Additional Learning Needs

Additional Learning Needs (ALN) at Deighton Primary School

The term ‘additional learning needs’ (ALN) has a legal definition. It refers to young people with learning, physical, or sensory needs that require additional learning provision.

Here at Deighton we are committed to providing an inclusive education where every child is valued, supported, and encouraged to achieve their full potential, with teaching adapted to meet the needs of each learner. Individual needs are addressed through appropriate curriculum differentiation, whether in the classroom or, when needed, in small group or individual settings.

In line with the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 and the ALN Code for Wales (2021), we recognise that all learners have the right to access high-quality teaching and tailored support that meets their individual needs.

Our approach to Additional Learning Needs (ALN) is based on the following principles:

• Early identification and intervention: We work closely with families and professionals to identify needs as early as possible and ensure timely support.

• Person-centred practice: Children, parents, and carers are at the heart of the decision-making process. We value their views, wishes and feelings in planning support and setting goals.

• Collaboration: We work in partnership with families, local authority services, health and social care professionals, and specialist agencies to provide a coordinated and effective response to each child’s needs.

• High aspirations and positive outcomes: Our aim is to enable every learner to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

• Inclusive education: Wherever possible, children with ALN are educated within our mainstream classrooms, with the right support in place to help them succeed alongside their peers.

Together, we are committed to building a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child can succeed.

Important Documents 

Understanding the Documentation

Universal/Ordinarily available 

Throughout your child's time in school there may be occasions where your child will recieve some additional support in class or within the school. This support may range from some additional reading time with the class teacher or a member of our support staff, to adapting resources or providing your child with additional time to complete tasks. They may join in with small group support, access wellbeing interventiosn like Thrive and ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant). This is available to all children and is classes as universal/ordinarily available support.

Targeted Intervention and Additional Learning Provision (ALP)

There are children who need support for longer periods of time and will benefit from a One Page Profile and targeted support. A One Page Profile is a single sheet of paper with key information about the pupil - what people like and admire about me; what's important to me; and how best to support me. Here at Deighton Primary School we also include targets where necessary to support our learners in the best way possible. These targets usually link to interventions they might also be receiving. 

Individual Development Plan (IDP)

If your child is identified as having an ALN they will have an IDP. The IDP is a legal document which describes a child or you person's ALNs, the support they need, and the outcome they would like to achieve.

How is the IDP written? - We will hold a Person-Centred Practice meeting (PCP) in order to ensure that learners and their families are at the heart of planning, reviewing and making decisions about what matters in their lives, and the Additional Learning Provisions (ALPs) they require in order to achieve their aspirations.

Who will be present? - Usually, everyone who works with the child will be invited to attend, e.g. parents, child/young person if appropriate, ALNCo, Educational Psychologist, Health, Teaching Assistant, Class Teacher i.e. any professional who is contributing to the child/young person's support.

What will happen at the meeting? - A facilitator will guide everyone through the process in order to contribute information and agree on person centred outcomes and actions. You will be asked questions about your child particularly focusing on support they require. At the end of the review, the facilitator will ensure that everyone has agreed on person centred outcomes, and on actions that need to be achieved. Following the review, the next steps are shared with all partners, the ALNCo will then either create/amend the child's Individual Development Plan (IDP), or pass on all changes that need to happen to the Local Authority if they are in charge of the child's IDP. This document will then be reviewed as and when required and every 12 months at least.

If you have any queries or concerns regarding the progress of your child, your first point of contact is your child's teacher.