Additional Learning Support FAQ’s

Are there other students like me? 

Yes! There are hundreds of learners in college who have a disability or learning difference.  

Will school tell you about my disability? 

Many learners assume that school will tell college about your support needs. Usually this does not happen, so please tell us on your application, at your interview and check we know about your disability at enrolment. Please include whether you had exam access arrangements too. 

Will everyone know about my disability? 

No! If you tell us, that information is shared with the staff who work with you. This enables them to make things more fair so that college isn’t too challenging for you.   

If I have support, will everyone know about my needs? 

No! We have lots of ways to meet your needs without it being embarrassing. e.g. 
-Helping all learners practice immersive reader and dictate 

-LSAs supporting the whole group, not just you 

-Offering you lunch time activities  

-Making resources accessible in the first place so you don’t need a different version 

-Checking venues are accessible  

-Phone calls or messages to remind you about things 

-Secret codes to say you need help 

-Being able to message staff on Teams  

Will I have a key point of contact? 

All learners have a personal tutor. This is sometimes called a Pastoral tutor. They teach your tutorial session, help you plan your goals, check on your progress etc

All learners have a LEAP Mentor.

All courses have a SEND Advisor. You can contact your SEND Advisor to help sort out disability things.

Some learners have Learning Support Assistant. 

What does a typical day look like? 

9:00-10:30 am: Lesson 1
10:30-10:45: Break time
10:45-12:15: Lesson 2
12:15-1:15: Lunch time
1:15-2:45: Lesson 3
2:45-3:00: Break time
3:0-4:30: Lesson 4 

How big are the classes? 

If you are in Pathways, classes have between 6 and 12 learners in them.
If you are studying in any other area of the college, classes have from 12 up to 30 learners in them. 

What can I do at break time? 

-Go to the loo!
-Have some refreshments (but there might not be time to go any buy some and get back to your class on time)
-Have some quiet time in the Library or Wellbeing Hub 

What can I do at lunch time? 

See break time ideas plus:
-Go into town (if you have the skills to do this safely and get back in time for class)
-Go to one of the activities (see LEAP padlet) 

Do you have a different question?  

  • If you are already a learner in college, call into the Wellbeing Hub or message one of us on Teams.
    If you are not at the college, email SEND@chesterfield.ac.uk or call 01246 500 500 and ask for the SEND team.