How Additional Learning Needs is changing
The Additional Learning needs and Educational Tribunal Wales (ALNET) Act 2018 means that additional needs is changing.
This video will give you more information about how this affects children and young people.
ALN Vision:
To provide an inclusive education where pupils engage confidently as members of the school and wider community. Staff are responsive to the needs of all pupils with an emphasis on high standards and expectations. Pupils’ well-being is at the fore-front of everything that we do.
Pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) are supported in a variety of ways in Pentrehafod School. The ALN Team ensures that the correct provision is put in place in order for pupils to integrate fully and achieve their potential, not only academically, but socially and emotionally too.
We adhere to the SEN Code of Practice and accommodate the varied needs of all pupils on the SEN register at the different stages: Statement of SEN, School Action Plus and School Action. September 2021 will see the beginning of the implementation of the Additional Learning Needs Education and Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018. This will replace previous legislation on a phased implementation timetable.
We work closely with colleagues in our feeder primary schools to ensure that there is continuity of support when transitioning into Year 7. In addition to this, we regularly seek parental / carer views to create and review Individual Education Plans (IEPs). We value close working relationships with parents and carers. We liaise with Careers Wales and post-16 providers to share information on how best to support pupils during this period of transition.
All staff are informed of the specific strengths and needs of individual pupils, via IEPs, so that they may implement strategies to support pupils in the mainstream, mixed ability classroom. As a department we provide training for colleagues with regards to students with Additional Learning Needs.
Pupils are placed into mixed ability classes. For those with the highest level of need, we ensure that class sizes are small. Resources are differentiated and teaching styles reflect the needs of the learners. We have many teaching assistants who support pupils throughout the school; they are valued members of our school community.
For those pupils who require additional support with literacy in KS3, they attend regular intervention lessons in the Skills Centre. In addition, many pupils attend additional numeracy intervention sessions. Timetables are modified in order to allow pupils this additional time to improve their literacy and numeracy skills. Care is taken so students still attend all core subjects in mainstream and the majority of foundation subjects.
Members of the ALN Team liaise closely with professionals from many outside agencies such as; Educational Psychologists, Behavior Support Team, Teachers for Sensory Impairments, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), Speech and Language Therapists, Careers Wales, Social Services and Early Help Hub (EHH). Through multi-agency working, we endeavor to access the best support available for all of our pupils.
Pupils with a Statement of SEN for Speech and Language attend the Specialist Teaching Facility. Collaboration between the STF and mainstream allows for bespoke timetables to be created for pupils.
For those pupils who find it difficult to learn in the mainstream setting, for a variety of reasons, Pentrehafod School has a KS4 off-site provision called PACE (Pentrehafod Alternative Curriculum and Education).
The wellbeing of the pupils is of paramount importance. In addition to the provisions outlined above we have our PLANT (Pentrehafod Learning and Nurture Team) and CET (Creative Empathy Therapy) provisions. These cater for pupils who have a range of social and emotional needs and have had bereavements. If necessary, pupils are also supported via the Exchange Counselling Service.
Some pupils on the SEN register require additional support in their examinations in line with JCQ guidance. The ALN Team ensures that access arrangements are in place for those learners who quality for them.
OUR ALN TEAM
- Ria Williams – ALNCO;
- Rachel Rees – Teacher in Charge of the STF;
- Wayne Hollister – Teacher in Charge of PACE Provision;
- Claire Ellery – PLANT Coordinator;
- Val Phillips – CET;
- Yvonne Blatchford & Charlotte Williams – Admin support (Mainstream);
- Mel Hopkins – Admin support (STF).
In addition to this team, we have approximately 30 teaching assistants working in various capacities throughout the school.
If you have any queries about provision for pupils with Additional Learning Needs, please do not hesitate to contact us at the school.