The Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (2018) Act Wales provides a new statutory framework for supporting learners with additional learning needs (ALN), and is accompanied by a mandatory Code which makes sure that the new system has a set of clear, legally enforceable parameters within which schools, local authorities and other partners responsible for the delivery of services to learners with ALN must act. The aim of the new approach, as stated in the Code is as follows:

To support the creation of a fully inclusive education system where all learners are given the opportunity to succeed and have access to an education that meets their needs and enables them to participate in, benefit from, and enjoy learning

The new statutory framework is underpinned by the following 5 principles:
1. A rights-based approach where the views, wishes and feelings of the learner and their parents/carers are central to the planning and provision of support, enabling them to participate as fully as possible in the decision-making processes and have the right to challenge decisions about ALN, additional learning provision.
2. Early identification, intervention and effective transition planning where needs are identified and provision put in place at the earliest opportunity and where appropriate interventions are put in place to prevent the development or escalation of ALN.
3. Collaboration where services work together to ensure ALN are identified early and appropriate co-ordinated support is put in place to enable learners to achieve positive expectations, experiences and outcomes.
4. Inclusive education supporting participation fully in mainstream education, wherever, feasible and a whole-setting approach to meeting the needs of learners with ALN.
5. A bilingual system where all reasonable steps are taken to deliver additional learning provision in Welsh.