Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNco)
All mainstream maintained schools in Wales must designate a person who will have responsibility for co-ordinating support for children / young people with additional learning needs. That person is known as the Additional Learning Needs Coordinator or ALNCo.
What do they do?
The ALNCo has overall responsibility for:
- Writing and implementing an Additional Learning Needs (ALN) policy.
- Overseeing the day-to-day operation of the school's ALN policy.
- Liaising and offering advice to school staff on ALN issues.
- Managing ALN support staff.
- Contributing to in-service training for teachers.
- Determining if a child has ALN in conjunction with outside specialists.
- Have overall responsibility to ensure that all children / young people who have ALN across the school have an IDP.
- Liaising with parents of children with ALN and arranging review meetings.
- Co-ordinating provision for children with ALN.
- Overseeing the records of all children with ALN.
- Liaising with external agencies including advisory teachers and educational psychology services, health and social services, and voluntary bodies.
The ALNCo makes sure that the needs of all children / young people with ALN are met.
I am concerned about my child who do I contact?
For general concerns, first you need to speak to the class teacher and / or the school / college ALNCo. They aim to work together to support and guide you.
If you have spoken to them, your child has received additional support and you are still concerned, then speak to the school's ALNCo.
What will the ALNCo do to help my child?
This depends on the needs of your child. The ALNCo will work with you to discuss your child's needs and how they can be supported in school.