Additional Learning Needs (ALN) at Thornhill Primary School
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At Thornhill Primary School, we take pride in being an inclusive and nurturing environment where every child is encouraged to “Be Their Best.” We are committed to helping all pupils reach their full potential, celebrating each child as a unique individual and supporting them throughout their learning journey with us.
Whilst support may look different for individuals, there will be certain supports in place for all children to access when needed. This is known as Ordinarily Available Inclusive Practice (OAIP). OAIP is designed to meet the needs of all pupils and recognises that some children may require additional resources beyond what is typically provided for their age group. Children supported through OAIP may not necessarily have an Additional Learning Need (ALN), as their needs can often be met within the standard classroom setting.
We also recognise that during their time with us, some children may benefit from more targeted support in specific areas of their learning. When this is the case, our staff work collaboratively to provide tailored support—whether within the classroom or through small group interventions. If we feel your child would benefit from this kind of support, we will develop a personalised programme for them. You’ll be kept informed of their progress. We may work closely with you and, where appropriate, external professionals to ensure your child receives the best possible support they can in school and at home.
Should a class teacher feel that a child may have additional learning needs, they will consult with our Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCo), Mrs Flowers. Together, they will put in place appropriate strategies and regularly review progress.
If ALN is then identified and agreed upon, we will speak with you and work with you and your child to create an Individual Development Plan (IDP). The IDP is reviewed annually through Person Centred Planning meetings.
In some cases, and always with your consent, we may seek guidance from external agencies and specialist teachers to ensure your child receives the most effective support. If they provide further recommendations, we will discuss this with you, ensuring that your child’s needs are clearly understood and thoughtfully addressed.
If you'd like to discuss anything relating to Additional Learning Needs at Thornhill Primary School please contact Nigella Flowers at FlowersN@hwbcymru.net
Welsh Government Guidance
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The Welsh Government aims to transform the expectations, experiences, and outcomes for
children and young people with additional learning needs. To do so, they have developed the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Act, which will transform the separate systems for Special Educational Needs (SEN) in schools and learning difficulties and/or disabilities (LDD) in further education, to create a unified system for supporting learners from 0 to 25 with ALN.
Welsh Government frequently asked questions: Additional learning needs transformation programme: frequently asked questions | GOV.WALES
Information for Parents and Carers
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‘Parents have a fundamental role in helping their child to achieve their potential. The child is far more likely to achieve their outcomes and potential when parents are actively involved and their views, wishes and feelings are taken into account’ (ALN Code WALES 2021).
The links below are aimed at providing additional, accessible information for parents and carers to ensure they are able to play an active role in helping their child achieve their fullest potential.
Cardiff Education Services Parent Guide: The ALN Process - Parent Guide | Cardiff Education Services
Information for Children and Young People
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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.
Cardiff Local Authority
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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. Cardiff Local Authority has created a dedicated helpline where children, their parents and young people can access advice or information about the new Additional Learning Needs (ALN) process and system in Wales.
This contact can also be used if you would like the Local Authority to reconsider a school’s decision about your ALN or content of the Individual Development Plan.
You can contact this helpline on: 02920 872731 or at ALNHelpline@cardiff.gov.uk (monitored weekdays, including school holidays).
The links below will take you to additional Local Authority resources that aim to explain the new system and processes in more detail:
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Avoiding Disagreement and Conflict Resolution
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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.
LINK to animation (youtube): https://youtu.be/FzPllzbheI8
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/
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The Index for children with ALN and Disabilities
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The Index is Cardiff’s voluntary register for children and young people with disabilities or additional needs which work alongside a range of support services and professionals to ensure that families of children and young people with disabilities or additional needs are kept up to date with information that is both relevant and beneficial to them. In addition, it assists the planning and co-ordination of services supporting those children, young people, and their families.
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