Additional Learning Support (ALS) is any direct support activity, over and above that which is normally provided in a standard learning environment.
What is ALS?
Additional Learning Support (ALS) is available for learners assessed with barriers to learning and or Special Educational Needs (SEN), which may include specific learning difficulties and/or disabilities. We have a large ALS team on-site offering personalised and bespoke support. We offer support across all our sites: in and out of the classroom, with exams and assessments and in the wider college environment. This support is to enable you to access all the opportunities on offer, maximise your potential and progress to the next stage in your career.
How do I access support?
Once you have declared a learning need and/or disability on your application or enrolment, the ALS team will contact you to organise a Learning Support Discussion. This is an informal meeting where you will meet with the team to discuss your learning needs and how to best support you whilst you are in College. To access the support you need to attend this meeting and the ALS team member will then produce a Support Plan outlining the support you need at College. Our aim is to help you become an independent learner so support will be planned and reviewed in collaboration with tutors.
We will work in collaboration with teaching staff, other College services, and external organisations (e.g. CAMHS and Sensory Support Team) to provide a person-centered approach. The support we offer is reviewed throughout the year and our aim, where possible, is to guide you towards independence. We are part of the local offer.
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 depending on individual needs and could include:
- In-class support (prompts, readers, scribe)
- Out-of-class small group English and Maths
- 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
We also have a Visual Impairment (VI) team. Click here for more information.
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. They will be able to explain what courses are offered at Stamford College and how you will be supported before and during your time at college.
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.
What Is the Local Offer?
Every Local Authority is required to publish information about services available for children and young people, from birth to 25, who have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities; and also services outside of the area in which they expect children and young people from their area to use. This is known as the ‘Local Offer’ and pulls together all the information about education, health and care services, leisure activities, and support.
The Local Offer for the closest Local Authorities are: