Mr C Jones, Additional Learning Needs Coordinator and Assistant Headteacher, leads a team of staff who provide bespoke support both in and out of the classroom. The ALN Team offer a wide range of interventions which are available to students with various needs. These interventions are monitored and reviewed so that student progress is captured and celebrated.
We work closely with our students, parents/carers and external agencies to identify needs early and provide the most effective support. Using a person-centred approach, we ensure that each learner’s voice is heard and that they play an active role in shaping their support.
Follow this link for more information on person-centred reviews:
Wales has introduced a new system for supporting children and young people with Additional Learning Needs, more commonly referred to as ALN. This new approach replaces the old Special Educational Needs (SEN) system and aims to make support clearer, fairer, and more consistent for everyone.
“Special Educational Needs (SEN)” has been replaced by Additional Learning Needs (ALN).
The support pupils receive is now known as Additional Learning Provision (ALP).
Old plans like statements and IEPs are being replaced by a single plan called an Individual Development Plan (IDP).
An IDP sets out a learner’s needs, the support they will receive, and the goals they are working towards.
The new ALN system supports children and young people from early years right through to age 25, making the process smoother as learners move between schools and into college.
Pupils and parents are fully involved in planning and reviewing support.
The system is designed to be more person-centred, meaning decisions are made with learners — not just about them.
Schools must identify ALN early, put the right support in place, and keep parents informed at every stage.
Every school has an ALNCo (Additional Learning Needs Coordinator) who leads this work.
What This Means at Elfed High School
ALN refers to difficulties a learner may have with learning that require additional support beyond what is normally provided in the classroom. This includes challenges with literacy, numeracy, communication, behaviour, social interaction, sensory needs, or physical needs.
We use a combination of classroom observations, assessments, progress data, and discussions with pupils, teachers, and parents. Where necessary, we also work with external specialists. Identification is ongoing and based on a holistic, person-centred approach.
An IDP is a document for learners confirmed as having ALN under the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act (ALNET). It sets out the learner’s needs, the support required, and clear outcomes. IDPs are reviewed regularly with pupils and families.
Parents/carers are fully involved in every stage—identification, planning, reviewing, and updating support. We value your insights and ensure your child’s voice is central to the process.
Support varies depending on need and may include:
Sometimes, yes—but only when it is the most effective way to meet their needs. We aim to minimise disruption and ensure pupils continue to access a broad and balanced curriculum.
Please contact the ALNCo to discuss your concerns. We will listen, gather relevant information, and assess whether additional support or further investigation is needed.
Not necessarily. Some learners require temporary help, while others need longer-term support. We review progress regularly and adjust support accordingly.
You can contact the school office and ask to speak to Mr C Jones, the school ALNCo, who oversees all aspects of ALN support.
ALN stands for Additional Learning Needs. It means you might need some extra help in certain areas of schoolwork, and that’s completely okay—lots of students do.
You might find some work tricky, or you may learn in a different way from others. Teachers will talk with you, look at your work, and listen to what you think. If you ever feel you need help, you can tell a teacher or the ALNCo.
Everyone’s support is different, but it might include:
Only the staff who need to know will be told. Many students get support, and it’s nothing to worry about.
An Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a plan that helps you succeed. It includes what you need help with, your goals, and how teachers will support you. You help create the plan, so your ideas and opinions really matter.
Sometimes you might go to a smaller group or session, but not always. We try to make sure any extra help fits around your lessons.
Just tell someone—your teacher, the ALNCo, or a support assistant. Support can always be changed to suit you better.
You can speak to:
Not at all. Everyone learns differently, and ALN support is there to help you do your best. It’s about making sure you get the help you need to succeed.
At the end of each term, Subject Areas nominate students for a Subject Award. Awards are given at the discretion of the Subject Area, for example to students who show high levels of achievement or improvement in the subject. Heads of Year may recognise full or improved attendance at various points throughout the year.
Click on this link to access a Welsh Government factsheet to help you to understand these changes.
SNAP Cymru is a national charity, unique to Wales, founded in 1986. Its main aim is to advance the education of people in Wales and support their inclusion. SNAP Cymru offers free and independent information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs and disabilities. For more information, follow the link below.
Platform | Support/Guides | |
|---|---|---|
 | Additional learning needs transformation programme | Click here to learn more |
 | Children’s commissioner for Wales | Click here to learn more |
 | SNAP Cymru | Click here to learn more |
 | Explainer animation on the new ALN system for children and young people | Click here to learn more |
| GOV Wales – Parent and Carers Toolkit | Click here to learn more |
 | Education Tribunal for Wales | Click here to learn more |
