In the latest Estyn Sector Report (2024-2025), a stark reality was highlighted for secondary schools across Wales: the provision and outcomes for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN) remain frustratingly inconsistent. While some settings offer exemplary, personalised support, others struggle to ensure that universal provision meets the needs of every learner.

As we navigate the ongoing implementation of the ALN and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act 2018, the pressure on ALNCos and Senior Leadership Teams to not only provide support but to evidence its impact has never been greater.

The Challenge: Inconsistency in the Sector

Estyn’s findings point to a "variable" picture. In many cases, teaching for pupils with ALN was found to be weak because teachers did not consistently use available information—such as Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and one-page profiles—to plan effective classroom support.

When provision is fragmented, progress stalls. The report suggests that the most successful schools are those that take a collaborative, accountable approach to improvement. This is where iAbacus becomes an essential strategic partner.

iAbacus: The "Golden Thread" for ALN Improvement

iAbacus isn't just an evaluation tool; it’s a framework for continuous improvement. For ALN provision, it provides a unified platform to move from a "tick-box" compliance culture to a genuine "improving" culture.

1. Rigorous Self-Evaluation with the New ALN Report

We have recently launched a new, comprehensive ALN Review template based on supplementary guidance. This abacus allows leadership teams to judge their provision across three critical areas:

  • Teaching and Learning: Are learners making progress from their individual starting points? Are IDP objectives being met?
  • Well-being, Care, Support, and Guidance: How do attendance and exclusion rates for learners with ALN compare to their peers?
  • Leading and Improving: Does the school have a clear ethos of inclusion? Is the ALNCo given sufficient time and resources to lead effectively?

By sliding the "beads" and checking against specific criteria, schools can identify exactly where their provision stands and, crucially, what is "helping" or "hindering" their progress.

2. Tracking Progress at the Learner Level

One of the most powerful applications of iAbacus in Wales is the creation of individual learner abacuses. These can be mapped directly to the statutory objectives in a pupil's Individual Development Plan (IDP).

  • Collaborative Action: Teachers, TAs, and specialists can all contribute to the same abacus, attaching evidence of "small-step" progress.
  • Visual History: As new beads are added to reflect progress, older beads fade but remain visible. This creates a powerful visual narrative of the "distance travelled" for each learner—perfect for annual reviews and parent meetings.

3. Driving Professional Accountability

The Estyn report noted that staff understanding of universal provision is still developing. iAbacus helps bridge this gap by encouraging Professional Learning (PL). Using the platform, staff can reflect on their own practice against the Professional Standards, identifying where they need further training to differentiate effectively for neurodivergent learners.

From Evaluation to Impact

The true value of iAbacus lies in its ability to turn insight into action. When you identify a "hindrance"—perhaps a lack of staff confidence in using assistive technology—you can immediately build a targeted action plan with clear success criteria and timescales.

In an era where Estyn has moved away from summative gradings towards narrative evaluations (the Barod yn Barod / "Ready Already" philosophy), iAbacus allows you to tell your school's improvement story with confidence. You can show inspectors not just where your ALN provision is today, but exactly how you are working to make it better for every child.

Are you ready to bring clarity and consistency to your ALN provision?

[Book a demo with iAbacus Wales] or [Start your FREE trial today] to explore our new ALN Review templates and see how we can help you drive better outcomes for all learners.

“iAbacus is a blessed relief from wading through pages of Word document plans. It collects our thinking and produces a cumulative report to share—it's about action, not just admin.”