacher Faye Norris must manage carefully. As a distraction, she takes the whole class out for a summer holiday.

Headteacher Chris Britten said: "The response to previous series of 'A Special School' has been overwhelming - it's always been about showing the real, raw and beautiful moments that happen every day in our school. Moments that are both challenging and inspiring."

"It's about celebrating each individual's journey and proving that with love, patience and understanding, there's no limit to what our pupils can achieve."

"The beauty of the series is the way it makes you smile through your tears."

BBC Wales says the series reflects life at a school which has gained a reputation for its honest and respectful approach to the complexities of special education.

Work has been taking place on expanding the school at a new £20 million site - known as Ysgol Llyn Derw - which will accommodate around 200 pupils near Cosmeston Lakes.

But construction was put on hold in September following the collapse of construction group ISG, which had called in the administrators.

Series three of "A Special School" starts on BBC One Wales on Monday 2nd December at 8pm - with all three episodes available to watch on the same day on BBC iPlayer.

'A Special School' is a Slam Media production for BBC Cymru Wales and The Open University.

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