£20 million boost for those with additional learning needs

Schools across Wales will receive a £20 million boost to create new and improved classrooms and equipments for children and young people with additional learning needs (ALN), such as quiet or sensory areas and more accessible facilities. 

249 Welsh schools were supported with this funding last year to upgrade their classrooms to be more inclusive learning environments, with £80 million provided to the sector over the last three years to transform learning spaces for learners with ALN.

Almost £700,000 has helped improve schools over the past year, including Ysgo Craig y Don, a primary school in Llandudno who have received £50,000 to upgrade their changing facilities and create new accessible toilets, install changing beds for who need assistance with personal care, create a sensory garden and outdoor play area, and to also purchase learning equipment. 

The cabinet secretary for education, Lynne Neagle, while on a visit to Ysog Craig y Don, said: “Every child deserves the best possible start in education. I’m so pleased to see the impact the new facilities here at Ysgol Craig y Dong are having on not just learners with additional learning needs, but also the whole school community.

“The £20m I’m announcing today will make a difference to thousands of pupils with additional learning needs up and down the country, making sure they have the facilities they need to reach their full potential.”