Written Statement: Developing a sustainable Additional Learning Needs (ALN) system

I have made clear since coming into office that the sustainability of the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) system is a key priority for me and this government.  

I recognise the significant financial and operational pressures facing schools, colleges, local authorities and support services including those relating to wellbeing, mental health, disadvantaged learners and ALN, and how this impacts learners, their families and the workforce.  

I have seen for myself during my visits to schools and settings the commitment, expertise and innovation that exists across the system. But we know there are challenges and the system is not yet working as well as it could be everywhere or for everyone. 

That is why my officials and I have been working at pace to engage with stakeholders across the system to secure an appropriate way forward. 

This work has been undertaken on two levels; the first focussing on how we can alleviate existing pressures within the system, and second, how we can develop a more sustainable ALN model that works for all long into the future. 

As part of this engagement, we have been working with education trade unions, the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) and the Association of Directors of Education in Wales (ADEW), who have each provided valuable insight and understanding of the complexity of the ALN system as it currently operates.  

It was made clear to me that getting more funding into schools and settings was of most pressing concern, and I am delighted that we have been able achieve this with the support of partners.

We agreed, by exchange of letters on September 18, to consider a range of proposals put forward in negotiation with ASCL Cymru, and remain in active discussions with NAHT Cymru over pay and workload. 

 We have also engaged in constructive dialogue with other parties in order to gain the necessary political support in the Senedd. 

In light of an agreement between the Welsh Government and the Labour Group in the Senedd, the Cabinet Minister for Finance has laid a Second Supplementary Budget which will see an additional £60m invested into Wales’ ALN system. The money will be divided in the following ways: 

•  £56m to the Education Reform (Local Authority Education Grant) to be split 80/20 (£44.8m/11.2m) directly to schools/Local Authorities; 
• £1.5m to support the development of a long-term sustainability plan; and 
• £2.5m to Medr for the Further Education sector. 

It is my hope that this additional funding, to be used in-year, will alleviate some of the more immediate financial and operational pressures facing schools, colleges, local authorities and support services. As such, I would hope that the announcement wins favour across the Siambr.

However, we recognise that there is more work still to be done and remain committed to developing a sustainable ALN system that is fit for purpose in the medium to longer-term. We are keen to begin this work as soon as possible. 

Funding allocations for ALN for future years will be considered as part of our preparations for the Draft Budget for 2027-28, in the context of a need to reach cross-party support.  

I would like to place on record my thanks to all key education partners for their constructive contributions to ALN development in Wales.