A learner is considered to have Additional Learning Needs (ALN) if they have Additional Learning Provision (ALP) which is ‘different to’ or ‘additional to’ what other pupils receive. When a learner is decided to have ALN, they will receive an Individual Development Plan (IDP). The IDP will outline any additional support, interventions and strategies to support the young person in school.

For a school to decide that a learner has ALN they have to consider the following 2 tests:

• Does the learner have a greater difficulty in learning than the majority of other learners the same age OR a disability that hinders their education or use of facilities

• Does the learner require ALP that is different to OR additional to what is accessible by other learners

It is important to note that a diagnosis does not automatically mean that a learner has ALN as their needs could be met via Universal Learning Provision