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Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Services in Gwynedd

WalesPrincipal Area
Council website

Gwynedd, a predominantly rural county in north-west Wales with its mix of coastal towns and mountain communities, shapes SEND support in unique ways, often requiring creative solutions like outreach services to reach families across wide distances. Parents navigating the system here can turn to SNAP Cymru, the local SENDIASS, for free, impartial advice on everything from assessments to appeals, helping ease the journey at a challenging time. Recent expansions in early childcare schemes signal growing commitment to inclusive support for young children, offering reassurance that help is adapting to local needs.

In Gwynedd's far-flung communities, where outreach is key to staying connected, JakTrack brings that same reliable support right to your phone, helping you feel prepared and in control no matter the distance to your next appointment. As you log simple daily moments like sleep or behaviour, the app quietly builds a powerful evidence base over time, spotting patterns with gentle AI insights so you're never caught off guard during IDP reviews or benefit checks. Starting early means walking into every meeting supported and empowered, turning the challenges of rural SEND life into steps you can confidently take. see how JakTrack can help

Schools & ALN Provision

101

Schools

76

With ALN Data

3,770

ALN Reports

17.3%

Avg ALN Rate

Additional Learning Needs (ALN)

Gwynedd 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

ADYaCh (Gwynedd ALN Team)

Speech & Language Therapy

Short Breaks & Respite

Short breaks information

ALN Reports by Primary Need

Schools

Ysgol Hafod Lon

100% ALN
115 pupils with ALNLL48 6LD

Ysgol Pendalar

100% ALN
115 pupils with ALNLL55 2RN

Ysgol Gynradd Rhosgadfan

38.5% ALN
15 pupils with ALNLL54 7EU

Y.G. Rhostryfan

33.3% ALN
25 pupils with ALNLL54 7LR

Ysgol Gynradd Rhiwlas

33.3% ALN
10 pupils with ALNLL57 4EH

Ysgol Gynradd Llanllechid

29.2% ALN
75 pupils with ALNLL57 3EH

Ysgol Santes Helen

27.5% ALN
10 pupils with ALNLL55 1PF

Ysgol Gynradd Dyffryn Dulas

27.3% ALN
10 pupils with ALNSY20 9TQ

Ysgol Y Moelwyn

26.8% ALN
95 pupils with ALNLL41 3DW

Ysgol Eifionydd

24.7% ALN
90 pupils with ALNLL49 9HS

Ysgol Gynradd Pennal

23.5% ALN
10 pupils with ALNSY20 9JT

Ysgol Ardudwy

23.3% ALN
75 pupils with ALNLL46 2UH

Ysgol Glancegin

23.3% ALN
50 pupils with ALNLL57 1ST

Ysgol Y Gorlan

22.9% ALN
25 pupils with ALNLL49 9RN

Ysgol Llandygai

22.5% ALN
20 pupils with ALNLL57 4HU

Ysgol Gynradd Talysarn

21.9% ALN
20 pupils with ALNLL54 6HR

Ysgol Syr Hugh Owen

21.5% ALN
Capacity: 974190 pupils with ALNLL55 1HW

Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle

20.7% ALN
80 pupils with ALNLL54 6RL

Ysgol Foel Gron

20.7% ALN
5 pupils with ALNLL53 7RN

Ysgol Brynrefail

20.2% ALN
155 pupils with ALNLL55 4AD

Ysgol Ffridd y LLyn

20% ALN
10 pupils with ALNLL23 7HE

Ysgol Gwaun Gynfi

19.8% ALN
25 pupils with ALNLL55 3LT

Ysgol Dyffryn Ogwen Bethesda

19.1% ALN
75 pupils with ALNLL57 3NN

Ysgol Borthygest

18.8% ALN
5 pupils with ALNLL49 9UF

Ysgol Gynradd Llanbedr

18.6% ALN
10 pupils with ALNLL45 2NW

Ysgol Crud Y Werin

18.2% ALN
10 pupils with ALNLL53 8BP

Ysgol Dolbadarn

18.2% ALN
25 pupils with ALNLL55 4SH

Ysgol Pen-y-bryn

17.9% ALN
20 pupils with ALNLL57 3BE

Ysgol Gynradd Maesincla

16.9% ALN
45 pupils with ALNLL55 1DF

Ysgol Cefn Coch

16.6% ALN
25 pupils with ALNLL48 6AE

Ysgol Abercaseg

15.8% ALN
10 pupils with ALNLL57 3PL

Ysgol Waunfawr

15.5% ALN
20 pupils with ALNLL55 4LJ

Ysgol y Traeth

15.1% ALN
30 pupils with ALNLL42 1HH

Ysgol Bro Lleu

14.7% ALN
30 pupils with ALNLL54 6RE

Ysgol Bro Hedd Wyn

14.1% ALN
10 pupils with ALNLL41 4SE

Ysgol Craig y Deryn

13.7% ALN
15 pupils with ALNLL36 9SG

Ysgol Gynradd Bethel

13.6% ALN
20 pupils with ALNLL55 1AX

Ysgol Maenofferen

13.1% ALN
30 pupils with ALNLL41 3DL

Ysgol Cymerau

13% ALN
35 pupils with ALNLL53 5NU

Ysgol Glan y Mor

12.9% ALN
60 pupils with ALNLL53 5NU

Ysgol Pont Y Gof

12.9% ALN
15 pupils with ALNLL53 8RA

Ysgol Gynradd Edern

12.8% ALN
10 pupils with ALNLL53 8YW

Ysgol Cae Top

12.7% ALN
30 pupils with ALNLL57 2GZ

Ysgol Gynradd Hirael

12.6% ALN
25 pupils with ALNLL57 1BA

Ysgol Yr Hendre

12.4% ALN
45 pupils with ALNLL55 2LY

Ysgol Gynradd Llanbedrog

11.3% ALN
10 pupils with ALNLL53 7NU

Ysgol Gynradd Penybryn

11.3% ALN
25 pupils with ALNLL36 9EF

Ysgol Gynradd Bontnewydd

10.7% ALN
25 pupils with ALNLL55 2UF

Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn

10.6% ALN
40 pupils with ALNLL36 9EU

Ysgol Bro Idris

10.5% ALN
55 pupils with ALNLL40 1HY

Ysgol Tryfan

10.5% ALN
55 pupils with ALNLL57 2TU

Ysgol Y Faenol

10.2% ALN
25 pupils with ALNLL57 2NN

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 Gwynedd.

If you think your child needs extra support, speak to their school first and ask the ALNCo or headteacher in writing to review or create an IDP. If the school refuses or you need more help, ask Gwynedd Council to reconsider or take over responsibility for the IDP. The local authority has 12 weeks to decide on your request and prepare the plan if needed.
Gwynedd's SENDIASS is provided by SNAP Cymru, offering free, impartial information, advice, and support to parents and families of children with additional learning needs. 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].
Gwynedd has 101 schools in total, but no dedicated specialist SEND schools, SEN units, or resource bases. Support for children with additional learning needs is provided through Individual Development Plans in mainstream schools. Check the Gwynedd Local Offer for details on available provisions.
The Local Offer explains all the SEND services and support available in Gwynedd for children and young people with additional learning needs. It covers education, health, and social care provisions. Visit the Gwynedd Council website at www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru to find and explore the Local Offer.
When requesting an IDP from Gwynedd Council, they have 12 weeks to decide if your child has additional learning needs and to prepare the plan if agreed. Schools must respond to review requests promptly or within 35 days, while local authority reconsiderations take up to 7 weeks. IDPs must be reviewed at least every 12 months, but can be updated sooner if needs change.

Navigating SEND in Gwynedd?

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