From our Academic Skills Support Mentors to our Specialist Learning Support teams we offer a range of resources to support our students with Education, Health & Care Plans (ECHPs). We aim to remove barriers to learening and offer tailored learning support to allow each student to reach their full potential.
We support and work learners with identified learning needs and disabilities such as:
- Autistic Spectrum Disorders (such as Aspergers & PDA)
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Social, Emotional & Mental Health difficulties (SEMH)
- Dyscalculia
- Communication difficulties
- Physical difficulties
- Hearing or Visual impairments
Academic Skills Support Mentors
We offer assistance in tailoring academic support, using assistive technology, developing a students independent working skills, and organise exam access arrangements. By offering resources to empower our learners to access support, we hope to foster their resilience, build their self-confidence and awareness and prepare them for employment and their next steps.
Learners who have a support need can refer themselves into the service using the Help button on the student portal, or they can speak to one of their teachers or Personal Tutor who can also refer them.
An Academic Skills Support Mentor will contact the learner once the referral is made and arrange a meeting to put together an action plan that is tailored to support their individual needs.
For daily support the Academic Skills Support Team can offer:
- 1:1 or group support with English, Maths and course work
- Providing study skills support
- Providing strategies that are transferrable to the workplace
- Support with planning and prioritising work
- Breaking down larger assignments into more manageable tasks
- Time management and organisational skills
- Requesting specific exam access arrangements or SpLD screening
- Promoting student’s independence
Alongside a range of assistive technology that is available for students:
- Dictation & Read Aloud functions
- ColorVeil
- Read & Write Software
- Reader Pens
- Laptops
- Coloured writing pads
- Specialist grip pens
- Cerium coloured overlays
Our Academic Skills Support Mentors are based in the Learning Centres in Redditch, Bromsgrove and Worcester. For more information, you can contact [email protected]
Specialist Learning Support
At the heart of our college’s support system is the Specialist Learning Support team, committed to supporting our High Needs learners with Education, Health & Care, Plans (EHCPs), adult learners and apprentices. The team strive to provide a level playing field for students through effective academic support delivered by:
- Learning Support Assistants (LSAs)
- Specialist Learning Support Coaches (SLS Coach).
Our dedicated Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) champion our EHCP learners’ growth and success whilst in the classroom. With a keen understanding of diverse learning needs, our LSAs ensure that every step of the learner journey is met with personalised support. With individualised learning support plans in place, our LSAs are the pillars of inclusivity, fostering an environment where EHCP learners can thrive and reach their full potential, encouraging independence, resilience and growth. LSAs will communicate regularly with curriculum staff to ensure your progress is being monitored; you will be invited to an EHCP annual review with our High Needs Coordinator, where this progress can be discussed with yourself, your parents and/or carers.
Transitioning from school to college is a pivotal point in a learner’s journey, and our commitment to your success doesn’t stop there. Within our Specialist Learning Support team, we offer seamless transitional support to High Needs learners in making this important leap. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that the journey is smooth, empowering and tailored to your needs. From easing the adjustment to new surroundings to introducing you to key staff members, our goal is to make your transition a triumph.
Our Specialist Learning Support Coaches (SLS Coaches) are the driving force behind the success of our adult and apprenticeship learners with academic learning needs. Once you have declared a learning need on application or during your study programme, you will be able to discuss your individual needs with your SLS Coach and arrange the most appropriate level of support required for you on your chosen course. Support sessions will be agreed and planned between you and your SLS Coach to fit around your studies. Support can come in many forms and is personalised from learner to learner. Our SLS Coaches will encourage you to stretch and challenge yourself, to reach your true potential and develop your skills further. Support may also include putting into place assistive technology and other support such as exam access arrangements.
For more information, contact the team: [email protected]