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Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Services in Ceredigion

WalesPrincipal Area
Council website

Ceredigion, a rural county in west Wales with scattered communities across its beautiful coastline and countryside, shapes SEND support in unique ways, where services often prioritise family-centred approaches and travel to access specialist help. Parents new to the system can turn to the Ceredigion Parent Partnership Service for impartial guidance on everything from early assessments to local resources, helping navigate challenges like those in other rural areas. While facing tight budgets like many Welsh councils, Ceredigion maintains a strong reputation for well-managed services, offering reassurance that your child's needs will be met with care and commitment.

In Ceredigion's family-centred landscape, where travel and scattered services can leave you feeling stretched, JakTrack steps in as your quiet companion, helping you feel prepared, supported, and truly in control as evidence from daily life builds steadily in the background. Starting early means those patterns in sleep, behaviour, and routines reveal themselves just when you need them for Parent Partnership chats or IDP steps, easing the rural juggle without a second thought. You'll walk into every conversation knowing your child's story is captured and ready, bringing calm to the journey ahead. see how JakTrack can help

Schools & ALN Provision

42

Schools

29

With ALN Data

1,150

ALN Reports

9.9%

Avg ALN Rate

Additional Learning Needs (ALN)

Ceredigion 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.

Ceredigion Parent Partnership Service / ALN Pupil & Family Support Co-ordinator

ALN / IDP Team

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

ALN Team

Ceredigion County Council ALN Team

ALN Reports by Primary Need

Schools

Ysgol Llwyn Yr Eos

24.4% ALN
60 pupils with ALNSY23 1SH

Ysgol Craig Yr Wylfa

20.8% ALN
5 pupils with ALNSY24 5NJ

Ysgol Aberporth

19% ALN
35 pupils with ALNSA43 2DE

Ysgol Llechryd

13% ALN
5 pupils with ALNSA43 2NL

Ysgol Padarn Sant

13% ALN
20 pupils with ALNSY23 1EZ

Ysgol Dyffryn Aeron

12.8% ALN
25 pupils with ALNSA48 8AE

Ysgol Rhos Helyg

12.7% ALN
5 pupils with ALNSY25 6RD

Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron

12.4% ALN
70 pupils with ALNSA46 0DT

Ysgol T. Llew Jones

11.4% ALN
20 pupils with ALNSA44 6AE

Ysgol Comins Coch

11.3% ALN
15 pupils with ALNSY23 3BQ

Ysgol Gynradd Wirfoddol Myfenydd

10.7% ALN
10 pupils with ALNSY23 5AT

Ysgol Gynradd Aberteifi

10.3% ALN
40 pupils with ALNSA43 1EH

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 Ceredigion.

Start by speaking to your child's school or college ALNCo or head teacher and put your request for an IDP review or assessment in writing. If the school refuses or maintains the IDP, ask the local authority to reconsider the decision. The IDP is created through person-centred planning meetings to address additional learning needs.
Ceredigion's Parent Partnership Service, also known as the ALN Pupil & Family Support Co-ordinator, provides free, impartial information, advice, and support for parents and families of children with additional learning needs. You can contact them by phone at 01545 570881 or email [email protected] for help with IDPs and other SEND matters.
Ceredigion has 42 schools in total but no dedicated specialist SEND schools, no schools with SEN units, and no schools with resource bases. Support for children with additional learning needs is provided through mainstream schools and Individual Development Plans.
The Local Offer lists all services and support available for children and young people with additional learning needs and their families in Ceredigion. You can find Ceredigion's Local Offer on the council website at www.ceredigion.gov.uk by searching for additional learning needs or SEND support.
Schools must complete an IDP review, including providing a revised plan or decision notice, promptly or within 35 days of a parental request. Local authorities have 7 weeks for their reviews. IDPs must be reviewed at least every 12 months, but can be updated anytime if needs change.

Navigating SEND in Ceredigion?

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