In a win for young people with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), their families and schools, Welsh Labour have stated today, that they have secured 50% more funding than was offered by the Plaid Cymru Government last month. Funding for ALN has been a red line for Welsh Labour when it comes to supporting Plaid Cymru’s second attempt at a Supplementary Budget.

Negotiations have been ongoing since the summer, with Welsh Labour continuing to demand more than the £40 million for ALN support put forward by Plaid Cymru.

The money will be a welcome short term cash injection for schools under pressure, and Welsh Labour Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Paul Miller has welcomed the much needed additional support for Pembrokeshire schools.

“There are almost 1,900 learners across Pembrokeshire who have additional learning needs. They are all entitled to good quality education and support,” Cllr Miller said.

“I regularly speak to parents, carers and school staff who have told me about the pressures they are facing and the need for funding to keep pace with growing complexities. These are matters affecting our young people’s lives anwelcomed the much needed additional support for Pembrokeshire schools.d I take them extremely seriously.

“Securing £60 million for pupils with ALN this year was greatly needed. Welsh Labour in the Senedd and here in Pembrokeshire County Council will continue to fight for more money for ALN as we know how crucial this funding is to schools in Pembrokeshire.”

At least 40,000 children and young people in Wales’s schools have Additional Learning Needs.

The Welsh Government announced this morning that it had reached agreement with Welsh Labour on extra funding for Additional Learning Needs (ALN), paving the way for the Supplementary Budget for 2026-27 to be laid before the Senedd today.

The Supplementary Budget sets out the package of investment first published in June, with an additional £60 million for Additional Learning Needs in this financial year.

It will be laid today (Tuesday, October 13) and debated in the Senedd on Tuesday, November 3.

Wales’ First Minister, Plaid Cymru’s Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “This agreement reflects what can be achieved when parties across the Senedd work together. It will unlock an extra £60m towards Additional Learning Needs in this financial year. It also allows us to bring forward a Supplementary Budget that continues our investment in the NHS, childcare and free school meals.”

Welsh Labour Leader Ken Skates MS said: “We are pleased to have secured an additional £60 million for Additional Learning Needs this year. This money will make a huge difference to schools and colleges across Wales, and it is important that it now delivers for the children and young people who need it.

“This is a welcome first step towards better funding for schools and getting the best possible deal for children and young people across Wales.”