In each part of the UK there are different systems in place to support children with special educational needs.
This page covers additional learning needs (ALN) in Wales.
Additional learning needs (ALN)
Additional learning needs (ALN) is the term used to describe learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for a child to learn compared to children of the same age.
The switch from the previous special educational needs (SEN) system to the ALN system was due to be complete in August 2024.
Find out more here about how the Welsh Government is implementing the ALN system.
Early years settings
Early years providers must have arrangements in place to support children with ALN and/or Disabilities.
These arrangements should include a clear approach to identifying and responding to your child’s ALN.
Assessment of Behaviour and Learning in Epilepsy (ABLE) tool
It’s vital to identify the special educational needs of children with epilepsy as early as possible.
For this reason, Young Epilepsy has developed the Assessment of Behaviour and Learning in Epilepsy (ABLE) tool.
ABLE can help parents, carers and teachers to make the right decisions for:
- Support in early years settings
- Statements of special educational needs
In some cases, children with additional educational needs may also qualify for extra support during exams.
Further information and support
- Additional learning needs (ALN) system: guide for parents and families
- Additional learning needs (ALN) system: parents’ rights
- Additional learning needs (ALN) factsheet for children, young people, parents and carers
- SNAP Cymru – the special educational needs system is changing
- SNAP Cymru – Get information
- SNAP Cymru – Getting help in the Early Years
