Additional Learning Support
Offering support to all students with disabilities and learning difficulties across the college.
Additional Learning Support
Our Additional Learning Support (ALS) team offers support to all students with disabilities and learning difficulties across the college.
We will work with you in identifying a support package that will complement your work in the classroom. All our staff are qualified and understand the barriers that many of you may have in achieving your full potential.
How do I start the process?
We like to get your support in place as early as possible, this increases your chances of success. If you hold an Education, Health, Care Plan (EHCP) you need to let college staff know in your college application and at your course interview. You also need to let the Local Authority know that you will be coming to college so that they can send the documentation through to the college ALS.
If you do not hold an EHCP but have an identified SEND need then you can raise this on your application form and at course interview and bring any documentation about the support you need so that this can be read by the ALS team.
When you start college if you feel that you need support, you can refer yourself to the ALS team by emailing us at SeniorLSA@iwcollege.ac.uk or calling 01983 550811 or come and see us in C block. You can also ask your tutor or learning support assistants (LSAs) to refer you to the ALS team.
It is our job to work with you to establish if you have a support need and if you do, decide what course of action is required.
Adjustments in class
Some students may require adjustments in class and the ALS team will work with your tutor to ensure they understand your requirements and how to implement them. This may also involve some Assistive Technologies being used in class and the college has a range of equipment and software which can support and increase your independence in learning. Training to access and use Assistive tech can be provided on request.
Examples of support aids and technology available:
- Writing Slopes
- A4 coloured overlay
- Coloured reading rulers
- Contoured Pens to support grip
- Enlarged keyboards
- Reading Pen (C-Pen)
- Laptops can also be loaned to those learners who qualify with identified needs
- Microsoft Windows and Office 365 accessibility features
- Applications/ software to support screen tint and onscreen reading rulers
- Read Write Gold for use with College laptops and during Exams for those who have used before or now qualify to use
- Training offered to support using assistive tech
Ongoing Support
Students on courses may be eligible for ongoing support either out of the classroom or in class. This could be around Autistic Spectrum/Dyslexia/Dyspraxia/Dyscalculia as well as other learning support needs. We try to be as flexible as possible in how and when we deliver this support and a number of our students choose to receive this support online via Microsoft Teams.
Support with your exams/assessments and portfolio deadlines
If you have a learning support need, you may be eligible for extra time or other adjustments in exams if you meet the requirements set by the Exam Board. In ALS we will help you in securing this providing evidence of your usual way of working. You must however ensure you give us good notice as the Exam Boards require us to tell them well in advance.
Get in touch with our LSA team
We require you to come in and see us to discuss your requirements at least 10 weeks before the Exam and we will tell you what, if any, additional evidence you need to bring in for us. As with anything in ALS if you are in doubt, please come in and see us or email SeniorLSA@iwcollege.ac.uk.