Additional Learning Needs

Additional Learning Needs (ALN)

Pontllanfraith Primary School is committed to providing an appropriate and high quality education to all and is committed to inclusion. We aim to engender a sense of community and belonging, and to offer new opportunities to all our learners so that they are inspired, motivated and supported to reach their potential.

"The school’s support for pupils with ALN is strong. Staff track and monitor progress carefully to identify and plan the provision to support the needs of pupils well. The ALN co-ordinator works closely with outside agencies to plan purposeful sessions to enable pupils to progress in their learning and personal and social development. Capable teaching assistants deliver a wide range of literacy and numeracy programmes as well as prioritising the emotional care of pupils successfully through practical activities. They make a positive and lasting change to pupils’ well-being and their ability to learn. The staff from the specialist resource base work closely with the mainstream staff, sharing their expertise to create bespoke support for the specific needs of individual pupils." Estyn 2022

Our Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo) works closely with staff, parents and other agencies to support children in developing their basic skills, provides advice to teaching staff and parents, as well as supporting children’s progress and development within the school.

The school also has a More Able and Talented co-ordinator who works with class teachers to ensure that children are being appropriately challenged to achieve their best and are making expected progress.

We recognise that pupils learn at different rates and that there are many factors affecting achievement, including ability, emotional state, age and maturity. About 20% of all children, at some time in their school career, may experience difficulties which affect their learning, and we recognise that these may be long or short term.  

If you are worried about your child, don’t feel that they are the only one having difficulties. Ask to speak to your child’s teacher or the Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo). 

Who is the school ALNCo & what do they do?

The ALNCo in Pontllanfraith Primary School is our Deputy Headteacher, Mrs Tucker. She has responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the ALN policy and for coordinating provision for children and young people with ALN in our mainstream classes, through the graduated approach. 

If your child attends our Satellite Class for Trinity Fields School and Resource Centre you should speak with their class teacher who is a highly experienced specialist teacher.

My child is receiving an intervention programme. Does this mean that they have Additional Learning Needs?

Not necessarily. The progress of every child is tracked carefully. We consider the individual learning needs of all pupils and teachers will provide differentiated teaching and learning.  Teachers may provide some or all of the following as part of the usual support in school:


Some children will require more or different help than that provided universally for all children.  


Nurseries, schools and colleges have clear duties under the ALNET Act 2018 and the ALN Code Wales 2021 (the “Code”).   The code contains guidance on what they should be doing to identify and support children and young people with ALN.

We are committed to working in partnership with parents /carers and value the contribution they can make to enable children and young people with ALN achieve their potential.