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Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Services in Conwy

WalesPrincipal Area
Council website

Conwy is a principal area in Wales serving families across a mix of urban and rural communities, and navigating SEND support here means connecting with services shaped by the council's commitment to inclusive practice. The council has recently refined its approach to inclusion and accessibility, with initiatives spanning targeted support for families facing challenges, enhanced learning environments, and a focus on strengthening fairness across services for residents and their children. If you're new to the SEND system in Conwy, SNAP Cymru is your local Information, Advice and Support Service, offering free, impartial guidance to help you understand your child's rights and the processes available to you. This page brings together the key information about SEND support in Conwy, from assessment pathways to local provision, to help you find your way through the system with confidence.

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Schools & ALN Provision

63

Schools

43

With ALN Data

1,980

ALN Reports

10.8%

Avg ALN Rate

Additional Learning Needs (ALN)

Conwy 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.

SNAP Cymru

ALN / IDP Team

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

ALN Team

Conwy Additional Learning Needs Team

Speech & Language Therapy

Speech and Language Therapy Team (SALT)

ALN Reports by Primary Need

Schools

Ysgol Y Gogarth

100% ALN
270 pupils with ALNLL30 1YE

Ysgol Swn Y Don

23.7% ALN
30 pupils with ALNLL29 9LL

Ysgol Pant-Y-Rhedyn

19.4% ALN
20 pupils with ALNLL33 0AA

Ysgol Nant Y Groes

16.2% ALN
40 pupils with ALNLL29 8ET

Ysgol Y Plas

16.2% ALN
10 pupils with ALNLL29 8YY

Ysgol Gynradd Cynfran

16% ALN
25 pupils with ALNLL29 8SS

Ysgol Pencae

15.5% ALN
25 pupils with ALNLL34 6YG

Ysgol Dyffryn yr Enfys

13.1% ALN
15 pupils with ALNLL32 8QE

Ysgol Llanddulas Controlled

13% ALN
20 pupils with ALNLL22 8EW

Ysgol Glan Conwy

12.6% ALN
15 pupils with ALNLL28 5ST

Old Colwyn Junior C.P. School

12.4% ALN
25 pupils with ALNLL29 9RU

Ysgol Aberconwy

12.4% ALN
135 pupils with ALNLL32 8ED

Blessed William Davies School

10.8% ALN
15 pupils with ALNLL30 1LL

Ysgol Emrys Ap Iwan

10.8% ALN
100 pupils with ALNLL22 7HE

Ysgol Ffordd Dyffryn

10.3% ALN
20 pupils with ALNLL30 2LZ

Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy

10.2% ALN
Capacity: 96065 pupils with ALNLL26 0SD

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 Conwy.

Start by talking to your child's class teacher or the Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo) at their school. They will consider if your child has Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and may carry out an ALN Consideration, which could lead to an Individual Development Plan (IDP) within 35 school days. If the school refuses or you disagree, contact Conwy County Borough Council to ask them to reconsider or take over, which they must do within 7 weeks.
Conwy's SENDIASS is provided by SNAP Cymru, offering free, impartial information, advice, and support to parents and carers of children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN). They can help with understanding IDPs, the assessment process, and your rights under the ALN system. Contact them at 0808 801 0608 or [email protected].
Conwy has 63 schools in total, but currently no dedicated specialist schools, SEN units, or resource bases. Support for children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) is provided through Individual Development Plans (IDPs) in mainstream schools.
The Local Offer in Conwy explains all the services and support available for children and young people with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and their families. It covers education, health, and social care provisions. Visit the Conwy County Borough Council website at www.conwy.gov.uk and search for 'Additional Learning Needs' or 'Local Offer' to find it.
If requested from your child's school, they must decide within 35 school days whether to create an IDP. For requests directly to Conwy County Borough Council, the decision and IDP preparation must be completed within 12 weeks. Reviews of an IDP happen at least every 12 months, or sooner if needs change.

Navigating SEND in Conwy?

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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