Additional Learning Support

We are committed to ensuring that people with disabilities and/or learning difficulties are treated fairly and equally. We will make reasonable adjustments to ensure that you are not disadvantaged at College.

At the start of your journey the Additional Learning Support team (ALS) will begin to develop your support plan, which will evolve during your time with us. This will include information from your current setting, your EHCP (if appropriate) and from meetings with you and your parents/carers. It will include all the reasonable adjustments we can make to ensure that you can reach your full potential during your time with us.

• Who do we support?

  • Students who declare a learning difficulty, disability and/or health condition
  • Students with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

• What is an EHCP?

  An EHCP is a legal document. It sets out a child/young person's special educational needs, the support they need, and what they would like to achieve. It covers birth to 25 years (if a young person stays in education).

  If you have SEN, but do not have an EHCP, you are still entitled to support in order to be successful during your time at College.

• What can we support you with (depending on eligibility)?

  • Dyslexia, dyspraxia and other specific learning difficulties
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Physical, mobility or sensory difficulties
  • Medical conditions: epilepsy, ME
  • Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)
  • Language, literacy or numeracy skills
  • Personal care
  • Specialist Support Dyslexia and Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• What support can we provide?

  Our ALS team will provide you with support to access your learning and become more independent.

  We will ask for any information about your learning needs so we can plan your support programme with you.

  Support may include:

  • Activities to support transition into College
  • Reasonable adjustments to facilities, resources and procedures
  • Access to assistive technology and equipment
  • Assessments for Exam Access Arrangements
  • Out of class support on a regular or drop-in basis
  • Shared in-class support
  • 1:1 in-class support where identified in EHCP
  • Access to specialist staff that provide direct or indirect input for
  • learners with specific learning difficulties – this could include sign language interpreter, Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT)
  • Access to the ALS Hub with quiet study spaces

• What is the ALS Hub?

  Our ALS Hub offers a quiet study space, access to assistance, resources and a social zone whilst building your confidence and independence skills.

• What support does a Learning Mentor provide?

  For identified students with complex needs, we will provide a Learning Mentor who will offer a range of support according to need. The Learning Mentors are based in the ALS Hub and also provide a drop-in service. They liaise with the Transition Officers and the ALS team and advocate for our students across the college.

  Learning Mentor support can include:

  • 1:1 support sessions
  • Drop in support
  • Small group work – for example SaLT, social skills, well-being, exam preparation and anxiety management
  • Help with personal organisation - this may include time-keeping, organisation, study skills and sequencing events

 We appreciate that all students have different support requirements, so please contact our Additional Learning Support (ALS) Team or our ALS Transitions Officers if you wish to discuss this further:

Contact the ALS teams:

Telephone: 01634 383740

Email

Contact ALS Transitions Officers:

Claire Iandolo (ALS Transitions Officer at our Maidstone Campus)

Telephone: 01622 624960

Email Claire Iandolo

Dionne Groves (ALS Transitions Officer at our Medway Campus)

Telephone:  01634 383148

Email Dionne Groves