What's New & Release Notes

Get the essentials fast. Quick Dives deliver bite-sized, chapter-by-chapter summaries of the ALN Code for Wales (2021) — perfect for busy ALNCos who need a quick refresher or want to check their understanding before diving deeper.

• Chapter-at-a-glance: Concise overview cards for each chapter of the ALN Code
• Key takeaways: The essential points distilled into scannable bullet points
• Pro access: Quick Dives for Chapters 2+ available to Pro (AI) subscribers
• Chapter 1 free: Introduction Quick Dive accessible to all users
• Gateway to Deep Dives: Each Quick Dive links directly to the corresponding Deep Dive for fuller exploration

Turn the Code into action. This new hub breaks each chapter of the Additional Learning Needs Code for Wales (2021) into a practical, ALNCo-ready toolkit you can actually use in school. Each Deep Dive helps you translate statutory guidance into clear next steps — with non-negotiable actions, strong-practice checklists, reflective prompts, leadership considerations, and case studies to pressure-test your approach.

• Plain-English chapter overview: A clear explanation of what each chapter is really saying — without the fluff
• Must implement checklist: The non-negotiable actions schools need in place, linked back to the chapter
• Key steps to consider: Strong-practice steps that help you move from "compliant" to "confident"
• Reflection questions for ALNCos: Thought-provoking prompts to help you spot gaps and tighten consistency
• Leading across the school: Practical guidance on systems, roles, routines and whole-school alignment
• Case studies (accordion-ready): Realistic scenarios with decision prompts and "what good looks like"
• Professional Standards lens (Wales): Chapter-linked prompts across Pedagogy, Leadership, Professional Learning, Collaboration and Innovation

Starter Kits have officially launched in the Learning Hub. These step-by-step guided routes help you tackle common ALNCo challenges with confidence, from transferring Statements to IDPs to preparing for complex reviews.

• Starter Kits now accessible from the Mega Menu navigation under Learning Hub
• Learning Hub card updated with direct link - no longer "Coming Soon"
• Premium access: Available to all Premium, Pro (AI), and Pro VIP subscribers
• Step-by-step workflows: Each kit walks you through a specific ALNCo challenge
• Practical focus: Routes designed around real scenarios Welsh ALNCos face daily

Major visual refresh across 20+ pages with a new consistent template system. Pages now feature alternating section bands, wider content areas for better readability, and a docked ALN Co-Pilot rail for seamless AI assistance.

• New Section Band template: Alternating grey/white bands create clear visual hierarchy across all pages
• Wider content display: Expanded page width on desktop for improved readability and tool usability
• Docked ALN Co-Pilot rail: AI assistant now accessible via a fixed sidebar on all converted pages
• Hub pages updated: IDP Hub, Time Management Hub, Leadership Hub, PCP Hub, and All Tools page
• Tool pages converted: Graduated Response, ALN Decision Pathway, Departmental Plan, Independence Scaffold, and more
• Time Management tools: Kanban Board, Pomodoro Timer, Time Audit, Ivy Lee Method, 80/20 Reflection
• Leadership tools: Meeting Playbook, Team Ways of Working, SWOT Analysis
• Learning Hub pages: FAQs, What's New, and Starter Kits now use the new template
• Consistent toolbar alignment: Tool toolbars properly aligned across all pages
• Improved spacing: Fixed padding and margin inconsistencies across different screen sizes

Complete rollout of 19 person-centred planning tools with a unified, config-driven architecture. Each tool features guided question banks, demo data, helper text, and export functionality to support Welsh ALN professionals in gathering authentic learner voice.

• 19 PCP tools: Appreciation Tool, Communication Chart, Learning Log, Talking Mats, Circle of Friends/Support, Important To/Important For, Aspirations Tool, Relationship Circle, 4 Plus 1, PATH, MAPS, Solution Circles, Independence Audit, What's Working/Could Be Better, Decision Making Agreement, Matching Support, Presence to Contribution, Perfect Week, Good Day/Bad Day
• Centralized question banks: Each section offers 10 prompts (3 top questions + 7 universal boosters) with language difficulty variants (simple, standard, expanded)
• Preflight panel: Capture learner age, language level, communication needs, and access requirements before starting any tool
• Ask → Guess → Write guided workflow: Structured approach to build authentic learner voice statements
• Demo packs: One-click realistic demo data for all 19 tools showing Welsh learner scenarios
• Tips & Pitfalls: Centralized premium guidance content with common mistakes and best practices
• Deep Dive content: Expert guidance strips for ALNCos on each tool
• Export to Word/PDF: Generate professional documents for IDP evidence and team sharing
• Accordion response cards: Expand/collapse individual responses with smart state inheritance
• Learner Info Summary Bar: Collapsible card showing preflight details with inline editing

Complete redesign of the Profile Builder with a tabbed workspace, optional split view, and intelligent AI follow-up questions. Generate IDP Section 1 profiles with structured quality insights and person-centred language.

• Tabbed workspace: Input, Profile output, How this was built, Follow-up questions, and Export tabs for organised workflow
• Split View toggle: Work side-by-side with input on the left and AI output on the right in a 50/50 layout
• Clickable insights row: Cards show output status, helper details count, unanswered questions, and export options with smooth navigation
• Enhanced AI follow-up questions: Targeted questions focusing on learner voice, strengths, interests, and communication preferences
• Person-centred language: AI ensures first-person voice and positive framing throughout the profile
• Load Demo: Pre-populated example with realistic learner content across all profile sections
• Dual CTA buttons: Choose between "Generate with follow-up questions" or "Draft now without questions"
• Structured output: Quality checklist, voice verification, missing information items, and strength-based suggestions
• Polished UX: Separate loading states for each button, auto-scroll to follow-up panel top, and fixed text field overflow

Major navigation overhaul with a dedicated IDP Hub and redesigned hub pages across the platform. Filter and find tools faster with new tier-based filtering, search, and Start Here recommendations.

• New dedicated IDP Hub: Central home for all IDP writing tools including Description of Need Builder, Outcome Builder, and Profile Builder
• Unified hub pattern: Consistent navigation across All Tools, IDP Hub, Leadership Hub, Time Management Hub, and Person-Centred Planning Hub
• Tier-based filtering: Filter by All, Free, Premium, Pro (AI), or Coming Soon across all hub pages
• Smart search: Instantly find tools by name, description, or category with real-time filtering
• Start Here row: Quick-access recommendations for each hub showing the most useful tools to begin with
• Category dropdowns: Filter by tool type (Writing, Review & QA, Planning) within each hub
• Sort options: Order tools by name (A-Z, Z-A) or by availability status
• Visual tier badges: Clear Premium (crown), Pro AI (gem), and Coming Soon (clock) badges on every tool card
• How to use modal: 2-minute guide on each hub explaining how to get the most from the tools

Complete redesign of the Description of Need Builder with a tabbed workspace, optional split view, and intelligent AI follow-up questions. Generate IDP Section 2A descriptions with structured quality insights and targeted clarification questions.

• Tabbed workspace: Input, Section 2A output, How this was built, Follow-up questions, and Export tabs for organised workflow
• Split View toggle: Work side-by-side with input on the left and AI output on the right in a 50/50 layout
• Clickable insights row: Cards show output status, helper details count, unanswered questions, and export options with smooth navigation
• Enhanced AI follow-up questions: Targeted questions focusing on impact on learning, frequency/severity, concrete examples, and variability/triggers
• Smart questioning: "IDP vs ALP" question only asked when genuinely unclear from the information provided
• Load Demo: Pre-populated example with realistic LLL (Literacy/Language/Learning) content across all ALN areas
• Dual CTA buttons: Choose between "Generate with follow-up questions" or "Draft now without questions"
• Structured output: Quality checklist, area decisions (include/exclude/unclear), recordElsewhere suggestions, and missing information items
• Polished UX: Separate loading states for each button, auto-scroll to follow-up panel top, and fixed text field overflow

Complete visual refresh of the Learning Hub with a new card-based navigation system. Find resources faster with clear category cards and instant access to your subscription tier content.

• "Choose your next step" card navigation replaces section filter buttons for clearer pathways
• 6 category cards: Start Here, Guidance & ALN Code, Templates, Members Blog, CPD, and Newsletter
• Tier badges show access levels at a glance: FREE (green), PREMIUM | PRO (orange), PRO (blue)
• Expandable cards reveal sub-resources; direct-link cards open immediately
• Back navigation for easy return to all options after browsing sub-cards
• Updated hero section with refined tagline: "Everything you need to lead ALN with clarity"

The 80/20 Reflection tool has been completely redesigned as an interactive guided coaching session. Build your action plan step-by-step with smart pickers, progress tracking, and structured insight cards.

• Guided 7-section workflow with progress dots and Back/Next navigation
• List Builder UX: Add items with numbered rows instead of free-text areas
• Smart Picker modal for Section C: Select high-impact items from Sections A & B with checkboxes
• Action dropdowns for each time drain: Keep, Simplify, Delegate, or Stop
• Section E Action Plan with 3 structured insight cards: "If I only had 1 day", "What can I change?", and "One Focus"
• Progressive disclosure: Only active step expanded, completed steps show tick summary
• Sticky footer with step counter and navigation; celebration banner on completion

Premium upgrades to productivity tools with countdown modes, editable sprints, and refined task card interactions for a smoother daily planning experience.

• Focus Timer: Countdown mode with customisable work periods (default 25 mins) and break periods
• Editable sprint counts and visual progress tracking for your focus sessions
• Premium timer design with streamlined controls, moved to header section for better visibility
• Ivy Lee Method: In-line task card editing with pencil icon for quick updates
• Improved empty state layout with compact design and clear call-to-action
• Better dropdown visibility with adjusted card stacking for priority and date selectors

Word and Excel export functionality added across 9 major tools. Download your work for offline use, team sharing, statutory documentation, and professional reports.

• Export to Word (.docx) and Excel (.xlsx) with one click from the new Export Panel
• Tools updated: Eisenhower Matrix, Ivy Lee Method, Time Audit, SWOT Analysis
• Additional tools: Age Gap Calculator, Attendance Impact Calculator, Graduated Support Planner
• Meeting tools: Meeting Playbooks and GROW Coaching Model now include full export options
• Exports include all data, actions, priorities, and notes for comprehensive documentation
• Premium styling with hover effects and clear format icons

Major upgrade to the Kanban Board with support for multiple boards, 13 ALNCo-specific templates, and advanced customisation. Manage different workstreams with dedicated boards tailored to your role.

• Multi-board system: Create and switch between multiple boards for different workstreams
• 13 ready-made templates: Graduated Response Pipeline, IDP Drafting & QA, External Referrals, Transition & Handover, and more
• Each template includes 8 starter cards as prompts and examples to get you started
• Drag-and-drop card reordering within and between columns
• 3-field card system: Title (bold), Description (optional), and Action (links to Action Tracker)
• Column customisation: Add, remove, rename, reorder columns; choose from 8 colours and 12 icons
• Action Tracker sidebar with 3 status states and quick-add functionality
• Save any board as a reusable custom template for your school

A comprehensive toolbar added to every tool page bringing expert guidance, demos, and best practices directly into your workflow. No more switching between tabs or searching for help.

• Tool Overview: Expandable section with benefits, usage steps, and strapline for each tool
• Deep Dive for ALNCos: Interactive content strips with expert guidance specific to your role
• Tips & Pitfalls Modal: Structured scenarios, common mistakes to avoid, and best practice advice
• How It Works: Step-by-step instructions tailored to each tool
• Load Demo: One-click demo data to explore tools before using with real learners
• ALNCo Routines: Daily and weekly habit suggestions for embedding each tool into practice
• Step Indicators: Clear progress guidance on multi-step tools
• 20+ tools updated including Annual Planner, Graduated Response, Profile Builder, all Time Management tools, Strategy Library, and more

ALN Co-Pilot now allows seamless conversation continuity across multiple tools. Continue building a comprehensive learner profile across different assessment and planning tools, or start fresh conversations for focused guidance.

• Continue previous conversations when switching between tools to maintain context and build a full learner profile
• Smart navigation prompts let you choose to continue, start fresh, or restore tool-specific chat history
• Save per-tool conversation history for future reference and detailed learner analysis
• Reduce repetition by building on previous insights without re-entering learner data
• Follow-up questions automatically adapt based on multi-tool context and learner profile depth
• Export consolidated multi-tool conversations for comprehensive documentation and evidence trails

Comprehensive library of 52+ evidence-based intervention programmes across all four areas of ALN need, with phase-specific adaptations and implementation guides tailored to Welsh schools.

• 52+ structured interventions mapped to all ALN areas: Cognition & Learning, Communication & Interaction, Social/Emotional/Mental Health, Sensory/Physical
• Phase-specific guidance covering Foundation Phase through Post-16 with Year group variations
• Delivery context filters: timetabled intervention, small group, 1:1, family partnership, and more
• Review period templates from immediate to long-term follow-ups with built-in monitoring frameworks
• Integrated with ALN Co-Pilot for context-aware strategy recommendations based on learner profile
• Print and export to Google Docs for team planning, staff guidance, and parent communication

Exclusive blog for Premium and Pro members featuring expert articles, case studies, and implementation guides written by experienced ALNCos and educational specialists.

• Regular expert articles on current ALN practice, legislative updates, and evidence-based approaches
• In-depth case studies showing real ALN interventions with measured outcomes and learner progression
• Implementation guides connecting blog insights directly to ALN Made Simple tools
• Read time estimates and pin-to-top system for timely content and relevant articles
• Member-only comments section to share experiences and learn from peers across Welsh schools
• Searchable archive with topic tagging for easy discovery of relevant guidance

Major update to our Strategy Suggestion Library with deeper integration into ALN assessment tools and improved filtering for whole-school implementation planning.

• 48 comprehensive classroom strategies across all four areas of need with phase-specific adaptations
• Advanced 4-filter system: Area of Need, Provision Level (HQIP/Targeted/Specialist), Delivery Context, Implementation Time
• Complete implementation guides including TA prompts, visual supports, and monitoring frameworks for each strategy
• Direct integration with ALN Co-Pilot for context-aware strategy recommendations during assessment
• Whole-school implementation view showing strategy distribution across learner population
• Print and Google Docs export for staff training, parent meetings, and statutory documentation

Quick access to every tool and hub from the navigation bar. Hover over any hub to see all available tools organised by category, with access badges showing what's included in each plan.

• 5 Hub Menus: All Tools, PCP Hub, Time Management Hub, Leadership Hub, and Learning Hub
• Hover to Preview: See all tools in a category without leaving your current page
• Click to Navigate: Hub links take you directly to the hub page
• Access Badges: See at a glance which tools are Free, Premium, or Pro
• Categorised Content: Tools grouped by purpose with helpful straplines
• Full-Width Design: Clean, spacious layout spanning the full screen
• Keyboard Support: Press ESC to close the menu

Introducing ALN Co-Pilot - a floating AI chat assistant available on every tool page. Get expert guidance tailored to Welsh ALN practice, with responses that understand the specific tool and learner data you're working with.

• 5 Expert Personas: Educational Psychologist, Class Teacher, Teaching Assistant, ALNCo, and LA Advisory Teacher
• Page Context Awareness: AI responses tailored to the specific tool and learner data on each page
• Resizable Widget: Drag to resize from top-left corner, with dimensions saved between sessions
• Follow-up Questions: 3 contextual follow-up chips appear after each AI response
• Conversation Export: Copy to clipboard or download as text file
• Soft-Gating: Widget visible to all users to explore; upgrade prompt for Pro features
• Mobile Responsive: Full-screen modal on mobile devices

A new productivity hub with 20 business frameworks adapted specifically for ALNCos. Manage your workload more effectively with tools used by top executives and productivity experts.

• Eisenhower Matrix: Urgent vs. important task prioritization
• Kanban Board: Visual workflow management for learner casework
• Pomodoro Focus Timer: 25-minute work sprints for focused IDP drafting
• 80/20 Reflection: Apply the Pareto Principle to identify high-impact actions
• Ivy Lee Method: Identify and complete your six most important tasks
• Time Audit: Track actual time spent with Chart.js visualizations
• Dashboard Integration: All tools sync with your activity dashboard

Strategic planning tools for ALNCos and school leaders. Build vision, run effective meetings, and develop your team with professional frameworks.

• Vision & Priorities Canvas: Define and communicate your ALN strategy
• SWOT Analysis: Assess strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
• GROW Coaching Model: Structure coaching conversations with staff
• Meeting Playbook: Multiple meeting support with tabs, attendees, and export
• Team Ways of Working: Establish shared norms and expectations

A dedicated hub for person-centred planning tools that keep the child at the heart of every decision. Capture what matters, bring together everyone's views, and turn conversations into clear outcomes.

• Graduated Support Planner: Map needs across all 4 areas with 9 support steps
• Person-Centred ALN Decision Meeting Framework: Structure meetings with multiple meeting support
• Start With the Whole Person: Capture Like and Admire, what matters day-to-day
• Every Voice in One Place: Bring together views from child, family, school and outside support
• From Conversation to Clear Outcomes: Turn ideas into priorities, outcomes and ALP

Find any tool, resource, or page instantly with our new search feature. Access via the magnifying glass icon or use Cmd/Ctrl+K keyboard shortcut.

• Pre-built search index covering 30+ tools and all resources
• Instant results with smart categorization (Tools, Learning Hub, Time Management, Leadership)
• Fuzzy matching for flexible queries - no need for exact spelling
• Keyboard shortcut: Cmd+K (Mac) or Ctrl+K (Windows)
• Works across all pages including the Learning Hub

Major improvements to Cognitive Profile and Attainment Profile tools. Charts now update instantly as you adjust scores - no need to click a button to see your visualization.

• Real-time chart updates as you select domains and adjust scores
• Dual state management for instant visual feedback
• Expert Summary generated only when you click the CTA button
• Improved guided tours with demo data injection
• Better score entry experience with immediate visual response

A new sticky sidebar that puts your favorite tools one click away. Customize your quick-access list, print or export from any page, and navigate faster across the platform.

• Add your most-used tools to a personalized favorites list
• Selections persist between sessions using local storage
• Quick actions: Print current page or Export data with one click
• Expands on hover to show full tool names
• Responsive design: Hides on mobile for clean viewing
• Sticky positioning: Always visible as you scroll

New components deployed across 28+ tool pages to improve privacy messaging, AI availability indicators, and first-time user experience.

• Privacy Strip: Clickable component explaining browser-only processing and AI security
• Co-Pilot Indicator: Shows AI availability status on every tool page
• Interactive Onboarding Tours: Guided walkthroughs with demo data on assessment tools
• Snapshot/Restore: Tours protect your existing data during demos
• Tool Renaming: Person-Centred ALN Decision Meeting Framework (clearer naming)

Complete visual overhaul of the My Account page to match the app's professional design system with improved clarity and user experience.

• Navy blue hero banner with sun-yellow accents matching app design
• Clean white cards with proper spacing and visual hierarchy
• Visual progress bar for AI credits with color-coded status
• Enhanced subscription display with tier-specific badges
• Improved layout with Poppins font throughout
• Clear action buttons for account management

We've reorganized all educational resources into a centralized Learning Hub with 11 dedicated sections. Free resources include tutorials, FAQs, and our comprehensive ALN glossary. Premium members get access to Starter Kits, Power Packs, and expert guidance.

• 4 free resource sections for all users
• 7 premium sections with advanced templates and guidance
• Improved navigation with sidebar for easy browsing
• Cross-linked Deep Dives and Crib Sheets for practical implementation
• Progress tracking for Starter Kits

Major improvements to the Description of Need Builder with better ALN Code alignment and more natural person-centred language.

• Improved alignment with Four Areas of Need framework
• More natural and person-centred language generation
• Better handling of complex needs combinations
• Reduced credit usage through optimization

Premium users can now access their Annual Planner tasks across all devices with automatic cloud sync.

• Automatic sync across desktop, tablet, and mobile
• Offline support with background sync when reconnected
• Team sharing for multi-ALNCo schools

Comprehensive resource pack for supporting learners with sensory processing and physical needs.

• Environment audit checklists
• 20+ evidence-based strategies
• Staff training presentation templates
• Links to external specialist resources

Create professional whole-school provision maps with our new Excel-based builder tool.

• Visual mapping of interventions by need type
• Cost tracking and budget planning features
• Color-coded intensity levels
• Export to Excel for easy updates

AI tools now generate content 40% faster with improved response times.

• Optimized AI model for faster processing
• Better error handling and retry logic
• Reduced waiting time for all AI features