Additional Learning Needs (ALN)

At Ysgol Gyfun Heolddu Comprehensive School, we are committed to providing an inclusive learning environment where every pupil can achieve their full potential. Our experienced Additional Learning Needs (ALN) team works closely with teaching staff, families, and external agencies to ensure that every learner receives the support they need to access the curriculum and flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.

Recognised by Estyn

Our commitment to inclusive education was recognised as a notable strength during Estyn's 2026 inspection.

"The provision for pupils with ALN is a notable strength. The ALN team promotes a strong inclusive ethos and focuses on the removal of barriers to learning."

Estyn also highlighted the impact of our HUB, recognising it as:

"A highly effective, centralised provision that plays a pivotal role in supporting pupils' well-being, engagement and progress."

The report praised the personalised support provided through the HUB, our strong culture of early intervention, detailed progress tracking, effective communication with families, and the wide range of bespoke interventions that help pupils overcome barriers to learning and achieve positive outcomes.

Our Approach

We take a person-centred approach, placing learners at the heart of planning and reviewing their support. Our active pupil voice group works alongside senior leaders to help shape ALN provision, ensuring that pupils' views are heard and reflected in our practice.

We believe that effective inclusion begins with high-quality classroom teaching, supported by regular staff collaboration and professional discussion. Through regular staff surgeries, colleagues share best practice and discuss individual learner needs, ensuring that support is responsive, consistent, and effective.

We work closely with families and a range of multi-agency partners to provide tailored support for social, emotional, behavioural, medical, and educational needs, helping every pupil to achieve their potential.

The HUB

The HUB is our central wellbeing and inclusion provision, providing a safe, supportive environment where pupils can access personalised support to overcome barriers to learning. It brings together pastoral support, targeted interventions, and specialist provision, enabling pupils to remain engaged in learning while receiving the support they need to succeed.

Academic Support and Interventions

Where appropriate, pupils may receive targeted support through a range of interventions, including:

Rainbow Readers
Phonics intervention
Literacy and numeracy support (individual or small group)
Teaching assistant support within lessons
COMiT and Talkabout communication interventions
SpLD mentoring and tuition
Lego Therapy
5-point anxiety scale support
Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSA)
Nurture provision and pastoral support
Access to assistive technology, including laptops, iPads, and reader pens
Sensory Room
School-based counselling
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Bespoke Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) support

Our Priorities

Our current priorities for ALN provision include:

Embedding systems and procedures that support the ALN Code for Wales.
Continuing to develop intervention programmes that improve pupil progress and outcomes.
Providing ongoing professional learning to strengthen inclusive practice across all classrooms.

Further Information

For more information about Additional Learning Needs reform in Wales, please visit SNAP Cymru.

If you would like to discuss ALN provision or the support available, please contact our ALN Coordinator:

Miss Cerys Jones

Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo)

Telephone: 01443 875531

Email: CJones@heolddu.org