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.

Did you know the law is changing, with regards to supporting children with Special Educational Needs? The new ALN reform bill, plans to help children and young people who need extra support to learn. 

The system for supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disability in Wales is changing. The Welsh Government is bringing in a new more flexible and responsive system to meet the needs of children with special educational needs or disabilities.

The new system will ensure 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.

The new system will be brought in gradually over the next few years (2021 -2024) in accordance with Welsh Government guidance. Here are some of the key messages about these changes and what they may mean for you and your child.

Key Messages

• The term Additional Learning Needs (ALN) will replace the terms Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LDD)
• Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCos) in schools will now be called Additional Learning Needs Coordinators (ALNCos)
• The mandatory ALN Code for the new system will cover children and young people aged 0-25. This means that early years and further education colleges will have duties under the Act, but this does not include higher education or apprenticeships.
• If your child is on School Action / School Action Plus or they have a Statement of Special Needs, this will change over the next 3 years.  All children and young people with an identified additional learning need (ALN) that requires additional learning provision (ALP) will have an Individual Development Plan (IDP). The IDP will replace Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Statements of SEN.

• 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 will work in collaboration to support children and young people with ALN.
• There will be increased opportunities for children, young people, parents and carers to contribute to Individual Development Plans.
• It is expected that working together more closely should help to avoid disagreements.