Additional Learning Needs and Support
At St Thomas Primary School, we are committed to inclusive education where every child is supported to achieve their potential. Some children may need additional help to access learning fully. This is provided through the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) system used across Wales.
The Role of the ALNCo
Our Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCo) is Mrs Taylor.
Mrs Taylor:
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Oversees ALN support across the school
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Works with teachers, families and external professionals
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Ensures plans such as IDPs are in place and reviewed regularly
If you have questions about ALN support or would like to discuss your child’s needs, please contact Mrs Taylor.
What are Additional Learning Needs?
Children and young people have ALN when they need additional learning provision (ALP) that is different from or in addition to what most children of the same age receive to help them make progress at school. This may be because they find some aspects of learning tricky, or have a disability that affects their access to education. ALP is tailored to the child’s needs and outlined in a support plan.
ALN Explained
The four main areas of need associated with additional learning needs (ALN) are:
- Communication and Interaction - Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), Autistic Spectrum (ASD)
- Cognition and Learning - Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) - dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
- Social, Emotional Difficulties - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attachment disorder / difficulties
- Sensory and /or Physical needs - Visual Impairment (VI), Hearing Impairment (HI), Physical Disability
Pupils are identified as having ALN if they have a learning difficulty that requires additional learning provision (ALP) which is ‘additional to’ and ‘different from’ that which is provided across the school, this is then outlined in their IDP. Information is collected through a number of different communication routes, including transition between classes, teacher feedback to the ALNCo, parental concerns and regular diagnostic assessments to track progress in literacy and numeracy skills. Once identified as having a barrier to learning which impacts upon the progress they make, the pupils will be closely monitored and this will be reviewed every 6/12 months or when required, during a PCR meeting
How Support is Delivered
- High-quality inclusive teaching for all - All pupils benefit from excellent teaching that is adapted to meet a variety of learning needs. This includes differentiated tasks, classroom strategies and careful planning to help every child access the curriculum.
- Targeted Support - When a child needs extra help beyond high-quality teaching, we work with parents/carers, teachers and support staff to put in place specific strategies or interventions tailored to the child’s needs.
- Individual Development Plans (IDPs) - Where appropriate, a child may be identified as having ALN and an IDP will be developed in partnership with parents, carers, and professionals. The IDP sets out the child’s strengths, needs, planned provision and progress targets.
Our aim is to work closely with parents and carers so that your child receives the right support early and effectively.
Individual Development Plans (IDP's)
Identified children will be supported through universal learning provision or an Individual Development Plan (IDP). This process is decided using the Decision-Making Meeting.
What is an IDP?
The Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a single plan that is put in place after determining that a pupil has Additional Learning Needs (ALN). The IDP includes a description of the child/young person's ALN, and the Additional Learning Provision (ALP) put in place in order to meet those needs.
How is the IDP created?
A Person Centred Meeting (PCM) is undertaken in order to ensure that learners and their families are placed at the centre of planning, reviewing and making decisions about what matters in their lives, and the support, namely the ALP, they require in order to achieve their aspirations (further details can be found in PCP section below).
Who will be present?
Usually, parents/carers, class teacher and other professionals involved in the learning of the pupil will be invited to the meeting.
What will happen at the meeting?
There is a laid-back environment in a Person-Centred Review. A facilitator will guide everyone through the process in order to contribute information and agree on person-centred outcomes and actions.
You will be asked to discuss...
- What you appreciate about your child
- Your aspirations for your child
- What matters to your child
- What matters for your child
- The best way to support your child
- What works and what does not work from your point of view
- Any questions you may have
At the end of the review
By the end of the review, the facilitator will ensure that everyone has agreed on Person-Centred Outcomes, and on actions that need to be achieved. The aim of the Action Plan is to ensure that everyone can see what needs to be done to support your child/young person to learn and fulfil their dreams.
The Individual Development Plan will say...
- What support your child requires to help them learn and develop.
- Who is responsible for ensuring that he/she receives the support they needs.
- Where they will receive this support.
What’s next?
Following the review, the Plan is shared with all partners. This will be reviewed regularly as required and every 12 months at least (6 monthly for pupils in the Early Years setting).
Person Centered Reviews (PCP's)
Further information about the Person Centred Reviews can be found in the document below.
Working Together
We recognise that you know your child best, and we are committed to working in partnership with parents and carers. Your views, insights and aspirations for your child will always be central to planning and reviewing any additional support.
For detailed guidance and further support information, please visit the following official resources:
Welsh Government – Additional learning needs (ALN)
https://www.gov.wales/additional-learning-needs
Swansea Council – Additional Learning Needs (ALN)
https://www.swansea.gov.uk/aln
Provision for pupils with additional needs is well-planned. The school involves parents, staff and outside agencies to ensure that planning for individual needs is effective. Many pupils with additional needs make good progress in their learning and improving their wellbeing - Estyn 2023