Manifesto for babies, children and young people with Additional Learning Needs (ALN)
for the Senedd Election 2026

The Third Sector Additional Needs Alliance (TSANA) has set out its priorities for the 2026 Senedd Election, calling on all political parties and candidates to show clear commitment to supporting every baby, child and young person with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) in Wales. 

TSANA is a coalition of third sector organisations supporting babies, children and young people with ALN. For over a decade, it has championed their rights in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). 

Ahead of the next Senedd term, TSANA is calling for all political parties to ensure that: 

  • The recommendations from the ALN legislative review are implemented 

  • Ongoing monitoring of ALN reforms continues 

  • All investments allocated for current ALN delivery are sustained 

In addition to these overarching calls, TSANA has identified priority areas for action: 

  1. Develop a whole school or whole setting approach to supporting all children with ALN. 

  2. Ensure children’s rights are upheld to enable equitable access to appropriate ALN provision and support, eliminating the postcode lottery effect. 

  3. Ensure that all transitions are appropriately considered and that babies, children and young people are involved and their voices heard 

For further detail, please see the Welsh Government’s ALN legislative review, available here Additional Learning Needs (ALN) legislative framework review | GOV.WALES 

"This manifesto sets out important and timely priorities for improving the experiences and outcomes of children and young people with ALN. It aligns with our own commitment at Natspec to ensuring that every young person with ALN receives high-quality, person-centred support - not only in school but throughout their post-16 journey into adulthood."
- Clare Howard OBE, CEO of Natspec