Additional learning needs or ‘ALN’

A person with ALN might have a learning difficulty or disability. This might come from a medical condition or otherwise. This may mean the person needs additional learning provision.

A child of school age or person over that age has a learning difficulty or disability if they:

  • finds learning much harder than others their age
  • have a disability under the Equality Act 2010, this might make it harder for them to use facilities available to others

A child under compulsory school age has a learning difficulty or disability if they will fall under the above once at school age.

Additional learning provision (ALP)

This has different meanings for different ages

People aged three and over

Education or training provision that is extra or different from mainstream education.

This can also include provisions in further education or nurseries.

Child aged under three

This means educational provisions of any kind.

Nursery education

Education suitable for a child who has attained the age of three but is under compulsory school age.

If the young person requires an IDP the school will consider if the pupil has ALN that requires ALP.

ALP can take many forms. The support may be provided in small groups, individual or bespoke provision. 

This is usually provided via school’s resources.

It can include support and advice/service from the local authority ALN and Inclusion service.

ALP for those aged under three can take many forms. For example, group work or individual support. Where the pupil attends educational provision of any kind.

This might include:

  • specialist health
  • physical, communication or sensory support

 within their education setting.

The Local Authority’s ALN and Inclusion Services work in collaboration using a person-centered approach with:

  • the young person
  • parents/carers
  • schools
  • other agencies

We can provide for pupils who have or may have Additional Learning Needs (ALN):

  • advice
  • guidance
  • support