Reflecting on the ALN reforms following the end of the implementation period

Our latest policy briefing reflects on the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) reforms and considers how well they have delivered on their core principles and the commitment to listening to children’s views, feelings and wishes in line with Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

The implementation period for ALN reforms concluded in August 2025. This provides an important opportunity to consider how effectively the reform has delivered on their core principles.

We outline the purpose of the ALN reforms and what they were intended to achieve, before reviewing how they have been experienced in practice. We highlight the work undertaken by Claire Hathaway, from Children in Wales, who was commissioned by the Welsh Government to engage with children and young people across educational settings to understand their experiences of the ALN reforms.

Read our latest policy briefing

Read Claire’s full end of year report