Additional Learning Needs

Definition of ALN

At our school we use the definition of ALN from the Code (Draft 2021)

Additional learning needs

(1) A person has additional learning needs if he or she has a learning difficulty or disability (whether the learning difficulty or disability arises from a medical condition or otherwise) which calls for additional learning provision.

(2) A child of compulsory school age or person over that age has a learning difficulty or disability if he or she—

(a) has a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others of the same age, or

(b) has a disability for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010 which prevents or hinders him or her from making use of facilities for education or training of a kind generally provided for others of the same age in mainstream maintained schools or mainstream institutions in the further education sector.

(3)A child under compulsory school age has a learning difficulty or disability if he or she is, or would be if no additional learning provision were made, likely to be within subsection (2) when of compulsory school age.

(4) A person does not have a learning difficulty or disability solely because the language (or form of language) in which he or she is or will be taught is different from a language (or form of language) which is or has been used at home.

Aims and Objectives

As a school, we will;

• develop effective whole school provision for children and young people in all areas of need;

• take into account the views, wishes and feelings of children and young people and ensure their full participation where possible;

• recognise the views of parents/carers to ensure they are fully engaged in decision making;

• ensure a clear process for identifying, assessing, planning, providing and reviewing for children and young people who have ALN with them and their parents/carers at the centre;

• provide a curriculum that is broad and balanced to engage all children and young people at all levels and to promote an inclusive culture of learning;

• ensure equality of provision for all children and young people, including but not exclusive to, those with ALN;

• enable children and young people with ALN to achieve their potential;

• provide and access advice and support for all staff working with children and young people with ALN.

Partnership with Parents/ Carers

The child is at the centre of everything we do and we will work with families to achieve the best outcomes for their child.

Our school is committed to establishing and maintaining good working relationships with the families of all our pupils and recognises the importance of a partnership between home and school. Parents are kept informed of children’s progress and are encouraged to play an active part in their children’s learning and to support targets set.

Parents with concerns about their child should discuss these first with the class teacher who will inform the Additional Learning Needs Coordinator if necessary. Parents are fully involved in the review process. Written information is in accessible formats and sufficient notice is given for meetings to enable parents/carers time to prepare.

Pupil Participation:

The views of all pupils are valued. A person centred approach is adopted throughout our school, placing the child/ young person at the heart of everything we do and celebrating what they can do. Pupils with ALN are supported to be involved in decision making and to be able to express any concerns.

The ALN page of the WCBC website has been updated.  Parents and Carers please take a look. You may wish to refer to the page if you require information about the SEN/ALN system.

Additional Learning Needs WCBC