BARRY'S Amelia Trust Farm must be recognised for the value and support it gives to children, a report recommends.

The view comes from the Vale Council's director of learning and development Bryan Jeffreys in a statement to the Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee.

The report, discussed on April 18, was followed by a site visit to the Five Mile Lane site last Friday.

Council members were shown the vital part the trust plays in the authority's strategy for pupils with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

Pupils aged 11-14 are provided with the National Curriculum and taught by staff employed by the council.

The trust also acts as a specialist training provider and is part of the Training Provider network funded through the National Assembly's Youth Access and Children and Youth Partnership programme.

Mr Jeffreys said: "This programme has helped to reduce youth crime in the Vale of Glamorgan and has played an important role in reducing exclusions."

He applauded the trust saying it had sometimes been the only available provider for some youngsters in an emergency.

He recommended the committee should "recognise the value and support it gives to children, young people and adults of the Vale of Glamorgan, particularly those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged.

"Scrutiny should consider and recognise the provision made by the Amelia Trust to support the objectives of the council."

Peter Brady, who works on the farm, said: "The reason that we are so successful in education is because we have children who are excluded from mainstream education and the working numbers are lower.

"The kids have an opportunity to express themselves and feel at home."