Darllenwch y dudalen hon yn Gymraeg
The ALN system implemented in September 2021 has been gradually rolled out across Wales, creating a system supporting children and young people aged 0-25, replacing the Special Educational Needs System (SEN).
Alongside the ALN reform, the Curriculum for Wales offers schools and colleges more flexibility to teach in a way that best meets the individual needs of each learner, breaking down barriers to provide educational and training opportunities and outcomes for all learners.
We’ve learnt how 4 education and training settings are supporting learners with Additional Learning Needs to thrive.
With 16 mainstream classes, 7 specialist classes and one nurture group Bro Banw primary school in Ammanford put learners at the heart of everything they do.
A person-centred approach is embedded across the whole school, putting the learner at the centre of the process and strengthening relationships with families and external agencies ensuring the right support is in place. The team is led by a senior ALNCo (Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator), to enhance the provision for pupils with ALN and that support is identified early.
Victoria Raikes, Senior ALNCo shared “We work closely to ensure that the children’s additional learning needs are catered for with early identification of needs, working with external agencies, liaising with parents and families really closely and also with the children to ensure that that person-centered approach is embedded across the school.”
Parkland primary school in Swansea take an inclusive approach to learning by using techniques such as differentiation and the use of technology to support all learners, especially those with ALN.
Importance is placed on early intervention to identify any ALN, ensuring learners get the support they need to reach their full potential. Engagement with parents and carers is a priority, both in person and online.
Felicity Poole, Acting Headteacher says, “this supports all learners, particularly those with ALN so that they feel included and that they can access the curriculum. It really helps them make progress and feel confident that they are making developments and improvements with their learning”.
“Curriculum for Wales is a great avenue to allow schools to do what is right for the child and see children as individuals – individualised support and target intervention, you’re a bit more free to do that through Curriculum for Wales”.
At Coleg Gwent a group of hearing-impaired learners are developing independent life skills through individually tailored support at post-16, realising their full potential.
Working with students, Coleg Gwent develop personalised learning strategies and facilitate work placements to enhance academic achievement and prepare students for successful transitions into the workforce and community life. The college has a strong partnership with Elite training who support learners in their transition to employment
Coleg Gwent student Adrian says: “Coming to college for the first time, it’s difficult when you can’t communicate through speaking and listening. The college has helped me to do work experience”.
Nicky shared “I got my confidence up because they made me happy working there. I’m waiting for Elite to find work for me and learn at the same time, really. And I can’t wait for the future to get confidence in myself and go up the levels in mechanics”.
Hearing-impaired learners from Cwmbran High school are also part of the Deaf Club at Coleg Gwent, helping to build their confidence and supporting their transition from school.
Deaf students take centre stage at Coleg Gwent: https://www.gov.wales/deaf-students-take-centre-stage-coleg-gwent
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai in North Wales has been building close relationships with local schools to support learners with ALN.
The college recognises the importance of collaboration and communication to help learners with ALN to achieve their education and training goals by supporting them to plan a successful transition to the next stage of their life.
Sharon O’Connor, Head of Additional Learning Needs at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai explains how the ALN system promotes collaboration and communication:
“This is a system where we can identify the student’s aspirations, the aspirations of the parents, and how we cooperate with schools. The teachers are integral to this, sharing information on what’s needed in the future.
“Cooperating with external agencies and local authorities has been essential and at the heart of everything we have done as an ALN team. We strive to create close relationships so that communication is clear, early identification, and that everyone is comfortable to have a conversation about young people”.