What is an Additional Learning Need? (ALN)
The term Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and Additional Learning Provision has repleaced the terms Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Special Educational Provision.
The term 'additional learning needs' has a legal definition and refers to children and young people with learning, physical or sensory needs that make it harder to learn than most children of the same age.
All children and young people learn in different ways and at different rates. In every class in every school there will be pupils who progess at a slower rate than other children. There may be some identfied barriers to learning which may develop into an identified additional learning need.
Children with a barrier to learning may require additional support in one or more areas, including:
- schoolwork- reading, writing, numeracy or understanding information
- expressing themselves or understanding what others are saying
- making friends or relating to others
- behaving appropriately at school
- medical, physical or sensory needs, which may affect their progress at school.
These needs may be long or short term.
For further information and Monmouthshire Local Authority information, please visit https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/education-2/early-years-schools-education/inclusion/additional-learning-needs/
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Parent Leaflet | [pdf 291KB] |
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Parent Information | [docx 585KB] |
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Further Information for Familes
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A Guide for Parents and Carers of Children with ALN |
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Monmouthshire Additonal Learning Needs |
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What's happening in Wales?
Key Facts
The way in which pupils' additional educational needs will be identified, assessed and met in Wales has changed.
- The term Additional Learning Need (ALN) replaces the term 'Special Educational Need'
- The system covers learners from 0-25 years
- Statements of special educational need are now replaced with an Individual Development Plan (IDP)
- There is an increased focus upon pupil involvement
- There is a new ALN Code
- There is a right to appeal to the Education Tribunal
The system:
- Ensures all learners with ALN are supported to overcome barriers to learning and can achieve their full potential
- Improves the planning and delivery of support for learners from 0-25 years with ALN, placing an individual learner's needs, views, wishes and feelings at the centre
- Focuses upon early identification and putting timely and effective interventions in to place, which are monitored and adapted to ensure they deliver the best possible outcomes
Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo)
All maintained mainstream schools in Wales designate a person who has responsibility for coordinating provision for learners with barriers to learning or an identfied additional learner need. That person is the ALNCo. However, all staff who work with children and young people have a responsibility for ensuring that their learners’ needs are identified and provided for.
The ALNCo is the individual who at a strategic level ensures the needs of all pupils with a barrier to learning or with ALN within the education setting are met. In addition to their overarching responsibility for co-ordinating Additional Learning Provision, the ALNCo is responsible for ensuring that all learners who have ALN across the education setting have an Indiviudal Development Plan.
Some learners with a barrier to learning or identfied ALN will need the support of external agencies and professionals. The ALNCo will liaise with these specialist services and when there is agreement to provide such services, ensure that these are secured.
At Osbaston Church in Wales School, Mrs Catherine Baggott is the ALNCo. Mrs Baggott alongside the Class Teacher will be your point of contact for discussions and progress reviews. Mrs Cooper does have a full time teaching commitment, but is allocated specific time to carry out her duties as a ALNCo. If you would like to meet or contact Mrs Baggott, please email the school at osb.primary@monmouthshireschools.wales or call the office on 01600 775070 to arrange a convenient time.
Partnership with Parents/ Carers
We are committed to working closely with parents, carers and pupils.
The ALN Act requires that an individual learner's views are always considered as part of the planning process, alongside those of their parents/ carers.
Therfore, it is important individual pupil's feel the planning process is something that is 'done with' them, rather than 'done to' them.
Person Centred Planning
In line with the ALNET Act, pupil's individual needs, views, wishes and feelings are at the very heart of our decision making. We want parents/ carers to be actively involved in the process of helping the school and others to support your child.
In particular we need to know:
- What's important to the young person?
- What's important for the young person?
- What's working?
- How can we make things even better?
A person centred review is the process when parents/ carers and other professionals who are involved in supporting your child can meet and contribute to develop a realistic action plan for the future.
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Person Centred Planning | [pdf 667KB] |
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Further Information
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FLOWCHART - school process | [pdf 318KB] |
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Dispute Resolution | [pdf 261KB] |
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Right to appeal to Tribunal | [pdf 77KB] |
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