Additional Learning Needs (ALN)
At Kitchener Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that every child is supported to achieve their full potential. We recognise that some children may require additional or different support at various points in their learning journey, and we work closely with pupils, families and professionals to ensure these needs are met.
We are a dyslexia-friendly school and take a proactive, inclusive approach to supporting children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN). Our aim is to ensure that all pupils feel valued, understood and supported to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
At Kitchener Primary School, we follow the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 and the Additional Learning Needs Code for Wales. This framework ensures that children and young people with additional learning needs receive the right support, at the right time, in the right way.
Identifying Additional Learning Needs
Some children may require additional support at different points during their time at school. If a concern is identified, this will usually be discussed with parents or carers at an early stage. In many cases, short-term or targeted support within the classroom may be sufficient to help a child make progress.
If further support is required, the school may implement a short-term support plan to monitor progress and identify appropriate strategies. Where a child continues to experience difficulties, they may be identified as having Additional Learning Needs (ALN).
Supporting Children with ALN
When a child is identified as having ALN, the school’s Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCo) will work closely with staff, parents and, where appropriate, external professionals to ensure appropriate provision is in place.
This support may include:
- Targeted small-group or individual interventions
- Adaptations to classroom teaching and learning
- Specialist programmes or resources
- Support from external professionals such as speech and language therapists or educational psychologists
Where appropriate, an Individual Development Plan (IDP) will be created. The IDP outlines:
- The child’s strengths and areas of need
- The support and strategies in place
- Clear outcomes and targets
- How progress will be reviewed
Parents and carers are fully involved in the development and review of their child’s IDP.
Intervention and Support Programmes
Kitchener Primary School offers a range of evidence-based interventions to support pupils’ learning and wellbeing, including:
- Communication and Language: WellComm, Speech Link, Language Link, structured communication support
- Literacy and Numeracy: Rapid Reading, Rainbow Reading, Sound Discovery, PAT, Rapid Maths
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health: ELSA, Thrive-informed approaches, social skills groups
- Physical and Sensory Support: Handwriting Motorway, fine and gross motor development programmes
All interventions are monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure they are having a positive impact on pupils’ learning and wellbeing.
Working in Partnership with Parents and Carers
We believe that strong partnerships between home and school are essential. Parents and carers are encouraged to communicate regularly with staff and are involved in discussions about their child’s progress and support.
We also work collaboratively with a range of external professionals and agencies to ensure that children receive appropriate, timely and effective support.
Review and Ongoing Development
Our approach to Additional Learning Needs is reviewed regularly to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our pupils and reflects best practice. We use ongoing assessment, pupil voice, parental feedback and professional reflection to inform continuous improvement.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your child’s needs further, please contact the school office to arrange a meeting with the ALNCo.
