Additional Learning Support (ALS) is available across all NWSLC campuses. We are committed to providing the highest standards of support to our learners, tailoring our provision according to the nature of individuals’ Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND). By doing so, we can ensure that learners enjoy a fulfilling college experience. We want our learners to take opportunities and make progress – we have a great track record of our supported learners’ achievement, leading to increased independence, productive lives and successful careers.
The ALS department is committed to delivering on its statutory obligations, as outlined in the SEND Code of Practice. Our dedicated team supports a broad spectrum of SEND across the curriculum, from Entry Level 1 up to Level 3. We also advise on and support the transition to Higher Education and Adult Learning. Above all, our goal is to break down barriers to learning and facilitating equal access to our facilities and courses.
Our team works hard with teaching colleagues, our pastoral, guidance and safeguarding teams, our Local Authorities and external agencies to provide bespoke support. If you are considering applying for a course, want to know more about the learning support we offer, or perhaps wish to arrange a tour, then please get in touch!
When a learner with an active EHCP joins us, the content of the EHCP still applies and helps us to understand how best to support you when you enrol with NWSLC. Please let us know about your EHCP as early as possible: we support a vast range of SEND and want to ensure that we put the correct support in place for everyone. In the case of most learners, once the Year 11 annual review has been completed and NWSLC has been named as a potential destination, the Local Authority engages in a consultation process with us, to determine that we can meet the requirements outlined within the EHCP. After this, we will then aim to meet with learners to explore the support and adjustments we can put in place. Again, please indicate on your application form that you have an EHCP. Should you have any queries, please ring the College and ask to speak to the Additional Learning Support Team, or email support@nwslc.ac.uk
Here at NWSLC, we provide support for our learners who experience a wide range of learning needs, including:
The earlier we get to know about any learner’s needs, the better! We hope to learn more about you in the following ways:
Our support for SEND learners is completely bespoke, depending on individuals’ assessed needs, or the provisions detailed in an EHCP. The support on offer can be broadly separated into the three ‘stages’ of Universal Provision (Quality First Teaching), Additional SEND Needs (with or without an EHCP) and High Needs Support (with an EHCP). These stages might include (but are not restricted to) the following support methods:
Additional SEND needs (with or without EHCP)
High needs support (with EHCP)
Following the completion of Foundation Learning or Lifeworks courses, you may have the opportunity to complete a Supported Internship, through which you are fully supported to enter the workplace and build on your work experience. However, if you have built confidence and have earned the necessary entry requirements, you may have the chance to join an apprenticeship or full-time course (including vocational and T Levels). You may then choose to progress on to study a Higher Education course or choose to enter the workplace fully.
Each of our campuses is unique, but all are accessible. Feel free to take one of our ‘virtual’ tours, using the links below.
If you wish to arrange a personal guided tour in real life, click on the book a tour link below or get in touch with the relevant campus team, who will be happy to show you around!
Studying a Higher Education course with a disability, long term illness, mental health condition or learning difficulty can feel daunting but it is important that you know where you can access the support you require throughout your higher education journey.
All higher education students are assigned a personal tutor who you will meet with regularly to gain individualised support with study skills and assignments and monitor your progress on programme. Should you require any academic or pastoral support whilst studying on a higher education course you are encouraged to book a one to one appointment with your personal tutor who will be able to signpost you to the relevant service.
Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) is extra support funded by the government to cover any additional study-related costs that you may incur because of a mental health condition, long term illness or any other disability. DSA does not need to be repaid and the type of support, and how much you receive depends on your individual needs – not your household income.
What DSA can pay for:
Students who have previously received support via an Education, Health and Care Plan should be aware that a move to Higher Education will cause the EHCP to cease. It is therefore important to seek support through the DSA in order to access the resources listed above.
To apply for DSA please visit: https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa/how-to-claim.
Applications should be completed as early as possible and ideally before the start of your course to ensure that appropriate support is in place for your studies.
When applying for DSA you will be required to provide evidence of your disability but this will be made as easy as possible. You also may need to meet with an experienced Needs Assessor at a DSA Assessment Centre, it will be possible to do this via video link, telephone or in-person.
It is important to remember that although NWSLC can support you with completing your application, the application itself is processed by a selected DSA Assessment Centre which is independent from the college and they will not discuss any applications with the college.
We encourage students to inform us about a disability or medical condition as early as possible in the application process so that relevant reasonable adjustments can be arranged to support you in your studies. Students are asked to indicate on their application and enrolment form that they have a learning difficulty and/or disability and/or health problem and where relevant are encouraged to share their DSA Needs Assessment Report with the College as soon as this is received.
DSA Needs Assessment Reports should be submitted to heenquiries@nwslc.ac.uk as well as support@nwslc.ac.uk.
The College are not able to fund specific one to one support for students who are not assessed and supported through DSA however we are able to make reasonable adjustments. If you would like a meeting to discuss your individual support needs please email HEenquiries@nwslc.ac.uk to arrange this.
We recommend that keeping in contact with the relevant member of the ALS team and sharing opinions and views, are well-established methods of providing us with feedback that will help us maintain and improve the support we offer.
In the first instance of wishing to make a complaint, please contact the relevant member of the team, who will try to resolve your issue to the best of their ability. Should the matter not be resolved to your satisfaction, the formal complaints procedure can be found on our website. You can also view NWSLC policies here.
Email: Tina.wainde@nwslc.ac.uk
