ALN at St. Joseph’s

At St. Joseph’s Catholic School and Sixth Form Centre, we believe every child is unique and capable of achieving their full potential. Guided by the Welsh Government’s Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 (ALNET) and the ALN Code, we have embraced a system that is inclusive, person-centred, and empowering.

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The ALNET Reforms

The Welsh Assembly Government’s ALNET reforms aim to create a single, unified system for learners aged 0–25, replacing the old SEN framework.

This means that your child’s voice, wishes, and feelings are at the heart of everything we do. We work in partnership with families to ensure that support is tailored, timely, and effective.

What Does This Mean for Your Child?

  • Early Identification and Support: We identify needs as soon as possible and act quickly to remove barriers to learning.
  • Individual Development Plans (IDPs): If your child has ALN, they will have a statutory IDP—a clear, personalised plan that sets out the support they need and the outcomes we are working towards.
  • Person-Centred Planning: We involve your child and your family in every step, ensuring that their aspirations and strengths guide the process.
  • Inclusive Education: Most needs are met through high-quality teaching and “generally available” provision in the classroom. Where extra help is needed, we provide targeted interventions and specialist support.

Our System in Practice

  • Dedicated ALNCo: Our Additional Learning Needs Coordinator is part of the senior leadership team, ensuring ALN provision is strategic and effective.
  • Graduated Response: We start with universal classroom strategies, then move to targeted support, and finally to additional learning provision for those who need it.
  • Collaboration: We work closely with external agencies, health professionals, and local authority services to provide holistic support.

Why This Matters

Our practice, founded on the the ALNET reforms, is about empowering learners and families. At St. Joseph’s, we see ALN provision not as a label, but as an opportunity to unlock potential.
Our goal is simple: every child feels included, supported, and able to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.