New funding announced for additional learning needs support in schools

Minister for Lifelong Learning Alun Davies announced funding for five regional lead roles to help the transition to a new system in schools for pupils with additional learning needs in further education.

The National Assembly is changing the way it supports tens of thousands of children and young people with additional learning needs in Wales by implementing a workforce with specialist skills.

Four of the roles will liaise with other services within education and one of the leads will work towards the transformation in further education across Wales.

The roles will be recruited and taken up later this year to allow time to raise awareness about the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Bill currently in progress through the Assembly. They'll also support local councils, schools, nurseries and colleges to put in plans early to support those who'll be using the service.

In February the Minister announced a £20m funding package to support the transformation programme.

The Minister will give further updates about the transformation roles including their budgets, new legislation and statutory guidance in the autumn.