Waunfawr Primary School
ALN and Inclusion
Every child matters. Every child can succeed.
At Waunfawr Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that every child feels valued, included and supported to achieve their full potential. We recognise that children learn in different ways and that some may need additional support at different stages of their education.
We are proud that our support for pupils with additional learning needs was recognised as a notable strength in our most recent Estyn inspection:
“Staff identify needs early, monitor progress closely, and provide tailored support, helping most ALN pupils to make strong progress against their targets.”
This reflects our commitment to knowing our children well, recognising their individual strengths and needs, and providing the right support to help them thrive.
Working in partnership with families
We believe that parents and carers know their children best. If you have concerns about your child's learning, development or wellbeing, we encourage you to speak to your child's class teacher in the first instance.
Where further support or advice may be needed, the concern will be discussed with our Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCo), Miss Shepherd, who works closely with staff and families to identify appropriate next steps.
We aim to:
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Listen to children and their families and understand their individual experiences.
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Identify strengths, needs and any barriers to learning as early as possible.
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Monitor progress and review the effectiveness of support.
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Work collaboratively with parents, carers and relevant professionals.
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Ensure children are included in school life and have opportunities to succeed.
Identifying needs and providing support
Under the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018, children who require additional learning provision are supported through the ALN system in Wales.
Not every child who experiences difficulty with an aspect of learning will have an additional learning need. Sometimes children benefit from adjustments, differentiation or additional support within their everyday classroom experience.
Where a concern is identified, we gather information through observations, assessments, discussions with families and careful monitoring of progress. This helps us understand what is working well and whether further support or provision is required.
If a child is identified as having ALN, we consider what additional learning provision (ALP) is needed. This means provision that is additional to, or different from, that generally made for other learners of the same age.
Where required, an Individual Development Plan (IDP) is developed and reviewed in partnership with the child and their family, in line with the statutory ALN framework.
Our approach to provision
We offer a graduated approach to support, recognising that children's needs are different and may change over time.
Universal Provision
High-quality teaching and an inclusive classroom environment are the foundation of support for every child. This includes:
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Differentiated teaching and learning activities.
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Appropriate resources and practical learning approaches.
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Clear routines and supportive classroom environments.
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Opportunities to develop communication, independence and confidence.
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Regular monitoring of children's progress and wellbeing.
Targeted Provision
Some children benefit from additional, focused support alongside their everyday classroom learning. This may include:
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Wellbeing sessions.
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Teaching Talking.
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Tackling the Tail.
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Socially Speaking.
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Maths and literacy catch-up groups.
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Small-group or individual support to address identified needs.
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Circle of Security
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Lego Therapy
Specialist and Multi-Agency Support
Where children require more specialised advice or support, we work with relevant professionals and services. Depending on individual needs, this may include:
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Speech and language therapy.
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Occupational therapy.
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Educational Psychology Service.
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Behaviour Support.
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Caerphilly's Advisory Teams.
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Other health, education and family support services.
We work in partnership with families throughout this process. We will discuss proposed referrals and seek parental agreement before involving external services, except where safeguarding or other statutory responsibilities require action.
Supporting wellbeing – SPACE-Wellbeing
We recognise that emotional wellbeing and mental health are important foundations for learning. Some children and families may benefit from support beyond that which school can provide alone.
SPACE-Wellbeing is a multi-agency process that brings together professionals to coordinate early intervention and specialist support for children's mental health and emotional wellbeing. It aims to help children and families access the right support at the right time.
The service works across Caerphilly and the wider Aneurin Bevan University Health Board area.
SPACE-Wellbeing – information and support for families
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Helpline: 07977 065376
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Caerphilly general enquiries: SPACEWellbeing@caerphilly.gov.uk
Families can also access the online request for support form and information leaflet through the SPACE-Wellbeing website.
Useful information and links
Welsh Government – ALN information for families
A parent-friendly introduction to the ALN system, rights and support.
Getting additional help in education – ALN
ALN Toolkit for Parents and Carers
Explains IDPs, working with schools and what to do if parents have concerns or disagree with a decision.
Read the Welsh Government ALN Toolkit
Additional Learning Needs Code for Wales
The statutory framework behind the ALN system.
SPACE-Wellbeing
Local multi-agency support for children's mental health and emotional wellbeing, including the family request for support route.
Caerphilly County Borough Council
At Waunfawr, we want every child to feel that they belong, that their voice is heard and that their individual strengths are recognised. By working together, we can help every child develop the confidence, skills and independence to achieve their potential.