Welsh Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal Bill set for Royal Assent

New legislation which will transform the additional learning needs system in Wales so it provides better support to children and young people aged 0-25 years is due to gain Royal Assent.

To mark this significant milestone, First Minister Carwyn Jones and education secretary Kirsty Williams visited Ysgol Penmaes in Brecon.

This forward-looking school provides high quality specialist education for pupils aged 3-19 with a wide range of learning difficulties.

During the visit the First Minister and education secretary were given a tour of the school by head teacher, Julie Kay and they also spoke with staff and pupils to hear their views on how they feel this Bill will help them.

The wide-ranging legislation contains eleven main aims and will be backed up by an ambitious wider programme of reforms, measures, subordinate legislation and an Additional Learning Needs Code, which will sit alongside the Bill.

Speaking ahead of the Bill gaining Royal Assent and highlighting why this legislation is so important, the First Minister said: “Nearly a quarter of learners in Wales will experience some form of additional learning need (ALN) during their early years or education and this Bill places them at the very heart of our new system.

“Ysgol Penmaes is a great example of a school that puts children and young people’s needs first and it is only right that the legislative system which underpins the school’s approach continues to be fit for purpose.

“This new Bill will pave the way for a radical new approach, driving improvements in standards to ensure all learners are supported to meet their full potential. Essentially it brings the entire legislative framework into a 21st Century enabling us to effectively support learners with ALN through their education journey.”