This special school in a rural part of Wales has one of the largest catchment areas in the country - children might come in from homes 70 miles apart . Powys covers a quarter of the area of Wales but has a population of only 120,000 and has only three special schools. Ysgol Cedewain has 41 pupils aged two and a half to 19 with a wide range ot special needs including deafness, blindness and cerebral palsy. But headteacher Peter Tudor says that 80 per cent of them still manage to spend some time in a mainstream school. They also join mainstream pupils on their annual visit to Llangranog Urdd camp in Cardigan Bay, a centre which provides outdoor activities such as dry skiing, riding and swimming. The school has set up its own company, Bits and Bobs, which sells candles, pots and other craft work made by the pupils. This is under a scheme sponsored by Team Enterprise which promotes school businesses. Last year it wonan award for its work with a cup presented at Cardiff city hall by the then leader of the Welsh National Assembly, Alun Michael. “It was a moment I was very proud of,” says Mr Tudor. His school has also been celebrating its 25th anniversary, but equipment is up to date and includes a state-of-the-art multi-sensory room which can be used for altering pupils’ moods, and a hydrotherapy pool.

Snaps by Peter Tudor

Matthew, the newest pupil, in the school’s newest development, the multi-sensory room.

Smile for the camera, please: Scott and Joan.

It’s been a long journey home, made easier by Harry and the other drivers.

Debbie and Tom enjoy the hydrotherapy pool.

Party animals: John and Sarah and friendsl.

Retired teacher Joan helps the staff celebrate the presentation of an Investors in People award to the school.

Pupils and staff celebrate the school’s 25th birthday.