Understanding Additional Learning Needs (ALN) in Wales
The Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 is designed to make sure every child and young person in Wales who needs extra support with learning gets the help they need to thrive.
This new system aims to:
- Support children and young people (aged 0–25) who have additional learning needs (ALN), whether they’re in school or further education.
- Encourage early and effective support through a joined-up approach to assessing, planning, and monitoring.
- Provide clear, fair, and accessible information for families, and a straightforward way to raise concerns or appeal decisions.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the ALN system?
The ALN system is the new way schools and colleges in Wales support children and young people who need extra help with learning. It replaces the old term lSpecial Educational Needs (SEN) with: Additional Learning Needs (ALN).
Every child or young person with ALN will have a personalised support plan called an Individual Development Plan (IDP). This plan outlines the specific help they’ll receive, known as Additional Learning Provision (ALP), to support their learning and development.
- What does ALN mean?
A child or young person may have ALN if they:
- Find learning significantly more difficult than others their age, or
- Have a disability that makes it harder to access education in the usual way.
Not every learning difficulty or disability means a child has ALN. The key factor is whether they need additional support to learn effectively.
- Who gets an Individual Development Plan (IDP)?
Any child or young person in Wales aged 0–25 who is found to have ALN is entitled to an IDP, no matter where they are educated.
- How long does it take to get an IDP?
The time it takes to prepare an IDP depends on the child or young person’s needs:
- For those with less complex needs, the process should be quick and straightforward.
- For those with more complex needs, it may take longer and involve input from specialists.
Schools are expected to prepare an IDP within 35 school days once they identify a possible need. Local authorities have up to 12 weeks to prepare an IDP, or 7 weeks if they’re reviewing a school’s decision.
This is a much quicker process than the previous system, which could take up to 26 weeks.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s learning needs, please don’t hesitate to speak to the ALN team here at Penglais. We’re here to support you and your child every step of the way. You can contact us on:
Karina Shaw ALNCo KKS@penglais.org.uk
Donna Lewis ALN Manager LED@penglais.org.uk
Laurie Albrighton ALN Intervention Manager AlbrightonL9@hwbcymru.net