Discussions will begin this month on how education for people with additional needs will be affected by a major transformation programme.

Additional learning needs students will be one of four "workstreams" established as part of the shake up of education in Powys.

The Learning and Skills scrutiny committee met on Monday, June 15 to discuss the draft document and were told what that this is the next step in the journey.

It will see the public have their say in an online consultation from June 24 for four weeks.

Education consultant, Caroline Rees, said: “We feel very strongly that we have to do this with parents and families, not do it to them.

“We know what we think needs to be done. But we want to work with schools and parents and all of you to develop the new model.”

Councillor Lucy Roberts said: “I appreciate that at this time in particular it’s very difficult to do anything other than online engagement, but it does concern me a bit.”

Cllr Roberts (Llandrinio – Conservative) asked if the document would be sent to everyone who should have their say especially people who are outside school age?

Mrs Rees said: “We’re very keen to make sure it gets out to as many people as possible.”

After the engagement process a further report will go to cabinet with firmer ideas in place, probably in the autumn.

The ALN Act will come into force in Wales next year. When that happens the learning needs of children and young people will need to be considered from birth up to the age of 25.

Points included on the document include the teaching of most additional learning needs pupils in mainstream schools, to keep them as near to home as possible with the appropriate support and facilities in place, and specialist provision including special schools, pupil referral units, specialist centres, satellite centres and early assessment provision.

There will be both English and Welsh medium provision, and special schools will cater for those pupils who have the most complex needs.