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:

The right to a person-centred Individual Development Plan (IDP) for eligible learners aged 0–25
Clear duties for schools and local authorities to identify and meet ALN
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:

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:

Education at home
Outreach support
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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