What is ALN (Additional Learning Needs)?

A learner in Wales has additional learning needs if they have a learning difficulty or disability that calls for additional learning provision, meaning support that goes beyond what is generally available to learners of the same age. The ALN system came into force on 1 September 2021, under the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 and the ALN Code for Wales 2021. Learners moved across from the old SEN system in phases.

Under ALN, statements and older plans are replaced by a single statutory plan, the individual development plan (IDP). Schools have an additional learning needs coordinator (ALNCo) who oversees provision.

England and Wales

ALN is a Wales-only term. England uses special educational needs (SEN), often written as SEND to include disabilities, with SEN support and education, health and care plans (EHCPs). If you work with pupils from both nations, you may need to record whichever term applies to each pupil.

Why it matters for your setting

• Knowing a learner’s ALN and what is in their IDP helps you plan the right support from day one.
• Commissioners and local authorities will expect the provision described in the plan to be delivered while the learner is with you.
• Accurate ALN records make reviews and reporting quicker and more reliable.

How PupilDB helps

Each pupil record in PupilDB holds their SEN/ALN status and ALNCo, and the SEN/ALN report lists these learners across your centres.