The ALNCo (additional learning needs co-ordinator) at Llangan is Mrs L Jarman-Davies.

The new ALN Code will be rolled out into schools in September 2021 for children who are newly identified as having additional learning needs. However, for those children who have already identified ALN via school action or school action plus, the new system will apply from January 1st 2022.

The transformed system will:

• ensure that all learners with ALN are supported to overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential
•  improve the planning and delivery of support for learners from 0 to 25 with ALN, placing learners’ needs, views, wishes and feelings at the heart of the process

ALN and Dispute Resolution

In the Vale of Glamorgan we are always keen to try to address any concerns, worries or issues as soon as possible, and this should be done by raising any issues with your child’s school in the first instance. As far back as the draft ALN Code (2017) principles for good practice in the avoidance and early resolution of disagreements around Additional Learning Needs. (WG, 2017. pp. 169) were identified.

These good practice principles are:

• Support to ensure parents can attend and contribute to meetings
• Ensure communication is inclusive and sensitive so parents feel like equal partners open questioning in meetings so concerns and misunderstandings are dealt with early on
• Face to face meetings to plan the way forward
• All parties have the same information from the same trusted source
• Timely and consistent communication so trust is built
• Positive, open and constructive dialogue Explain the legislation underpinning decisions and signposting to further information
• Decisions are properly explained in inclusive language to parent and child / Young Person
• Supporting the examination of the IDP so decisions are transparent and all evidence has been considered

(Taken from The Holos Training pack – a summary of the principles, you should have covered through dispute resolution training)

All schools should have staff trained in dispute resolution strategies to support this process.

A short film produced by the Welsh Government providing an overview of the avoiding disagreement and early dispute resolution aspect of the ALN Bill now Act can be found below.

Following these strategies should help parents and school work together in a mutually supportive and honest partnership, with the child at the centre to discuss and resolve any issues.

• Parents can seek further advice from www.snapcymru.org

SNAP Cymru provides information, advice and support for parents, children and young people who have, or may have, Additional Learning Needs or disabilities

SNAP Cymru provide the following impartial, confidential and free services:

• Helpline Information, Advice and Support
• Specialist Casework
• Discrimination Advice and Casework
• Independent Specialist ALN Advocacy
• Disagreement Resolution

Children, young people or parents can contact  SNAP Cymru on:

• 0808 801 0608  or visit www.snapcymru.org   an ALN enquiry can be submitted using the form on www.snapcymru.org/contact

To request a dispute resolution service

email: DRS@snapcymru.org   

or for more information on dispute resolution see  

• https://www.snapcymru.org/mediation/

focus on the importance of identifying needs early and putting in place timely and effective interventions which are monitored and adapted to ensure they deliver the desired outcomes.

Information for parents:

• Here is a link to the ALN part of the Vale of Glamorgan website - https://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/en/living/schools/Additional-Learning-Needs/Additional-Learning-Needs.aspx

Further advice can be provided by the Local Authorirt by contacting:

alnenquiries@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk