Anghenion Dysgu Ychwanegol / Additional Learning Needs
Our Vision for ALN provision:
At Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School, our vision for Additional Learning Needs (ALN) provision is guided by our whole-school mission: “Christ at the Centre.” We believe that every learner is created in the image of God and is valued as a unique individual with God-given talents and potential.
Our core purpose is to ensure that all pupils, including those with ALN, are supported to become healthy, ambitious, capable life-long learners, ready to live as valued members of our local community, Wales, and the wider world.
We are committed to providing high-quality, inclusive, and person-centred ALN provision that reflects both our Catholic ethos and the principles set out in the ALN Code for Wales (2021).
We aim to:
- Identify and respond to additional learning needs as early as possible.
- Involve pupils and families in meaningful, ongoing dialogue about support and progress.
- Provide teaching and learning experiences that are inclusive, ambitious, and accessible to all.
- Foster a caring and supportive environment where every learner feels respected and able to thrive.
- Collaborate effectively with external professionals, the local authority, and within our school community.
- Promote the development of independence, resilience, and self-advocacy in all learners.
In line with our school’s broader vision, we aspire for every pupil with ALN to leave Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School as:
- Employable – equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence for the world of work.
- Virtuous – guided by Gospel values, showing compassion, integrity, and respect.
- Empowered – resilient, self-aware, and able to make a positive contribution to society.
By placing Christ at the Centre of our ALN provision, we uphold the dignity and potential of every child, ensuring that no learner is left behind in their right to achieve and flourish.
L Gooding (ALN Co-ordinator)
ALNet Bill
From September 2022 a new ALNet (Additional Learning needs and Educational Tribunal) Act becomes statutory, replacing the previous SEN (Special Educational Needs) code of practice and changing the Welsh Government approach to supporting children who may have difficulties in learning.
This Act will include:
A unified plan -Individual development plans (IDPs) are a new unified plan which ensure consistency and continuity, and that provision and rights are protected regardless of the severity or complexity of needs.
Increased participation and having a voice – Children, their parents/carers and young people will be supported to understand and participate in the decisions which are taken that affect them, provided with appropriate reassurance, and offered opportunities to raise concerns and have their questions answered.
A simpler and less adversarial system – If a child, their parents/carers or a young person is not happy with the decisions that have been made about their ALN or IDP by a school, they may request that the local authority reviews or reconsiders the decision.
Improved collaboration- The new system will support a strong focus on collaboration between families, children the school and services involved in the planning and delivering of ALN support.
If you have a concern
If you, as parent/carer, have a concern about your child regarding possible additional learning needs, the first contact point should be the subject teacher or Head of House. You can either contact them via email or make an appointment to speak in person with them. Information will be collated and the school will look at ways in which your child can be further supported in the classroom. If, as a school, we feel there are possible additional learning needs you will be contacted by the school ALNco (Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator) Mrs Gooding, who will meet with you to discuss these further and start to put together an Individual Development Plan.