Additional Learning
Support

ALS (Additional Learning Support) FAQs

• What is Additional Learning Support (ALS)?

  ALS (Additional Learning Support) is the team that supports students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This includes learning difficulties, disabilities, health conditions, or other needs that may affect learning or access to college life

• I've told the college I have a learning support need - what happens next?

  Once you have shared information about a support need on your application or at enrolment, the ALS team will review the information and contact you if further details are needed.

  If you have an EHCP, the ALS team will check that all relevant paperwork has been received. We will review whether we can meet your needs at college and share the outcome with the local authority.

  If you do not have an EHCP, but do have a learning need or disability, we can still offer support. Information may be requested from your previous school or college to help us build a clear picture of your needs.

  This information helps us create a support profile, which is shared with your curriculum team so appropriate adjustments can be made. Support is always based on individual need and course requirements.

• What kind of support is available?
   

  Support is tailored and may include:

  • In‑class support from a Learning Advisor or Student Support staff
  • Exam access arrangements (where approved)
  • Assistive technology to support reading, writing, or organisation
  • Support with planning, organisation, and study skills
  • Access to quieter spaces or wellbeing support, where appropriate

  Support is reviewed regularly and may change as students develop confidence and independence.

• How do I access learning support?

  You can access ALS by:

  • Declaring your support needs during application or enrolment
  • Contacting the Additional Learning Support or Student Support teams

  A member of staff will discuss your needs with you and agree on reasonable, appropriate support.

• I have an EHCP - how will it be reviewed at college?
   

  If you have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP):

  • Your EHCP will be discussed during transition and enrolment
  • Progress towards targets is monitored throughout the year
  • A formal Annual Review takes place at least once a year, in partnership with the local authority

  Reviews focus on progress, support needs, growing independence, and preparation for next steps.

• I had exam arrangements at school - will these continue?

  Exam access arrangements do not automatically transfer to college, but they are carefully reviewed.

  • Please declare previous arrangements during application or enrolment
  • Evidence such as diagnostic reports will be requested from your former school
  • Eligibility is assessed in line with JCQ regulations
  • You will need to complete a JCQ8 declaration form to allow the College to share your access arrangements with the exam boards – this is a crucial step to ensuring you can access exam support. We will send you the declaration form to complete and support you through this process once you have enrolled.

  If approved, arrangements will be put in place and explained clearly to you. Staff will guide you through this process.

• I have dyslexia - what support is available?

  Support for students with dyslexia may include:

  • Assistive technology (such as text‑to‑speech or spell‑check tools)
  • Exam access arrangements, where appropriate
  • Advice on strategies to support learning and independence

  Support is personalised and linked to your course to ensure that we are providing the correct level of support to each student.

• Can I use assistive technology at college?

  Yes. The college provides access to a range of computer‑based assistive technology, including:

  • Text‑to‑speech software
  • Screen readers
  • Writing and proofreading tools

  Support staff can help you learn how to use the technology and arrange access on college systems or loan equipment, where appropriate.

• Can I use a reading pen?

  Reading pens may be available depending on assessed need.

  • You are welcome to use your own reading pen at college
  • Loan reading pens may be available following assessment

  This will be discussed as part of your support planning.

• I need personal care - can this be supported?

  Personal care support can be arranged where required.

  • Needs should be discussed during application
  • Support is planned in advance and agreed as part of a support plan or EHCP
  • Care is delivered by trained staff, with dignity and independence at the centre

  Early discussion helps ensure arrangements are in place before you start, if you have specific personal care requirements then please ensure that the team are aware

• I am a wheelchair user or have limited mobility - how will accessibility be supported?

  The college is committed to accessibility and inclusion. Support may include:

  • Accessible classrooms and facilities
  • Lift access
  • Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)
  • Reasonable adjustments to learning activities

  Staff will work with you to ensure your course is appropriate and accessible.

• Are there quieter spaces I can use during the day?

  College can be busy, but students who need calmer spaces may access:

  • The Library (LRC)
  • Designated breakout areas
  • Student Support offices
  • Outdoor spaces

  Support staff can help you find suitable spaces on your campus.

• I experience anxiety or mental health difficulties - what support is available?

  We recognise that mental health and wellbeing are important for learning. Support may include:

  • One‑to‑one check‑ins with Student Support Advisors
  • Support with anxiety around assessments or attendance
  • Reasonable adjustments, where appropriate
  • Quiet or safe spaces during the college day
  • Signposting or referral to free counselling or external services

  Support is accessible to all who need it, and students are encouraged to seek help early if needs change.

• Will my tutors know about my support needs?

  Relevant tutors will be informed of agreed support needs so they can support learning effectively.
  
  • Only essential information is shared
  • Information is shared on a need‑to‑know basis
  
  Our aim is to support learning while respecting privacy.

• Will I automatically get one-to-one support?

  Our learning support team are allocated to individuals and groups to ensure that support is provided to students who need it. Not every student receives 1:1 support in-class, but any student who requires support we work with to ensure that appropriate measures are in place.

• What happens if my needs change during the year?

  It’s important you talk to your tutors or learning support team as soon as possible so that we can reevaluate your support and respond appropriately.

• Can parents or carers be involved once my child starts college?

  Absolutely, we believe that parent/carer engagement is critical to the success of our students. There are parent/carer meeting points across the year with course tutors to ensure that you are on track, we also have a college app which allows parents/carers to track progress and monitor attendance and engagement. If parents/carers wish to discuss learning support strategies, then they can contact the ALS team directly across the year.