We want to help you get the most out of your time at College. If you have any questions or information on the support available please get in touch.
There are many ways we can support you before you start College:
- ALS staff are available to talk to you at College Open Evenings
- We can arrange for you to have a tour of the South Downs Campus
- Inviting you to smaller welcome events that give you a calmer introduction to the College
- Informal support interviews designed to identify your needs
- Education, Health and Care Plan transition support and guidance
There are many support resources and specialist staff available for learners, these include:
- A large Study Centre open to all students
- Access to assistive technology, software and equipment that can aid learning
- A team of highly qualified specialist teachers
- A dedicated team of Academic & Learning Support Assistants (ALSA)
- An Access Arrangements team
- A fully equipped Sensory Room
- A Breakfast and Lunch Club room
Subject to eligibility, our team of highly qualified specialist teachers are able to provide:
- 1:1 out of class support
- Small group support for literacy, numeracy and study skills
The teachers’ specialisms include:
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Speech and Language
- Autism
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Sensory impairments
- Mobility difficulties
There is also a drop-in service available to all students between 10:00am to 4:00pm every day. This service allows students to work independently in the Study Centre or access support for their work if needed.
Subject to eligibility, our large team of Academic & Learning Support Assistants (ALSA) can provide:
- 1:1 in class support
- Small group in class support
- Break time and lunch cover support
- Transport pick up and drop off support
- Personal care support (hoist systems available)
- Assistance with feeding
- Mobility assistance
An Educational Psychologist and Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) Assessor/Specialist teachers are available to identify whether Access Arrangements are warranted in examinations.
These arrangements might include:
- Extra time
- A reader
- Use of a Word Processor or scribe, etc.
Recommendations are determined on the basis of results obtained in an assessment carried out by the Access Arrangement team, to update the provision made at school.
We fully support the Ambitious About Autism Charter and part of this commitment includes a safe and secure room, that provides a quiet space for learners on the Autistic Spectrum.
This space is also available for other learners who may experience high levels of anxiety and stress. This room offers soft lighting options, relaxing music and numerous therapeutic resources that can help to alleviate tension and stress.
A fully equipped room that has various food and drink making facilities. This room provides a safe and secure environment for vulnerable learners and for those who may find the busier café areas overwhelming. This room is always supervised by members of the ALSA team.
Parents are welcome to contact us and/or meet a member of our ALS team to discuss the support that is available for their son/daughter/ward. Support and guidance is also available throughout the year to help deal with any questions or issues as they arise.
Here are some comments from students who have previously received Academic & Learning Support:
“I had great support in all of my lessons.”
“They have been really helpful and always did their best to help me to do my work.”
“I feel that all my in-class support has helped me to achieve high grades. They have got me on track and working towards D*D*D*.”
“I feel that the Study Centre has really helped me in improving my English grades and has made me a lot more confident for the exam.”
“A truly wonderful, supportive and caring service that welcomes all students regardless of circumstance.”
Sensory Room