Learning Support and SEND

Once you have declared a learning need and/or disability on your application or enrolment, the ALS team will contact you to organise a Learning Support Discussion. This is an informal meeting where you will meet with the team to discuss your learning needs and how to best support you whilst you are in College. To access the support you need to attend this meeting and the ALS team member will then produce a Support Plan outlining the support you need at College. Our aim is to help you become an independent learner so support will be planned and reviewed in collaboration with tutors.

We will work in collaboration with teaching staff, other College services and external organisations (e.g. CAMHS and Sensory Support Team) to provide a person-centred approach. The support we offer is reviewed throughout the year and our aim, where possible, is to guide you towards independence. We are part of the local offer.

ALS will produce a Support Plan outlining the support you need at College following your Learning Support Discussion. We offer a range of support dependant on individual needs and could include:

• In-class support (prompts, readers, scribe)
• Out-of-class small group English and Maths
• Mobility support
• Note-taking
• Specialist resources and equipment (laptops with assistive software, Dictaphone and reader pen)
• Modification of learning materials (braille, visual timetable and large print)
• Personal care
• Support in lunch, breaks and unstructured times
• Meet and greet at the start/ end of day
• Transition support
• Orientation
• Exam access arrangements
• Communication in BSL

If you have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) the Local Authority will name your preferred Post 16 setting following a consultation with the setting. For more information on this process have a look at your Local Authorities Local Offer.

The ALS team will help you with your transition to us, whatever course you will be starting with us. If you are looking at studying at the College, you can choose to invite one of the team during your Year 10 and 11 Annual Reviews at school. They will be able to explain what courses are offered at Peterborough College and how you will be supported before and during your time at college.

When you are at College each year you will have an annual review of your EHCP. At your review there will be yourself, family members/advocates, staff from the College and other professionals. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the progress you are making at College, your mid and long-term plans, what is working well, what you might require support with and your aspirations for the future. We will also review your EHCP to see if anything needs updating. The meeting will take 1-2 hours.

Support including signposting to relevant external services for mental health is available via our Wellbeing Centre. For further information please contact the Wellbeing Team on 01733 762122, call in to the Wellbeing Centre in Yellow Zone (YE-016) or email them on wellbeingcentre.pbo@ieg.ac.uk.

We offer a range of assistive technology and software including; Claro Read available on all computers, reading pens, radio aids and tactile resources. Assistive technology will de discussed as part of a Learning Support Discussion.