Additional Learning Needs (ALN) in Bryn Bach Primary School

My name is Elizabeth Crompton and I am the ALNCo (Additional Learning Needs Coordinator) at Bryn Bach Primary School.

My role is to ensure the needs for pupils identified as having additional learning needs are met through effective systems and processes by all members of staff.

The term 'additional learning needs’ (ALN) has a legal definition and refers to young people who have learning, physical or sensory needs which calls for additional learning provision.

Pupils have different strengths and abilities, particular needs and areas for development. Some pupils show academic ability early and need to be encouraged and appropriately challenged. Others need more time or assistance to develop their skills in reading, spelling or mathematics or their emotional health and wellbeing.

All areas of school life are inclusive and the teaching is tailored towards individual learning providing challenge and support; encouraging everyone to reach their full potential. Account is taken of individual needs through appropriate differentiation of the curriculum both in the classroom and where appropriate, in an individual or small group situation.

If additional learning provision is needed we aim to involve and support individual children, their families and staff to participate as fully as possible in the decision making process through the use of Person Centred Practice. This puts the child at the centre of everything we do, respecting their needs and preferences in the way they learn and empowering them to achieve and become ambitious, confident learners.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the progress of your child, the first point of contact is your child’s teacher. Class teachers will be able to discuss the range of support already in place or create new learning plans with you, through a One Page Profile (OPP).

You can also contact me by phoning school 01495 722569 or emailing elizabeth.crompton@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk

Ms Leanne Samuels is currently working alongside Mrs Crompton as Deputy ALNCo.

If you have any questions, Ms Samuels would be more than happy to help and support. She can be found in Dosbarth Celyn.

The images below will provide more information regarding a range of documentation and external agencies who are available for additional support.

Click on each image to follow the link for more information.

Additional Learning Needs in Wales

The approach to supporting children and young people who have difficulties with learning is changing.

The Welsh Government has passed new legislation, called the Additional Learning Needs (Wales) Act (the Act), which is supported by the Additional Learning Needs Code (Code). The Act and Code will replace the current legislation and guidance about special educational needs.

The Welsh Government is bringing in a more flexible and responsive system of meeting the needs of children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities and are striving to deliver a fully inclusive education system for the learners of Wales. We at Bryn Bach Primary School recognise the importance of parents as stakeholders in their children's education and we believe that children should be at the heart of all we do, voicing their opinion whenever possible. We hope that you find the information presented in the publication above is useful in helping you to understand the changes.

Understanding the Documentation

Universal Intervention (support available to all pupils)

Throughout your child’s time in school there may be occasions where your child will receive some additional support in class or within the school. This support may range from some additional reading time with the class teacher or a member of our support staff team, to adapting resources or providing your child with additional time to complete activities. They may join in with small group support with our ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant). This is available to all children and is classed as universal support.

Targeted Intervention and Additional Learning Provision (ALP)

There are children who need support for longer periods of time and will benefit from a One Page Profile and targeted support. A one-page profile is a single sheet of paper with key information about the pupil – what people like and admire about me; what's important to me; and how best to support me. In Bryn Bach Primary School, we (on occasions) also include targets where necessary to support our learners in the best possible way. These targets usually link to interventions they might also be receiving.

Individual Development Plan (IDP)

If your child is identified as having an additional learning need they will have an individual development plan (IDP). The IDP is a legal document which describes a child or young person’s additional learning needs, the support they need, and the outcomes they would like to achieve.

How is the IDP written?

We will hold a Person-Centred Review in order to ensure that learners and their families are placed at the centre of planning, reviewing and making decisions about what matters in their lives, and the support, namely the additional provision, they require in order to achieve their aspirations

Who will be present?

Usually, everyone who works with the child will be invited to attend, e.g. parents, child/young person if appropriate, ALNCo, Educational Psychologist, Health, Teaching Assistant, Class Teacher i.e. any professional who is contributing to the child/young person’s support.

What will happen at the meeting?

A facilitator will guide everyone through the process in order to contribute information and agree on person centred outcomes and actions.

You will be asked to discuss...

What you appreciate about your child
Your aspirations for your child
What matters to your child
What matters for your child
The best way to support your child
What works and what does not work from your point of view
Any questions you may have

At the end of the review

By the end of the Review, the facilitator will ensure that everyone has agreed on Person Centred outcomes, and on actions that need to be achieved. The aim of the Action Plan is to ensure that everyone can see what needs to be done to support your child/young person to learn and fulfil their ambitions.

The Individual Development Plan will say...

What support your child needs to learn and develop.
Who is responsible for ensuring that he/she receives the support they need
Where they will receive this support
How we will know if the support has helped your child in the way it was intended

What's next?

Following the review, the Plan is shared with all partners. This document will be reviewed regularly as required and every 12 months at least.

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