ALN
ALNCO – Mrs Rachel Jones
All learners are special and have individual needs, therefore a differentiated approach to learning is maintained in each class.
All learners develop at different rates and it is our aim to do the best we can for all in our care whatever their level of ability or development. More Able and Talented (MAT) learners are place on our MAT register. By providing challenge for these pupils, we raise the standards for all.
Learners who are having difficulties with learning or learners who are identified as having Additional Learning Needs (ALN) are placed on the ALN register. Identification of these learners follows on from a period of in-school monitoring. Learners and parents are involved as soon as possible and are kept informed of progress through a Person Centred Practise (PCP) approach.
Many learners with ALN can be catered for in mainstream classes with extra help. This is part of our Universal Learning Provision (ULP) offer. We have access to a range of additional support, including that of the Education Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists and Occupational Therapists. When learners require a higher level of support (from an outside agency) and pass the test for ALN according to the ALN Code for Wales, they will be place on an Individual Development Plan (IDP). An IDP is a legal document which describes a learner’s additional learning needs, the support they need and the outcomes they would like to achieve. IDPs are reviewed annually and are kept on the Powys platform Tyfu. Learners, parents, teachers and other support agencies are able to access the IDP digitally.
The school’s ALNCO is Mrs Rachel Jones, who is also the Deputy Safeguarding Lead and has responsibility for Children Looked After (CLA) and learners with English as an Additional Language (EAL). Mrs Jones ensures that academic and emotional needs are met for all.
One of Powys’ Specialist Centres is also hosted at our school. This provides specialist support for up to 12 learners from the local area who have more complex needs. Learners who have been identified by the Local Authority, through an LA IDP (Local Authority Individual Development Plan) in need of specialist teaching and a nurturing environment are granted a place in the Specialist Centre. The class is taught by experienced staff Mrs Gaynor Evans and Mrs Siân Protheroe, with the assistance of Mrs Anne Williams, Mrs Heidi Lawrence and Miss Maria Freeman. Learners from this class are fully included in the life of the school and are integrated into their peer groups as and when appropriate. The Specialist Centre has access to an outdoor area and has a modern interactive whiteboard to support multi-sensory learning. The staff work as part of a multi-agency team, including working with Speech and Language Therapists, Physiotherapists and the school nurse. It is easily accessible via a paved pathway suitable for wheelchairs.
Informative and supportive websites for parents:
Support for Additional Learning Needs (ALN) – Powys County Council
Home – Awtistiaeth Cymru | Autism Wales | National Neurodivergence Team
Home – ADHD Foundation : ADHD Foundation
Epilepsy Action Cymru – Epilepsy Action
Children and diabetes | Diabetes UK
Powys Teaching Health Board Children’s Speech and Language Therapy – South (wales.nhs.uk)
School Nursing – Powys Teaching Health Board (nhs.wales)
Mental Health Support
