Additonal Learning Needs (ALN) at
St. Illtyd's Primary
At St. Illtyd’s Primary, we are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every child can thrive and reach their full potential. We firmly believe that all learners are unique and possess individual strengths, and we strive to celebrate these while providing tailored support for those with Additional Learning Needs (ALN). We are dedicated to ensuring progression for all our pupils.
The provision that we offer comes under three headings Universal, Targeted and Specialist. These are described below. Many pupils will receive targeted provision at some point during their time at school. A few pupils will require longer term, more specialised support.
The landscape of Additional Learning Needs support in Wales has recently changed with the introduction of the new ALN legislation.
This transformative reform places the learner at the centre, focusing on individual needs and ensuring that support is tailored and proportionate. We are fully committed to implementing the principles of the new ALN framework, working closely with pupils, parents/carers, and external agencies to create Individual Development Plans (IDPs) that address specific needs and promote progress.
We recognise the importance of working in partnership with external agencies to provide the best possible support for our pupils. We collaborate regularly with:
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Blaenau Gwent Educational Psychology Service
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Inclusive Practice Service
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Speech and Language Therapy Service
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Occupational Therapy Service
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CAMHS - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
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Families First
These partnerships allow us to access specialist expertise and resources, ensuring that our pupils receive the appropriate support to meet their individual needs.
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One Page Profile:
All pupils will have a one-page profile which includes lots of positive information about the child which enables people to get to know them, the things that are important to them and how best to support them.
One Page Profile with Action Plan and Targets:
Pupils identified as having a barrier to learning will have specific targets which have been identified and interventions in place to support these. The Targets will be reviewed on a termly basis. This will be monitored by the class teacher, ALNCo and senior leadership team to ensure appropriate progress in being made towards the targets set. Parents / carers will have a copy of the one page profile with targets and be invited in to discuss with the class teacher when reviewing.
What is an IDP?
The Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a single plan that is put in place after determining that a pupil has 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 must be noted.
How is the IDP Written?
A Person Centred Review 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 additional provision, they require in order to achieve their aspirations.
Who will be present?
Usually, everyone who works with the child will be invited to attend, e.g. parents, child/young person, ALNCo, Educational Psychologist, Health, Teaching Assistant, Class Teacher, i.e. any professional who is contributing to the child/young person’s support.
What will happen at the meeting?
The ALNCo 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…
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What you appreciate about your child
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Your aspirations for your child
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What matters to your child
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What matters for your child
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The best way to support your child
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What works and what does not work from your point of view
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Any questions you may have
At the end of the review
By the end of the Review, the ALNCo 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:
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What support your child needs to learn and develop
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Who is responsible for ensuring that he/she receives the support they need
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Where they will receive this support
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How we will know if the support has helped your child in the way it was intended
What’s next?
Following the review, the Plan is shared with all partners.
Partnership with Parents/Carers
We believe in a strong partnership with parents/carers to ensure effective support for pupils with ALN. We will:
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Keep parents/carers informed of the child's progress
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Involve parents/carers in decision-making about the child’s education
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Work with parents/carers to ensure continuity of support between home and school
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Include parents /carers in writing / reviewing one page profiles with targets for children with barriers to learning.
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Hold annual PCP meetings for pupils with ALN who require an IDP
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Support the family around the child and signpost to wellbeing support where necessary
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Further information around the Person Centred Planning Process can be found here: Welsh Government - ALN Guide for Parents
We encourage parents/carers to contact us if they have any concerns or questions regarding their child's learning or development. We are here to work together, to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Our school ALNCo is Mrs Kirsty Banks.
You can contact her via the school email: info@stilltydsprimary.co.uk. Please also look out for our termly ALN coffee and drop in meetings.
Alternatively, you can email the LA Statutory Team at: ALNEnquiries@blaenau-gwent.gov.uk
St Illtyd's Primary School ALN Policy
For more detailed information about ALN support and provision in Blaenau-Gwent, please visit their dedicated webpage: Blaenau Gwent ALN
SNAP Cymru as our parent partnership service provides dispute resolution and advocacy support for children and young people.
Welsh Government has produced various guides to the new service, links are below: