Additional Learning Needs Co-Ordinator (ALNCo) in Cardiff

We are looking for an Additional Learning Needs Co-Ordinator who demonstrates genuine Respect for every learner and colleague, communicates with Openness & Honesty, and brings Innovation & Creativity to developing inclusive approaches that remove barriers to learning. You will use Motivation & Empowerment to advocate for learners and support colleagues to provide high-quality ALN provision, while demonstrating Clarity in your planning, advice, decision-making and communication.

If you are proactive, collaborative and committed to improving outcomes for learners with Additional Learning Needs, we would love to hear from you. We believe every learner should have the opportunity to access learning, overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.

We are looking for an experienced Additional Learning Needs Co-Ordinator to provide operational oversight and leadership of ALN provision across our Schools, Apprenticeships and JGW+ programmes. This is a key role in ensuring that our ALN processes are robust, consistent and learner centred across ACT. You will work closely with the Head Teacher/ALN Strategic Lead and colleagues across the organisation to ensure learners receive high quality support that meets their individual needs and complies with the Additional Learning Needs Code for Wales (2021) and relevant statutory requirements.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and coordinate high-quality, person-centred ALN provision across ACT's Schools, Apprenticeships and JGW+ programmes.
• Lead the development and continuous improvement of ALN provision across ACT.
• Oversee the identification, assessment and support of learners with ALN, including the coordination of IDPs and Exam Access Arrangements.
• Lead the ALN panel and ensure consistent, effective and compliant ALN processes across all provisions.
• Provide guidance, training and coaching to Teachers, Tutors, Assessors, Youth Learning Mentors and support staff.
• Work collaboratively with Local Authorities, Educational Psychologists, Health Professionals, Social Care, employers and other external agencies.
• Monitor ALN data, support plans and interventions to evaluate impact and inform continuous improvement.
• Work closely with Safeguarding, Behaviour, Wellbeing and Attendance teams to ensure a joined-up approach to learner support.

ACT is committed to promoting the Welsh language for both staff and learners, and whilst it is not considered essential criteria, the ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this role.

Why work for ACT?

At ACT, people are at the heart of everything we do. As Wales’s largest training provider, we’re passionate about making a real difference through high-quality learning — and we’re just as committed to supporting our staff to grow, develop and succeed. We’re proud to be an Investors in People Platinum organisation, accredited for over 25 years, and recognised in the Best Companies 2025 awards as one of the UK’s top employers — ranked 26th Best Large Company to Work For and 5th in Wales.

Our Values:

At ACT, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of respect, fairness, and dignity for all. We believe in creating an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and empowered to thrive. FREDIE has been central to promoting and recognising exceptional commitment to equality and diversity. FREDIE stands for Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement, and these values are at the heart of ACT’s philosophy, shaping our approach to both staff and learners.

Diversity statement

ACT is dedicated to fair and safe recruitment practices, ensuring equality for all applicants and staff. We do not discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age. Our questioning and collating of information are intended to help us maintain equal opportunities best practice and identify barriers to workforce equality and diversity. The information collated from you will not be used in any decision affecting you. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process, please drop us an email with your requirements.

What next?

The Advert will close 10th September 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. An interview process consisting of: A face to face at our Head Office with a work-based task (for example - a micro teach, full details will be provided before interview). We’re keen to ensure our hiring process allows you to be at your best, so if you need us to make any adjustments, please just let us know.

Our organisation is deeply committed to safeguarding the welfare of all learners and staff. We expect all employees to uphold this commitment as part of their role. Please note that the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Generous benefits include:

• Generous holiday package (up to 45 days per year)
• E-learning platform available to all staff.
• Annual salary increases
• Staff counselling sessions
• Mental Health First Aider
• Bi-annual performance reviews
• Flexible and hybrid working (where applicable)
• Length of service, birthday and yearly appreciation rewards
• Staff Recognition Awards
• Contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance

What we are looking for:

Experience:

• Experience of co-ordinating high quality ALN provision across educational settings.
• Experience of working with learners with a wide range of Additional Needs across pre-16 & post-16 provision.
• Experience of identifying, assessing, and reviewing ALN using appropriate assessment tools, screening methods and supporting evidence.
• Experience of developing, implementing and reviewing person centred support plans and/or Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
• Experience of providing guidance, training and coaching to teaching and support staff.
• Experience of monitoring provision, analysing data and using the findings to inform continuous improvement.
• Experience of supporting or co-ordinating Exam Access Arrangements.
• Experience of working within educational setting in an ALNCo.

Qualifications & Knowledge:

• Willingness to complete additional, relevant qualifications for this role.
• Good level of IT, literacy and numeracy.
• Strong understanding of Exam Access Arrangements and the assessment and evidence requirements underpinning them.
• Knowledge of appropriate approaches to identifying and supporting learners with a range of ALN.
• Knowledge and understanding of Individual Development Plans (IDPs), person centred planning and multi-agency working.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the Additional Learning Needs Code for Wales and associated statutory requirements.
• Level 7 CPT3A (Certificate in Psychometric Testing, Assessment and Access Arrangements) qualification or be working towards.

Skills & Attributes:

• Ability to work collaboratively across different department and provisions.
• Ability to provide clear professional advice and guidance on complex ALN matters.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet statutory and organisational deadlines.
• Ability to analyse information, identify trends and use evidence to inform decision making and improvement planning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across all levels of the organisation.
• Willingness to undertake personal & professional development in relation to your role and business needs.
• Ability to challenge practice constructively and support colleagues to improve the quality and consistency of ALN provision.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately.

Personal Qualities:

• Someone who understands the need to build a good rapport with learner and employer.
• Demonstrates integrity and sound professional judgement when dealing with sensitive or complex situations.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and keeping up to date with legislation, guidance and best practice.
• Self-motivated, proactive and solution focused.
• Professional approach and confident when working with learners, colleagues, parents/carers and external professionals.
• Person centred, empathetic and inclusive approach.
• A strong commitment to improving outcomes and removing barriers for learners with ALN.