How we support you
Introduction
Coleg Sir Gâr and Coleg Ceredigion have a dedicated support team to support learners with additional learning needs, disabilities and medical needs.
Learning Support staff are available on every campus to support learners with their studies. We embrace and celebrate neurodiversity and, as a college, welcome learners with diverse ways of learning to our inclusive learning environment. Our team works closely with curriculum staff to ensure that teaching and learning is accessible for all learners. All support is person-centred and designed to build your independence in the college environment and beyond.
INCLUSIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING
We celebrate a culture in which you feel included. You will be taught by subject lecturers who will put your journey at college at the heart of the process, ensuring you can access teaching and learning opportunities.
PERSONAL TUTORIALS
You will have opportunities to discuss your progress, aspirations and targets with your personal tutor on a one to one basis, along with any other issues you would like to discuss.
LEARNING SUPPORT QUESTIONNAIRE
At the start of your course, you will have an opportunity to complete a questionnaire so we can find out your learning needs and preferences. This information is shared with your subject lecturers so they can meet your needs and so you can be taught in an inclusive way.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Assistive technology is available to support your independence. This is available on all our college PCs and includes reading and mind mapping software. All college Chromebooks also have the facility to use reading software and voice typing.
We can advise you and teach you how to use assistive technology. If you need additional support with assistive software, you can book a short series of sessions by contacting the Learning Support Coordinator for your campus.
ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS
All learners can access examination adjustments such as extra time, a reader, use of a PC and more if there is evidence of need. You can let us know you need exam adjustments during the learning support questionnaire or your tutor can refer you for an assessment.
WELLBEING SUPPORT
All learners can access wellbeing support via our team of mentors situated across all campuses. A brief assessment will be carried out which will determine the level of support for each individual. This could be a weekly face to face, one to one session, an online meeting, a group activity, some online self-help resource, a regular check-in by text message, or even a walk around the campus to have a quick chat!
We also have a team of qualified counsellors who can offer confidential appointments if more intense support is required.
Wellbeing Officers are available to support all learners with a range of topics including student finance, getting involved in student union activities, learner voice, and everything in between. Additional support includes Tracking; Monitoring where a dedicated team can help keep learners on track with workloads, and designated points of contact for Looked After Children, Care Leavers, Carers and Young Carers.
The Wellbeing Team support over 1000 students each year, please get in touch to find out how we can help you.
LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTRE (LRC)
Inductions, one-to-one sessions and classroom based workshops are on offer to all learners, whatever your level of course. There is access online to e-books, journals and newspapers.
We want learners to have a great place to study and do their research and with this in mind we have created different zones such as group study areas, individual study desks and quiet study areas.
QUIET SPACES
A Quiet Space is available on all campuses where, depending on numbers, you can work or relax in a quiet environment during free sessions or lunch and break times. Each Quiet Space is supervised by nearby staff.
We have a personalised approach to support learners with additional learning needs. This is so we can make sure your individual needs are met. You may require some of the support listed below.
INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
If you have an Individual Development Plan we will:
- Discuss with you how you would like to be supported at college and how to build your independence. This may be different from the way you are supported at school.
- Support you to write a one page profile to help communicate your wishes to staff who are in contact with you.
- Ensure you can access support and that your plan is updated.
- Include you in reviewing your support and planning for the future.
SPECIALIST LECTURING
You may be eligible for 1:1 or small group teaching from a specialist lecturer. Support will be tailored to your needs and here are some examples of support that you may be eligible to receive:
- Tackling assignments and report writing
- Organising, planning and time management
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Exam revision
- Using assistive and specialist technology
- Improving proofreading skills
- Communication, emotional and social skills
- Confidence building with academic work
- One page profiles
IN-CLASS SUPPORT
Depending on your additional learning need, you may need in-class support from a learning support assistant or an education support assistant.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS AND ACCESSIBILITY
Our campuses are wheelchair accessible with lifts. Individual requirements can be discussed with the Additional Learning Needs Coordinator.
SUPPORT THROUGH THE MEDIUM OF WELSH
Your preferences can be discussed with your campus Learning Support Coordinator.
SPECIALIST TECHNOLOGY AND RESOURCES
If you require specialist technology or resources, such as a Roger Touchscreen transmitter, please contact our ALNCo to discuss your individual needs (at least 20 term-time days prior to starting your course, if not earlier).
Whatever your additional learning need, we will support you to build your skills and independence whilst at our college. Our aim is that you learn to do more things for yourself and make your own decisions, which will support your progress at college and beyond.
