Cyflwynwyd yr ymateb hwn i ymchwiliad y Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg i weithredu diwygiadau addysg

This response was submitted to the Children, Young People and Education Committee inquiry into Implementation of education reforms

IER 43

Ymateb gan: Bwrdd Iechyd Prifysgol Bae Abertawe Canolfan Plant

Response from: Swansea Bay University Health Board Children’s Centre

Nodwch eich barn mewn perthynas â chylch gorchwyl yr ymchwiliad. | Record your views against the inquiry’s terms of reference. 

Implementation of the new Additional Learning Needs (ALN) system and the effective transfer of learners from the existing Special Educational Needs (SEN) system.

SBUHB are not consistently invited to be involved in the transfer of learners from SEN to ALN, despite significant attempts on strategic and operational levels to increase participation in this process. We would value greater collaboration with Local Authorities to increase their awareness of the importance of HB involvement at the point of transfer. 

The application of the definition of ALN, compared to presently for SEN, and whether there is any ‘raising of the bar’ on the ground for determining eligibility for provision.

There continues to be conflicting interpretations of the definition around Health ALP, which makes the role of the Health Board challenging in determining eligibility for provision. There is discrepancy across Wales and across professions, creating inequity and confusion for both schools and families. It also makes comparison with SEN definitions difficult. We are supporting more Tribunals under ALN than SEN, and are attempting to incorporate Tribunal rulings into our decision making. We would value greater guidance from Welsh Government regarding the definition of Health ALP, how Health Boards should be determining eligibility for provision, and how we interpret Tribunal rulings

Other factors potentially affecting implementation of the Curriculum for Wales and the ALN system, for example levels of funding and fall out from the pandemic.

SBUHB is continuing to monitor the new demands resulting from implementing ALN; both financially and clinically. On the ground, the demand for assessments from the Health Board in relation to ALN requests is increasing, whilst our financial income from Local Authorities under SEN is reducing. This is creating a significant demand / capacity challenge. Due to limited digital support under ALN, it has been difficult to accurately capture the data sets which underpin this demand / capacity issue. We would value greater support from Welsh Government in capturing accurate data around ALN, and the digital resource to do this.