First Point of Contact
If you’re concerned about your child’s learning, development, or behaviour, your first step should be to speak with:
- Your child’s class teacher
- The school’s Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo)
- The Headteacher
- Or your early years provider
It’s important to raise concerns early so the right support can be put in place.
The School’s Role
What is an ALNCo?
ALNCo stands for Additional Learning Needs Coordinator. Every school has one. In smaller schools, this may be the Headteacher or Deputy Head. Larger schools may have a dedicated ALN team.
What does the ALNCo do?
- Coordinates additional learning support in school
- Maintains records of pupils with ALN
- Monitors progress and ensures appropriate support is in place
- Advises families on how the school will meet their child’s needs
- Oversees the school’s ALN policy
Each school also has a provision map outlining the support available at:
- Universal level (for all learners)
- Universal Plus level(for those requiring reasonable adjustments)
- Targeted level (for those needing focused intervention)
- Specific level (for those with more complex needs)
You can view your school’s ALN policy on their website.
Schools are best placed to support ALN queries, as they know your child and the support already in place.
If needed, schools can seek advice from the Local Authority’s Inclusion Service for statutory matters.
If your query hasn’t been resolved by the school, you can contact:
SNAP Cymru is also available for independent advice and advocacy Home – Snap Cymru
Local support
EPS Educational Psychology Service (EPS) – Monmouthshire
MoSTs Monmouthshire Specialist Teaching Service (MoSTS) – Monmouthshire
OASIS & EST Education Support Team (EST) – Monmouthshire
SENCOM Sensory & Communication Support Service (SENCOM) – Monmouthshire
Parent support groups, workshops & activity sessions for ALN learners Serennu | Sparkle, helping special children shine
Disability Sport Monmouthshire Disability Sport | Every Body Moves
Staying active Active – Monlife
Making friends, exploring interests Youth Service – Monlife
Gwent Parent Carer Network Gwent Parent Carer Network (GPCN) | Facebook
Support & guidance around adoption South East Wales Adoption Service
Self-harm & suicide NHS-Safety-Advice-self-harm-suicide.pdf
Support for schools sewaleseas.org.uk
Advocacy & Advice
Click here for more information on SNAP Cymru & the National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS Cymru) Advocacy support leaflet
https://www.nyas.net/nyas-cymru
Citizen’s Advice Wales can offer advice on a range of topics.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wales
Dispute Resolution & Right to Appeal
Dispute Resolution flowchart for parents.docx
Prevention & Early Intervention
SPACE Wellbeing & Family Support Panel Leaflet
For further information around a graduated response to meet learner’s needs, please see the relevant section within the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) tile.
Post-16 Support
Transition from school to post-16 education and training is a very important life stage for every young person. Here are some links which you may find helpful:
Training, Mentoring & Activities About us – Youth Cymru
Careers Wales https://careerswales.gov.wales/
College Provision – Information leaflet & link to ALN Pathfinder
Coleg Gwent – Further Education College in South East Wales
Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College – Home
Further Education, Higher Education, Apprenticeships | Gloucestershire College
Post-16 Education and ALN
When advising on suitable college options for a young person with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), schools and local authorities follow the ALN Code. The Code encourages that, wherever possible, young people should access local post-16 education or training.
Local Further Education Institutions (FEIs) are expected to meet the needs of most learners with ALN. However, if a young person’s needs are too complex to be met locally, the Local Authority (LA) may consider a placement at an Independent Specialist Post-16 Institution (ISPI).
🔹 ISPI placements are full-time and must be approved by a panel.
🔹The LA is not legally required to fund a specific placement or for a preferred duration.
Enhanced Transitions
All post-16 transitions for young people with ALN should follow an enhanced transition process, which includes:
- Person-centred planning
- Involvement of the young person, their family, current and future providers
- Support from professionals involved in their care
This ensures a smooth and supportive move to the next stage of education or training. For further information on transitions, please refer to the relevant section within the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) tile.