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Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Services in Caerphilly

WalesPrincipal Area
Council website

In Caerphilly, a county borough blending urban communities with rural valleys in southeast Wales, SEND support is delivered through a mix of mainstream schools and targeted additional learning needs (ALN) services under the Welsh framework, helping families navigate challenges in a landscape without dedicated specialist schools. Parents new to the system can turn to the Caerphilly Additional Needs Service / ALN Team for free, impartial advice on everything from early assessments to individual development plans, offering reassurance amid any worries. While local services aim to meet statutory timelines like the 20-week assessment target, broader Welsh reforms to ALN provision continue to shape improvements, ensuring support adapts to each child's needs.

JakTrack complements the Caerphilly Additional Needs Service / ALN Team by quietly building a clear picture of your child's daily patterns - like sleep, meals, and behaviour - right from your phone, so you feel prepared and in control when turning to them for assessments or individual development plans. Starting early lets this evidence grow naturally over time, giving you that reassuring sense of support as you navigate appointments and reforms without the stress of starting from scratch. Families tell us it brings a real calm, knowing they're backed up and heard every step of the way. see how JakTrack can help

Schools & ALN Provision

86

Schools

75

With ALN Data

4,495

ALN Reports

14.8%

Avg ALN Rate

Additional Learning Needs (ALN)

Caerphilly operates under the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018. Instead of EHCPs, children here may receive a Individual Development Plan (IDP).

Wales Support Organisations

These national organisations can help families in Wales navigate the ALN system:

SNAP Cymru

Free independent advice and support for families with ALN children in Wales

Children in Wales

National umbrella organisation for children and young people in Wales

Welsh Government ALN guidance

Official guidance on the ALN system

Local Services & Contacts

SNAP Cymru / Advice Service

Free, independent advice and support for families navigating the ALN system in Wales.

Caerphilly Additional Needs Service / ALN Team

Parent Carer Forum

ALN / IDP Team

The team responsible for Individual Development Plans (IDPs) under the ALN system.

ALN Team

Caerphilly Additional Needs Service

Speech & Language Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Short Breaks & Respite

ALN Reports by Primary Need

Schools

Trinity Fields School & Resource Centre

100% ALN
305 pupils with ALNCF82 7XW

Whiterose Primary

47.2% ALN
110 pupils with ALNNP24 6DF

Tyn - y - Wern Primary

39.5% ALN
90 pupils with ALNCF83 8BR

Hengoed Primary School

37.4% ALN
55 pupils with ALNCF82 7JU

Ty Isaf Infants & Nursery School

37.3% ALN
40 pupils with ALNNP11 6EF

Bryn Awel Primary School

36% ALN
50 pupils with ALNNP22 5JJ

Llanfabon Infants School

34.6% ALN
35 pupils with ALNCF46 6HL

St James Primary

33.6% ALN
90 pupils with ALNCF83 3GT

Llancaeach Junior School

31.6% ALN
45 pupils with ALNCF46 6NF

Idris Davies School 3 to 18

31.5% ALN
255 pupils with ALNNP22 5XF

Pantside Primary School

30.9% ALN
60 pupils with ALNNP11 5DE

Twyn Primary School

23.9% ALN
100 pupils with ALNCF83 1UT

Tiryberth Primary School

23.7% ALN
35 pupils with ALNCF82 8AU

Maesycwmmer Primary School

22.5% ALN
30 pupils with ALNCF82 7PU

Greenhill Primary School

21.1% ALN
35 pupils with ALNCF82 8EU

Ysgol Y Lawnt

20.9% ALN
40 pupils with ALNNP22 5LS

Bryn Primary School

20.8% ALN
35 pupils with ALNNP12 2PL

Upper Rhymney Primary School

20.8% ALN
30 pupils with ALNNP22 5EP

Bedwas Junior School

20.5% ALN
30 pupils with ALNCF83 8EB

Risca Primary School

19.6% ALN
65 pupils with ALNNP11 6DB

Risca Community Comprehensive School

19.3% ALN
120 pupils with ALNNP11 6YY

Derwendeg Primary School

19% ALN
35 pupils with ALNCF82 7HP

Heolddu Comprehensive School

18.4% ALN
135 pupils with ALNCF81 8XL

Graig-Y-Rhacca Primary and Nursery Community School

17.1% ALN
20 pupils with ALNCF83 8WW

The Lewis School

17.1% ALN
110 pupils with ALNCF81 8LJ

Coed-Y-Brain Primary School

16.2% ALN
35 pupils with ALNCF83 3LD

Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Allta

15.2% ALN
45 pupils with ALNCF82 7XQ

Cwm Ifor Primary School

14.9% ALN
30 pupils with ALNCF83 2PG

Pentwynmawr Primary School

14.7% ALN
15 pupils with ALNNP11 6HJ

Ty Sign Primary School

14.4% ALN
60 pupils with ALNNP11 6HJ

Cefn Fforest Primary School

13% ALN
35 pupils with ALNNP12 3JX

Bedwas Infant School

12.3% ALN
20 pupils with ALNCF83 8EE

Ysgol Ifor Bach

11.9% ALN
30 pupils with ALNCF83 4AB

Waunfawr Primary School

10.9% ALN
20 pupils with ALNNP11 7PG

St Cenydd School

10.5% ALN
100 pupils with ALNCF83 2RP

Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni

10.5% ALN
185 pupils with ALNNP12 3JQ

Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Y Castell

10.5% ALN
45 pupils with ALNCF83 1WH

Newbridge School

10.2% ALN
105 pupils with ALNNP11 5FR

Cwmcarn Primary School

10% ALN
20 pupils with ALNNP11 7LZ

Understanding ALN provision in Wales

Wales operates under the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018, which replaced the old SEN system. Here's what you need to know:

Additional Learning Needs (ALN)

Under the ALN Act 2018, a child has ALN if they have a learning difficulty or disability that calls for additional learning provision. This replaces the old SEN system in Wales. Schools must identify and support children with ALN through a person-centred approach.

Individual Development Plan (IDP)

The IDP replaces Statements of SEN and Individual Education Plans in Wales. It's a single document that describes a child's ALN and the additional learning provision they need. Schools maintain IDPs for most children; the local authority maintains them for more complex needs.

ALN Coordinator (ALNCo)

Every school in Wales must have a designated ALNCo - similar to a SENCO in England. The ALNCo is responsible for overseeing ALN provision, coordinating IDPs, and working with families and external agencies to ensure children get the right support.

Special Schools in Wales

Wales has special schools for children with more complex needs. Placement is through the local authority and usually requires an IDP maintained by the LA. Data on specialist provision in Welsh schools is held by local authorities rather than centrally published.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from families about SEND support in Caerphilly.

In Caerphilly, you, your child's school, or another professional can request an Individual Development Plan (IDP) by contacting Caerphilly County Borough Council if the support needed goes beyond what a school can reasonably provide. The local authority has 12 weeks to decide if your child has additional learning needs (ALN) and requires an IDP, and if approved, they will prepare the plan. Start by speaking to your child's school or the council's Additional Learning Needs team for guidance.
Caerphilly's Additional Needs Service, also known as the ALN Team, offers free, impartial information, advice, and support for parents and families of children with additional learning needs. You can contact them by phone on 01443 866610, 01443 866639, 01443 866683, or 01443 864835 to get help understanding IDPs and other support options.[data] They assist with navigating the local SEND system in a person-centred way.
Caerphilly has no dedicated specialist SEND schools, no schools with SEN units, and no schools with resource bases.[data] Support for children with additional learning needs is mainly provided through mainstream schools via Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and other local provisions. Check the Caerphilly Local Offer for details on available support in mainstream settings.
The Local Offer in Caerphilly is a guide to all the services and support available for children and young people with additional learning needs (ALN) and their families, including education, health, and social care provisions. You can find it on the Caerphilly County Borough Council website at www.caerphilly.gov.uk, under sections for schools and learning or additional learning needs. It helps you understand options like IDPs and local resources.
When requesting an IDP directly from Caerphilly County Borough Council, they have 12 weeks to assess if your child has additional learning needs and to prepare the plan if approved. This follows the Welsh ALN system guidelines, though schools may handle initial requests faster. Contact the ALN Team for specific timelines in your case.

Navigating SEND in Caerphilly?

JakTrack helps you track evidence, prepare for Individual Development Plan (IDP) reviews, check benefit eligibility, and stay on top of appointments - all in one place.

See How JakTrack Helps