Additional Learning Needs (ALN)
The Welsh Government have been busy over the last few years implementing the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 (the ALN Act).
The Additional Learning Needs (ALN) system became live from September 2021 and will continue to be phased in until August 2025. It replaces the previous Special Educational Needs (SEN) system. As well as the name change, responsibilities towards children and young people (aged from 0 – 25) with ALN have changed too.
Learners with any level of Additional Learning Need who require Additional Learning Provision (ALP), will be entitled to an Individual Development Plan outlining their support needs. The new ALN system protects the rights of all children, regardless of the extent of their additional learning needs. Person centred approaches are at the core, with children, young people and their parents involved as much as possible in the process and the decisions that affect them.
Working together to support children and young people with Additional Learning Needs is important. Health services work with Local Authorities to let them know if very young children have additional learning needs. Local Authorities, Schools or Further Education Institutions may ask Health to provide information to help them carry out their duties under the ALN Act. Health services may also be involved in providing Additional Learning Provision (NHS ALP).
All schools will have a point of contact to help parents with queries about additional learning needs. This is usually an Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo) or Head teacher.
Every Health Board in Wales has a Designated Education Clinical Lead Officer (DECLO) to support Health Services in the coordination and delivery of the Additional Learning Needs and Educational Tribunal Act. In Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, the DECLO is Liz McKinney.
Please see the links below for more useful information:
Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 (the ALN Act).
easy-read-guide-for-children-parents-and-families (adyach.cymru)