Additional Learning Needs -Anghenion Dysgu Ychwanegol

How are Additional Learning Needs supported?

Most pupil’s needs can be met by provision and resources in school that are ordinarily available. This may include completing work set at their level - differentiation, using resources available to support their learning e.g. scaffolds, planners, physical resources or receiving additional support through an intervention such as CLIP,  Maths Factor, Language Link etc. to boost their progress in an area of weakness.

Sometimes children may need a more personalised approach. If this is the case the teacher will meet with the parents to come up with a personalised learning plan called SMART Targets. SMART Targets gives a pupil Small Targets that are Achievable, Relevant and Measurable to work on over a period of time.

After the agreed period of time, the targets are reviewed by the teacher with the parents and pupil. Depending on the progress made, the pupil may receive another set of targets, or may no longer need a plan.  The process is very flexible and responsive to the needs of the pupil.  It may continue until sufficient progress has been made or until alternative options need exploring.

If, after review, a pupil is still struggling to make progress they may need, despite regular intervention, their needs may need to be investigated further to see if they have Additional Learning Needs (ALN). Pupils with ALN will usually have a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others of the same age.  They will require provision that is different from/additional to what is being provided for their peers.

Areas of need outlined in the ALN Code of practice are:

 - Cognition and Learning

 - Communication and Interaction

 - Sensory and/or Physical

 - Behavioural, Emotional and Social Development

Additional Learning Needs and Educational Tribunal (Wales) Act

The Additional Learning Needs and Educational Tribunal Wales (ALNET) Act 2018 is just one aspect of the overarching ALN Transformation Programme in Wales. At the heart of these reforms is a focus on inclusion: putting children and young people at the centre, and ensuring they are supported to reach their full potential.

The overarching aims of the Bill are to create:

• a unified legislative framework to support children and young people aged 0-25 with ALN in schools and further education,
• an integrated, collaborative process of assessment, planning and monitoring, which facilitates early, timely and effective interventions,
• a fair and transparent system for providing information and advice, and for resolving concerns and appeals.

The Welsh Government has set out a timeline for the implementation of the Act https://beta.gov.wales/additional-learning-needs-and-education-tribunal-wales-act-implementation-guide-individual

School Funding for Additional Learning Needs

Cardiff Council has changed the way it funds schools to support children and young people with Additional Learning Needs (ALN).

Please see the 'ALN Funding leaflet for Parents' in the documents section below which has been produced by the local authority to explain the changes.

Further Advice and Support

If you have any questions about this process or a query regarding individual pupils, our Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo), Mrs Ceri Ursell, will be happy to help. Please call on 029 2062 8204 or email directly cursell@stpatricksrcprimarycardiff.co.uk

You may also like to contact the Local Authority’s ALN Helpline on 029 2022 6237 or email ALNHelpline@cardiff.gov.uk for further information and advice. 

If you would like independent advice SNAP Cymru offers information, advice and support to children and their parents or carers and young people who have/or may have Additional Learning Needs (ALN). The service can help you with 'one off', straightforward advice or more in-depth support from a caseworker at your local team. They will provide clear, reliable and straightforward information about your options and help you confidently share your views and make informed decisions.  

You can contact SNAP Cymru via the helpline on 0808 801 0608 or by completing an enquiry form on www.snapcymru.org/contact 

You can find out more about SNAP Cymru at www.snapcymru.org 

Cardiff Family Gateway

Cardiff Family Gateway is a clear, accessible referral route for anyone who has well-being concerns about a child or wants to learn more about the available support available to families throughout Cardiff. The Gateway provides a clear pathway into other support services and is the first point of contact for information, advice and assistance. The service complements the existing provision already available from education and health services.

The Gateway provides information, advice and assistance on a wide range of topics and enquiry areas such as money advice, housing, welfare benefits, child behaviour, child care, school attendance, health and well-being, parental support and much more.

Who is Cardiff Family Gateway for?

Any professional, parent, child or young people or member of the public across Cardiff who would like information, advice and assistance regarding the well-being of a child.

What can people expect from Cardiff Family Gateway?

Contact Officers will help you navigate the system, talk you through an assessment and triage to discuss your concerns and needs. Clear referral path into appropriate specialist services and provisions. Referrals with a clear safeguarding concern are directed to a social worker who will make a decision regarding the service best placed to support the family.

The Family Gateway works alongside and refers directly into both the ‘Family Help’ and ‘Support 4 Families’ teams for when families need short term intervention or facing more complex, severe issues.

How much does the service cost to access?

Cardiff Family Gateway is a free service.

How people can access Cardiff Family Gateway?

Referrals or requests for information, advice and assistance can be made by professionals, parents, children and young people or members of the public by telephoning the Family Gateway on 03000 133 133, via email ContactFAS@cardiff.gov.uk