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Farnborough College of Technology
FOR ADVICE CALL 01252 40 55 55

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

We strive to empower our Special Educational Needs (SEN) learners and enable them to take control of their own learning and develop the skills and strategies to become independent learners.

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

Specialist College Courses

These programmes are designed for students with special educational needs (SEN) who respond best within a smaller group and may require extra support or time to complete set work within a mainstream environment.

Students may have attended a school for those with SEN, have an Education, Health and Care Plan, had learning support at school, or not achieved the grades to move to a vocational Level 1 programme.

The programmes are one or two year, full time programmes of study for those who are working towards Entry Level or Level 1 qualifications and/or who are not quite ready for a vocational Level 1 programme.

Charles, Pathways to Independence

Charles attended Samuel Cody Sports college and is now doing the Pathways to Independence (Next Step) Course

“Since I started at Farnborough I have had lots of help and support from all the teachers here. Doing this course has really helped me and increased my confidence in lots of different ways.“

Visual Impairment

For students with a visual impairment we work closely with the Specialist Teacher Advisory Service to ensure a smooth transition to college.

Students and specialists will visit the College to carry out site visits and advise staff.

Support could include:

  • In-class support
  • Out of class 1:1 support
  • Equipment training
  • Specialist assistive equipment
  • Differentiation of course materials, books, and virtual learning environment
  • Mentoring
  • Staff training, ensuring the teaching and learning environment is differentiated
  • Exam concessions

Hearing Impairment

For students with a hearing impairment, we work closely with the Specialist Teacher Advisory Service to ensure a smooth transition to college.

Support could include:

  • Sign language support
  • Manual or electronic note takers
  • Exam concessions
  • In-class support
  • Out of class 1:1 support
  • Equipment support
  • Specialist assistive equipment
  • Differentiation of course materials, books, and virtual learning environment
  • Mentoring
  • Staff training, ensuring the teaching and learning environment is differentiated

Specific Learning Difficulties

This includes Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Dyscalculia.

The SpLD staff will liaison with personal tutors and vocational staff, giving recommendations and support strategies so that the teaching and assessment methods are effectively differentiated

Support could include:

  • 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

Language and Communication Difficulties

The team support students who have difficulties producing speech, understanding and using language, have specific communication difficulties which impact on their ability to express their needs and communicate effectively in their environment.

Support could include:

  • Guidance from SALT professional
  • 1:1 or small group work with trained ELCAN staf
  • Assistive technology and equipment support

Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Young people with ASD can have high anxiety around starting college so we work very closely with them throughout transition.

Support may include:

  • Additional support/tutorial support
  • In-class support
  • Out of class 1:1 support
  • Social skills support/workshops
  • Differentiating the curriculum
  • Providing additional resources
  • Independent living workshops
  • Study skills workshops

Assistive Technology

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 work across our provision working closely with keyworkers and students to help find solutions.

Assistive technology support includes:

  • Adapting computers to include alternative keyboards, mice, monitors, and height-adjustable desks
  • Software such as Read&Write Gold, ZoomText Magnifier and Reader, Dragon and iMindMap
  • Use of smart technology
  • Specialist training in assistive technology for both students and staff

Higher Education (HE)

Specific individual support is available to Farnborough degree-level learners, who are eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).

This allowance is awarded to learners who have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD or autism), a disability affecting mobility, a medical or mental health condition.

HE Support works closely with HE tutors to identify learners who may qualify for this allowance. From here they are guided through the process of identification, application, and setting up support in as timely a manner as possible.

Types of support offered include:

  • Assistive technology
  • Study Skills Support
  • A note-taker
  • A buddy to accompany learners at the start of their course
  • Access arrangements

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.

Working in Partnership

We work closely with a variety of different organisations to ensure the best experience for our students.

These include:

The specialist teachers advisory service

  • Hearing impairment
  • Visual impairment
  • Physical impairment
  • Language and Communication

Inclusion Hampshire

Hampshire and Surrey SEN team

Jisc

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