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Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Services in Powys

WalesPrincipal Area
Council website

In the vast rural landscapes of Powys, one of Wales' largest counties by area but with a sparse population, SEND support is tailored to meet the unique needs of families spread across remote communities, where distances can make access a key consideration. Powys benefits from increased Welsh Government funding for additional learning needs, helping to bolster local services amid rising national demands. For impartial guidance through this journey, contact SNAP Cymru, your local SENDIASS, and rest assured that dedicated teams are here to support you and your child every step of the way.

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Schools & ALN Provision

95

Schools

70

With ALN Data

3,630

ALN Reports

17.7%

Avg ALN Rate

Additional Learning Needs (ALN)

Powys 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

Powys County Council ALN Team (Tyfu Gateway)

Speech & Language Therapy

Powys Teaching Health Board Speech and Language Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Powys Teaching Health Board Occupational Therapy

ALN Reports by Primary Need

Schools

Brynllywarch Hall School

100% ALN
85 pupils with ALNSY16 4PB

Ysgol Cedewain

100% ALN
110 pupils with ALNSY16 1LH

Ysgol Penmaes

100% ALN
115 pupils with ALNLD3 7HL

Ysgol Golwg y Cwm

45.2% ALN
85 pupils with ALNSA9 1SE

St Mary's R.C. (A) School

42.6% ALN
25 pupils with ALNSY16 2EH

Newtown High School

36.2% ALN
325 pupils with ALNSY16 1JE

Priory C.I.W. School

32.9% ALN
45 pupils with ALNLD3 9EU

Ysgol y Mynydd Du

31.9% ALN
30 pupils with ALNLD3 0DQ

Clyro C.I.W. School

31% ALN
20 pupils with ALNHR3 5LE

Ysgol Meifod

30.6% ALN
20 pupils with ALNSY22 6DF

Franksbridge C.P. School

29.7% ALN
10 pupils with ALNLD1 5SA

Ysgol Dolafon

29.3% ALN
10 pupils with ALNLD5 4RA

Ysgol Gymraeg Dyffryn Y Glowyr

25.9% ALN
90 pupils with ALNSA9 2PT

Ysgol Rhiw Bechan

23% ALN
30 pupils with ALNSY16 3EH

Brecon High School

21.9% ALN
120 pupils with ALNLD3 9SR

Leighton C.P. School

20% ALN
10 pupils with ALNSY21 8HH

Llangors V.P. School

19.9% ALN
30 pupils with ALNLD3 7UB

Maesyrhandir C.P. School

19% ALN
20 pupils with ALNSY16 1LQ

Churchstoke C.P. School

18.4% ALN
5 pupils with ALNSY15 6AA

Llandinam C.P. School

18.2% ALN
5 pupils with ALNSY17 5BY

Berriew C.P. School

18.1% ALN
20 pupils with ALNSY21 8BA

Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School

17.8% ALN
45 pupils with ALNSY21 7SU

Gladestry C.I.W. School

17.6% ALN
5 pupils with ALNHR5 3NR

Ysgol y Cribarth

17.2% ALN
20 pupils with ALNSA9 1XD

Treowen C.P. School

16.5% ALN
15 pupils with ALNSY16 1NJ

Llanfechain C.I.W. School

15.6% ALN
5 pupils with ALNSY22 6UQ

Ysgol Pennant C.P.

15.5% ALN
10 pupils with ALNSY10 0NT

Ysgol Bro Hyddgen

15.2% ALN
65 pupils with ALNSY20 8DR

Crickhowell High School

14.9% ALN
140 pupils with ALNNP8 1AW

Newbridge-On-Wye V.P.

14.4% ALN
15 pupils with ALNLD1 6LD

Caersws C.P. School

14.3% ALN
10 pupils with ALNSY17 5HG

Builth Wells C.P. School

13.9% ALN
35 pupils with ALNLD2 3GA

Llanidloes High School

13.9% ALN
Capacity: 1468100 pupils with ALNSY18 6EX

Ysgol Calon Cymru

12.4% ALN
120 pupils with ALNLD2 3BW

Ysgol Cefnllys

12.1% ALN
25 pupils with ALNLD1 5WA

Knighton C.I.W. School

11.9% ALN
20 pupils with ALNLD7 1HP

Ysgol Maes-Y-Dderwen

11.9% ALN
60 pupils with ALNSA9 1AP

Ysgol Golwg Pen y Fan

11.7% ALN
35 pupils with ALNLD3 7LU

Ysgol Calon y Dderwen

11.6% ALN
30 pupils with ALNSY16 1EG

Sennybridge C.P. School

11.5% ALN
10 pupils with ALNLD3 8RS

Abermule Primary School

10.1% ALN
10 pupils with ALNSY15 6ND

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 Powys.

Start by speaking to your child's school and asking the ALNCo or headteacher in writing to request a statutory assessment for an IDP; the school has 35 school days to decide and prepare it if needed. If the school refuses or you disagree, contact Powys County Council to reconsider the decision or take over, which can take up to 7 weeks. For more help, reach SNAP Cymru on 0808 801 0608 or email [email protected].
Powys's SENDIASS, provided by SNAP Cymru, offers free, impartial information, advice, and support to parents and young people about additional learning needs (ALN) and Individual Development Plans (IDPs). They can help with understanding your rights, the IDP process, and options if you disagree with school or council decisions. Contact them at 0808 801 0608 or [email protected].
Powys has 95 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 mainly provided through Individual Development Plans (IDPs) in mainstream schools. Check the Powys Local Offer for details on available provisions.
The Local Offer is a guide from Powys County Council listing all services and support available for children and young people with additional learning needs (ALN) and disabilities, including education, health, and social care options. It helps parents understand what help is out there and how to access it. Visit the Powys County Council website at powys.gov.uk to find and search the Local Offer.
When requesting an IDP from a school in Powys, they must decide within 35 school days and prepare the plan if approved. If it goes to Powys County Council for reconsideration or direct request, it takes up to 7 weeks or 12 weeks respectively. IDPs must then be reviewed at least every 12 months, or sooner if needs change.

Navigating SEND in Powys?

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