ALN

All children are monitored closely by their Class Teachers. This is done through regular monitoring and assessment and during meetings with parents/carers to discuss individual needs and progress.

We have developed a graduated response to identifying children with needs. Initially this is completed by the class teacher to ensure needs are being met within the class (universal provision). If the Class Teacher feels the child still is not making the expected progress, they will be discussed with the Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCo). Assessments may be carried out and if necessary referred to external agencies with the consent of the Parent/Carers.

If Parent/Carers have any concerns they should see the Class Teacher in the first instance.

All 3 schools within the Federation have an open door policy and teachers are available for brief discussions at the end of the school day. An appointment can be made if a more detailed discussion is needed.

Your child’s education will be overseen by the Class Teacher. Our ALNCO oversees all support and progress of any child with additional needs across the school.

There may be a Teaching Assistant (TA) working with your child either individually or as part of a group. If this is above the normal support given in the class these sessions will be explained to the Parent/Carers when the support starts or during Parent/Carer evenings.

All work within class is planned and differentiated so that all children are able to access the curriculum according to their specific needs.

There are parent/carer evenings in the Autumn term.

Progress reports are shared in the Summer term and staff are available to discuss these with you.

In addition to this, children with complex needs or in receipt of a Statement, will have an Annual Review meeting to inform and plan for next steps.

In addition to support received for academic subjects, there is a range of pastoral support available. 

We utilise an emotional wellbeing tool called ‘Speakr’ that the children can access daily. We run social groups such as "Thinking Detectives" to help children express their feelings and to interact socially. There is always the opportunity for any child to talk with a trained adult about concerns and anxieties. We have trained ELSA workers within the Federation who are available to work individually with children to address any more serious issues. Specific support plans will be put into place for children experiencing difficulties with social and emotional and mental health issues, and those needing medical support or alternate care.

When a child has a specific need, we access county services such as Educational Psychologists, Learning Support Services, Language and Communication, Autism Support Services and Social, Emotional and Mental Health Support advisors.

We also access advice for physical impairments and medical conditions, including hearing and vision support. We can access Speech and Language Therapists, Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists via the NHS when needed. We employ interventions within the school such as CHATT and Thinking Detectives which support the advice of the above services.

Prior to starting with us, children identified as having Additional Learning Needs by Health or educational professionals will have a School Entry Planning meeting. This will be attended by you, pre-school staff, school staff and any external professionals involved in supporting your child. It plans out how all concerned can make the transition to school as smooth as possible. For children with medical needs, this will include identifying staff training needs to ensure your child’ s needs are fully met. All families will be invited to new parent/carer meetings to gather information.

All children and parent/carers will be invited to attend transition sessions to ensure they are familiar with the staff and the setting in advance.

On moving to Secondary School, children in Year 6 with additional learning needs are discussed with the ALNCO at the Secondary School once places have been allocated. In liaison with secondary schools a programme of support is organised for children with additional needs. If your child has complex needs, a representative from the secondary school will be invited to attend their Annual Review meeting in year 6, usually in the Summer term.

All staff who work with individuals or groups of children on specific interventions will have received training to deliver the sessions. These sessions are overseen by the Class Teacher and ALNCO to monitor the progress of the children.

Carmarthenshire’s support services, the therapeutic services and charities offer a comprehensive list of training which schools can access. The extent and level of training provided depends on the nature of a child’s needs. Where necessary, the local authorities advisory service can offer outreach support to schools so that our staff are able to receive support and training within our school setting.

Speak to you child’s class teacher

You can also make an appointment to meet the ALNCO  or the Headteacher.

A range of outside professionals might be called in to support the School in providing the best opportunities for every child. These include:

• Speech and Language Therapists

• Educational Psychologists

• Learning Support Advisory Teachers

• Social, Emotional and Mental Health Advisory Teachers

• Physical Impairment and Medical Support

• Hearing Impairment Advisory Teachers

• Visual Impairment Advisory Teachers

• Occupational Therapists

• Occupational Physiotherapists

• Autism and Communication Advisors

• Paediatric services

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

• BSCT

• School based Counsellor