Getting additional help in education:
the additional learning needs (ALN) system
Education in Wales
Education in Wales supports children and young people to develop the knowledge, skills and educational experiences they’ll need to make the most of life.
The Curriculum for Wales is designed for all children. It is delivered across Wales to meet the individual needs of each child, to help them reach their full potential.
What is the additional learning needs (ALN) system?
Some children and young people may need additional support or provision to help them achieve their full potential.
The additional learning needs (ALN) system is a unified support framework for children and young people aged 0 to 25 with ALN in Wales.
What are additional learning needs?
If your child or a young person you care for:
- finds learning hard
- has a disability that makes learning much harder than others of the same age
- needs extra or different support to what is made generally to others of the same age
they may have ALN.
ALN toolkit for parents and carers
We have developed the ALN toolkit to help you:
- find your way around the ALN system
- understand what an individual development plan is
- understand who to speak to when you are not sure or unhappy
- understand children and young people’s rights under the ALN Act
- find other sources of information, advice and guidance
The toolkit reflects:
Read the ALN toolkit
Get help, advice and guidance by reading the ALN toolkit for parents and carers on GOV.WALES.
ALN in action
Need support now?
All schools publish information about ALN on their websites for pupils and parents. You can find information about your schools on My Local School.
To raise any concerns and for more guidance and information on how your child or young person can be supported, speak to:
- your child’s class teacher
- the school or college Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo)
- your child's head teacher
You can also get help and support from your local authority.