Learning Support
Learning Support Info
Learning Support is additional support to assist students who might otherwise be unable to access a programme of study or who, by reason of their learning difficulty or disability, may require specialist support beyond that normally provided by the college.
This support will assist students to realise their full academic and personal potential and may be available for students with a physical disability, sensory impairment, mental health or learning difficulty. Students with additional learning support requirements will be interviewed and assessed in relation to their needs and an individual Action Plan drawn up and agreed with them.
SHOULD I DISCLOSE MY DISABILITY?
There is no obligation to disclose learning difficulties or a disability, either when applying to the College or throughout time spent studying at the College. However, we would strongly advise you to inform us as it is virtually impossible to plan in advance if we are not advised of the support that you may require. All information will be treated in a sensitive and confidential manner.
HOW WILL THE COLLEGE KNOW MY NEEDS?
Following your application to the College, you will be assigned a guidance tutor who will try to determine the level of support you may require while studying at the College. This can be followed up by an interview with the Learning Support Coordinator to discuss your particular needs.
Once you enrol as a student of the College, you are strongly advised to contact the Learning Support Coordinator and your Head of School to discuss any additional support that you may require. The College applies SENDO and other requirements through the services it offers.
Assessment Process
Learning Support Co-ordinators at SRC meet and interview new students to consider:
• Nature of disability/medical condition
• Impact or Effects of disability/condition
• Side effects of Medication
• Previous support received
• Previous assessments
• Qualifications attained in literacy, numeracy and IT
• Confidence with literacy
• Reading and writing skills
• Study skills, concentration levels
• Socialization skills and confidence levels
• General health including hearing and sight
Factors to be taken into account when considering support needs:
• Impact of the disability or learning difficulty on the student's learning
• Evidence of the disability or learning difficulty
• Need for further formal assessment
• Student taking ownership of their own learning
• Arrangements for support
• Identification of the relevant funding framework e.g. ASF, DSA
• Feedback from appropriate external bodies e.g. Social Workers, Transition Officers, Occupational Therapists etc.
• The type of course enrolled on, i.e. consideration of the level of academic content and/or practical skills.
Referral to specialist assessors may be necessary.
WHAT SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE ON MY COURSE?
The level of support that you receive will depend on your particular learning needs. Every student is treated on an individual basis.
WHAT SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE AT EXAM TIME?
Special examination and other assessment arrangements may be made for students with additional access requirments. Students who have specific needs with regard to examinations are advised to discuss these needs with their Personal Tutor or contact the Learning Support Coordinator no later than the first academic term.
The range of special assessments and examination arrangements include extra time, the use of a scribe or reader and the use of special equipment. The Learning Support Coordinator will advise on any needs assessments which may be required (e.g. medical and psychological evidence) and will liaise with the Head of School and Examination Officer to request appropriate examination access arrangements.
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE LEARNING SUPPORT COORDINATOR?
There are Learning Support Co-Ordinators available for each campus. Please contact the Co-ordinator at the campus on which your course is offered.
Newry & Kilkeel Campuses
Donna Hughes
E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
T: 028 3026 1071
M: 077 3391 2871
Banbridge, Portadown & Lurgan Campuses
Catherine Daly
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T: 028 3839 7777
M: 077 1198 1715
Armagh Campus
Jacqueline Simms
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T: 028 3752 2205
M: 077 3391 2872
If you cannot access a phone, text messages are welcome to the Learning Support Co-Ordinators
Skill National Bureau for Students with Disabilities