Common Terminology & the Law in Wales (2025 Edition)
This guide explains some of the most frequently used terms and legal concepts that ALN families in Wales may encounter. It has been updated to reflect the latest Welsh Government legislation, especially the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 and the ALN Code for Wales 2021.
ALN – Additional Learning Needs
This is now the legal term in Wales (replacing SEN). Any child or young person with a significantly greater difficulty in learning than their peers or a disability that prevents or hinders access to education may have ALN. The ALN system has fully replaced the SEN framework in most settings under the phased rollout between 2021–2025.
ALNCO: The new title for what was once SENCO — the Additional Learning Needs Coordinator in schools and colleges.
The ALN Code for Wales 2021
The ALN Code sets out how Local Authorities, schools, colleges and health boards must support children and young people with ALN. It includes:
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The right to a person-centred Individual Development Plan (IDP) for eligible learners aged 0–25
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Clear duties for schools and local authorities to identify and meet ALN
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A strong focus on inclusion, wellbeing and early intervention
Welsh Government ALN Code 2021 (PDF)
EHE – Elective Home Education
This is when a parent chooses to take full responsibility for a child’s education. EHE is legal in Wales and does not require approval to deregister from a mainstream school.
However, if your child attends a special school, you must have permission from the Local Authority (LA) to deregister and begin EHE. If you are unsure whether your child’s current setting is classified as mainstream or special, we recommend checking directly with Estyn.
There is no funding or automatic support for EHE. Parents do not need to follow the national curriculum, but they must provide a suitable education.
We keep a list of local support groups and EHE networks in our Facebook group to help families make connections.
EOTAS – Education Otherwise Than At School
This is provision arranged by a local authority for a child or young person who cannot attend school. It includes:
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PRUs (Pupil Referral Units)
EOTAS must meet a child’s identified ALN where applicable and is subject to monitoring and review. It is a legal entitlement, not a favour.
“Forced” Home Educators
An increasing number of families are choosing EHE not out of preference, but because of unmet needs, bullying, anxiety, trauma, or unlawful exclusion. These are not truly elective cases — families often feel pushed out of the system.
These learners may be eligible for EOTAS or support under the ALN Act but are often left without formal provision. Learn Without Limits supports families to explore their rights and reclaim their options.
Flexi-Schooling
This is where a child attends school part-time and is home educated the rest of the week. It is entirely at the discretion of the Headteacher. The child remains on the school roll. There is no legal right to flexi-school in Wales, but it can be agreed as part of an IDP.
Medical Needs and Education
The Welsh Government guidance Access to Education and Support for Children and Young People with Medical Needs sets out the responsibilities of local authorities to provide education when a child is unable to attend due to physical or mental health.
This includes:
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Education at home
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Outreach support
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Hospital teaching
Access to Education Guidance (PDF)
Legal Framework
ALNET Act 2018: Establishes the ALN system, IDPs and rights of appeal to the Education Tribunal for Wales.
Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014: Introduced person-centred approaches and changed the statutory definition from “welfare” to “well-being”. This applies to disabled children and their families across education, health and social care.
Equality Act 2010: Requires reasonable adjustments for disabled learners in education.
Estyn: The Welsh education and training inspectorate, responsible for inspecting schools, PRUs and LA provision.
Common Acronyms
| Acronym | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ADHD | Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder |
| ALN | Additional Learning Needs |
| ALNCO | Additional Learning Needs Coordinator |
| ASD | Autistic Spectrum Disorder |
| AOT | Advisory Outreach Teacher |
| AT | Assistive Technology |
| CAMHS | Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services |
| CP | Child Protection |
| DCD | Developmental Coordination Disorder |
| EBSA | Emotionally Based School Avoidance |
| EHCP | Education, Health and Care Plan (used in England) |
| EHE | Elective Home Education |
| EP | Educational Psychologist |
| EOTAS | Education Otherwise Than At School |
| Estyn | Welsh education inspectorate |
| HI | Hearing Impairment |
| IDP | Individual Development Plan |
| LA | Local Authority |
| LD | Learning Difficulties |
| MLD | Moderate Learning Difficulties |
| SLD | Severe Learning Difficulties |
| PMLD | Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties |
| MND | Motor Neurone Disease |
| MS | Multiple Sclerosis |
| MSI | Multi-sensory Impairment |
| MH | Mental Health |
| NAS | National Autistic Society |
| NVQ | National Vocational Qualification |
| OT | Occupational Therapy or Therapist |
| PRU | Pupil Referral Unit |
| RG | Regional Gateway (for post-16 EOTAS coordination) |
| SEBD | Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties |
| SEN | Special Educational Needs (now replaced by ALN in Wales) |
| SEWB | Social and Emotional Well-being |
| SLT | Speech and Language Therapy / Therapist |
| SpLD | Specific Learning Difficulties (e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia) |
| STF | Specialist Teaching Facility |
| TA | Teaching Assistant |
| VI | Visual Impairment |
Stay Connected
💬 Join our Facebook group
facebook.com/groups/learnwithoutlimitscic
📱 Use the Learn Without Limits Parent App
Guidance, request letter templates and tools to track your child's needs are available in our free mobile app.
🌐 Website
learnwithoutlimitscic.org
This guide will be reviewed and updated regularly as new policies and legislation emerge.
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