Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Transformation

ALN Code 

The Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Bill was passed by the National Assembly for Wales on 12 December 2017 and became an Act on 24th January 2018 after receiving Royal Assent. This will create the legislative framework to improve the planning and delivery of additional learning provision, through a person-centred approach to identifying needs early, putting in place effective support and monitoring and adapting interventions to ensure they deliver desired outcomes.

The Act will be supported by:

• regulations – secondary legislation where further detail is required
• an ALN Code – statutory guidance and mandatory requirements to help people and organisations work within the law.

Local authorities, early years setting, schools and further education providers will have a duty to determine whether children and young people aged 0-25 have additional learning needs (ALN), which calls for additional learning provision (ALP).

If a school or setting determines that a child has additional learning needs (ALN), it must prepare an Individual Development Plan (IDP) for that child or young person.  

Where emerging needs are identified particularly in very young children this does not necessarily require an identification of an additional learning need but may require early intervention.

• Welsh Government additional learning needs transformation programme: How and why we are creating one system to support children and young people with additional needs
• Parent Guide
• Child guide
• Hwb Wales

Appeals

If you are not happy with a decision that has been made about an ALN or IDP by a school, you may request that we review or reconsiders the decision.

All children, their parents or carers and young people up to the age of 25 have the right to appeal to the Education Tribunal against decisions made by a local authority or further education institute in relations to their ALN or their IDP.

Education Tribunal for Wales

The Education Tribunal for Wales makes decisions on appeals about additional learning needs or special educational needs and claims of disability discrimination in schools.

All appeals and claims must be sent to the Education Tribunal for Wales (ETW). We can receive appeals and claims by post and email.

The address and contact details for ETW have been provided below.

Education Tribunal for Wales
Welsh Tribunals Unit
PO Box 100
Llandrindod Wells
LD1 9BW
Email: educationtribunal@gov.wales or tribunal.Enquiries@gov.wales
Telephone: 0300 025 9800;

For further information please contact the Statutory Team.