Additional Learning Needs
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).
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.
There are four main areas of ALN:
★ Cognition and Learning
★ Sensory and Physical
★ Communication Interaction
★ Social, Emotional and Mental Health.
If you believe your child has ALN or is struggling in school please speak to your child's teacher or the School ALNco (Additional Learning Needs Coordinator) Miss Bale.
We will listen to your concerns and gather all the information we need to decide if your child has ALN. This may include assessments, observations and/or referrals to specialist teams.
Within 7 weeks:
★ If your child does not have ALN but still needs extra support we will create a school support plan with you.
★ If your child does have ALN we will create an IDP - an individual development plan with you via a meeting called a PCP meeting- or a person centred practice meeting.
What if we don't agree?
★ If the school does not agree that your child has ALN, or you are dissatisfied with your child’s IDP, discuss it with the school or local authority.
★ If the local authority agrees with the school but you are still unhappy, they can point you to independent advocacy services.
All children and young people and their parents or carers have the right to appeal against decisions to the Education Tribunal of Wales (ETW).
A booklet is available to you in order to explain the new legislation, and how this will change the way that schools will work with you to identify and support your child’s needs.
More information and useful videos can be found on the Vale of Glamorgan ALN page here:
If your child has ALN and is already known to the school we will work with you to produce an IDP to be in place .
Please see below for more information and useful resources.
The Index for Children and Young People with Disabilities or Additional Needs
The Index is for families who have children age 0-18 years, who have a disability or additional need and live in the Vale of Glamorgan.
It’s a way of us keeping families informed about what’s available locally and nationally.
You’ll receive a newsletter every three months, packed full with information about events, activities, playschemes and services, as well as regular ebulletins.
Sign up is free and completely voluntary and you don’t need to have a diagnosed disability.
There is more information on our web pages, as well as a quick video and an online registration form.
Vale Family Compass
Telephone: 0808 281 6727
Website: https://valefamilycompass.co.uk/
Email: familycompass@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValeFamilyCompass
The School Nursing Service has developed a new Padlet to support the health and wellbeing of children, young people, parents and carers.
This online resource brings together a range of trusted information, advice and support services, covering topics such as emotional wellbeing, healthy lifestyles and where to access help. It is available in any language (Click the 3 dots in top Right hand corner and select desired language).
Cognition and Learning
https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-kids-with-working-memory-issues/
Dyslexia :
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dyslexia/
https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
Sensory and Physical
https://disabilitysportwales.com
Communication Interaction:
Supporting Children with Neurological Conditions
For Speech and Language Concerns
https://cavyoungneurodevelopment.wales/
NHS Stammering Information Page
https://stamma.org/get-support