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On behalf of the additional learning needs branch, we would like to wish you all a very peaceful Christmas and happy New Year and thank you for all your support and commitment throughout 2025
We’re excited to announce the launch of the Welsh Government’s ALN Parent and Carer Toolkit. Developed in collaboration with parents, carers, and professionals across education, health, social care, local authorities, and the third sector, this resource explains how the ALN system works and where families can access support.
The toolkit is available in English and Welsh, with accessible formats including Easy Read.
How you can help:
- Update your website links to include the toolkit URL
- Share the resources through your local networks to raise awareness
Thank you to everyone who contributed to shaping these resources. Your feedback has been invaluable in ensuring they meet the needs of children, young people, and families across Wales.
Appointment of independent lead for the national review of additional learning needs (ALN) advocacy provision in Wales
The Welsh Government has formally commissioned Gareth Morgans as the independent lead to undertake a review of additional learning needs (ALN) advocacy provision in Wales. This review commenced on Monday, 10 November 2025. This pivotal role reflects the Welsh Government’s commitment, as set out by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, to strengthen support for children, young people, and families.
Blog: Cabinet Secretary announces major investment in ALN reform
Welsh Government working with Children in Wales have developed a Wales-wide children and young people ALN Participation Group, to ensure the voices of children and young people with ALN are heard.
A new report capturing key feedback from children and young people is now available
Additional learning needs (ALN): ambassador programme | GOV.WALES
February 11th 2026, 4pm to 6pm
Join us for an online conference bringing together specialists and practitioners to explore successes and challenges in supporting children with ALN through the medium of Welsh. We will showcase examples of good practice from non-maintained nursery settings and share information about resources and research relevant to the sector. There will also be an opportunity to discuss how to further strengthen Welsh-medium support and provision for children with ALN:
Cynhadledd Ar-lein/ Online Conference – Collaboration
Professional learning: Practitioners
Calm Classrooms, Thriving Minds: professional learning for educators
Participate in a new pilot programme designed to support emotional and mental wellbeing in schools for learners and educators.
More Funded Training: Supporting care experienced learners: a trauma informed approach to behaviour
Funded by Welsh Government, Adoption UK Cymru are offering more free online training to schools and settings: Explore why care experienced learners may have challenges regulating their behaviour and learn strategies to support them. 6 ‘Education Cafes’ are also offered.
https://www.adoptionuk.org/supporting-care-experienced-learners
The Learning about Autism programme is a whole school/setting approach to improving awareness and understanding of the needs of autistic pupils.
The resources are aimed at increasing the knowledge, skills, and understanding of autism for those working in an early years setting, primary and secondary school, further education institute and learning providers.
The additional learning needs (ALN) team within the Welsh Government is looking to improve how we communicate and share content through the ALN Bulletin, making it more relevant, engaging, and useful for our stakeholders.
Please take a moment to complete the attached short survey and help shape the future of the ALN Bulletin to help us tailor future content to better share and communicate key topics and areas of interest.
Share Your Success Stories!
We know that amazing things are happening every day across the education sector in Wales, and we want to hear about them! Do you have a heartwarming success story, an innovative project, or a remarkable achievement that you think deserves to be celebrated?
If so, please contact us at additionallearningneedsbranch@gov.wales
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