Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Services in Cardiff
Cardiff, as Wales's largest city and a bustling urban authority, offers a comprehensive range of SEND support tailored to its diverse population of nearly half a million residents. Parents navigating the system can turn to the Cardiff Council ALN Helpline for impartial guidance, while the city addresses health inequalities through targeted initiatives in areas like the Southern Arc. With healthy life expectancy now matching the Welsh average after steady improvements, SEND support in Cardiff provides a reassuring foundation amid urban challenges such as population growth and varying ward needs.
In Cardiff's dynamic environment, where urban growth and diverse ward needs can make SEND navigation feel overwhelming, JakTrack steps in as your steady companion, helping families feel prepared, supported, and truly in control. By quietly capturing daily evidence from sleep, meals, and behaviour, it uncovers patterns through gentle AI insights, eases benefit checks and IDP preparations, and builds a powerful case that strengthens over time - so starting early turns those council helpline calls and Southern Arc appointments into confident steps forward. see how JakTrack can help
Schools & ALN Provision
144
Schools
118
With ALN Data
5,365
ALN Reports
11.7%
Avg ALN Rate
Additional Learning Needs (ALN)
Cardiff 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:
Free independent advice and support for families with ALN children in Wales
National umbrella organisation for children and young people in Wales
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.
Cardiff Council ALN Helpline
ALN / IDP Team
The team responsible for Individual Development Plans (IDPs) under the ALN system.
ALN Team
Cardiff Council ALN Helpline (handles IDPs)
ALN Reports by Primary Need
Schools
Greenhill Special School
100% ALNMeadowbank Special School
100% ALNRiverbank Special School
100% ALNTy Gwyn Special School
100% ALNWoodlands High School
100% ALNLlanedeyrn Primary School
15.7% ALNBryn Hafod Primary School
14.2% ALNCoed Glas Primary School
13.9% ALNWindsor Clive Primary School
13% ALNCardiff West Community High School
12% ALNMoorland Primary School
11.5% ALNYsgol Gymraeg Coed-Y-Gof
11.2% ALNSt Mary The Virgin C.I.W. Primary School
10.4% ALNPentyrch Primary School
10.2% ALNUnderstanding 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 Cardiff.
Navigating SEND in Cardiff?
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.
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