ALNET

January 2022 saw the beginning of the transformation period for the Additional Learning Needs and Educational Tribunal in Wales (ALNET).

The principles underpinning the ALN system, as reflected in the Code and the Act, are:

• A rights-based approach
• Early identification, intervention and effective transitions
• Collaboration
• Inclusive education
• A bilingual system

Universal Provision is key for the whole school fully inclusive approach to meet the needs of learners with ALN.  This will enhance the learning experience of all learners and in turn, improve outcomes.

Providing effective support for a learner with identified ALN helps to remove barriers to learning in one or more of the four areas of identified need:

• Cognition and learning
• Communication and Interaction
• Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties
• Physical and Sensory

The four areas of identified need:

Communication and Interaction

• Speech Language Communication Needs (SLCN)
• Selective Mutism
• Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Cognition and Learning Difficulties

• Dyslexia
• Dyscalculia

Social Emotional Behavioural Difficulties

• Behaviour
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Social/Emotional/Trauma/Attachment
• Mental health

Physical and Sensory

• Physical
• Healthcare/medical
• Visual impairment/Habilitation/Independent living skills
• Sensory Difficulties
• Developmental Coordination Disorder
• Hearing impairment

Other

• LAC learners

The new Additional Learning Needs policy is widely known as the ALN Code and can be found in the link below.

https://www.gov.wales/additional-learning-needs-code

How has ALN changed?

https://youtu.be/cDjWUZgoR3A