Learning support

Learning Support Tutors (LSTs) are qualified maths and English staff who offer support at all six centres – support is flexible and can be arranged to fit in around college life.

Learning Support Centre

We recognise each student as an individual with their own requirements.

We offer:

• sessions with specialist tutors for help with maths and English
• preparation for functional and key skills tests
• key skills support with portfolios
• help and guidance with general study skills, time management, revision techniques and proof-reading
• support and assessment from fully qualified dyslexia specialists
• laptop loans
• numeracy and literacy qualifications up to level 2
• online pocket guides

Contact learning support

Dyslexia

We have a team of dyslexia specialists at each centre who can design and deliver a programme of support that is tailored to specific needs.

Dyslexia support staff can help with the following, depending on your needs:

• identifying dyslexia and providing coping strategies
• support with specific dyslexia needs
• identifying support in exams
• proof reading skills
• essays extensions
• library loan extensions  
• dictation and reading software
• laptop loans
• colour overlays to assist with reading.

Call 01926 318 169 for more information.
This service is private and confidential.

Dyslexia Assessment

Dyslexia assessments are offered at all centres. It is sometimes a free service but you can apply for costs - through the Adult Learner Fund.

Special exam arrangements include:

• extra time
• a reader
• a writer
• separate room
• read aloud
• rest breaks.

Some exam boards need notice to approve special exam arrangements - you need to show us your ‘evidence of need’ report, if you have one.

If you do not have a report you will need to be assessed by the Dyslexia Support Team.

To find out more about dyslexia assessments call  01926 318 087

Learning Support Assistants

Learning Support Assistants provide in-class support for students with learning difficulties and disabilities. LSAs tend to have specialist subject knowledge in the areas they're working in.

The type of support depends on the individual learner, and will be discussed at interview.  We also work closely with schools, Connexions and other agencies to ensure that we have the right information to assess learners’ needs and to make reasonable adjustments.

We also loan equipment and materials including laptops, assistive software, hardware adaptations and dictaphones.

For more information call 01926 318 195 or 01926 318 235

Read what James says about support

Support for Deaf Learners

We have a team of experienced, qualified Educational Communicators and Tutors for deaf students.

An Educational Communicator in the class room can:

• interpret spoken English into sign language
• repeat information using clear speech patterns and sign language
• take notes of class content and any information that is discussed
• explain language that you don’t understand
• modify handouts, course notes and assignment briefs
• help to plan essays and identify key points.

Tutors for deaf students can give:

• extra tutorials to help you understand work or assignments
• language tutorial support
• deaf awareness sessions to your tutors and peer group
• equipment to help you hear in class
• video and voice over facilities for assignment work
• information on deafness issues or technology.

To find out more - call voice 01926 318 245

Or text 07944 287 641

Assistive Learning Technology (ALT)

Our support team can help you to use ALT to support your studies.

This includes:

• software that will read text to you and then type what you say
• advice on how to adapt your computer
• laptop loans.

Online Pocket Guides

Study Tip Sheets and Pocket Guides are available from Learning Support.

Printed sheets are available from the Library.

The guides answer frequently asked questions.Some deal with English grammar and writing skills, others are concerned with more general study skills, for example “How to take notes” and “How to survive exams".