Support for success
Learners studying on mainstream courses who have a learning difficulty, disability or health condition.
We encourage learners to disclose a learning difficulty, disability or health condition on the application form. We will then assess your needs and recommend one of the following:
- Tutor Led Support
Our tutors and lecturers receive training on inclusive teaching methods and can make adjustments such as providing handouts in advance, breaking down assignments and supporting you with group work. Your tutor will discuss these adjustments with you and record them on the Tutor Led Support page on Pro monitor. This is the College's system for sharing information for example about support needs and academic progress with everyone who works with you.
- Learning Support
If you are assessed as having a learning difficulty, disability or health condition that significantly impacts on your learning, you will be invited for a Support Interview and a ‘Meet the Tutor’ session before any offer can be made.
It is very important that you bring to your Support Interview any documents relating to your support needs e.g., an Education, Health and Care Plan, exam access arrangement assessment, diagnosis of dyslexia, educational psychologist report.
Depending upon the outcome of this support interview, we will recommend either tutor led support, agree an initial support plan with you or make recommendations for further support. We will then pass this information to your course interviewer, so they are aware of your support needs.
What support is available?
Learners with an EHCP on Study Programmes (mainstream)
Moving from Year 11 at School to College?
If you have an EHCP, you should name the College at your annual review so you can start the transition process. Your SEND case worker at your local authority must then amend your EHCP and consult the College before 31 March 2025. We may then talk to your school and ask to meet you to ensure we can meet your needs and agree your placement.
Please make your course application asap so we can invite you to a support interview to discuss your needs. Please bring your EHCP to your interview or email it in advance to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please also contact your local authority asap so you can request an annual review to name the College before March 2025.
Moving from another Post 16 College within the academic year?
If you have an EHCP and are transferring from another Post 16 College within year; your local authority must review and amend, where necessary, your EHCP at least five months before the transfer takes place.
Please make your course application asap so we can invite you to a support interview to discuss your needs. Please bring your EHCP to your support interview or email it in advance to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
What type of SEND support is available if you have an EHCP
The Learning Support team will agree a package of support with you and your local authority. This is to help you to achieve on your course, meet the outcomes in your EHCP and so you can be as independent a
- In class support for learners with a range of learning difficulties, mobility, medical, social and emotional or mental health needs that significantly impact on their education.
- Out of class support in the form of 1:1’s, small groups or drop-ins.
- Exam access arrangements e.g. extra time, reader, scribe, for learners with a range of learning difficulty.
- Specialist software to support reading and proofreading for learners with literacy difficulties.
- BSL communicator and or note taker for learners who are deaf or hearing impaired.
- Integrated speech and language therapy for learners who have for example, significant. communication support needs.
- Speech and language therapy and 1:1, social skills groups.
- Safeguarding plan for learners with for example additional vulnerabilities such as mobility, medical, sensory or mental health needs.
- Personal evacuation plan for learners with for example anxiety, mobility, medical or sensory support needs.
- Personal care for learners who have a physical disability.
I do not have an EHCP. What type of support is available?
Following an assessment, the types of support that may be offered are:
- Your support will be Tutor Led, as previously mentioned. In addition, you may be offered:
- Exam access arrangements e.g. extra time, reader, scribe, for learners with a range of learning difficulties, mobility, medical, or mental health needs.
- BSL communicator and or note taker for learners who are deaf or hearing impaired.
- Specialist software to support reading and proofreading for learners with literacy difficulties.
- Personal evacuation plan for learners with for example anxiety, mobility, medical or sensory support needs.
- Safeguarding plan for learners with for example additional vulnerabilities such as mobility, medical, sensory or mental health needs.
- Personal care for learners who have a physical disability.
- Drop-in sessions which will be available to all students.
- Targeted booster classes for Maths and English.
Disabled Students' Allowance
If you have a disability, mental health condition or learning difficulty and are on a higher education/undergraduate course, you may be eligible for funding to help with your studies called Disabled Students' Allowance. It does not need to be repaid.
Find out more about the Disabled Students' Allowance.
Learning Support Policy
Visit us
You are welcome to visit us. Check our college open events page for details. Our learning support staff attend these events and can explain how you may be supported during your course. With sufficient notice, we are usually able to help with any extra support you may need eg. signers or speaking guides. All our sites are fully accessible.
