New and improved classrooms and equipment for children and young
people with additional learning needs (ALN).
A £20 million investment in schools will create inclusive
learning environments such as quiet or sensory areas, upgrade
facilities to improve accessibility, and enable schools and other
settings to purchase new equipment.
Last year the funding supported 249 schools in Wales to improve
their facilities to support learners with ALN.
In Conwy, nearly £700,000 has already helped transform schools
over the past year, including new specialist facilities at Ysgol
Craig y Don, a primary school in Llandudno.
They have received £50,000 to:
- upgrade their changing facilities and create new accessible
toilets
- install changing beds for learners who need assistance with
personal care
- create a sensory garden and outdoor play area, with work
beginning soon on an outdoor gym
- buy learning equipment
These changes will promote inclusion and access within the
mainstream school.
Meeting learners and staff on a visit to see the new facilities
at Ysgol Craig y Don, , Cabinet Secretary for
Education, said:
"Every child deserves the best possible start in education. I'm
so pleased to see the impact the new facilities here at Ysgol
Craig y Don are having on not just learners with additional
learning needs, but also the whole school community.
“The £20m I'm announcing today will make a real difference to
thousands of pupils with additional learning needs up and down
the country, making sure they have the facilities they need to
reach their full potential.”
The £20m will be distributed via local authorities to support
mainstream settings. Over £80m have been provided to the sector
over the last 3 years to transform learning spaces for learners
with ALN.
This is in addition to the Sustainable Communities for Learning
Programme which is investing £750m over the next nine years to
improve existing facilities and create new specialist provision
for ALN learners.
All projects funded through the programme need to demonstrate how
they are meeting the needs of learners with additional learning
needs.
Notes to editors
The £20 million is capital funding for 2025-2026.
