What is an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in Wales?
An Individual Development Plan (IDP) is the statutory plan used in Wales for a child or young person identified as having ALN. It records the learner’s additional learning needs and the additional learning provision required to meet them.
Wales has its own ALN framework. England EHCP guidance does not apply to learners educated in Wales.
A legal plan
An IDP is a legal document. It can be maintained by a maintained school, college or local authority, depending on the learner’s circumstances and the complexity of the provision required.
What should be in it
The IDP should describe the learner’s ALN, the ALP required, intended outcomes, relevant review information and other mandatory sections. The headings in the Welsh Government IDP framework are mandatory even though presentation can vary.
Who usually maintains it
Most IDPs are maintained by the education setting. A local authority may maintain an IDP where, for example, provision is beyond what it would be reasonable to expect the setting to secure, or in certain other statutory circumstances.
Reviews
An IDP must be reviewed at least every 12 months, and it can be reviewed sooner where circumstances or needs change. Families can ask for an earlier review.
Why wording matters
The ALP written into the IDP must be provided. That makes clear, specific wording important: the plan should make it possible to understand what support is required, not just describe broad aspirations.
Official and authoritative sources
Welsh Government — ALN parent and carer toolkit
Welsh Government — ALN system: your rights
Welsh Government — decision-making and communication
Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018
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