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Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Services in Wrexham

WalesPrincipal Area
Council website

Wrexham, a welcoming mix of urban and rural communities in north-east Wales, offers dedicated SEND support tailored to families navigating these unique local landscapes, where services adapt to both town accessibility and countryside travel needs. Parents can turn to SNAP Cymru, the local SENDIASS, for free, impartial advice on everything from assessments to school choices, helping ease the journey through the system. While Wales manages its own distinct SEND framework separate from England - without statutory EHCP timelines - Wrexham's teams work hard to provide timely help, and connecting with the Wrexham Parent Carer Forum adds a strong voice of shared experience and reassurance.

In Wrexham's blend of town and countryside, where timely support can feel just out of reach, JakTrack steps in as your quiet companion, helping you feel prepared and in control as you log daily moments like sleep and behaviour that build a powerful evidence story over time. Starting early means those patterns emerge naturally through gentle AI insights, leaving you supported and ready for assessments, IDPs, or appointments - without the weight of endless paperwork. Families here tell us it brings a real sense of reassurance, turning uncertainty into steady progress. see how JakTrack can help

Schools & ALN Provision

74

Schools

48

With ALN Data

2,635

ALN Reports

7.3%

Avg ALN Rate

Additional Learning Needs (ALN)

Wrexham 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

Parent Carer Forum

Wrexham Parent Carer Forum

ALN / IDP Team

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

Request form

ALN Team

Wrexham CBC Additional Learning Needs Team

Speech & Language Therapy

Betsi Cadwaladr UHB Children's Speech and Language Therapy (Wrexham)

Occupational Therapy

Betsi Cadwaladr UHB Children's Occupational Therapy (Wrexham)

ALN Reports by Primary Need

Schools

St Christopher's School

100% ALN
305 pupils with ALNLL13 7BW

Alexandra C.P. School

17.7% ALN
65 pupils with ALNLL12 7AZ

Hafod - y - Wern Community Primary School

14.1% ALN
35 pupils with ALNLL13 9HD

Ysgol Heulfan

11.5% ALN
40 pupils with ALNLL11 4HS

Rhosymedre Community Primary School

11.2% ALN
25 pupils with ALNLL14 3EG

The Rofft C.P. School

10.6% ALN
25 pupils with ALNLL12 8LA

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 Wrexham.

Start by speaking to your child's school and asking the ALNCo or headteacher in writing to consider if your child has additional learning needs (ALN) requiring an IDP; the school has 35 school days to decide and prepare it if needed. If the school refuses or you disagree, request the local authority to reconsider, which takes up to 7 weeks. A request form is available through Wrexham County Borough Council at www.wrexham.gov.uk.
Wrexham'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)[data]. They can help with understanding IDPs, the ALN process, and your rights; contact them at 0808 801 0608 or [email protected].
Wrexham has no dedicated specialist SEND schools, no schools with SEN units, and no schools with resource bases; support is provided through mainstream schools via Individual Development Plans (IDPs)[data]. Out of 74 total schools, additional learning needs are met within these mainstream settings.
The Local Offer in Wrexham explains the support available for children with additional learning needs (ALN), including services, IDPs, and guidance for parents. You can find it on the Wrexham County Borough Council website at www.wrexham.gov.uk, along with parent guides and ALN information.
Schools in Wrexham have 35 school days to decide on an IDP request and prepare it if ALN is confirmed. If it goes to the local authority for reconsideration, they have up to 7 weeks; for direct LA requests, it's up to 12 weeks, though these are standard Wales timelines.

Navigating SEND in Wrexham?

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