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Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Services in Neath Port Talbot

WalesPrincipal Area
Council website

Neath Port Talbot, a county borough blending urban and rural communities in South Wales, recognises the unique challenges families face with SEND support in Neath Port Talbot, particularly in areas of higher deprivation where 19% of neighbourhoods rank among Wales' most deprived. While the area grapples with lower social mobility and employment rates compared to national averages, local services are committed to providing tailored additional learning needs support to help every child thrive. Parents can turn to the NPT Inclusion Service / Additional Learning Needs Support Service (ALNSS) for impartial guidance, ensuring you're not alone on this journey.

In Neath Port Talbot's committed landscape of tailored support, JakTrack steps in as your steady companion, helping you feel prepared and in control amid the area's unique challenges. As you log daily moments effortlessly, a powerful evidence base builds quietly over time - starting early means walking into ALNSS meetings or IDP reviews supported by clear patterns and insights that speak for themselves. You'll finally breathe easier, knowing you're equipped to advocate with confidence. see how JakTrack can help

Schools & ALN Provision

65

Schools

62

With ALN Data

3,675

ALN Reports

14.9%

Avg ALN Rate

Additional Learning Needs (ALN)

Neath Port Talbot 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.

NPT Inclusion Service / Additional Learning Needs Support Service (ALNSS)

ALN / IDP Team

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

Request form

ALN Team

Sophie Griffiths (ALNSS Manager) / Hayley Lervy (Head of Service)

ALN Reports by Primary Need

Schools

Ysgol Hendrefelin

100% ALN
175 pupils with ALNSA10 7TY

Ysgol Maes Y Coed

100% ALN
125 pupils with ALNSA10 7TY

Croeserw Primary School

37.2% ALN
50 pupils with ALNSA13 3PL

Blaendulais Primary School

30.1% ALN
30 pupils with ALNSA10 9AA

Maesmarchog Community Primary School

28.9% ALN
25 pupils with ALNSA10 9LB

Tywyn Primary School

23.5% ALN
105 pupils with ALNSA12 6JF

Cilffriw Primary School

23.3% ALN
35 pupils with ALNSA10 8LW

Blaenhonddan Primary School

23% ALN
60 pupils with ALNSA10 7PE

Waunceirch Primary School

23% ALN
45 pupils with ALNSA10 7RW

Sandfields Primary School

22.9% ALN
55 pupils with ALNSA12 6AJ

Gnoll Primary School

22.2% ALN
80 pupils with ALNSA11 1AQ

YGGD Trebannws

22.2% ALN
20 pupils with ALNSA8 4BL

Pen Afan Primary

21.1% ALN
20 pupils with ALNSA13 3UL

Cwmnedd Primary School

19.8% ALN
35 pupils with ALNSA11 5AA

Awel Y Môr Primary School

19.5% ALN
70 pupils with ALNSA12 6TP

Rhydyfro Primary School

19% ALN
30 pupils with ALNSA8 3BB

Ysgol Bae Baglan

19% ALN
265 pupils with ALNSA12 7BL

YGGD Cwmllynfell

16.7% ALN
10 pupils with ALNSA9 2FL

Eastern Primary School

15.9% ALN
20 pupils with ALNSA13 1TT

Tairgwaith Primary School

15.7% ALN
15 pupils with ALNSA18 1UU

Cymer Afan Primary School

15.2% ALN
15 pupils with ALNSA13 3EE

St Therese's Catholic Primary School

13.8% ALN
30 pupils with ALNSA12 7HL

Crynallt Primary School

11.6% ALN
45 pupils with ALNSA11 3AZ

Cwmtawe Community School

11.5% ALN
120 pupils with ALNSA8 4EG

Blaenbaglan Primary School

11.2% ALN
30 pupils with ALNSA12 8YF

Tonnau Primary Community School

11.2% ALN
25 pupils with ALNSA11 3EJ

Rhos Primary School

10.9% ALN
15 pupils with ALNSA8 3EB

Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School

10.7% ALN
90 pupils with ALNSA11 3TA

St Joseph's RC School and 6th Form Centre

10.4% ALN
85 pupils with ALNSA12 6EY

Abbey Primary School

10.3% ALN
45 pupils with ALNSA10 7NG

Central Primary School

10.3% ALN
40 pupils with ALNSA13 1SP

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 Neath Port Talbot.

First, speak to your child's health visitor, GP, playgroup leader, or school if you think they have additional learning needs (ALN). The school can then decide and create an IDP in 35 days, or refer to the local authority for complex cases, which takes 12 weeks. A request form is available on the Neath Port Talbot Council website.
Neath Port Talbot's Additional Learning Needs Support Service (ALNSS), also called the NPT Inclusion Service, offers information, advice, and support for parents and children with additional learning needs. You can contact them by phone at 01639 686868 for help with IDPs and other SEND matters.
Neath Port Talbot has 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 (IDPs).
The Local Offer lists all SEND services and support available in Neath Port Talbot, including information on Individual Development Plans (IDPs). You can find it on the Neath Port Talbot Council website at www.npt.gov.uk, under schools and learning sections.
If the school handles it, the IDP process takes 35 days; for local authority cases with complex needs, it takes 12 weeks. IDPs must be reviewed every 12 months or sooner if needs change.

Navigating SEND in Neath Port Talbot?

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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