ALN
Additional Learning Needs (ALN) at Townhill Community School
At Townhill Community School, we operate an inclusive policy with regard to Additional Learning Needs (ALN) provision where all pupils are given equal access to every aspect of school life.
The school has a designated ALNCo as well as our staff team, who are involved in providing a range of interventions/strategies for pupils. These interventions/strategies are tailored to meet the specific needs of pupils, this intervention is called Universal Learning Provision (ULP), which will usually include a range of learning strategies/interventions to address other needs, e.g. developing greater emotional literacy through Thrive interventions.
Pupils who have a Individual Development Plan (IDP), which recognises a specific educational need, require additional learning provision (ALP).
ADDITIONAL LEARNING NEEDS REFORM IN WALES - INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND CARERS.
NEW ALN BILL AND CODE
A New ALN Bill and Code of Practice came into effect as of September 2021. At Townhill Community School, we are continuing to adapt in line with these changes in a number of ways. We recognise the importance of parents as stakeholders in their children's education, and we believe that children should be at the heart of all we do, voicing their opinion whenever possible. We hope that you find the information presented in the publication below useful in helping you to understand the changes.
UNDERSTANDING THE DOCUMENTATION
ONE PAGE PROFILES
A one-page profile is a single sheet of paper with three headings – What people like and admire about me; What's important to me; and How best to support me. In Townhill Community School, we use this person-centred information to support our IDP learners in the best possible way.
An example of a One-Page Profile can be found within the downloads section.
INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS (IDP'S)
Identified children will be supported through universal learning provision or an Individual Development Plan (IDP). This process is decided using the Decision-Making Meeting.
What is an IDP?
The Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a single plan that is put in place after determining that a pupil has Additional Learning Needs (ALN). The IDP includes a description of the child/young person's ALN, and the Additional Learning Provision (ALP) put in place in order to meet those needs.
How is the IDP drawn?
A Person Centred Meeting (PCM) is undertaken in order to ensure that learners and their families are placed at the centre of planning, reviewing and making decisions about what matters in their lives, and the support, namely the ALP, they require in order to achieve their aspirations (further details can be found in PCP section below).
Who will be present?
Usually, parents/carers, class teacher and other professionals involved in the learning of the pupil will be invited to the meeting.
What will happen at the meeting?
There is a laid-back environment in a Person-Centred Review. 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 to discuss...
- What you appreciate about your child
- Your aspirations for your child
- What matters to your child
- What matters for your child
- The best way to support your child
- What works and what does not work from your point of view
- Any questions you may have
At the end of the review
By 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. The aim of the Action Plan is to ensure that everyone can see what needs to be done to support your child/young person to learn and fulfil their dreams.
The Individual Development Plan will say...
- What support your child requires to help them learn and develop.
- Who is responsible for ensuring that he/she receives the support they needs.
- Where they will receive this support.
What’s next?
Following the review, the Plan is shared with all partners. This will be reviewed regularly as required and every 12 months at least (6 monthly for pupils in the Early Years setting).
PERSON CENTRED REVIEW (PCP'S)
Further information about the Person Centred Reviews can be found in the document below.
ALN at TCS
ALN Explained
The four main areas of need associated with additional learning needs (ALN) are:
- Communication and Interaction - Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), Autistic Spectrum (ASD)
- Cognition and Learning - Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) - dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
- Social, Emotional Difficulties - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attachment disorder / difficulties
- Sensory and /or Physical needs - Visual Impairment (VI), Hearing Impairment (HI), Physical Disability
Pupils are identified as having ALN if they have a learning difficulty that requires additional learning provision (ALP) which is ‘additional to’ and ‘different from’ that which is provided across the school, this is then outlined in their IDP. Information is collected through a number of different communication routes, including transition between classes, teacher feedback to the ALNCo, parental concerns and regular diagnostic assessments to track progress in literacy and numeracy skills. Once identified as having a barrier to learning which impacts upon the progress they make, the pupils will be closely monitored and this will be reviewed every 6/12 months or when required, during a PCR meeting.