In Wales, we want to transform expectations, experiences and outcomes for children and young people with additional learning needs (ALN).

To do so, the Welsh Assembly have developed the additional learning needs (ALN) transformation programme, which transforms the separate systems for special educational needs (SEN) in schools and learning difficulties and/or disabilities (LDD) in further education, to create a unified system for supporting learners from 0 to 25 with ALN.

The transformed system aims to:

• Ensure that all learners with ALN are supported to overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential;
• Improve the planning and delivery of support for learners from 0 to 25 with ALN, placing learners’ needs, views, wishes and feelings at the heart of the process; and
• Focus on the importance of identifying needs early and putting in place timely and effective interventions which are monitored and adapted to ensure they deliver the desired outcomes.  New legislation and statutory guidance is only one aspect, albeit a fundamental one, of the wider package of reforms needed. The ALN transformation programme also focuses on skills development for the education workforce, to deliver effective support to learners with ALN in the classroom, as well as easier access to specialist support, information and advice.

(Please note: The new system for supporting children with additional learning needs will be rolled out during a three year period, commencing September 2021)

ALN stands for Additional Learning Needs. At Bryncethin Primary School we recognise that all pupils come to school at different stages of development and with different needs. Whilst many factors contribute to the range of difficulties experienced by some children, we believe that much can be done to overcome them by parents, teachers and pupils working together.

Bryncethin Primary school values the abilities and achievements of all its pupils. All children are valued, respected and nurtured. We endeavour to provide the best educational opportunities for each child and strive to maximise their potential in a ‘can do’ learning culture.

Pupils who meet the locally agreed criteria for having ALN will be supported by class teachers, teaching assistants, other adults and their learning environment.

The ALN aims of the school:

• To meet the needs of all pupils through excellent teaching strategies, classroom organisation and differentiation.
• To have a whole school Universal Provision that addresses the needs of all pupils.
• To ensure that all pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum. 
• To ensure that early identification of a pupil’s needs is made, wherever possible.
• To ensure that ALN pupils take as full a part as possible in all school activities.
• To adopt a Person Centred Practice approach where the pupil, parents, school staff and outside support agencies are involved from the beginning, in planning actions and ways forward to support pupils with ALN.
• To ensure that parents are kept regularly informed of their child’s progress.
• To ensure that ALN pupils are involved, where practical, in decisions affecting their future ALN provision.
• To work in partnership with parents, pupils and other agencies e.g. Educational Psychologist, Speech Therapists, Social Workers, School Nurse etc.