New ALN Code Updates

The code will become operational in Wales from January 2022. Learners who meet the criteria for ALN will either have a school-based IDP or a Local Authority IDP depending on the complexity of their needs. For further information and guidance for parents and carers see below:

 

Definition of ALN according to the ACT

1. A person has additional learning needs if he or she has a learning difficulty or disability (whether the learning difficulty or disability arises from a medical condition or otherwise) which calls for additional learning provision.

 

2. A child or young person of compulsory school age has ALN if he or she:                               

 

has significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others of the same age or,

 

has a disability for the purposes of the Equality act 2010 which prevents or hinders him or her from making use of the facilities for the education of a kind generally provided for others of the same age in mainstream school.

 

3. A person does not have a learning difficulty or disability solely because the language (or form of language) in which he or she is or will be taught is different from a language (or form of language) that is or has been used at home.

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Information for Children and Young People

The Act requires that learners’ views should always be considered as part of the planning process, along with those of their parents. It is imperative that children and young people see the planning process as something which is done ‘with’ them rather than ‘to’ them.

 

Merthyr Tydfil Local Authority

Families will have access to impartial information advice and support. This is statutory, which means it must be provided by law. Every local authority in Wales must have arrangements for providing children and their families and young people with impartial information, advice, and support.

 

If you would like the Local Authority to reconsider a school’s decision about your ALN or content of the Individual Development.

You can contact the Authority: 01685 725000

 

​Avoiding Disagreement and Conflict Resolution

Children and parent(s)/ carer(s) or young people will be involved in writing their IDP. Working in this way will provide opportunities to discuss concerns and enable issues to be addressed and settled at an early stage.

 

From time to time, disagreements can arise. The new ALN system and IDP process and the duty on schools and local authorities to consider the views, wishes and feelings of the child, parents or young person is intended to help overcome many disagreements. It is essential that problems are dealt with as quickly as possible and for children, parent(s)/carer(s), and young people to have access to impartial information advice and support.

 

You can also access independent impartial advice and information through SNAP Cymru, who are an independent advocacy service for children and young people with SEN and ALN.

 

SNAP Cymru on 0808 801 0608 or email: DRS@snapcymru.org or for referral and more information on: https://www.snapcymru.org/mediation/