Additional Learning Needs
ADDITIONAL LEARNING NEEDS REFORM IN WALES - INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND CARERS.
ALN BILL AND CODE
Additional Learning Needs as we know it has been on a journey over the last few years. A New ALN Bill and Code of Practice came into effect as of September 2021. Gowerton Primary School, we are continuing to adapt in line with these changes in a number of ways. We recognise the importance of parents as stakeholders in their children's education and we believe that children should be at the heart of all we do, voicing their opinion whenever possible. We hope that you find the information presented in the publication below useful in helping you to understand the changes.
At Gowerton Primary School, we operate an inclusive policy with regard to Additional Learning Needs (ALN) provision where all pupils are given equal access to every aspect of school life.
The school has a designated ALNCo (Mrs Kate Allen) as well as a team of Learning Support Assistants (LSA’s) who are involved in providing a range of interventions for pupils. These interventions form part of our Universal Learning Provision and are tailored to meet the needs of pupils and are available to all. These may include literacy and numeracy interventions, as well as a range of other interventions to address other needs for example Sensory Circuits and Sensory Room access, Speech, Language and Communication support using Wellcomm and Speech / Language Link, DCD interventions including Busy Club activities, Funky Fingers and developing greater emotional literacy through ELSA interventions.
If we feel that a pupil may experiencing a greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others the same age or they have a disability for the purpose of the Equality Act 2010 which prevents or hinders them from making use of the facilities for education and they require Additional Learning Provision (ALP) that is 'additional too' or 'different from' that which is provided across the school, that pupil be in receipt of an IDP. Parents will be fully guided through the IDP process by Mrs Allen who may also be working closely with outside agencies to ensure the best possible understanding of the pupil's Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and Additional Learning Provision (ALP). Outside agencies may include Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Specialist Teachers or Medical Professionals.
ALN Explained
The four main areas of need associated with additional learning needs (ALN) are:
- Communication and Interaction - Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), Autistic Spectrum (ASD)
- Cognition and Learning - General Learning Difficulties (GLD), Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) - dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
- Social, emotional and mental health - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Attachment disorder / difficulties
- Sensory and /or physical needs - Visual Impairment (VI), Hearing Impairment (HI), physical disability
UNDERSTANDING THE DOCUMENTATION
ONE PAGE PROFILES
A one-page profile is a single sheet of paper with three headings – what people like and admire about me; what's important to and for me; and how best to support me.
INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS (IDP'S)
You may be used to your child receiving an IEP in previous years, however, this will now be changing and identified children will be supported through an Individual Development Plan (IDP).
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 drawn?
A Person Centred Meeting (PCM) 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?
There is a laid-back environment in a Person Centred Review, with refreshments and chairs laid out informally. A facilitator 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...
- What you appreciate about your child
- Your aspirations for your child
- What matters to your child
- What matters for your child
- The best way to support your child
- What works and what does not work from your point of view
- Any questions you may have
At the end of the review
By the end of the Review, the facilitator 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...
- What support your child needs to learn and develop.
- Who is responsible for ensuring that he/she receives the support they needs.
- Where they will receive this support.
- 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 and parents / guardians will be asked to sign the IDP. The IDP will be reviewed annually (every 6 months of your child is under 5)
PERSON CENTRED REVIEW (PCR)
Further information about the Person Centred Reviews can be found in the document below.
https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2018-12/person-centred-reviews-toolkit.pdf
Please access the documentation attached for more details and do not hesitate to contact Mrs. K. Allen if you have any questions or concerns regarding ALN.