The Welsh Government has announced new funding over three years for further education students with additional learning needs (ALN).

The £2.1m funding announced today is part of an overall investment of £25.6m in 2023-24 and 2024-25 for additional learning needs.

The funding will be given to all further education colleges in Wales to support them to implement the ALN Act, which replaces the existing special educational needs (SEN) system.

A spokesperson for the Welsh Government said: “The funding will be used to improve educational experiences and help colleges provide tailored support to students through their individual development plans. It will also support a more consistent approach to ALN in colleges across Wales by helping them develop partnerships with local authorities, health boards, other colleges, and schools. Coleg Ceredigion’s Camu Mlaen project is an example of how the funding will be used.

Historically, young people with the most complex and severe needs had to leave their local community to access education and training. Coleg Ceredigion and Ceredigion County Council have worked together to change this through Camu Mlaen, so young people can now get life skills education locally. The extra funding announced today will help the college to develop this project and will create opportunities for other colleges to work on similar projects.”

The Minister for Education and the Welsh Language Jeremy Miles said: “Every young person in Wales deserves access to high quality education. I want to make sure every learner can fulfil their potential. “This investment will lead to a real difference for young people and increase the opportunities and options available to them at their local college.”