Statutory Reform

The Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 is a new legal framework for supporting children and young people with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) from 0 to 25 years of age.

It replaces existing law surrounding Special Educational Needs (SEN) and the assessment of children and young people with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (LDD) in post-16 education and training.

The Act makes provision for universal, statutory Individual Development Plans (IDPs) for all children and young people with ALN. These will replace current Statements of SEN and Individual Education Plans. It also seeks to improve collaboration between local authorities and health boards, as well as establish a fairer and more transparent system, which has greater emphasis on disagreement avoidance and dispute resolution.

The existing law will be entirely phased out by 2024 and Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Inclusion Officers are currently working under guidance from Welsh Government to support schools, and other key services, in preparing for the changes that the new law will bring.

Further information

Further information on the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act can also be found on the Welsh Government website and other useful documents can be found here.