At Casllwchwr, we are passionate about Additional Learning Needs.

Children with additional learning needs deserve every possible help in their education. Our whole approach is child centred, based on the child’s individual needs and pace of learning. We strive to encourage each child to achieve to their potential and to recognise that each step on the way needs to be praised and valued.  We have created a fully inclusive school ethos where all learners are given the opportunity to succeed, and have access to an education that meets their needs and enables them to participate in, benefit from, and enjoy learning.  

The ALN aims and principles of our school are: 

• To provide a rights-based approach where the views, wishes and feelings of the child and parent or carer are central to the planning and provision of support. 

• To ensure early identification, intervention and prevention. 

• To provide an inclusive education with differentiated activities suited to all children's needs and abilities, in a broad and balanced curriculum.

• To collaborate and work in partnership with parents, pupils and other agencies e.g. Educational Psychologist, Speech Therapists, Social Workers, School Nurse etc.

The new ALN reform bill, helps children and young people who need extra support to learn. 

The new system ensures that:

• Needs are identified early, addressed quickly and all learners are supported to reach their potential.
• Our professionals are skilled and confident in identifying needs and using strategies to help learners.
• The learner is at the centre of everything we do, and they and their parents and carers are equal partners in their learning. This is called a Person Centred Approach.

Key Messages

• The term Additional Learning Needs (ALN) has replaced the terms Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LDD)
• Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCos) in schools are now called Additional Learning Needs Coordinators (ALNCos)
• The mandatory ALN Code for the new system covers children and young people aged 0-25. This means that early years and further education colleges have duties under the Act, but this does not include higher education or apprenticeships.
• All children and young people with an identified additional learning need (ALN) that requires additional learning provision (ALP) have an Individual Development Plan (IDP). 

• Most Individual Development Plans will be the responsibility of the school but in some circumstances, they may be maintained by the Local Authority. IDPs for children under compulsory school age, who require them, for example in the early years will be the responsibility of local authorities.
• The ALNET Act expects that everyone involved with your child e.g. Childcare settings, Education, Health and Social Care works in collaboration to support children and young people with ALN.
• There are increased opportunities for children, young people, parents and carers to contribute to Individual Development Plans.