A proposed law to overhaul current Additional Learning Needs (ALN) services in Wales is long overdue, says a National Assembly committee.
In agreeing with the general principles of the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Bill, the Children, Young People and Education Committee concluded that there will be many challenges ahead in its implementation. Simply passing the legislation will not by itself address the deeper, underlying problems and challenges within the current system.
The Committee therefore recognises the importance of the Welsh Government's wider ALN Transformation Programme in meeting those challenges and delivering a system that is robust and which provides the best opportunities for learners with Additional Learning Needs.
"The Committee agrees with the general principles of this Bill which, we believe, is long overdue," said Lynne Neagle AM, Chair of the Children, Young People and Education Committee.
"But a law alone will not be enough to address the deeper, underlying issues surrounding Additional Learning Needs. Many challenges lie ahead in its implementation.
"That's why the Committee recognises the importance of the Welsh Government's wider ALN Transformation Programme in meeting those challenges.
"We have made a number of recommendations designed to strengthen the Bill and urge the Welsh Government to take them on board."
The Committee makes 49 recommendations in its report which will now be debated by the National Assembly before a vote to decide whether it should continue to the next stage of the law-making process.
Report on the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Bill (PDF, 1MB)