ALN - Additional Learning Needs

Oakfield Primary School is an inclusive school where all staff are committed to the success of every pupil.

All children are valued, respected and welcomed to our school, whatever their additional educational needs may be. We support children’s learning and aim to ensure they are fully included in all school activities.

Oakfield's Special Educational Needs Policy gives information to parents, teachers and Governors about the way individual pupils can be helped.

The school has regard to the Additional Learning Needs Code for Wales 2021. The key test for action is evidence that a child’s current rate of progress is inadequate as stated in the Code. Early identification is important as it means the child’s difficulties can be addressed as soon as possible, thereby enabling him/her to access the curriculum successfully.

A graduated approach of action and intervention is followed, starting with “School Action,” where a child with Special Educational Needs is identified and interventions are devised which are additional to or different from those provided in the usual curriculum. An Individual Development Plan (IDP) is written.

If a child’s needs require external support, he/she will be included in the “School Action Plus” section of the school’s special needs register. The Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator will liaise with the external support, e.g. Educational Psychologist, and assist the class teacher in implementing any advice given.

Children, where possible, are also encouraged to participate in making decisions about their education e.g. setting and reviewing learning targets and contributing to IDPs. Oakfield promotes and values the voice of the learners. 

In a very small number of cases, the child’s needs remain so substantial that the school will request a statutory assessment from the Local Authority and a Statement of their educational needs may be issued. The Statement sets out what will be provided by the local authority and the school to meet the particular child’s needs. This Statement is reviewed annually.

For further information or advice, please speak to your child’s class teacher or contact our Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCo) Mrs N Mears. 

ALN Reform - September 2021

From September 2021, the current Special Educational Needs framework will be replaced with a new and reformed system called Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act. All schools in Wales will be required to make changes to their current systems. We are currently working in collaboration with Cardiff County Council to ensure a smooth transition to the new ALNET Act.

You will be invited to attend a parent information meeting to discuss the changes. If you would like further information about the changes that are happening, please click on the links provided.

Introduction: https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2018-09/additional-learning-needsaln-transformation-programme-v2.pdf

Frequently asked questions: https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2019-11/additionallearning-needs-transformation-programme-frequently-asked-questions.pdf

Easy read format: https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/consultations/2018-01/151019-easy-readexplanation-en.pdf

The Local Authority have also created a number of information sheets to support families through the new process: