Staff at Castell Alun believe that all students should be encouraged to achieve their full potential whatever their level of ability. We have a whole school approach to Additional Learning Needs (ALN), which includes supporting student learning and recognising achievement.
ALN in Wales is entering an exciting new period of change. The new ALN Code of Practice was accepted by the Senedd in early 2021. In keeping with the Code of Practice we have now adopted a person-centred approach to ALN; putting the student and their needs at the centre of process.
ALN: Additional Learning Needs
Chapter 2 of The Code outlines the definition of Additional Learning Needs (ALN):
(1) A person has additional learning needs if he or she has a learning difficulty or disability (whether the learning difficulty or disability arises from a medical condition or otherwise) which calls for additional learning provision.
(2) A child of compulsory school age or person over that age has a learning difficulty or disability if he or she— (a) has a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others of the same age, or (b) has a disability for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010 which prevents or hinders him or her from making use of facilities for education or training of a kind generally provided for others of the same age in mainstream maintained schools or mainstream institutions in the further education sector.
(3) A child under compulsory school age has a learning difficulty or disability if he or she is, or would be if no additional learning provision were made, likely to be within subsection (2) when of compulsory school age.
(4) A person does not have a learning difficulty or disability solely because the language (or form of language) in which he or she is or will be taught is different.
Additional Learning Provision
Chapter 2 of The Code outlines the definition of Additional Learning Provision (ALP):
(1) “Additional learning provision” for a person aged three or over means educational or training provision that is additional to, or different from, that made generally for others of the same age in— (a) mainstream maintained schools in Wales, (b) mainstream institutions in the further education sector in Wales, or (c) places in Wales at which nursery education is provided.
(2) “Additional learning provision” for a child aged under three means educational provision of any kind.
(3) In subsection (1), “nursery education” means education suitable for a child who has attained the age of three but is under compulsory school age.
Please click on the links below to find out more
Provision Map
At Castell Alun, we endeavour to provide for the varied needs of all of our students. Everyone is an individual and personal needs may change over time. The provision map below outlines support available.
If you’re unhappy with Castell Alun’s decisions regarding ALN, start by contacting the ALNCo to discuss your concerns. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, involve the relevant Local Authority. Should the problem persist, you can appeal to the Educational Tribunal (Wales). Also, throughout this process, Snapcymru actively offers support whenever you need it (more below).
Snapcymru
Snapcymru are an independent, impartial organisation who can support parents/carers of students with ALN. They offer a range of services for families as recommended in the ALNET Act (Wales 2018) including Impartial Information and Advice, Disagreement Resolution and Advocacy.
Helpline: 0808 801 0608
Neurodiversity
Follow this link to find out what our local health board offers for neurodiversity https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/services/hospital-services/neurodevelopmental-service/
For specific advice about ASD, visit this link.
To get guidance on ADHD, go to this link.
Your Space
Your Space, are a charity based in Wrexham, who offer support to children and parents with or without a diagnosis. They offer a range of sessions and have information about the support they offer on their website and Facebook page.
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
The video below gives advice and guidance for parents/carers of pupils who, due to anxiety, are struggling to attend school.