National ALN Steering Group meeting: 19 September 2024

• Children’s Commissioner for Wales
• National Implementation Leads
• Education Tribunal for Wales (ETW) 
• Local Authorities
• National Academy for Educational Leadership Wales (NAEL)
• SNAP Cymru
• Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA)
• Welsh Government (WG)

The Chair welcomed the group and noted apologies from 4 members, with substitutes attending on their behalf.

Two actions from the previous steering group meeting were discussed and closed.

Welsh Government provided an update on data collection, highlighting the ongoing work to define the future ALN data collection.

An overview of the recommendations set out within the Independent Welsh Pay Review Body (IWPRB) report including recommendations for changes to ALNCo pay conditions.

A presentation on 'Advancing inclusive education initiatives' in Wales was also shared with members, to develop an understanding of what an inclusive education system in Wales should look like and to provide resources to facilitate knowledge development about inclusive education across the sector.

Welsh Government provided an update on the Children, Young People and Education Committee report findings and recommendations following its publication in July 2024. The report included 8 recommendations, 7 of which are related to ALN. The Welsh Government published a response to these recommendations on 10 September 2024.

Welsh Government provided an overview of the scope of an ALNET legislative review, aimed at considering the clarity and accessibility of the legislative framework and gathering evidence of the practical challenges in implementing the ALN system.

Welsh Government noted the Cabinet Secretary for Education intention to attend future steering group meetings. 

The next meeting is scheduled for 14 November 2024.