ALN Reform
What’s new?
The way that children and young people in Wales are supported is changing.
A short video can be found here.
Additional Learning Needs (gov.wales)
When will it happen?
The change will happen over 3 years in a phased approach. This means that there will be two systems running alongside each other from September 2021 to 2024.
How will ALN Reform affect my child/young person?
Any changes to the level of support that they receive will take place as part of a review process and not because of the ALN Reform.
A new name - the terms “Special Educational Needs” (SEN) and “Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities” (LDD) will be replaced with the new term “Additional Learning Needs” (ALN).
Wider age range - the system will support children and young people with ALN from the ages of 0 to 25 in Wales, whilst they are in further education (not higher education) or training.
One single plan - Individual Development Plans (IDP) will replace Educational Statements, Learning and Skills Plans and Individual Education Plans.
Pupil voice - the learners’ needs, views, wishes and feelings will be at the heart of the process. It will be with the pupil rather than for the pupil.
More working together - there will be closer working partnerships between parents/carers and all agencies working with the child/young person.
Welsh language support - if a child or young person needs their additional learning needs provision in Welsh, this must be written in the IDP and ‘all reasonable steps’ must be taken to secure the provision in Welsh.
Right to Tribunal - all children, their parents/carers, and young people up to the age of 25 will have the right to appeal to the Education Tribunal against decisions made in relation to their ALN or their IDP. Children and young people must be provided with access to independent advocacy services.
There are two key documents:
· The Additional Learning Needs and Educational Tribunal Act – passed in January 2018
Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act | GOV.WALES
· The ALN Code for Wales 2021 – issued April 2021
The Additional Learning Needs Code | GOV.WALES
These will make sure that the new ALN system has clear and legal boundaries within which local authorities and schools must act.
The additional learning needs transformation programme: frequently asked questions | GOV.WALES