Learning Support & SEND at Stamford College

How We Support

At Stamford College, we understand that every student’s journey is different. Some students may need additional support to access learning, navigate college life, or achieve their full potential. Our team provides personalised support to help with learning difficulties, disabilities, medical conditions, mental health needs and other challenges that might affect your education.

Support is available for students assessed with barriers to learning, Special Educational Needs, and disabilities, which may include specific learning difficulties.

How to Access Support

We encourage all students who may need additional support to reach out as early as possible so we can put the right arrangements in place.

Before you start college:

• Indicate any additional needs when you apply.
• If you have an EHCP, let us know so we can plan your support.

Once enrolled:

• Meet with the ALS team to discuss your needs.
• Work with us to create a personalised support plan.
• Receive ongoing support and regular reviews.

📩 Email us: als.smd@ieg.ac.uk
📍 Visit us: ALS Office

What support will I receive?

ALS will produce a Support Plan outlining the support you need at College following your Learning Support Discussion. We offer a range of support dependent on individual needs and could include:

• In-class support (prompts, readers, scribe)
• Out-of-class small group English and Maths support
• Out-of-class small group assignment support
• Mobility support
• Note-taking
• Specialist resources and equipment (laptops with assistive software, Dictaphone and reader pen)
• Modification of learning materials (braille, visual timetable and large print)
• Personal care
• Support in lunch, breaks and unstructured times
• Meet and greet at the start/ end of the day
• Transition support
• Orientation
• Exam access arrangements
• Communication in BSL

What support is there for transitioning to college?

If you would like to explore our facilities before you attend you can do this via our virtual tour.

You can attend the college open events or a meet the tutor event to tour the college, speak, and ask the tutors questions.

You will be invited to attend our Taster Day, a full-day experience designed to support your transition from school to College.

If you require any support whilst attending a taster day, please email and get in touch before attending so that we can arrange for you to be met by one of our staff.

If you feel you need additional support with transition, please
contact our Transition Officer at transition.smd@ieg.ac.uk.

What support is available now I’m leaving college?

If you are considering applying to university and need some support, you must apply for DSA. Please check the government website for further information.

If you need help deciding your next steps, visit our Careers Advice Team.

What if I have an EHCP?

If you have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) the Local Authority will name your preferred Post 16 setting following a consultation with the setting. For more information on this process have a look at your Local Authorities Local Offer.

The ALS team will help you with your transition to us, whatever course you will be starting with us. If you are looking at studying at the College, you can choose to invite one of the team during your Year 10 and 11 Annual Reviews at school.

When you are at College each year you will have an annual review of your EHCP. At your review there will be yourself, family members/advocates, staff from the College and other professionals. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the progress you are making at College, your mid and long-term plans, what is working well, what you might require support with and your aspirations for the future. We will also review your EHCP to see if anything needs updating. The meeting will take 1-2 hours.

Exam Access Arrangements

Please note that exam access arrangements do not transfer over from school.

To have any adjustments in exams, such as extra time, a reader, a scribe or assistive technology, you must be being using these regularly in your lessons and speak to your teacher about your needs.

Your teacher can then request exam access arrangements. These must be approved in advance, so please do this as early as possible.

* Important note: Parents, carers and students please be aware that exam access arrangements do not automatically follow on from school. Access arrangements are evidence-based and will be observed and documented by the tutor for each subject. Please remember that EAAs are verified by recording a learner’s normal way of working in the classroom. To speed up the process of establishing your EAAs, providing us with your Form 8 from school and any medical documentation will help the college apply to the examining bodies more quickly. Otherwise, if you need extra time, you may need to be assessed by one of our EAA Assessors. Please feel free to get in touch with one of our EAA Coordinators or Learning Support Coordinators for more information.

Specialist Support and Facilities

We offer a range of specialist support services and facilities, including:

• A dedicated ALS team with expertise in supporting a variety of needs
• Assistive technology, including speech-to-text software, magnifiers, and communication aids
• Quiet rooms and sensory-friendly spaces for students who need a low-stimulation environment
• Individual and group mentoring for study skills, organisation, and emotional support

We are committed to helping every student reach their full potential, no matter their starting point.

If you have any questions about the support available, get in touch with our ALS team. We’re here to help.

The Local Offer for the Closest Local Authorities

• Lincolnshire County Council
• Rutland County Council
• Northamptonshire County Council
• Leicestershire County Council
• Peterborough City Council
• Cambridgeshire County Council
• Norfolk County Council