What the ALN Code for Wales 2021 Really Means for Families

⚖️ What the ALN Code for Wales 2021 Really Means for Families

💬 A New Chapter for Welsh Education

In 2021, Wales introduced the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Code — a major reform that replaced the old Statements and IEP systems.
Its goal is simple: to create one, fair, consistent process for identifying and meeting children’s additional learning needs.

But what does that actually mean for parents?

1️⃣ It’s About Every Learner

The ALN Code isn’t limited to children with the most complex needs.
It applies to any child or young person who needs extra help to learn — whether that’s because of autism, anxiety, ADHD, or literacy difficulties.
Support can happen in school, college, EOTAS, or even home education.

2️⃣ You Now Have One Plan — the IDP

The old system (Statements, IEPs, and LDA Plans) caused confusion and long waits.
Now every learner with ALN should have one Individual Development Plan (IDP).
An IDP brings together professionals, parents, and the learner in one shared document.

“An IDP isn’t paperwork — it’s a roadmap for your child’s support.”

3️⃣ Wellbeing Must Be Considered

The Code explicitly says that wellbeing and participation are part of learning.
That means emotional health, anxiety, and social connection matter just as much as grades.
If a child can’t access learning because of anxiety or burnout, that’s an ALN issue — not a behaviour problem.

4️⃣ Parents and Young People Have a Real Voice

The law now recognises that families are equal partners.
You have the right to:

Receive information in plain language.
Be involved in every decision.
Request a review if support isn’t working.

If you disagree with decisions, you can appeal through the Education Tribunal for Wales — but many issues can be resolved earlier through open communication.

5️⃣ Local Authorities Still Carry the Duty

Even if your child isn’t on a school roll (for example, home educated), your local authority must identify and meet their needs.
That’s written into the ALN Act 2018 and supported by the ALN Code itself.

Where to Start

If you’re new to the system, download the ALN Code or our free printable IDP Review Letter from the Learn Without Limits App.

🔗 ALN Code for Wales 2021 (official Welsh Government PDF)
📲 learnwithoutlimitscic.org

🌟 The Bottom Line

The ALN Code is meant to simplify support — but it only works if families know their rights and feel confident to use them.
Learn Without Limits CIC is here to help you turn those rights into real outcomes.

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