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Additional Learning Support and SEND

We strive to empower our Special Educational Needs (SEN) learners and develop the skills and strategies to become independent learners.

We strive to empower our Special Educational Needs (SEN) learners and develop the skills and strategies to become independent learners.

At FCOT, our aim is to provide ongoing support to assist students to be successful in their learning whilst supporting them in developing their independence. Students with learning difficulties or disabilities have a choice of progression routes.

  • Mainstream courses with access to learning support following assessment for learners meeting the relevant entry requirements and who are eligible for additional support
  • Courses for students who have mild to moderate learning difficulties and/or disabilities and those who have no formal qualifications or are not in education.
  • Foundation Learning for students with moderate learning difficulties offers a supported learning environment

FCOT reserves the right to amend its curriculum offer.

How can I get support on my chosen course?

  • If an Education Health and Care plan (EHCp) has been issued, the College will require this document to ensure it can meet the provision stated within it.
  • The College may request information from parents/guardians, school, support providers and other relevant professionals to make sure that the appropriate support, if considered necessary, can be put in place before you start at College.
  • It is important that you tick the ‘support needs’ section on your application form and inform the College as early as possible of any information you wish to disclose. If support needs are not disclosed, the College will find it difficult to provide you with any help to meet your learning needs, and this may result in you being unable to continue on your chosen study programme.
  • The Learning Support team is always on hand at enrolment or open days to discuss any requirements.

What support is offered at FCOT?

Assistive technology support:

At FCOT, we recognise that our students come to us with a range of different skills, abilities and experiences. Additional Learning Support may be available where appropriate across the College to help students who are eligible and have evidence of declared learning needs.  The College will use its discretion to meet individual needs, some of the following may be provided if deemed appropriate

  • Specialist software or adapted handouts, course notes.
  • Learning support assistants may be available for in-class support depending on the needs of students and the level of study programme.
  • Assessment for access arrangements for exams such as a reader, scribe or extra time.
  • If you have a medical condition or physical disability a care plan will be drawn up to share with the staff that work with you.
  • Access to the College Nurse and councillors
  • Financial support and/or bursaries may be available
  • Exam access arrangements (subject to eligibility)

It is important that any student entering FCOT with a history of learning difficulties should give details during their interview process, to enable us to arrange appropriate support for September.

It is important that any student entering FCOT with a history of learning difficulties should give details during their interview process, to enable us to arrange appropriate support for September.

If deemed appropriate, support could include:

  • Access to a designated key worker for EHCp students
  • One-to-one support sessions (outside the classroom)
  • Study and assignment workshops
  • Exam access arrangements
  • Assistive technology and equipment support
  • Supporting learners through DSA applications in Higher Education

Assistive technology support includes:

We live in an ever-changing world of technological advances. Assistive technology allows learners to develop strategies to become independent learners and remove barriers. The staff  across our provision work closely with key workers and students to help find solutions.

  • Adapting computers to include alternative keyboards, mice, monitors, and height-adjustable desks
  • Use of smart technology
  • Specialist training in assistive technology for both students and staff

Exam Access Arrangements

Exam arrangements arrangements and reasonable adjustments do not automatically carry on from school so you will need to be reassessed at college.  Please let us know as soon as possible, that you have had exam arrangements in your previous examinations in school or your previous education (e.g. extra time or the use of a word processor etc).  Any documentation you have from school should be passed to the Learning Support department.

Higher Education (HE)

For those students who are eligible, we can offer support with their application for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).  This allowance is awarded to learners who have a Specific Learning Difficulty, mental health condition, physical difficulty, sensory difficulty or long-term health condition.  If you require support to help you through the application for a DSA, pleas contact the college.

Learners who are not eligible for the DSA may still be granted exam access arrangements and all HE learners will be provided with a personal tutor.

We have a dedicated support team comprising of:

  • Learning Support Workers
  • Specialist Tutors
  • Key Workers

Our staff work across the College teams in organising and implementing a wide range of support programmes, each tailored to the learner.

We aim to remove barriers to learning ensuring students achieve their outcomes. All of our support programmes are personalised to meet the needs of the learner as well as fostering independence in learning.

We work to ensure that:

  • The support we offer takes into account learner’s health, care and educational needs
  • We work closely with the learner’s local authority to access all aspects of the services available in the area
  • We prepare learners for adulthood, including employment, independent living and accessing the local community
  • Person-centred reviews are carried out to help set aspirational goals
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