ESTYN has published a report today assessing the implementation of the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018 (ALNET) and its accompanying ALN Code by schools, settings, and local authorities across Wales.

The report, titled The Additional Learning Needs System: Progress of Schools, Settings, and Local Authorities in Supporting Pupils with Additional Learning Needs, highlights the dedication and resilience of staff while exposing inconsistencies in the effectiveness of reforms and the challenges faced by stakeholders. It builds on findings from Estyn’s recent thematic review, The New Additional Learning Needs System.

Progress and successful practices

The report finds that where ALN reforms are implemented successfully, many pupils are making notable progress from their starting points. Schools and settings with an inclusive culture are shown to focus effectively on the learning and well-being of all pupils. The role of the Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCo) is particularly impactful when integrated into senior leadership teams, enabling strategic contributions to improving provisions and outcomes for pupils with ALN.

Positive developments were also identified in funded non-maintained early years settings, with Early Years Additional Learning Needs Officers (EYALNLOs) providing timely and effective support for younger children with emerging or identified ALN.

Challenges and inconsistencies

Despite progress, the report identifies significant challenges that must be addressed:

• Variability in local authority guidance for inclusive teaching and learning.
• Inconsistent interpretation of the ALN Code, especially regarding the development of Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
• Limited support for Welsh-medium ALN provision due to recruitment and resource shortages.

Chief Inspector’s statement

Owen Evans, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, commented:
“It is encouraging to see the dedication of school staff and local authorities in implementing ALN reform. However, our findings show that more needs to be done to ensure consistency and equity in provision, especially for Welsh-medium learners and in clarifying the application of the ALN Code.

“We hope this report will support schools, local authorities, and the Welsh Government in building on the positive practices identified and addressing the remaining challenges, particularly in strengthening inclusive education across all settings.”

Recommendations for improvement

The report includes actionable recommendations for school leaders, local authorities, and the Welsh Government. These focus on:

• Strengthening professional learning for ALN staff.
• Enhancing Welsh-medium support to address recruitment and resource gaps.
• Improving quality assurance processes to ensure consistent application of the ALN Code.

By addressing these issues, the report aims to guide all stakeholders towards creating a more inclusive and equitable education system for pupils with additional learning needs in Wales.

A NEW report has uncovered significant uncertainty surrounding elderly care funding in Wales, with more than a quarter of care seekers unsure who will bear the costs. Data from carehome.co.uk, a leading reviews website, shows that 26% of Welsh care seekers who inquired between November 1, 2023, and October 31, 2024, did not know how their care would be funded—surpassing the UK national average of 21%.

Self-funding: A growing trend

Among those with a clear funding plan, 41% in Wales stated they would self-fund their care. This figure compares with 53% in England, 40% in Northern Ireland, and 37% in Scotland, highlighting regional differences in funding approaches.

Local authority funding and the rise of top-up fees

The research reveals that 13% of Welsh care seekers rely on local authority funding, aligning with the UK average. However, with local councils under financial strain and care home fees climbing, many families face additional “top-up” costs to bridge the gap between council contributions and actual fees.

In Wales, 13% of care seekers anticipate paying top-up fees, a growing challenge as families struggle to meet rising expenses.

NHS continuing healthcare: A complex system

Only 7% of care seekers in Wales expect to benefit from NHS continuing healthcare funding, slightly above the UK average of 5%. This funding, which is not means-tested, covers full care costs for adults with complex health needs. However, critics point to inconsistencies in assessments across regions.

James Urquhart-Burton, a partner at Ridley and Hall Solicitors, described the issue:
“Your chances of getting NHS continuing healthcare funding vary based on your location, which is a problem given that the criteria are standardized nationwide. The reliance on assessors’ judgments to determine need introduces subjectivity into the process.”

Rising costs and public confusion

Sue Learner, editor of carehome.co.uk, expressed concern over widespread confusion about care funding:
“Our data shows an acute lack of understanding among the public in Wales about how the social care system works and how to navigate it. It’s incredibly concerning that a significant proportion of care seekers still don’t know whether the council or they themselves will cover costs.”

Learner highlighted the financial strain on self-funding residents, with care home fees in Wales averaging £1,066 per week. Rising costs—driven by increases in National Insurance, the National Living Wage, energy bills, and food prices—add to the burden.

“Care homes are increasingly prioritizing self-funding residents due to financial pressures,” she added. “This trend may reduce the number of care homes accepting state-funded residents, leaving families to grapple with an already complex system.”

As care costs continue to rise, understanding funding options and planning ahead are becoming critical for families across Wales.

Pictured: Shani Lauren Escott at Pen Coed Care Home, Saundersfoot with resident May Spurr

WELSH tourist attractions will shut their doors for a day this week in protest against the Welsh Government’s proposed tourism tax. The Welsh Association of Visitor Attractions (WAVA), which represents over 100 major sites across the country, has announced a coordinated closure on Tuesday, December 10, following an emergency meeting.

Protest against tourism tax plans

The protest targets a proposed visitor levy that could be introduced in 2027. Under the plan, hotel, B&B, and self-catering guests would face a nightly charge of £1.25, with hostels and campsites paying a reduced rate of 75p. Local councils would have the option to implement the tax in their areas.

WAVA has warned the tax could severely damage the tourism sector. The group cited government-commissioned research suggesting the levy could lead to a £40 million loss in revenue and cost over 700 jobs in the industry, even with an estimated 1.6% drop in visitor numbers. Many industry leaders fear the actual impact could be far worse.

Industry leaders voice concerns

Anglesey Sea Zoo described the proposed tax as “one more blow” to an already struggling sector. “Welsh tourism hasn’t recovered since Covid,” she said. “People will go to England rather than pay a tax to holiday in Wales. This tax risks killing tourism.”

The Zoo’s management criticized rising operational costs such as minimum wage increases and VAT rates, which she compared unfavorably to European tourism markets. “Tourism tax works in Europe because they pay 8% VAT, not 20% like us,” she added.

Other WAVA members expressed similar concerns. One attraction owner estimated they would need an additional £25,000 annually to cover wage and national insurance increases. The sector has also reported a 23% drop in overnight visitors last year, with 60% of attractions experiencing fewer visitors than in 2023.

Calls for government action

In a statement, WAVA said: “Welsh tourism is the slowest to recover from Covid compared to other UK regions. All leading experts in Welsh tourism had advised the Welsh Government not to go ahead with a tourism tax.”

Tourism operators hope the closures will send a powerful message to policymakers, highlighting the challenges facing the industry and the potential consequences of the proposed levy.

Highlighting industry struggles

Tuesday’s closures aim to draw attention to the financial and operational pressures facing Welsh attractions. Rising costs, declining visitor numbers, and post-pandemic struggles have left the industry vulnerable, with leaders urging the Welsh Government to rethink the tourism tax and engage more closely with stakeholders.

Experts support the levy

Linda Osti, Senior Lecturer in Tourism Management at Bangor University, said: “The introduction of a visitor levy is a significant step forward for Wales. Drawing on our research, it’s clear that when implemented thoughtfully, such levies can not only enhance the visitor experience but also address some of the environmental and social challenges posed by tourism. Hypothecating the funds for tourism-related projects is particularly important, ensuring that both locals and tourists see tangible benefits.”

Rhys ap Gwilym, Senior Lecturer in Economics at Bangor University, added: “Opponents often argue that a levy could discourage visitors, but our findings suggest otherwise. In many destinations worldwide, tourism taxes have actually contributed to a more sustainable and attractive tourism offering. By carefully considering local nuances, such as including day visitors or tailoring rates seasonally, Wales has a chance to lead the way in innovative tourism management.”

Both experts emphasized the importance of collaboration and flexibility in the levy’s design. They noted that empowering local authorities to manage revenues effectively could ensure the funds are used strategically. “A well-monitored and adaptable levy could act as a model for other regions,” said Dr. Osti. “Regular evaluations will be essential to refine the system and maintain its effectiveness over time.”

Dr. ap Gwilym concluded: “This levy is not just a tax; it’s an investment in Wales’s future as a sustainable and competitive destination. By learning from global best practices and addressing local challenges, we can ensure long-term benefits for communities and the economy alike.”