What are Additional Learning Needs (ALN)?
Beth yw Anghenion Dysgu Ychwanegol (ADY)?
A person has Additional Learning Needs (ALN) if they have a learning difficulty or disability which requires Additional Learning Provision (ALP).
This applies where a learner:
- Has a significantly greater difficulty in learning than others of the same age, or
- Has a disability which prevents or hinders them from accessing mainstream education
The ALN system in Wales focuses on:
A person-centred approach
Early identification
Inclusive practice
Collaboration with families
How will my child be supported?
At Ysgol Sant Dunawd, we use a graduated response to support all learners.
This means support is provided at different levels depending on need.
🟢Universal Provision (UP)
(For all learners)
We ensure that all pupils benefit from high-quality teaching and inclusive classroom practice.
Universal Provision includes:
- Whole-class teaching
- Collaborative group work
- Small group and individual support
- Pre-teaching strategies
- Visual timetables
- Support for literacy and numeracy
- Development of communication and organisational skills
- Use of specialised resources (e.g. Numicon, number lines, sound mats)
- Reading and numeracy programmes
✅ Most pupils make expected progress through Universal Provision
👉 Careful assessment allows us to quickly identify pupils who may need additional support.
🟠Targeted Universal Provision (TUP)
If a learner is not making expected progress:
- A Targeted Universal Provision Plan (TUPP) is created
- Small, achievable targets are set
- Strategies and interventions are put in place
- Progress is monitored closely by class teacher and ALNCo
✔ Plans are reviewed regularly with parents/carers
✔ Learners are involved in decisions about their support
🔵 Individual Development Plan (IDP)
If needs are more complex:
- A person-centred meeting takes place
- Parents, staff, ALNCo and external professionals work together
- Additional Learning Provision (ALP) is agreed
The IDP includes:
- Long-term outcomes
- Short-term targets
- Specific support strategies
✔ Plans are reviewed regularly
✔ In some cases, the Local Authority may maintain the IDP
🟣 Person-Centred Approach
At Ysgol Sant Dunawd:
- Learners are at the centre of all decisions
- Their views are listened to and valued
- Parents and carers are key partners
- Support is tailored to individual strengths and needs
🟡 Monitoring and Review
- Progress is tracked carefully
- Support is adapted when needed
- Teachers continuously assess and adjust provision
⭐ What this looks like at Ysgol Sant Dunawd
In our school, support for learners with ALN is practical, consistent and visible in the classroom.
You may see:
- Teachers adapting lessons to meet a range of needs within the class
- Visual timetables and prompts to support independence
- Small group support for literacy and numeracy
- Use of supportive resources such as Numicon, sound mats and number lines
- Pupils receiving additional intervention in short, focused sessions
Learners with ALN:
- Are supported to understand their targets
- Contribute to their support plans in an age-appropriate way
- Build confidence, independence and resilience
- Are fully included in all aspects of school life
We work closely with:
- Parents and carers
- External agencies and specialists
- The Local Authority (when required)
to ensure every learner receives the right support at the right time and is able to make effective progress.
Examples of Targeted Support
Where appropriate, learners may access additional interventions to support their development. These are carefully matched to individual needs and may include:
- Literacy support programmes (e.g. reading, phonics or spelling interventions)
- Numeracy support programmes
- Speech, language and communication support
- Emotional wellbeing and regulation support
- Fine and gross motor skill development activities
All interventions are:
- Baselined at the start
- Monitored for impact through observation and assessment.
- Time-limited and focused
- Reviewed regularly as part of the graduated response
Further Information/Rhagor o Wybodaeth
For further information, please contact:
Miss B. Barry – Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo)
via the school office – 01978 780757
🟢 Welsh Government Guidance
Welsh Government have produced information for parents, carers and children:
A children’s guide can be accessed by clicking here.
A guide for parents and carers can be accessed by clicking here.
🟠 Rights under the ALN System
Rights under the ALN system full information is available through this link here:
- how children and young people with additional learning needs (ALN) will be supported under the ALN system
- how the ALN system will work
- what parents can do if they disagree with decisions made by organisations providing support for their child
- the rights children, their parents and young people have under the ALN system
🟡 SNAP Cymru
SNAP Cymru is a national charity https://www.snapcymru.org/.
SNAP Cymru offers:
- Free information and advice
- Advocacy and support
- Help with resolving disagreements
Full information is available on their website by clicking here.