A PIONEERING inclusion training programme developed by Coleg Cambria is helping transform how further education colleges across Wales support learner wellbeing, accessibility and additional learning needs (ALN).
Selected by ColegauCymru to deliver a national Inclusive Practice in FE Train the Trainer programme, the college welcomed representatives from all 13 further education institutions in Wales to share its award-winning approach to inclusion and staff development.
Held in Wrexham and Cardiff, the sessions brought together ALN specialists, Professional Learning Leads, senior leaders and practitioners to explore practical strategies, resources and best practice designed to create more inclusive learning environments.
The programme was led by Miranda Hazell, ALN Specialist Tutor and Lead for Inclusion Practice at Coleg Cambria, alongside colleague Dawn Whittaker.
Rather than focusing solely on policy and compliance, the training highlighted how inclusive practice can improve learner wellbeing, confidence, independence and long-term outcomes, while helping colleges build supportive cultures for both staff and students.
Miranda said the project reflected the college’s long-standing commitment to creating a supportive, accessible and inclusive environment across every aspect of college life.
“We are incredibly proud that Colegau Cymru approached us to help lead this work across Wales,” she said.
“Inclusion is not something we do because legislation tells us to, it is already embedded in the culture and identity of Coleg Cambria. We genuinely care about our learners, our staff and our communities.
“The world can be a difficult place at times and fostering a culture of understanding, respect and accessibility for future generations is crucial.
“This training was about far more than qualifications or policies. It is about giving people life skills, independence, confidence and the ability to support each other – skills that make a real difference to learners every day.”
Cambria has invested significantly in its inclusion and wellbeing provision in recent years as awareness of mental health, trauma-informed practice and learner support has continued to grow across the education sector.
To meet that demand, the college developed its own tiered inclusion training model and comprehensive Inclusion Practice Framework, equipping staff across its campuses in Wrexham, Deeside, Llysfasi and Northop with the knowledge and confidence to respond to the diverse needs of learners.
The success of the model attracted national interest, leading to the partnership with ColegauCymru and enabling colleges across Wales to adopt elements of the framework within their own organisations.
Miranda added: “It was fantastic to bring people together from right across Wales to collaborate, share ideas and build meaningful relationships.
“The response was overwhelmingly positive, and we are already planning to continue the collaboration annually so we can keep building on that shared commitment to inclusive learning environments.”
Delegates praised both the practical nature of the programme and the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from across Wales.
One attendee described it as “some of the best training I’ve ever been to”, while another said the sessions had “reinvigorated our thinking in terms of an inclusion strategy”.
Another participant added: “Every session was engaging and allowed us to have meaningful interactions and discussions with colleagues across Wales. It would be great if we could keep this collaboration going.”
Building on the programme’s success, Coleg Cambria has also developed a unique Level 3 Inclusion qualification featuring units covering ALN awareness, mental health and wellbeing, equality and diversity, and trauma-informed practice.
For more information about inclusion training, email inclusion.training@cambria.ac.uk.
To discover more about courses, training and the latest news from Coleg Cambria, visit www.cambria.ac.uk.
