ADDITIONAL LEARNING NEEDS

At Gors we understand that all children have their own learning needs and that every individual child will make different demands on the school and on their teachers. We work closely with the learner and family in a person-centred way to identify any needs and take an early identification approach to plan any appropriate support or provision to support each learner. At Gors School, we are very lucky to have our very own ALN provision called the Sunshine Room. The Sunshine Room is a setting that is nurturing and enables children to have quite time or specific interventions to help manage their school day better.

We seek to meet the needs of all our pupils. We are fully inclusive and recognise that some pupils will, either permanently or from time to time, have significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of children of their same age. Some may have disabilities which may prevent them from making use of the facilities provided for our pupils. We give these children individual consideration and make special provision for them, working in partnership with others, as and when is necessary. The governors’ intention is that the needs of all children are identified and met. As far as possible, all children, whether they have additional learning needs or not, will have equal opportunities to participate in the full curriculum and all other activities. All pupils are encouraged to become independent and take responsibility within the school.

The objectives for the Additional Learning Needs Policy are in line with the school’s mission statement:

• providing a caring environment where pupils can learn and develop to their full potential

• that all pupils will have access to a broad, balanced and differentiated curriculum

• that the school values the contributions and achievements of all pupils

• all children experiencing success

• seeing all pupils as individuals with differing interests, knowledge and skills, recognising that support is an entitlement for all children who may need it, rather than a special addition to their education.

The ALN team at Gors consists of:

- Mrs Wilson - ALNCo

- Mrs Walton - Specialist Lead in ALN 

- Miss Golding- Sunshine room TA 

If you have a concern about your child, please make an appointment to speak to Mrs Wilson.

The ALN System in Wales

The system for identifying and supporting young people who have Additional Learning Needs is changing.  To find out more, please click the links below.

- ALN Factsheet for parents

- ALN Guide for Parents

- Person Centred Approach in Education

Further information about Additional Learning Needs can be found below: 

- Supporting learners with ADHD

- Supporting learners with multi-sensory needs

- Supporting learners with ASD

- Frequently asked questions about the new ALN code

The following video explains how Additional learning Needs are changing in Wales in further detail: 

- Changes to ALN in Wales

What ALN provision looks like at Gors

Sensory Circuits

Sensory circuits are short, structured movement activities designed to help children get their bodies and minds ready for learning. They gently stimulate the senses through a sequence of fun, active exercises that support focus, emotional regulation, and physical coordination.

A typical sensory circuit follows three simple stages:

• Alerting activities to wake up the body and increase attention
• Organising activities to improve balance, coordination and body awareness
• Calming activities to help children feel settled and ready to learn

Sensory circuits are inclusive and beneficial for all children, whether used as a whole‑class activity, in small groups, or as part of individual support.

Calm Cove 

We have developed a sensory space at Gors in addition to our sunshine room provision called the calm cove. The Calm Cove is a safe, calming space within school that is designed to support children’s emotional wellbeing and sensory needs. It provides a carefully structured environment with soothing lighting, textures, sounds and movement‑based resources that help children feel relaxed, regulated and secure.

The calm cove is used flexibly throughout the school day. Some children may use the room to calm and regulate their emotions, while others may use it to receive gentle sensory input that helps them feel more alert and ready to learn.

Sunshine Room 

At Gors Community School, we are very lucky to have the Sunshine Room provision. The purpose of our facility is to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as well as social and emotional difficulties. It allows learners to access the support they need while still benefiting from a mainstream environment. The facility is run by Mrs Walton who is a very experienced practitioner in additional learning needs.  

Please follow the link below to see more about the sunshine room provision.