Learning Support
Welcome to Additional Learning Support
Tracy Tabb, Additional Learning Support Manager, welcomes you to Richard Taunton Sixth Form College.
“I understand how challenging it can be deciding the right college for after school. Starting college can be exciting, but it is also a big change which can create feelings of anxiety and worry. Transition is a big step and I am sure you will have lots of questions about your journey to, and through, college.
We are here to support you every step of the way.
Come visit us at one of our open evenings where you can see if our college environment and offer works for you. My SEN Team Leader Linda and I would love to meet you. We can discuss your support needs, let you know what we can provide and answer any concerns you may have. Please feel free to bring a list of questions as we know it can be difficult to remember in the moment!
We value the diversity of our students and work to ensure all individual needs of our students are met.
Please read on to find the answers to some common questions around support, EHCPs, exam access arrangements and ways to contact us.”
What support is available?
We can provide in a multitude of ways, including
- LSA in class support
- 1-1 interventions
- Modified books for those with visual impairments or dyslexia
- Small group interventions
- Social & Communication 10-week programmes
- Time out cards to allow discrete short breaks from class
- Discrete methods to indicate you need teacher support
- A designated Learning Support quiet space
- Exam revision support
- All students with SEN are offered a Champion within the Learning Support Team who will meet regularly with you. This is an opportunity to check in and chat about what’s working and more importantly, what isn’t. If something isn’t working, tell us. We want to ensure that your college journey is a positive experience.
INITIAL SCREENING
What happens if I have an EHCP?
If you have an EHCP (Education and Health Care Plan) the Local Authority will send Tracy a consult. In year 11 your EHCP will be amended by the Local Authority to reflect your current needs; this is called your phased transfer. Once complete, the Local Authority will send your amended plan and your most recent annual review to college so we can ensure that we are able to meet your needs.
What support is available for my Special Educational Needs if I don’t have an EHCP?
We will work with you to understand your needs and how we can best support you. You can access the same support as an EHCP student. If you are on the SEN register, we will link with your current school and get a copy of your current IEP (Individual Education Support Plan) or PEP (Personalised Education Plan). We will continue to monitor and track your progress; we call this a graduated response.
Will I receive the same support as I get at school?
We work closely with our local schools. With your permission, we can link with your current school to understand what your current support looks like. This means that before you join us, we will have already considered the best ways to provide the support you need to enable you to be successful. Throughout your college journey, alongside looking at ways to support your Special Educational Needs we will also look to develop your independence skills in preparation for after college.
Learning support also offer transition support for SEN students and those that are currently Electively Home Educated (EHE) or receiving an Education Other Than at School package (EOTAS)
The college is one big team. We all work together to holistically meet all of your needs. The Learning Support team work closely with teaching staff, Curriculum Managers, the Welfare team, Tutors, College Counsellors and our Careers team. The college promotes Person Centered Planning and we are all here to support you and your college experience.
Exam Access arrangements
Exam arrangements make sure students are given the appropriate fair chance in their exams. They may include the provision of things like extra time, a small shared room, a laptop, a reader, or a scribe. Please let us know as soon as you start college of any Exam Access Arrangements you believe you are entitled to which may include:
- Extra Time
- Separate Room/Small Shared Room
- Word Processor
- Reader
- Scribe
- Rest breaks.
Contact us
If you have any queries or questions please contact:
Additional Learning Support Manager – Tracy Tabb
Tracy.tabb@lighthouselearningtrust.ac.uk
SEN Leader – Linda Kirkham
If you or your young person are dissatisfied with the level or nature of learning support received at Richard Taunton Sixth Form College, please complete this feedback form where you can detail complaints and/or concerns. We also welcome compliments via the same form.
You can read our current SEND policy on our policy webpage.