top of page

You are here: Learning > ALN

ALN (Additional Learning Needs)

Mrs E Lee ALNCo Lead

ALNCo: Mrs Emma Lee

Mrs S Clarke Deputy ALNCo

Deputy ALNCo: Mrs Sarah Clarke

At Milton Primary School all staff strive to provide a broad and balanced curriculum for all pupils. When planning, teachers set suitable learning challenges and respond to pupil’s diverse learning needs. At Milton, our classrooms ensure all pupils have access to Universal Provision - learning aids and modifications which mean that as many barriers to learning have been removed as possible. All pupils at Milton have 'Important things to know' about them on their Edukey profile, and any reasonable adjustments needed to access learning effectively. 

Some pupils need some targeted support to aid their progress in an area of learning. For these children, a One Page Profile is written, with intervention and support planned to improve the identified area of need. 

​

For some pupils, they have barriers to learning that mean they have Additional Learning Needs that are additional to and different from their peers and require school to undertake an assessment to identify whether they have and ALN that requires an Individual Development Plan and additional learning provision (ALP).

​

You may have been used to hearing about the terms SEN (Special Educational Needs) and School Action (SA), School Action Plus (SA+) and Statement. These terms were part of the previous 'Code of Practice for Wales' which were phased out when the ALN system went live in September 2025.

 

The ALN Process in Wales – A Simple Guide for Parents

​

The Additional Learning Needs (ALN) system in Wales supports children and young people aged 0–25 who need extra help with learning. It replaces the old SEN system and aims to identify needs early and provide the right support quickly. [gov.wales], [gov.wales]

​

1. What is ALN?

A child has ALN if they have a learning difficulty or disability that requires additional learning provision (ALP) beyond what is normally available in school or nursery. [gov.wales]

ALP might include things like:

  • Extra support with reading, language or number (required for longer than 2-4 terms)

  • Specialist interventions

  • Support for physical, sensory, social or communication needs

​

2. Early Identification

Schools, nurseries, and parents work together to notice difficulties as early as possible. Early identification and intervention are core principles of the ALN system. [gov.wales]

Your child's teacher or ALNCo may speak to you if they feel they need support. However, If you have concerns:

  • Speak to the class teacher or ALNCo (Additional Learning Needs Coordinator).

  • Share what you’ve noticed at home—you know your child best. [gov.wales]

​

3. Deciding Whether a Child Has ALN

The school or nursery will:

  1. Gather information (progress, observations, assessments).

  2. Work with you and your child to understand the needs.

  3. Decide whether the child has ALN and needs ALP. [gov.wales]

You will be fully involved in the decision-making process via a PCP meeting (Person centred planning).

​

4. The Individual Development Plan (IDP)

If a child has ALN, the school or local authority must create an IDP—a single statutory plan that replaces statements, IEPs, and other previous plans. [gov.wales]

An IDP:

  • Sets out your child’s needs and the support they will receive.

  • Is created with the child, family, and relevant professionals.

  • Must be reviewed at least yearly (or sooner if needed). [gov.wales]

​

5. Who Writes the IDP?

Depending on your child’s needs:

  • Most IDPs are written and maintained by the school ALNCo.

  • If needs are more complex, the school may ask the local authority to take over responsibility. [gov.wales]

​

6. Working Together

The system is built on partnership:

  • Parents, children, schools, health professionals, and local authorities collaborate.

  • ALN support is part of an inclusive education system—most children receive ALP in mainstream settings. [gov.wales]

​

7. What If You Disagree With a Decision?

You can:

  • Ask the school or local authority to reconsider.

  • Seek help from advocacy or support services, for example, SNAP Cymru.

  • Appeal to the Education Tribunal for Wales if needed. [gov.wales], [gov.wales]

​

8. Rights as Your Child Grows Older

  • Children up to the end of compulsory school age share rights with their parents.

  • Young people (16–25) take on these rights themselves. [gov.wales]

Further information  and a handy toolkit for parents can be found here:

Additional learning needs (ALN): parent and carers toolkit | GOV.WALES

bottom of page