Additional Learning Needs

We are here to support children and young people with additional learning needs through promoting achievement and wellbeing for all.

Additional Learning Needs (ALN) is the term used in Wales for children and young people who need extra help to learn. The new ALN system makes sure every child gets the right support, at the right time. It replaces the old SEN system and gives families a clear plan called an Individual Development Plan (IDP). This plan explains what help your child needs and how school and other services will work together. The aim is to help every child learn and reach their potential.

ALN in Carmarthenshire - How is ALN changing and how does it affect you?

Welcome to Holland - Living with a child with additional learning needs

Contact Us

3 Spillman Street
Carmarthen
SA31 1LE

ALNQueries@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

01267 246455

Ability to learn

We all have a different approach to learning. Some children will have a lot more difficulty than their friends. Support is available to help your child’s development.

Ability to learn

Reading and writing

Some children can have particular problems with reading and writing. You may be concerned that your child has dyslexia. Find out what you can expect from your child’s school.

Reading and writing

Numbers or maths

Children can have difficulty learning number skills, concepts and facts. The school will work with you to identify the best approach to support your child.

Number or maths

Motor skills

Children can have difficulties with co-ordination and movement. This can affect their ability to do everyday things. Your school may identify this and get in touch with you.

Motor Skills

Speech, Language & Communication

All children are screened when they enter school, to find out if they have any speech, or language needs.

Speech, Language & Communication

Severe Learning Difficulties

Children that have complex physical and mental health needs need to learn at an appropriate level for them. You will work with the school to create a plan for your child.

Severe Learning Difficulties

Hearing loss

When hearing loss is identified links are made with the Education department so that we can help support your child as soon as possible.

Hearing Loss

Visual impairments

Up to 3 children in each class might have their learning affected by reduced vision that has not been picked up. We have a specialist team who are on hand to support your child.

Visual Impairment

Physical and medical problems

Children with physical or medical needs will have a Care Plan and/or Individual Development Plan. This will be used to plan your child’s learning.

Physical and medical problems

Autism

Supporting children with social communication difficulties in the classroom is done by considering the children’s experience and making some simple changes.

Autism

English or Welsh as an additional language

Children learn a lot through playing and socialising with others. According to research, this is the best way to learn a language.

English/Welsh as an Additional Language

Behaviour, emotions and social skills

Children and Young People may have many different emotional experiences for a period of time in their school life, for different reasons which impact on their ability to learn.

Behavioural, Emotional and Social Skills

Concentrating or focusing

The ability to concentrate and focus develops as children grow older. Some children can find it hard to pay attention and may be more hyperactive.

Concentration

Gypsies and travellers

If children are enrolled at school our small team works with families. This is organised around demand, with priority given to children in most need first.

Gypsies and Travellers

Voice of the child/young person

It is every child/young person's right to have their voice heard in decisions that affect them.

Voice of the child / young person

Educational and Child Psychology

In the Educational and Child Psychology Service we use the psychology of how people learn, behave, think and feel to help support children and young people to reach their potential.

Educational and Child Psychology

Parent Partnership

We provide support and advice to families whose children have additional learning needs, through Family Liaison Officers.

Parent Partnership Service

Early Years

How do we support children under 5 with Additional Learning Needs?

Early Years

Specialist Provision

Whilst most of our learner's needs are met in mainstream schools, a range of specialist provisions have been developed to educate some children and young people.

Specialist provision

Terminology Guide

It can be confusing and frustrating to be part of a discussion when you don’t understand the language being used. This section explains some of the terms and acronyms used

Terminology Guide