ALN - Additional Learning Needs 

At Abercanaid Community School we believe that children are 'all equal, all different and all shining'.  It is important to us that if a child is in need of any additional support, we are there to help and support families so that your child continues to thrive and be the best they can be. 

The SEN system changed in January 2022 to a new 'Additional learning needs ' (ALN) system.

The Welsh Government changed the way that children with special educational needs (SEN) were supported. The new system defines SEN as Additional Learning Needs (ALN). The law changed for several reasons : the main one is to make the process simpler and more transparent for all involved. 

In January 2022, all those pupils that were on the ALN register in N, Y1, Y3 and Y5, had a Person Centered review followed by an Individual Development plan (IDP)  being written in consultation with school staff, parents and the child. Since this time, the additional year groups have followed the same process.

            ALN - Information for Parents (English)                                                 ALN - Information for Parents (Welsh) 

If you have any concerns or queries regarding your child and ALN the first step would be contacting your child's teacher and discussing your concerns with them. Hopefully they will be able to support you and put things in place to help your child in the classroom.

If there are further concerns then you can contact Miss Baker our ALNCo (Additional Learning Needs Coordinator) - bbaker@abercanaid.merthyr.sch.uk  or call the school directly on 01685 351820. 

Further Links that may be useful to parents: 

• Welsh Government Web page for ALN 

• Merthyr Tydfil Web page for ALN 

• Early Help Hub

• Whiteboard animation - Parent /carer Guide to ALN support 

• Animation video – information supporting Children and young people