At St Julian’s Primary School, we believe every child can succeed. Children learn in different ways and at different speeds, and sometimes they need a little extra support to help them thrive.

What are Additional Learning Needs?

A child has ALN if they have a learning difficulty or disability that makes learning harder than it is for most children of the same age, and they need extra or different support to help them learn.

ALN can include needs related to:

• Communication and interaction
• Behaviour, emotional or social development
• Sensory or physical needs
• Cognition and learning

A medical diagnosis is not needed for a child to be identified as having ALN.

Our approach at St Julian’s Primary School

We follow the Welsh Government’s ALN system, which is based on:

• Listening to children and families and involving them in decisions
• Working together with parents and other professionals
• Inclusive education, where most children are supported in mainstream school
• Early identification and support

Our aim is always to help children feel confident, supported and successful.

Who should I talk to if I have concerns?

If you have any concerns about your child’s learning, wellbeing or development:

Your first step is to talk to your child’s class teacher or our school ALNCo.

Additional Learning Needs Coordinator

What support might be provided?

Most support begins with adapted teaching in the classroom, where lessons are adjusted to meet children’s needs.

If a child is identified as having ALN, they may receive Additional Learning Provision (ALP). This means support that is extra or different from what is usually provided for children of the same age.

What is an Individual Development Plan (IDP)?

If a child is identified as having ALN, they will have an Individual Development Plan (IDP).

An IDP:

• Describes your child’s needs and the support they will receive

• Is written with parents, carers and the child

• Is a legal document – the support in it must be provided

• Is reviewed at least once a year, or sooner if needed

Most IDPs at St Julian’s Primary School are managed by the school, with support from our ALNCo.

Working with Newport City Council

Sometimes, children need support that goes beyond what the school can reasonably provide on its own. In these cases, we work closely with Newport City Council, our local authority.

Newport City Council:

• Has legal responsibility for the ALN system locally
• May help decide whether a child has ALN in more complex cases
• May take responsibility for maintaining an IDP where needed
• Provides access to advice, support services and advocacy

Parents’ and children’s rights

Children and parents have the right to:

• Be involved in decisions about ALN support
• Receive information and advice
• Ask for decisions or IDPs to be reviewed
• Access free, independent advocacy
• Appeal certain decisions through the Education Tribunal for Wales

ALN support can continue from early years through to age 25, including transitions to secondary school and beyond.