Education

New ALN Bill introduced

Published

9 years ago

December 23, 2016

Alun Davies: ‘Bill part of a whole system improvement’

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has introduced a new law aimed at supporting learners with additional learning needs (ALN).

If passed, the Additional Learning Needs and Educational Tribunal (ALNET) Bill will completely overhaul the system for supporting pupils with ALN, affecting every classroom in Wales.

The Bill will place the learner at the heart of that process and will make the system far simpler and less adversarial for those involved, a common complaint of the current system.

It is part of a wider programme aimed at transforming the additional learning needs system to secure successful futures for all learners.

Nearly a quarter of learners in Wales will experience some form of additional learning need during their early years or education. The current legislative framework for supporting them is based on a model introduced more than 30 years ago, which is widely recognised to no longer be fit for purpose.

Alun Davies, Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language, said: “I believe that everyone in Wales should be able to access education that meets their needs and enables them to participate in, benefit from and, hopefully, enjoy the learning experience.

“Last year, just 23% of learners with ALN achieved five good GCSEs including Maths and Welsh or English compared to 59% of all pupils. We must improve on this.

“The current system is simply no longer fit for purpose and this Bill will bring the entire legislative framework into the 21st century, enabling us to effectively support learners with ALN throughout their educational journey.

“This is a landmark moment for Welsh education and is the result of months and months of work with our partners, including teachers, parents, local government, the NHS, and third sector. I am grateful to them all for their help in getting us to this stage. Their valuable contribution has given us a far greater understanding of the challenges we face and the need to be flexible as we manage change.

“It is important to remember that this is far from a peripheral issue; it affects a quarter of learners in Wales and the improvements we are proposing here can lead to better educational outcomes for all of our learners. Getting things right for our ALN learners will mean getting it right for all learners, so it’s about whole system improvement and, therefore, is a cornerstone of our ambitious programme of education reform in Wales.”

The Minister also said that while wholesale reform is necessary, we have worked closely with others to ensure these important changes are operationally sound and can be delivered in partnership within a reasonable time frame. Significant support, including £2.1m recently announced to fund innovation and partnership working across Wales, will be put in place to assist delivery partners to transition from the current to new systems.

“The ALNET Bill is only one aspect, albeit a fundamental one, of the wider package of reforms necessary in Wales. Our ALN Transformation Programme also focuses on skills development for the education workforce, to deliver effective support to learners with ALN in the classroom, as well as more effective access to specialist support, information and advice. At the heart of all of our reforms is a focus on inclusion; putting children and young people at the centre, and ensuring they are supported to reach their full potential.”

Wales’ teaching union, UCAC welcomed the Bill.

“Nevertheless, we have some concerns regarding the new Bill,” said Ywain Myfyr, Policy Officer with the union. “We need certainty that the funding level for ALN will be sufficient and that local authorities will be prevented from cutting ALN budgets.

“UCAC has grave concerns that the new measures may add significantly to the workload of Additional Learning Needs Coordinators. The role of the Coordinator must be assessed and considered and we must ensure that the workload is effectively managed.

“UCAC believes that Welsh language ALN provision should be available to everyone. We believe that the Bill should include a statement that sets out the expectations regarding Welsh medium provision – not only in terms of educational provision but also the right to follow the whole process through the medium of Welsh,” said Ywain Myfyr.

“Accessing the provision or administration of the process in Welsh must not delay, or in any way be inferior to the user.”

Education

Tenby school built just nine years ago needs new roof

Published

2 days ago

November 15, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PUPILS at a leaking Pembrokeshire school, built just nine years ago, which now has more than 500 props holding up parts of its roof, are likely to be forced to relocate while a new roof is put on.

Tenby VC School, a 3–11 English-medium primary school with an additional Learning Resource Centre (LRC) provision, was built in 2016.

Just a few years after its build, there were reports of water ingress.

Initial investigations in 2023 identified the requirement for repairs to the flat roof areas, and in 2024 its solar PV array was removed to reduce the load on the roof following engineer advice.

Last November, a £75,000 feasibility budget to look at ways of tackling roof leaks at Tenby’s VC school, including a complete new roof, was backed by members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet.

At the time, Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language Cllr Guy Woodham, said: “A number of [areas of water ingress] have been repaired, but unfortunately a number of leaks have resulted in a weakening of the structure and components within the roof construction.”

In response to the findings of the feasibility study, the council has implemented a series of urgent health and safety measures to mitigate immediate risks, a report for members at the November 2025 Cabinet meeting said.

These include the installation of 510 ‘acro’ props to support vulnerable roof areas and the full closure of the Early Years/Playgroup wing, along with regular inspections.

At the meeting, members received a report detailing the findings of the feasibility study, presented by Cllr Woodham, with a favoured option of the replacement of entire roof.

It said: “Considering the recommendation to proceed with [full roof replacement] a comprehensive decant strategy needs to be developed with all stakeholders and the community to ensure educational continuity, meet health and safety requirements and safeguard the wellbeing of pupils and staff throughout the construction period and following information needs to be considered in relation to any decant strategy.”

Cllr Woodham said he was “totally aware of the concern in relation to how this progresses,” adding: “The priority is the wellbeing of the learners and staff at the school, we’ll do everything to move as quickly as we can.”

Members backed recommendations that the School Modernisation Working Group be requested to determine the final preferred outcomes in relation to the Tenby Area, and that those recommendations be presented to full council in December.

They also backed tenders for the works being sought, with a further report to Cabinet, and a comprehensive decant strategy be produced; a report returning to Cabinet by January at the latest.

Business

Door supervisor training returns to Pembroke with new work opportunities

Published

3 days ago

November 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Six-day SIA course includes emergency first aid and unlimited resits

A LEADING security training provider is bringing its latest SIA Door Supervisor course to Pembroke next month, offering local people a route into full-time and flexible work across the events and security industry.

RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd will run the six-day course from 1–6 December, with the option to include Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW). The standard course is priced at £300, or £350 including EFAW, with an additional £50 for unlimited resits, making it one of the most accessible routes into the profession.

The company, recently recognised as one of the best training providers of 2024/25 by Pembrokeshire County Council and Future Works, says demand for licensed security staff remains high across West Wales — particularly for events, hospitality, night-time economy venues and seasonal activities.

Local opportunity

The course offers a mix of classroom learning and practical scenarios, delivered by experienced industry instructors. Organisers say trainees can expect:

Funding options (subject to eligibility)
Free daily refreshments
Results within four days
Access to job opportunities once a licence is issued

With major events in Tenby, Pembroke, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest routinely seeking licensed door staff, the programme is expected to attract strong local interest.

A spokesperson for RM Training and Security Solutions said the course continues to draw people from a range of backgrounds: “We train complete beginners, people changing careers, and those already working in hospitality or retail who want extra qualifications. There is always work available for good, reliable staff.”

Wider availability

Alongside Pembroke, the company also runs regular training in Port Talbot, Aberystwyth, Cardiff, Cardigan, Dartford and Kent, supporting learners across Wales and beyond.

Anyone wishing to book a place can do so online at:
www.rmtrainingandsecuritysolutionsltd.co.uk/security-training/booking-form

Enquiries can be made via:
[email protected]
07388 069 600 or 01834 526 418.

Education

Ten years of ‘Food and Fun’: Welsh holiday scheme marks milestone with awards

Published

3 days ago

November 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A decade of support for families celebrated, with Neyland Community Primary School among Wales-wide winners

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT’S flagship Food and Fun school holiday enrichment programme has celebrated its tenth anniversary, marking a decade of supporting thousands of families during the long summer break.

The awards ceremony, held earlier this month, recognised schools, volunteers, catering teams and health boards who have played a key role in shaping the programme. One of this year’s winners was Neyland Community Primary School, which received the Working Together Award, highlighting the strength of community partnerships in Pembrokeshire.

Ten years on

Food and Fun began as a small Cardiff Council pilot and has since grown into a national scheme coordinated by the Welsh Local Government Association and funded by the Welsh Government. It now operates across all twenty-two local authorities.

Each summer, the scheme provides free healthy meals alongside activity sessions, giving children a safe, social and active space during the holidays. Over the past decade, more than 800,000 places have been delivered. This summer alone, around 15,000 learners from 300 schools took part.

Education Secretary Lynne Neagle, who presented awards at the event, said the success of the programme was down to the dedication of staff and volunteers who work with partner organisations to offer enriching opportunities.

She said: “The value of our investment goes far beyond pounds and pence. Helping families enjoy activities, learn about nutrition, engage with friends and have delicious food is at the heart of Food and Fun.”

Councillor Lis Burnett, WLGA spokesperson for Education, added that the programme’s strength lay in the collaboration between councils, schools and partner organisations.

Celebrating local achievement

Neyland Community Primary School’s recognition for its partnership work brings the national story home to Pembrokeshire. The school has long been praised locally for its community engagement, and this award places it among the top examples of best practice across Wales.

Full list of winners

Council Co-ordinator: Paul Williams, Neath Port Talbot Youth Service
Co-ordinator award scheme: Sabrina Amor, Herbert Thompson Primary School
Scheme Staff award: Luke Cross, Ysgol Cwm Brombil
Catering award: Sarah Lever and Caroline Clatworthy, Bridgend Catering
Volunteer Award: Harri and Sion Colthard, Ysgol Calon y Cymoedd
Health Board Award: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Sports Coach Awards: MonLife
Working Together Award: Neyland Community Primary School
School Impact Award: Gemma Ness, Ysgol Awel Y Mor
Outstanding Contribution Award: Angharad Williams, Ysgol y Gogarth
Children’s Choice Award: Justin Johnson, Torfaen Play

The Welsh Government has described Food and Fun as a model for ensuring young people stay active, healthy and connected throughout the summer, particularly during a time when many families feel financial pressure most acutely.