SEND FAQs

Our managers and teachers will work with you to identify the best course for you. We take into account your interests and aspirations, the key skills and learning experiences that you want and need as well as the academic level that you are working at and the level of support you need to access the college and the curriculum.

We know that young people, particularly those with SEND, may become anxious with regards to changes in their educational setting. We do our best to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible for each individual student, according to their needs.

Some students will only require an interview and tour, for others we may arrange a school links programme which will run through the academic year with the students coming into college for link lessons once a week.

Other options include visits towards the end of the summer term to get to know the building – using the canteen/classrooms etc, a virtual tour (where we take photos so the student can familiarise themselves with what the building looks like and who the new staff might be) or occasionally joining lessons and meeting the tutors.

We understand that everybody is unique and we offer a range of support to all our students. We are committed to removing barriers to learning and ensuring that you reach your potential and gain independence.

All our campuses have a wide range of experienced and qualified staff who are trained in a variety of specialist areas.

• One to One Support provided by a Learning Support Worker or Dyslexia/Specific Learning Difficulties Tutor
• Specialist screening/assessment for Specific Learning Difficulties where students have a history of these difficulties
• Assistive technology for students with difficulties/disabilities
• Individual support plans for students with disabilities/medical needs
• Support with access arrangements for exams where applicable
• Classroom support provided by our in-class support team

The Additional Learning Support team may provide classroom support on a group or one to one basis if there is evidence that this is an appropriate way to support learning.

We can also provide support for students who need help with personal care and medication during the college day.

Students aged 16-19 may be entitled to a bursary to help with education-related costs and on a training course, including unpaid work experience. It also depends on your financial status and attendance.

If you are 19 and over you could get a bursary if you are continuing a course you started aged 16-18 or have an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan). We also provide free school meals for eligible students.

Students will need to complete a bursary application in the first 2 weeks of their new course and submit it to their tutor.

Find out more about financial support here.

Personal tutors and course tutors continuously monitor students’ academic progress. Support is identified where required to help students achieve and complete their target and qualifications.

We invite you to attend our two parents’ evenings during the academic year. These evenings provide a valuable opportunity for you to find out how your young person is progressing with their studies, to share with you the expectations we have of our students and ensure we work together to help your young person succeed.

Parents can also track the progress of their young person on eTrackr. and through the regular progress reviews and if you have an EHCP, Annual Reviews.

At every site, we have dedicated security staff who ensure that all students study in a safe environment. Entry to the college is only permitted with a college ID card and transport pick up and drop off times are carefully monitored by our staff.

Lunch and break times are supervised by learning mentors so there is always someone to talk to and check-in with. Every course has a tutor who looks out for the wellbeing and safety of the students during college time.

We know that making the transition from college is a crucial time in a student’s life, and we work in partnership with the student, parents, families and local authorities to ensure a smooth transition out of college.

Our aim is to help each student to get the best possible support and provision beyond college, and achieve their hopes and dreams for the next stage of life. The needs of the young person are central to the whole process.

• Shared local offer information
• Transition events
• LAs attend annual reviews
• Plans made and referrals completed

There are some key differences between college and school:

• Parents organise transport
• Courses are up to 4 days a week
• You can wear your own clothes
• You will call your teachers by their first names
• You can claim bursary if you have good attendance
• You can join in with college-wide activities like student forums and sports teams
• You could do work experience or run your own business as part of your course