Key Information
Welcome to our Additional Learning Needs page!
Thank you for visiting.
St James is proud to be a very inclusive school.
Mrs Amanda Evans is our Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCo.)
What are 'Additional Learning Needs?'
The term 'additional learning needs' (ALN) is wider in scope then 'special educational needs' (SEN.) It encompasses all children whose learning needs are greater than their peers, but do not necessarily amount to SEN. Children with ALN are struggling to learn, for whatever reason, so need support. They may have/be, for example:
- SEN
- A disability
- Medical needs
- Gaps in their knowledge due to poor attendance
- Experienced difficult family circumstances
- Accessed education inconsistently e.g. Gypsy/Traveller children
- First language is not English
- LAC – ‘looked after child’
- Young carers
- Being bullied due to sexual orientation – LGBT
- Perform or have employment
- Experiencing bereavement or illness in the family
- A family member in prison
- Disadvantaged
- Disengaged
NB: 'More Able & Talented.' This is separate from ALN. Children who are more able & talented are NOT considered to have ALN unless they have SEN!
A national program of transforming provision and support for learners with Additional Learning Needs is underway. Information on the proposed changes can be found using this link:
Additional Learning Needs Transformation Programme
As a school we recommend that parents/carers/guardians of learners on the Additional Learning Needs register complete this online training (Module 1) to understand the changes to the new system.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mrs Evans ALNCo.
As you may be aware, we are working towards becoming an Autism Aware School. Autism is also known as ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder). Staff in school have been receiving training about Autism and pupils have had lessons learning about it and how it affects their friends who have it.
There is an excellent website www.asdinfowales.co.uk which provides advice an support for children and family members. If you have any concerns about your child, please speak to your child's teacher or the ALNCo Mrs Evans.