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Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and Individual Development Plans in Wales

How the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) system works in Wales, including Individual Development Plans (IDPs), for children and young people up to age 25.

Sample content. This prototype article summarises official UK sources listed at the end of the page. It is information, not legal or medical advice, and what you are entitled to depends on your circumstances.

Jurisdiction
Wales
Date last checked
11 June 2026
Date last updated
11 June 2026
Next review due
11 December 2026
Article version
1.0
Review status
Review status: Published and checked

Overview

Wales replaced the old SEN system with the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) system under the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018, fully in force across all schools and settings from September 2021 onwards, with transition continuing for existing statements.

A child or young person has an additional learning need if they have a learning difficulty or disability that calls for additional learning provision, different from or additional to what is normally available to others of the same age.

The single plan used across all ages 0 to 25 is called an Individual Development Plan (IDP), replacing both statements of SEN and individual education plans.

Schools, further education institutions and, for children under compulsory school age, health boards can all be responsible for maintaining an IDP depending on the child's circumstances.

Common barriers people describe

  • Confusion during the transition period about whether a child is still under the old system or the new ALN system.
  • Inconsistent understanding among some settings of who should be the 'educated other than at a school' or maintaining body for an IDP.
  • Families not knowing they can request their local authority to determine whether a child has ALN.
  • Gaps in provision when a young person moves from school into further education or training.

Practical support

  • Parents, young people (aged 16 to 25) or a school can ask the local authority to decide whether a child or young person has ALN.
  • SNAP Cymru and Tros Gynnal Plant offer independent advice and advocacy for families going through the ALN process in Wales.
  • Every local authority must appoint an Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCo) role in schools, similar to a SENCo but with duties defined in the Welsh legislation and code.
  • The Welsh Government's ALN Code sets out timescales and expectations for drawing up and reviewing IDPs.

Your rights

  • Families and young people have a right to appeal certain decisions, such as a refusal to prepare an IDP or disagreement over its content, to the Education Tribunal for Wales, which is free.
  • There is also a right to ask for disagreement avoidance and resolution services provided by the local authority before or instead of appealing.
  • IDPs must be reviewed at least once every 12 months.
  • Children and young people with ALN are also protected under the Equality Act 2010 where they meet the definition of disability.

Possible benefits and financial support

These are things you may want to check. Nothing here is a decision, and entitlement always depends on your circumstances.

  • Disability Living Allowance for children is a UK-wide benefit and is not dependent on having an IDP.
  • Free school transport rules in Wales include provision for children who cannot walk to school because of a disability or mobility difficulty; ask the local authority for its policy.

Workplace adjustments to consider

    Education adjustments to consider

    • The IDP should record what additional learning provision is needed and how outcomes will be tracked, written in a way that is accessible to the child, young person and family.
    • Further education colleges and some independent and sixth form settings also have duties under the ALN system for learners up to age 25.
    • Person-centred planning is intended to run through the whole process, meaning the child or young person's own views should shape the plan wherever possible.

    Getting healthcare that works for you

    • Health boards can be responsible for maintaining an IDP for children below compulsory school age with ALN, and any health provision specified should be delivered by the relevant NHS body.

    Related rights topics

    Sources

    Every fact on this page comes from the sources below. Follow the links for the full, official version.

    Update history

    • Version 1.0 — 11 June 2026

      First published sample article covering the ALN system and IDPs in Wales.

      Approved by: Editorial reviewer (sample)

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