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.

We follow the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 and the Additional Learning Needs Code for Wales. This ensures that children and young people receive the right support, at the right time, in the right way.

What are Additional Learning Needs?

A child or young person has Additional Learning Needs (ALN) if they:

Have a learning difficulty that means they find learning significantly harder than others of the same age, or
Have a disability that makes it harder for them to access education

It is important to understand that many children may need extra support at times. This does not always mean they have ALN. A child does not need a medical diagnosis to receive support.

Identifying Additional Learning Needs

If a concern is identified, this will be discussed with parents or carers at an early stage. In many cases, short-term or targeted support within the classroom is enough to help a child make progress.

If further support is needed, the school will put in place additional strategies and monitor progress. If a child continues to experience difficulties, they may be identified as having ALN.

Schools have a responsibility to consider whether a child has ALN when concerns are raised and to act within clear timescales.

Supporting Children with ALN

When a child is identified as having ALN, the Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCo) will work closely with staff, parents and, where appropriate, external professionals.

Support may include:

Targeted small-group or individual interventions
Adaptations to classroom teaching and learning
Specialist programmes or resources
Support from external professionals (e.g. speech and language therapists, educational psychologists)

Support is tailored to each child’s needs to ensure they can fully access learning and make progress.

Individual Development Plans (IDPs)

If a child is identified as having ALN, they may be given an Individual Development Plan (IDP).

The IDP is a legal document that outlines:

The child’s strengths and areas of need
The support and strategies in place (Additional Learning Provision – ALP)
Clear outcomes and targets
How progress will be reviewed

IDPs are created in partnership with parents and carers, and where appropriate, the child. They are reviewed at least annually, or sooner if needed.

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
Literacy and Numeracy: Rapid Reading, Rainbow Reading, Sound Discovery, Rapid Maths
Social, Emotional and Mental Health: ELSA, Thrive-informed approaches, social skills groups
Physical and Sensory: Handwriting Motorway, fine and gross motor development programmes

All interventions are monitored and reviewed regularly to ensure they are effective and meeting pupils’ needs.

Working in Partnership

We believe that strong partnerships between home and school are essential. Parents and carers are encouraged to share concerns, attend meetings and contribute to planning and reviewing support.

We also work closely with a range of professionals and services to ensure the best outcomes for our pupils.

If You Have Concerns

If you think your child may need additional support, please speak to your child’s class teacher in the first instance. You can also contact the school office to arrange a meeting with the ALNCo.

You and your child have the right to be involved in decisions about support at every stage.

If You Disagree with a Decision

We always aim to resolve concerns through open discussion and partnership. If you are unsure or disagree with a decision:

Speak to the school so we can work together to resolve the issue
You may ask the Local Authority to review decisions
Independent advice and advocacy services are available

There are also formal processes available, including disagreement resolution services and, where necessary, the Education Tribunal for Wales.

Further Support and Information

We have provided a range of helpful documents and guidance below to support families in understanding the ALN system in Wales.

If you would like further advice or support, please contact the school office.