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Legislation and support agencies

There are key legislation and agencies that support young people with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and their families.

Legislation

The Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal Act Wales 2018 (ALNET) is an important piece of legislation.

 

The ALNET Act was introduced to:

  • Make provision for a new statutory framework for supporting children and young people with additional learning needs (ALN)
  • Create an integrated, collaborative process of assessment, planning and monitoring which facilitates early, timely and effective interventions
  • Create a fair and transparent system for providing information and advice, and for resolving concerns and appeals

More information on the ALNET Act can be found in the Additional Learning Code for Wales 2021 document.

When will the Act be implemented?

The Act is being implemented over a number of years with everyone moving over to the new system by August 2025.

Find out more about the Additional learning needs (ALN) system: guide for parents and families on gov.wales.

There are plans to produce an implementation plan for young people aged 16 and over who are in education. Up to date information on the ALNET Act can be found on gov.wales.

How will this affect my child?

View the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act produced by Welsh Government to help explain how the act will impact on young people with additional learning needs.

Other useful links

Social Services and Wellbeing Act 2016. This provides a legal framework for improving the well-being of people who need care and support, including carers.

United Nations Rights of the Child. This outlines the rights of every child, regardless of race, religion or abilities.

Support agencies

Some of the larger organisations are listed below. Talk to a Careers Adviser to find out more about other local organisations that may be able to provide support.

People with disabilities

Support agencies include:

  • SNAP Cymru(external website) works with families and professionals to ensure that young people’s needs are identified and provision made available to help them reach their potential.
  • Scope Cymru (external website)offers free and confidential information, advice and support for disabled people, their families and professionals in Wales on a variety of issues. For disability information call 0808 800 3333.
  • Contact a Family Cymru(external website) is a charity that works across Wales to support families of children with disabilities or additional needs, whatever their condition or disability. Freephone helpline: 0808 808 3555.
  • Learning Disability Wales(external website) is a national charity representing the learning disability sector in Wales. It works with people with a learning disability, government and the voluntary sector to create a better Wales for people with a learning disability.
  • Children in Wales(external website) provides services for those working with children, young people and families in Wales. They aim to improve the lives of them all, but especially those affected by family instability, poverty and deprivation or have special needs/disabilities.
  • Mencap Cymru(external website) is a charity for people with learning disabilities. They also support families and carers. Their aim is to change the world for everyone with a learning disability.
Young people with ALN who are looking for work

Support agencies include:

  • Agoriad Cyf (external website)are a specialist recruitment and training provider. They help people to achieve greater independence and to realise their potential within the workplace.
  • Elite (external website)is a charity working with people with disabilities or those at a disadvantage across South and South West Wales. Elite supports people with vocational opportunities, training and employment through independence.
  • Remploy(external website), a provider of disability employment services in Wales, helps and support disabled people into work, whilst working with employers to ensure that they can recruit, retain and sustain individuals.
  • Shaw Trust (external website)supports disabled and disadvantaged people into employment through either Work Choice or the Work Programme. Support includes help in preparing for work, help with employment and managing a disability.
  • Access to Work(external website) is a publicly funded employment support programme that aims to help disabled people start or stay in work. It can provide practical and financial support for people who have a disability or long term physical or mental health conditions.
People on the Autistic Spectrum and with specific learning difficulties

Support agencies include:

Support for young people with sensory impairments

Support agencies include:

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