Additional Learning Support exemptions and considerations

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If you have Additional Learning Support (ALS) needs, we may be able to support you with additional considerations or special exemptions to make your apprenticeship course more achievable for you. Some students are not very upfront about their ALS needs but we cannot offer additional support if you are not vocal about your learning needs.

If you think you will require additional support and considerations, please contact the ALS team by email for an assessment:

als-sendadvice@sheffcol.ac.uk

If you have already started functional skills training and your additional needs were not taken into consideration, please contact the functional skills team:

wblfunctionalskills@sheffcol.ac.uk

Additional Learning Support considerations available

Learners must be assessed on a case by case basis. We will assess if you have any learning difficulties such as Dyslexia or Discalculia, and we will look at your historic qualification grades and school performance. Depending on the severity of your needs, we may be able to offer additional support such as the following:

  • Classroom/tutor support

    • Learning Support Assistance

    • Additional study time and sessions

    • ALS drop in sessions and revision support sessions

  • Examination considerations

    • Extended examination time

    • Smaller room or private room (1 to 1 invigilation)

    • Rest breaks

  • Writing support

    • Scribe or reader

    • Access to a computer

    • Modified papers (coloured paper, enlarged font)

  • Other equipment and support considerations

Additional Learning Support exemptions

If you have formally recognised Special Educational Needs (SEN), particularly if evidenced by an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), you may be able to achieve your apprenticeship on Entry 3 level functional skills English and/or maths. Entry 3 is one level below Level 1, so the learning content and examinations are easier for learners with SEN.

This means that if you have prior certification for a Level entry 3 English or maths qualification, or if you are able to study for and achieve Entry 3 English/maths, you can achieve your overall apprenticeship using Entry 3 level qualifications instead of the Level 1 or Level 2 qualifications typically required for all apprenticeship levels.

Even if you already hold Entry 3 English/maths and are able to achieve your apprenticeship, The Sheffield College is still expected to stretch and develop your English/maths skills, so we will still ask you to study for and attempt examinations at higher levels.