If a child / young person has learning difficulties, they will often receive support in school. This support is referred to a universal learning provision, meaning it is available to all children.

When a child / young person with additional learning needs receives additional support this is also known as additional learning provision. This means help that is additional to or different from the support generally given to other children / young people of the same age.

The purpose of additional learning provision is to help children / young people achieve the outcomes or learning objectives agreed during a Person Centred Review. Schools will involve children / young people and parents in this process.

What types of support are available?

Universal provision supports children and young people in mainstream schools. Some children will require early intervention to support the universal provision they receive. Depending on the progress made children and young people can also access targeted and specialist provision for example, an assessment by a speech and language therapist.

What is universal provision?

Universal Learning Provision is the support available to all learners in both the school or setting and in the classroom. Universal Learning Provision aims to make learning easier to access by providing good teaching and learning opportunities. Some examples of Universal Learning Provision include sitting at the front of the class, movement breaks, printing worksheets on coloured paper and adult support.

If you would like more information about Universal Learning Provision, please contact the ALNCo at your school or setting who will be able to discuss what Universal Learning Provision is available.

Universal provision is available to all learners. It is there to benefit all children and is based on inclusive approaches. These approaches are essential to all pupils but specifically those with learning difficulties and additional learning needs.

What is early intervention?

Early intervention is a short burst of support to help your child / young person. Early intervention programmes differ depending on the need of the child / young person.

What is targeted provision?

Targeted provision is when a decision has been made that your child / young person has additional learning needs and requires additional learning provision to help them progress. This will be set out in an Individual Development Plan (IDP). This is often support using school / college resources delivered by a member of staff. Sometimes this can also include support from external professionals, for example, access to a specialist teacher or colleagues from health.

What is specialist provision?

Specialist provision can be provided for learners with specific, severe and complex ALN. This could be delivered within a mainstream school, in one of Swansea's Specialist teaching facilities attached to a school or in a special school. There will be a need for local authority and multi-agency involvement to support the Individual Development Plan (IDP).

How do I know what type of support my child / young person will be having?

If you are unsure, please speak to the class teacher or Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo) at your child's school / college. They will be able to advise you about how your child's needs are being met.

Will my child have an Individual Development Plan (IDP)?

Not all children / young people will require an IDP, it depends on the level of support they need. Please speak to the class teacher or Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo) for further information or if you have any concerns about your child / young person.