Additional Learning Needs
Additional Learning Needs Provision in St. Patrick's RC Primary School
Provision for children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) has changed.
How are Additional Learning Needs supported?
Most pupil’s needs can be met by provision and resources in school that are ordinarily available. This may include completing work set at their level - differentiation, using resources available to support their learning e.g. scaffolds, planners, physical resources or receiving additional support through an intervention such as CLIP, Maths Factor, Language Link etc. to boost their progress in an area of weakness.
Sometimes children may need a more personalised approach. If this is the case the teacher will meet with the parents to come up with a personalised learning plan called SMART Targets. SMART Targets gives a pupil Small Targets that are Achievable, Relevant and Measurable to work on over a period of time.
After the agreed period of time, the targets are reviewed by the teacher with the parents and pupil. Depending on the progress made, the pupil may receive another set of targets, or may no longer need a plan. The process is very flexible and responsive to the needs of the pupil. It may continue until sufficient progress has been made or until alternative options need exploring.
If, after review, a pupil is still struggling to make progress they may need, despite regular intervention, their needs may need to be investigated further to see if they have Additional Learning Needs (ALN). Pupils with ALN will usually have a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others of the same age. They will require provision that is different from/additional to what is being provided for their peers.
Ares of need outlined in the ALN Code of practice are:
- Cognition and Learning
- Communication and Interaction
- Sensory and/or Physical
- Behavioural, Emotional and Social Development
An investigation into ALN starts a 35 term-time day (7 term-time week) process. The teacher will work with the Additional Learning Needs Coordinator, other professionals, the parents and the pupil to decide whether the child does have ALN. A Person-Centred Meeting (PCM) will be scheduled where evidence will be assessed and a decision will be made whether a learner has ALN.
If ALN are identified, an Individual Development Plan (IDP) will be written and the Additional Learning Provision will begin.
If ALN are not identified then the pupil will continue with the SMART Targets where required and parents will be directed on how to best support their child at home. A parent may appeal the decision with the local authority who have 4-weeks to respond.
For further information read the information on our website or visit the ALN section of the Welsh Government website https://gov.wales/additional-learning-needs
Additional Learning Needs and Educational Tribunal (Wales) Act
The Additional Learning Needs and Educational Tribunal Wales (ALNET) Act 2018 is just one aspect of the overarching ALN Transformation Programme in Wales. At the heart of these reforms is a focus on inclusion: putting children and young people at the centre, and ensuring they are supported to reach their full potential.
The overarching aims of the Bill are to create:
- a unified legislative framework to support children and young people aged 0-25 with ALN in schools and further education,
- an integrated, collaborative process of assessment, planning and monitoring, which facilitates early, timely and effective interventions,
- a fair and transparent system for providing information and advice, and for resolving concerns and appeals.
The Welsh Government has set out a timeline for the implementation of the Act https://beta.gov.wales/additional-learning-needs-and-education-tribunal-wales-act-implementation-guide-individual
School Funding for Additional Learning Needs
Cardiff Council has changed the way it funds schools to support children and young people with Additional Learning Needs (ALN).
Please see the 'ALN Funding leaflet for Parents' in the documents section below which has been produced by the local authority to explain the changes.
Further Advice and Support
If you have any questions about this process or a query regarding individual pupils, our Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo), Mrs Ceri Ursell, will be happy to help. Please call on 029 2062 8204 or email directly cursell@stpatricksrcprimarycardiff.co.uk
You may also like to contact the Local Authority’s ALN Helpline on 029 2022 6237 or email ALNHelpline@cardiff.gov.uk for further information and advice.
If you would like independent advice SNAP Cymru offers information, advice and support to children and their parents or carers and young people who have/or may have Additional Learning Needs (ALN). The service can help you with 'one off', straightforward advice or more in-depth support from a caseworker at your local team. They will provide clear, reliable and straightforward information about your options and help you confidently share your views and make informed decisions.
You can contact SNAP Cymru via the helpline on 0808 801 0608 or by completing an enquiry form on www.snapcymru.org/contact
You can find out more about SNAP Cymru at www.snapcymru.org