P-06-1532 Early Expert Input and Safeguarding Reform for Children with Additional Learning Needs in Wales

Petitions3

This petition was submitted by Rachael Walkingshaw-McGuinness, having collected a total of 469 signatures.

Text of petition:

The current ALN Code in Wales is failing children with complex needs like Autism, ADHD, and PDA. Without early expert input or safeguarding assessments, children are entering school unsupported. Our daughter experienced autistic burnout and trauma before age 5. Families are left to battle alone while vital support is delayed or denied due to system flaws and unclear processes.

Additional information:

Despite having a diagnosis before starting school, our daughter received no formal risk assessments, safeguarding plan, or specialist input. Concerns raised pre-transition were dismissed, leading to a total breakdown in education and mental health. Schools lack the expertise to draft legally sound IDPs alone, and LEAs often refuse to step in early enough. Families are forced to privately fund support or face long waitlists while their children deteriorate. We’re calling for mandatory Educational Psychology input for all children with complex needs before school entry, clear safeguarding plans based on parent/professional concerns, and early LEA responsibility for complex cases. The IDP system must be proactive, not reactive—our children deserve better.

Senedd Constituency and Region

• Newport West
• South Wales East

[PetitionFooter]