Additional Learning Needs

Your child may be receiving extra support in school, to help them in their learning, or they may have a statement of special educational need. The approach to supporting children who have difficulties with learning is changing. 

The Welsh Government has passed new legislation, called the Additional Learning Needs (Wales) Act, and Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Code, which will replace all of the legislation and guidance about special educational needs.

As part of the Additional Learning Needs Educational Tribunal (ALNET) (Wales) Act 2018 the Welsh Government has replaced the term ‘special educational needs’ (SEN) with ‘additional learning needs’ (ALN).

However, the definition of ALN is different and you may find that your child currently has SEN but will not have ALN.  This should not affect the support and help they receive in school to access learning.

ALN will cover those who:

• have a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others of the same age

• have a disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of the educational facilities generally provided for others of the same age in mainstream maintained school or Further Education Institution.

The Act introduces a clear duty on local authorities to support you as parent/carers and your child to contribute to the planning for additional learning needs.

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Further information can be accessed via the Vale of Glamorgan's website