Jeremy Miles MS, Minister for Education and Welsh Language
I am pleased to make available an additional £4.5 million in 2021-22 to support Additional Learning Needs (ALN) provision across Wales.
£4 million funding will go to special schools and specialist units in Wales. It will provide tailored support for children and young people with ALN who have been impacted by the pandemic.
£500,000 will go to third sector ALN organisations via Children in Wales. It will contribute towards costs already incurred by these organisations to increase understanding of the new ALN system in Wales.
This funding is further to the additional £18 million we have already provided in dedicated funding for learners with ALN this financial year.
Throughout the pandemic some children and young people with ALN have faced barriers to their education, including health conditions, increasing anxiety and on-going absence from school. By providing additional resource to support learners with ALN to recover from the effects of the pandemic, we can reduce the likelihood of long-term and/or lifelong impacts on their education, skills, health, and wellbeing.
We recognise the hard work and dedication of staff working with children with ALN to ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Third sector organisations, special schools and specialist units have a key role to support children and young people in their education. Thank you for continuing to provide the information, specialist support and extra resources to meet the needs of children and young people with ALN.