NDM8294 - Opposition Debate

Tabled on 07/06/2023 | For debate on 14/06/2023

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Notes that:

a) the number of children and young people receiving additional learning (ALN) needs support has decreased since the introduction of additional learning needs reforms last year;

b) delays and challenges in the rollout of ALN reforms are causing a postcode lottery in access to ALN support for learners across Wales; and

c) research by the National Association of Head Teachers Cymru found that 94 per cent of school leaders reported that funding to cover all aspects of the new ALN legislation is not sufficient.

2. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) undertake an urgent review of the implementation of ALN reforms;

b) take urgent action to ensure that children with ALN are identified and provided with access to support sooner; and

c) provide additional financial support directly to Welsh schools to ensure that learners with ALN are able to access the support they need. 

'A Failure to Invest: The state of Welsh school funding' - NAHT Cymru 

Amendments

NDM8294 - 1 | Tabled on 09/06/2023

Insert at end of sub-point 1(b): 

with a particular shortage of Welsh-language provision.

NDM8294 - 2 | Tabled on 09/06/2023

Insert as new sub-point at end of point 2:

take immediate action to alleviate concerns from Welsh-medium providers regarding the availability of Welsh language resources to support ALN work, and ensure all resources are published bilingually

NDM8294 - 3 | Tabled on 09/06/2023

Delete point 1 and replace with:

Notes that:

Estyn finds that ALN implementation is making steady progress and changes are generally welcomed.

research finds that the Curriculum for Wales and ALN code are promoting a focus on equity and inclusivity for all learners.

the ALN implementation period has been extended to ensure that families receive the best support possible, and implementation funding increased to help plan for meeting individual learner need.

Additional learning needs reform - Estyn

Research with schools on the early implementation of Curriculum for Wales: Wave 1 report