ALN Provision

Nant-y-Cwm
Steiner School

ALN Provision

Inclusive Education

At Nant-y-Cwm we aim to ensure that all children, including those with ALN, are able to access the Waldorf curriculum. We value all children, irrespective of academic ability, ethnicity, gender, culture, religion or socio-economic background.

We aim, through regular curriculum and practice review, to embed values of acceptance, appreciation and respect for all.
Throughout our school, children are taught in mixed ability groups and great importance is placed on the imaginative, engaging, inclusive and differentiated delivery in order to provide for all learning styles. Our approach to supporting children is holistic: we respond to their social, behavioural, emotional, physical as well as educational needs.

Whilst we strive to meet the needs of all the children, as a small school we are limited by our resources, capacity and funding. We will assess children to see if we are able to effectively meet their needs on an individual basis.

Identifying and defining ALN

We define pupils as having an Additional Learning Need when we identify that there is a need for support that is significantly different or in addition to that which is provided within the classroom setting.

This may or may not include a diagnosis or interaction with external organisations. Identifying when a child is in need of such support is essential both for their own confidence and well-being as well as their academic progress. Class Teachers monitor the progress of the children within their classes and refer their insights or concerns to the ALNCo.

Provision for children with ALN

If a child is identified as having an Additional Learning Need that requires support beyond that which is regularly offered within the classroom, they will be placed on one of the ALN registers. There is a graduated approach to support and intervention that aims to ensure needs are met in a timely manner whilst also allowing children to develop and progress at their own pace.

ALN Monitoring Register

When a child is referred to the ALNCo by their Class or Kindergarten Teacher, a process of identifying the particular challenges, needs and support that is needed is undertaken. This process includes teachers, ALNCo, parents/carers and the child where appropriate. A support plan is then written that is shared with parents/carers and the members of staff who work with the child.

ALN Register

A child may be placed on the ALN register following an assessment of their needs by an external organisation or an educational psychologist. A child may also be placed on the ALN register when a support plan being put in place does not adequately meet their needs. Once a child is identified as requiring a higher level of intervention.

Technology and ALN

As a school that champions screen free education and, where possible, a screen-free childhood, we recognise that for some children it is appropriate that they have the use of technology to assist them in their learning within lessons. This is normally
only considered for Class 4 children and above. This allows all children to engage fully with the process of learning to write before using a device to support their learning.

ALN Staff

LSA: Jacqueline Walters

Jacqueline Walters joined Nant-y-Cwm in January 2025 to work with children
across the Main School who benefit from one-to-one and small group support.
Jacqueline has a degree in Special Education and many years teaching and tutoring experience, particularly with children identified as having ALN.

ALNCo: Emily Hopfinger

Emily Hopfinger has a background in secondary teaching and has worked
in SEND departments with a particular focus on working with children with
behavioural needs. Emily liaises with Class Teachers, parents/carers and Jacqueline to ensure support plans and IDPs are up to date and meet the needs of each individual child. She also works one-to-one and in small groups with children who need additional support with emotional or social anxieties.