Local Authority Support for ALN

Support provided by the Local Authority to help with Additional Learning Needs includes the Educational Psychology Service and the Sensory Service Team.

Educational Psychology Service

We believe that:

• Everyone should be included and valued
• The needs of children and young people should be at the centre of everything we do
• Every interaction is an opportunity for learning
• Building on existing strengths and fostering positive relationships are key to change.

We want to help children be happy and make progress.

We do this through the application of psychology - the scientific study of the mind, human behaviour, learning and relationships. Our work can involve:

• Assessment
• Observation
• Intervention
• Consultation
• Training
• Research

We work in partnership with families and professionals to support children and young people (currently up to the age of 19 years) referred by schools or early years settings within or commissioned by, the Local Authority.

For more information, please see the Welsh Government Guidance. (PDF) [658KB]

Sensory Service Team

The Sensory Service Team work with babies, children and young people with an identified sensory loss from point of diagnosis up to the age of 19.

The Service: 

• Provides direct teaching support for children and young people as required
• Provides advice and training to families and educational settings around issues relating to sensory impairment. 
• Completes functional vision/hearing assessments, advises on the implications for learning and development and assists school staff on effective teaching techniques and strategies and modifications to the curriculum.
• Advises on special arrangements for tests and examinations.
• Conducts functional environmental assessments and advises on modifications to the physical environment. 
• Provides and supports correct use of assistive technology (for example, hearing and radio aids, cochlear implants, soundfield systems, CCTVs).