Will the Minister make a statement on the length of time it takes to diagnose a child with additional learning needs?
The Additional Learning Needs (ALN) system is founded on a person-centred and needs-led approach that puts the focus on meeting the learner’s needs rather than on the type of disability or learning difficulty they have.
A diagnosis of a condition is not required for a decision on a learner’s ALN. Wherever possible, the learner’s additional learning provision as described in their individual development plan should not be delayed whilst waiting for an assessment or diagnosis.
There are statutory timescales in the ALN system in relation to decisions made by local authorities and schools. Chapter One of the ALN Code for Wales provides guidance on how these timescales should be interpreted; Chapter 12 deals with the duties on maintained schools and local authorities in relation to decisions about ALN; and Chapter 20 provides guidance on identifying ALN and deciding on the additional learning provision required.