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Learning Support Services – Key information

Learning Support Services – Key information about our services

The types of support we offer are:

  • Support at interview (if requested at application)
  • Support planning to establish what we need to do
  • Transitional support
  • Individual tutorials
  • In-class support
  • Mobility support
  • Note taking
  • Communication support
  • Specialist resources and equipment e.g. laptops with specialist software, Dictaphones, livescribe pens etc.
  • Counselling, well-being / resilience support
  • Modification of learning materials e.g. into braille
  • Personal care
  • Exam access arrangements
  • Base rooms / Inclusion Trainers

Learning Support Teachers

Learning Support Teachers meet students, complete relevant paperwork, create Inclusive Teaching Plans and deliver 1:1, and small group, teaching sessions. All staff are experienced teachers who have a passion and professional interest in inclusion.

Learning Support Trainers

Learning Support Trainers offer accessible workshops that shares strategies and promotes your independent study skills. The team offer on site and virtual inclusive spaces at all college sites to meet your individual needs. Our Learning Support Trainers can discuss other support services you may require during your time at DCG.

Learning Support Assistants (LSA’S)

Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) work alongside curriculum tutors in the classroom. All LSAs are experienced, hold relevant qualifications and have a specific professional interest in one or more specific learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

Communication Support Workers (CSWs)

Communication Support Workers specifically support Hearing Impaired or Deaf students in the classroom using sign language or note-taking. All CSWs are experienced, hold relevant BSL qualifications and have a professional interest in supporting Hearing Impaired or Deaf students.

All staff operate with impartiality and confidentiality.

Exam Access Arrangements (EAA)

Access arrangements are adjustments made to exam conditions for individual students, based on their needs and their normal way of working. They ensure that all candidates have the same opportunity to be successful in their exams and include reasonable adjustments for those candidates with an inclusion need or disability.

So that we can provide this support we will:

  • Invite you to visit the college before you apply
  • Make arrangements to support you at interview (if requested)
  • Meet with you to discuss your needs and complete an Inclusive Teaching Plan and plan transition
  • Attend Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) meetings and reviews (if applicable)
  • Put support in place to enable you to access the opportunities you require to achieve
  • Make alternative arrangements at enrolment if you require it
  • Review your progress on a regular basis with teaching staff to share the relevant information and provide updates regarding your support
  • Support teaching staff with information and training about specific learning difficulties and disabilities
  • Work with you to review your support and see your independence grow
  • Discuss and agree any changes that will be made to your support with you
  • Enable independence where we can
  • Support your achievement and progression
  • Act in an inclusive and person-centred way at all times
  • Preparing for an interview? Interviews are daunting experiences. If you would benefit from preparing your answers in advance, please download a copy of our Preparing for Interview’ worksheet

Will you be requesting the same exam support as you’ve had at school?

You will need to provide a copy of one of the following from your previous school or centre of learning before we can review access arrangements for you at College:

  • Form 8 report
  • Access Arrangements Online (AAO) approval
  • Centre File Note
  • Confirmation of your previous exam access arrangements (on letter headed paper or an email from previous school/centre of learning)
  • EHCP

The deadline for you providing this evidence is October half-term. Please contact your school or previous centre as soon as possible.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the Learning Support Services. You can talk to us about your support needs before you apply to College, at enrolment or at any time during your course. We’ll be happy to help.

You can contact us on 0800 028 0289 or email us at inclusionandsupport@derby-college.ac.uk