Additional Learning Needs (ALN)

At Blaenhonddan Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that every child receives the support they need to achieve their full potential. In Wales, the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 (ALNET) has introduced a new approach to supporting children and young people with additional learning needs.

The vision of the ALN system is:

“To support the creation of a fully inclusive education system where all children and young people are given the opportunity to succeed and have access to an education that meets their needs, enabling them to participate in, benefit from and enjoy learning.”

Principles of the ALN System

The ALN framework is built upon several key principles:

A Rights-Based Approach

Children, young people, and their parents or carers are placed at the centre of decision-making. Their views, wishes and feelings are valued and considered when planning and reviewing support. Through Person-Centred Practice (PCP), families are encouraged to participate fully in discussions about their child's education and wellbeing.

Early Identification and Intervention

We believe that identifying needs as early as possible is essential in helping children achieve the best outcomes. Appropriate support and provision are put in place promptly, alongside effective planning for key transition stages throughout a child's education.

Collaboration

Strong partnerships between schools, families, local authorities, health services and other professionals are vital. By working together, we can ensure that additional learning needs are identified early and that children receive coordinated support that enables them to succeed both academically and personally.

Our Commitment

At Blaenhonddan Primary School, we recognise that every child is unique and develops at their own pace. Children arrive with different strengths, experiences and needs, and we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all learners feel valued, respected and supported.

We believe that effective collaboration between pupils, parents, carers, teachers and support staff can make a significant difference to a child's educational journey. We celebrate the achievements of all pupils and strive to provide high-quality learning opportunities that allow every child to thrive and reach their potential.

What is an Additional Learning Need?

Under the ALNET Act, a child or young person is considered to have an Additional Learning Need (ALN) if they have a learning difficulty or disability that requires Additional Learning Provision (ALP). This may arise from a medical condition, disability, or other factors that significantly affect their ability to learn compared to their peers.

Pupils identified as having ALN may receive support from class teachers, teaching assistants, the school's Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCo), and other specialist professionals where appropriate.

Supporting All Learners

Many children and young people may experience temporary difficulties that affect their learning, such as illness, bereavement, emotional distress, or periods of absence from school. In these situations, additional support may be provided to help pupils catch up and prevent any barriers to learning from becoming more significant.

While such circumstances do not automatically mean that a child has an Additional Learning Need, there may be occasions when a learning difficulty develops that requires further assessment and additional learning provision. In all cases, we work closely with families and relevant professionals to ensure the right support is available at the right time.