White Paper on Additional Learning Needs     In responding to the Welsh Government’s White Paper on Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Dyfodol i’r Iaith has expressed extreme disappointment that there is hardly any mention of the Welsh language in the document. Dyfodol  has offered many concrete suggestions as to how the Welsh language could be included in the ALN Bill in order to ensure that children and young people get the support that they need. Dyfodol’s suggestions include:

• Including a clause on the face of the Bill ensuring the right for a child/young person to have support in Welsh
• Including a clause in the Individual Development Plan (IDP) outlining in which language support should be provided
• Including a clause in the Bill imposing a duty on local authorities, health boards and further education institutions to co-operate and share information in Welsh when that is required.
• Including mandatory requirements in the Code of Practice regarding the Welsh Language including:
  • The right of children/young people and families to discuss the IDP in Welsh at any time in the process (preparing, review etc)
  • The right to to specialist support in Welsh (0-25) and ensuring linguistic progression and transition
  • The right to make and hear an appeal in Welsh (in local processes and Tribunal)
  • Provision regarding the Welsh language in relation to multi-agency working
  • Provision for workforce development to ensure an adequate supply of specialist staff who speak Welsh.
  • Independent advocacy in Welsh

Dyfodol i’r Iaith also recommends that the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol works with the Welsh Government to identfy where there is a shortage of skilled staff able to work in the ALN field in Welsh and to provide appropriate training courses in these fields. Estyn should also have the power to inspect how local authorities provide support in Welsh for children and young people with ALN and report on any failures to provide support. Ymateb Papur Gwyn Anghenion Dysgu Ychwanegol (Welsh only)