Additional Learning Needs (ALN) - Anghenion Dysgu Ychwanegol
Anghenion Dysgu Ychwanegol yn Ysgol Gyfun Bryntyrion / Additional Learning Needs at Bryntirion Comprehensive School
The Additional Learning Needs team is based in The Hive
Supporting Our Learners
Bryntirion Comprehensive School is an inclusive school where all staff are committed to the success of every pupil and the delivery of a broad and balanced curriculum. The school prides itself on a person-centred approach where we strive to ensure that the appropriate support and provision is put in place so that each individual fulfils their potential both academically and socially. We believe that communication and collaboration is essential for us to achieve this aim hence we work closely with a wide range of agencies, including specialist staff and our feeder primary schools. The Additional Learning Needs (ALN)department liaises closely with professionals to support our young people in a holistic way – Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists, Specialist teachers for Visual Impairments, Hearing Impairment specialists, Medical specialists, Mental Health (CAMHS) professionals, Social workers, Early Help teams and all other stakeholders to ensure that the young person is supported by everyone involved in their care. Our partnership working with parents, carers, families and external agencies is an integral part of our approach in supporting the needs of our pupils.
We are a passionate, empathetic and determined team who aim to provide young people with a nurturing, caring, supportive environment where they feel safe, happy, listened to and able to learn. Wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Everyone is valued, respected, and welcomed to our school, irrespective of any additional needs an individual pupil may have. We support pupils’ learning, and aim to ensure they are fully included in all school activities. Through our screening and assessment practices we identify the needs of pupils so that we can best meet these. Within the school environment, all staff are informed of the specific strengths and needs of individual pupils via One Page Profiles (OPPs). These are created through conversations with the pupil, parents or carers and other individuals who work closely with the young person.
ALNet Bill
From September 2022 a new Additional Learning Needs and Educational Tribunal (ALNet) Act became statutory in Wales, replacing the previous Special Educational Needs (SEN) code of practice. The new code changes the Welsh Government approach to supporting children and young people who may have difficulties in learning.
The ALNet Act includes:
A unified plan – Individual Development Plan (IDP) which replaces Statements of Special Educational Needs and they ensure consistency and continuity, and that provision and rights are protected regardless of the severity or complexity of needs.
Person Centred Planning and approaches - increased participation and having a voice. Children, their parents/carers and young people will be supported to understand and participate in the decisions which are taken that affect them. The emphasis is also on providing families with appropriate reassurances and offering opportunities to raise concerns and have their questions answered.
A simpler and less adversarial system – If a child, young person, parent/carer is not happy with the decisions that have been made about their ALN or IDP by a school, they may request that the Local Authority reviews or reconsiders the decision.
Improved collaboration – The new system will support a strong focus on collaboration between families, children, young people, the school and all services involved in the planning and delivering of ALN support.
If you have a concern
If you, as a parent/carer, have a concern about your child regarding possible additional learning needs, the first contact should be the Head of Year or subject teacher. You can contact the school via email or telephone to make an appointment, or speak with a subject teacher at Parents’ Evening. Information will be collated and the school will look at ways to further support your child. The school will monitor progress. A One Page Profile may be written by the pupil (with parental/carer’s support and guidance), school staff can also help a pupil write a OPP. This can then be shared with teachers outlining the best ways to further support the pupil in lessons. If as a school, we feel there are possible additional learning needs, you will be contacted by school and a meeting will be arranged to meet with the ALNCo. At this person-centred meeting there will be a discussion about any barriers to learning, what further support can be put in place and we will listen to the views/concerns from the pupil and family. If the ALNCo has evidence to suggest that the pupil meets criteria for additional learning needs an IDP will be written.
Click here to visit Bridgend County Borough Council ALN https://www.bridgend.gov.uk/residents/schools-and-education/additional-learning-needs/
Links to further ALN Information Documents below:
/sites/default/files/u2/2.A4CYPParentInfoALNApppeals.pdf
/sites/default/files/u2/ALN-IAG-Resource-Reference-List%20%28002%29.pdf
/sites/default/files/u2/3.A4CYPInformationposter.pdf
/sites/default/files/u2/4.A4CYPInformationposterSENTW.pdf
/sites/default/files/u2/ALN-Parent-Guide-2020.pdf
/sites/default/files/u2/aln-rights-easy-read-guide-for-parents-and-families.pdf
/sites/default/files/u2/moving-to-the-additional-learning-needs-system-information-for-children.pdf