The challenge
Our clients were the parents of a child with ADHD and difficulties with emotional regulation. Although the family had historically enjoyed positive communication with the school, the relationship deteriorated following a serious behavioural incident.
The situation became more concerning when the school subsequently shared an updated risk assessment chronology. The document revealed a number of behavioural concerns that had been recorded internally by the school but had never been communicated to the family. As a result, the pupil’s Individual Development Plan (IDP) did not contain important information about his needs and no longer accurately reflected the challenges he was experiencing.
The parents were concerned that the school’s focus on disciplinary measures risked overshadowing the need for appropriate support and intervention. They wanted to ensure their son’s educational needs were properly identified and addressed while avoiding escalation that could increase the risk of exclusion.
Our approach
We provided strategic advice focused on the school’s responsibilities under the Welsh ALN framework and how the family could secure more effective support for their child.
Our work included:
- Advising on the academy’s duties towards pupils with Additional Learning Needs
- Explaining the requirements to identify needs at an early stage and review support appropriately
- Advising on the school’s obligations to maintain transparent communication with parents
- Assessing whether reasonable adjustments and tailored support were being properly implemented
- Providing guidance on how to raise concerns with the school in a constructive and effective manner
- Developing a strategy that prioritised securing a needs-led support plan while managing the risk of disciplinary escalation.
Our approach shifted the focus of discussions away from sanctions and towards the underlying issues in communication, identification of needs and ALN provision. We also considered the implications of the evolving statutory framework governing ALN support in Wales.
The outcome
Our advice enabled the parents to reframe discussions with the school around their son’s support needs rather than solely his behaviour.
By highlighting communication failures and gaps in the pupil’s Individual Development Plan, the family was able to advocate more effectively for improved support and a more accurate assessment of their child’s needs. The matter also helped foster a more collaborative dialogue between the family and the school moving forward.
Why this matters
Effective communication between schools and families is essential to ensuring that pupils with Additional Learning Needs receive appropriate support. Where important information is not shared, schools may fail to identify the full extent of a child’s needs, resulting in support plans that are ineffective or outdated.
This case highlights the importance of ensuring that behavioural concerns are considered alongside underlying additional learning needs. Early legal advice can help families challenge inadequate provision, improve communication with schools and secure support that focuses on a child’s long-term educational success rather than short-term disciplinary responses.
How can we help you?
We advise parents on:
- Additional Learning Needs (ALN) matters in Wales
- Individual Development Plans (IDPs)
- Reasonable adjustments in schools
- School complaints and disputes
- Behaviour, exclusions and disciplinary issues
- Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) matters
- Education law and parental rights.
If you are concerned that your child’s school is not properly identifying or meeting their additional learning needs, our team can provide clear, practical advice tailored to your family’s circumstances.
