Additional Learning Needs (ALN)
Supporting Every Learner to Thrive
At Bedwas High School, we believe that every student, regardless of their specific needs or challenges, should have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
We are proud to be an inclusive school. Our approach is simple: we place your child at the centre of everything we do. We understand that every learner is unique, and we are committed to providing a supportive, nurturing environment where diversity is celebrated and barriers to learning are removed.
Our Partnership Approach
We know that you are the expert on your child. The new ALN system in Wales emphasises a "person-centred" approach, which means the views, wishes, and feelings of your child—and you as parents/carers—are at the heart of all decision-making.
We do not work in isolation. We view our relationship with you as a vital partnership. whether your child has complex needs or simply requires a little extra help to settle in, we want to work with you to ensure they are happy, safe, and making progress.
How We Support Your Child
Under the ALN Code for Wales, the way schools support students is designed to be flexible and responsive.
- Universal Provision For the vast majority of our students, their needs are met within the mainstream classroom. Our teachers are trained to adapt their teaching styles and resources to suit a wide range of abilities. This "Universal Provision” is the high-quality, inclusive teaching that every child at Bedwas High School receives as standard.
- Additional Learning Provision (ALP) Sometimes, a student may require support that is "additional to" or "different from" what is provided to other students of the same age. If your child has a learning difficulty or disability that calls for this specific support, they may be identified as having Additional Learning Needs (ALN).
- The Individual Development Plan (IDP) If your child is identified as having ALN, we will work together to create an Individual Development Plan (IDP). This is a statutory plan that replaces the old system of "Statements" and "IEPs." The IDP sets out exactly what your child’s needs are, what support (provision) will be put in place to meet them, and what outcomes we hope to achieve.
Moving from SEN to ALN
You may be aware that the ALN system has replaced the older "Special Educational Needs" (SEN) system.
- Person-Centred: The process is now less bureaucratic and more focused on the student's voice.
- 0-25 Age Range: The new system supports learners from birth up to the age of 25, improving transitions between school and further education.
- One System: There is now a single statutory plan (the IDP) for all learners with ALN, ensuring consistency and legal rights for your child.
Keeping in Touch
We encourage open and honest communication. If you have any concerns about your child’s progress or well-being, please do not wait for a scheduled parents' evening.
- For general classroom queries: Please contact your child’s Form Tutor or Head of Year.
- For specific ALN enquiries: Please contact our Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo).
Contact the ALN Team:
- ALNCo: Mr. J. Ashford
- Email: ashfoj@bedwashigh.org
For more detailed information on your rights and the ALN Code, we recommend visiting the Welsh Government ALN Guides for Parents.
