Wales: Additional Learning Needs (ALN)
Practical, Wales-specific guidance for families navigating ALN decisions, IDPs, additional learning provision, disagreements and transitions.
Do not use England EHCP or Scotland CSP guidance for a learner educated in Wales. Since September 2025, the ALN system has been fully implemented as the statutory framework in Wales.
Wales ALN & IDP Parent Preparation Toolkit
Editable worksheets for evidence, IDP meetings, ALP tracking, reviews and follow-up.
Open the free Wales toolkitNew to Wales ALN terminology?
Use the Wales glossary for plain-English explanations of ALN, ALP, IDP, ALNCo, reconsideration, dispute resolution, ETW and more.
Open the Wales ALN glossaryImportant 2026 context
The Welsh Government has moved from phased implementation to embedding and improving the ALN system. A refreshed parent/carer toolkit and supplementary decision-making guidance were published in 2026 to improve clarity and consistency.
Read the Welsh Government parent and carer toolkitStart with your problem
What are additional learning needs (ALN) in Wales?
Decision-makingHow to ask a school to decide whether your child has ALN in Wales
DiagnosisCan a child get an IDP in Wales without a medical diagnosis?
IDPWhat is an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in Wales?
ALPWhat should Additional Learning Provision (ALP) in a Welsh IDP look like?
School supportWhat does an ALNCo do in Wales, and what should parents ask?
Review & reconsiderationHow to ask for an IDP review or local authority reconsideration in Wales
Provision problemSchool is not providing the ALP in an IDP in Wales — what can you do?
DisputesALN disagreements and the Education Tribunal for Wales: a parent guide
TransitionsTransition planning with an IDP in Wales: changing school, college or post-16 setting
IDP reviewIDP reviews in Wales: what parents should check
IDP wordingIDP wording in Wales: making ALP clear and specific
ResponsibilityWhen can a local authority take over a school IDP in Wales?
Ceasing an IDPLocal authority wants to cease an IDP in Wales: what next?
Home educationHome education and IDPs in Wales: what happens to ALN support?
EOTASEOTAS and IDPs in Wales: a parent guide
PlacementSchool or college placement in a Welsh IDP: what parents should know
Health & ALNHealth needs and an IDP in Wales: how education and health fit together
MovingMoving home with an IDP in Wales: records, responsibility and continuity
EvidenceWhat evidence helps an ALN or IDP decision in Wales?
Home educationALN and elective home education in Wales: 2026 guidance
How the Welsh ALN framework applies to electively home-educated children, reflecting Welsh Government 2026 guidance.
EOTASALN and EOTAS in Wales: what families should know
A practical guide to ALN and education otherwise than at school (EOTAS) in Wales.
AttendanceALN, school absence and attendance problems in Wales
Questions and evidence to consider when ALN and barriers to attendance overlap in Wales.
ExclusionALN, exclusion and disability in Wales: parent checklist
What families should record and ask when a learner with ALN is excluded or repeatedly removed from learning.
Provision problemIDP provision not delivered in Wales: evidence and escalation
How to document missing ALP in an IDP and identify the appropriate school, local authority or disagreement route.
2026 policy and guidance update
The Welsh Government published supplementary ALN guidance in 2026. Check the ALN Code and local authority arrangements. Read the dated official-source summary for Wales.
Reviewed 23 October 2026. Policy announcements, implementation plans and existing guidance are labelled separately.