Additional Learning Needs (ALN)

🌿 Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Support

At Ysgol Y Mynydd Du, we are committed to providing an inclusive, nurturing environment where every child is supported to achieve their full potential. We recognise that all learners are unique, and we work closely with families to ensure that pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) receive the right support at the right time.

🌟 Universal Learning Provision (ULP)

At Ysgol Y Mynydd Du, high-quality teaching and support for all learners begins with our Universal Learning Provision (ULP). This is the foundation of our inclusive practice and ensures that all pupils benefit from effective, inclusive teaching strategies as part of everyday classroom practice.

Our ULP offer includes:

• High-quality, differentiated teaching tailored to meet a range of learning needs
  
  

• Clear instructions and visual supports to aid understanding
  
  

• Flexible grouping and collaborative learning opportunities
  
  

• Consistent routines and structured environments to support emotional security
  
  

• Access to resources such as visual timetables, prompts, and scaffolds
  
  

• Opportunities for movement, regulation, and sensory support where needed
  
  

• A strong focus on wellbeing, relationships, and emotional support
  
  

This approach ensures that many pupils’ needs are met within the classroom, reducing barriers to learning and promoting independence.

🤝 Our Approach

We take a person-centred approach, placing the child and their wellbeing at the heart of all decisions. We work in partnership with parents, carers, and external agencies to create a shared understanding of each child’s strengths, needs, and next steps.

📄 Individual Development Plans (IDPs)

Where appropriate, pupils are supported through an Individual Development Plan (IDP). These outline:

• Individual needs and strengths
  
  

• Specific targets
  
  

• Tailored support and strategies
  
  

• Regular review points
  
  

Parents and carers are fully involved in the creation and review of these plans.

🧠 Tailored Support

We provide a range of support to meet individual needs, including:

• Small group or 1:1 interventions
  
  

• In-class support and differentiation
  
  

• Emotional wellbeing and nurture provision
  
  

• Adapted resources and teaching approaches
  
  

• Support for communication and interaction
  
  

Our staff work hard to ensure that support is flexible, responsive, and meaningful.

🌿 Wellbeing and Nurture

Wellbeing is central to our ALN provision. We offer:

• Nurture-based approaches to support emotional regulation
  
  

• Access to safe spaces and trusted adults
  
  

• Opportunities for outdoor and nature-based learning
  
  

• Programmes that build confidence, resilience, and independence
  
  

🤝 Working with External Agencies

We work closely with a range of professionals to ensure the best outcomes for our pupils, including:

• Educational Psychologists
  
  

• Speech and Language Therapists
  
  

• CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)
  
  

• Specialist teaching services
  
  

This ensures a joined-up approach to supporting each child.

⭐ Our Aim

Our aim is to ensure that every pupil:

• Feels safe, supported, and valued
  
  

• Develops confidence and independence
  
  

• Makes meaningful progress from their starting point
  
  

• Is able to fully access and enjoy school life
  
  

If you would like to discuss your child’s needs or find out more about our provision, please do not hesitate to contact the school. We are always happy to help 💚

The approach to supporting children who have difficulties with learning is changing. The Welsh Government has passed new legislation, called the Additional Learning Needs (Wales) Act 2018, and Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Code 2021, which will replace all of the existing legislation and guidance about special educational needs.

The main changes include:

• bringing together all existing systems into a new, single system for ALN

• being more learner-centred

• providing learners with the same rights and entitlements whatever their age or setting

• improving transition between settings

• provide Welsh language provision where needed

• being a fair and transparent system for all

The Welsh Government hope that these changes will mean that children and their parents and young people will:

• get the support they need earlier

• be more involved in making decisions about their lives and the support they need

• be able to find information more easily than before

• be supported if they disagree with decisions

• be able to appeal decisions to the education tribunal

The new law says that a ‘child’ means an individual under compulsory school age (16 years), while a ‘young person’ is someone aged between 16 and 25 over compulsory school age.

Children and young people who have special educational needs and disabilities will now get support for longer using one system.  Some young people may be able to get support until the age of 25.

The government wants children, their parents and young people to have more say about the support they need.

For young people 16 or over, they will be the main person making decisions, however they may still want to ask their parents to help them make decisions. They can also ask for information advice and advocacy from someone impartial.

This new system will protect the rights of all children, regardless of the extent of their additional learning needs.

What’s Changing?

From September 2021, over a three year period,  a new Additional Learning Needs (ALN) system will begin to replace the previous Special Educational Needs (SEN) system. As well as the name change, responsibilities towards children and young people with ALN is changing too.

All children with Additional Leaning Needs will have an Individual Development Plan which will replace the current SEN Statement, Individual Education Plan or Learning and Skills Plan.

Learners with any level of Additional Learning Need who require Additional Learning Provision’ (ALP) to be made for them, will be entitled to an IDP outlining their support needs.  This new system will protect the rights of all children, regardless of the extent of their additional learning needs.

The new ‘Decision Making Duty’ on Schools, Colleges and Local Authorities

When a school or college or LA  is ‘made aware’ that a child or young person may have additional learning needs [ALN], it MUST decide whether that child or young person does have additional learning needs unless: 

• an individual development plan (IDP) is already in place for the child or young person

• a decision has already been made and the school is satisfied that the child’s needs have not changed since that decision and there is no new information;

• the young person(16+) does not consent (agree) to the decision being made