Additional Learning Support
Additional Learning Support at BHASVIC
Who we support
The ALS department provides academic support to students with previously identified SEND, and students where there is evidence that they are struggling academically with their studies. This may be students with:
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A diagnosis of SEN, such as dyslexia, autism, or ADHD
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An EHCP
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Exam access arrangements at school
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Persistent literacy difficulties that are impacting on achievement
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Sensory needs, such as a hearing or sight impairment
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Physical needs, such as using mobility aids
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Mental health conditions that interfere with their studies
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English as a Second Language where their native language is having an impact on their literacy
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Other academic difficulties identified before or during college
Support available
Approximately 500 students at college have study support, a 1.5 hour weekly timetabled session in the learning support room. Each student in the session is given a study support teacher who speaks to them each week to find out how they are doing. Their study support teacher will offer strategies to help academically, for example with organisation, planning written work, managing workload, and revising. The sessions have a 1:10 teacher to student ratio, and a student is likely to keep the same study support teacher for the duration of their time at BHASVIC, meaning a relationship can be built up with a picture of the individual strengths and weaknesses of each student. Some students keep this on their timetable for their whole time at college, while others find that they can manage their own independent study after settling in. The college also has several LSAs who can offer some students support with practical, academic and social aspects of their time at college. This may be in class, or outside of the classroom dependent on the student’s needs. Students with an EHCP have their support agreed with the SENDCO based on the needs described in their EHCP.
1. Application:
- The ALS Team are available on Open Evenings to discuss an applicant’s possible ALS needs
- Section on form for students to complete declaring their ALS needs
- This contains a section specifically for EHCP declaration
2. Admission Interview:
- Main interviews will acknowledge any declared needs and welcome that sharing of helpful information
- Any students who have declared ALS needs on the application will have an additional conversation with a member of the ALS Team to discuss and record their school experiences and support needs, moving on to Level 3 study
- A weekly lesson of Study Support (small groups of students in support workshops sessions with ALS specialist staff offering one-to-one coaching) will be offered
- EHCPs will require a separate consultation process, led on by the College SENCO and Deputy Principal in discussion with the relevant Local Authority
3. Enrolment:
- Prior to enrolment, the ALS team will seek to liaise with the SENCOs of the main feeder schools to access further relevant information on an individual student’s needs
- At enrolment, students who have had previous EAAs at school through testing will be invited for reassessment to gather evidence of need to establish ongoing support arrangements at their new level of study
- Students who have EAAs for medical reasons will need to provide evidence at this point to enable the college to consider appropriate arrangements at this level of study (e.g. GP letter, Consultant Diagnosis, Ed Psych Report)
- Students with confirmed ALS needs will be timetabled with a single lesson of Study Support (small groups of students in support workshops sessions with ALS specialist staff offering one-to-one coaching)
- Information gathered about a student’s ALS needs will be uploaded to the college’s Information systems available for all staff to consider, with the student’s consent
1. Assessment for Exams Access Arrangements:
- Students who have declared previous EAAs at school through testing, will be re-assessed by a member of the ALS by appointment in room 411 before normal lessons start
- Students with no prior declared needs may, during their studies at college, be referred by teaching staff to ALS for potential assessment
2. On-course Support:
- A weekly lesson of Study Support (small groups of students in support workshops sessions with ALS specialist staff offering one-to-one coaching) will be delivered
- A range of support might be put in place in response to a student’s individual needs, including in-class support, one-to-one sessions, keyworker check-ins
- Main subject teaching staff are informed of a student’s ALS needs and are expected to adapt their teaching and learning to provide appropriate support that enables all their students to access the curriculum to the same degree
- ALS specialist staff will liaise with other college staff to offer their specialist knowledge of how best to work with students with particular needs
3. Exams & assessments:
- Students will have their agreed EAA in place for all on-course assessments as well as their final exams, as this is their normal way of working
- EAAs may include: extra time, rest breaks, smaller room, word-processor, noise cancelling headphones, etc
Progression:
- All students are initially supported through the Tutorial programme in their application for further study, HE courses, apprenticeships or employment
- ALS team offer advice on the DSA (Disability Student Allowance) and Widening Participation schemes for those progressing on to HE
- EHCP students have priority access to careers advice
Information for Parents/Carers/Students regarding Exam Access Arrangements
Any enquiries regarding exam access arrangements, please refer to the document above.
Any further questions, please contact:
What to do if your young person has applied to college and has learning needs
It is vital that details of a student’s additional needs and access arrangements are included on their application form. Students who have a diagnosis of a learning need or condition, or who have had support or exam access arrangements at secondary school, are seen by the ALS department at interview and enrolment and in collaboration with the student the right support is agreed upon.
What to do if you feel your young person might have an undiagnosed need, or if they are struggling with the academic demands of college
Contact your young person’s personal tutor in the first instance, who will look at their progress and discuss their progress with their teachers. Based on this information, the student’s subject teachers will decide how best to support the student and who is best placed to offer this support. Equally, it may seem that welfare and pastoral support is more appropriate to help your young person access college. College cannot diagnose or refer students to be diagnosed with autism or ADHD, these diagnoses are done through the GP.
Who to contact if your young person has a new diagnosis of a learning need
Contact send@bhasvic.ac.uk if your young person has received a new diagnosis whilst at college or is on a waiting list to be assessed. A member of the Learning Support team will then contact your young person to discuss their needs and to ensure we have their consent to share the information. We will also discuss any further support and possible exam access arrangements if appropriate.
*** Queries relating to a young person's attendance, course choices or emotional wellbeing should be directed to their tutor or Guidance Manager.
** Anything related to a student's attendance should be directed through the Parent Portal or to the attendance team via studentabsence@bhasvic.ac.uk