Information for Parents, Guardians or Carers of Children with Additional Learning Needs
We aim to work closely with you as parents/guardians /carers to ensure that your child receives the right support at college. Through our universal and additional learning provisions, the college strives to provide learners with opportunities for progress that meet their needs.
Our campuses offer a variety of courses designed to prepare young people for further study or employment.
What should I do if my child has an additional learning need?
To identify learners with additional learning needs who will be enrolling at college, we work closely with local schools and the Local Education Authority.
The ALN code also requires that the college has the young person’s consent so it is important that this is discussed.
Learning Support Coordinators attend school reviews for ALN learners, if a member of the college team isn’t in attendance please contact the college and speak with your school ALNCo.
Learners are encouraged to disclose any ALN or barriers to learning on the college application form.
During open evenings and admissions events, the Additional Learning Needs Team will be on hand to answer any questions you might have.
Can I attend my child’s IDP Review?
Under the ALN Act 2018 and the ALN Code a child will become a young person once they reach the end of compulsory school age (i.e. the last Friday of June in the year the child turns 16).
This law says that parental rights in relation to the young person’s ALN education will automatically transfer to the young person themselves once they reach 16.
This means that local authorities and colleges must normally engage directly with the young person rather than their parents.
If the young person provides consent, parents and carers will continue to be involved in discussions; however, the final decision regarding consent to having an Individual Development Plan (IDP) prepared and maintained rests with the young person.
How will I know my child is making progress?
Learners' progress will be reviewed regularly by the teaching team.
The information will be communicated to you in a variety of ways. Teaching and support staff will set targets for learners which are incorporated into lessons, identifying any barriers to learning and putting appropriate strategies in place.
In conjunction with teaching staff, the Additional Learning Needs team conducts reviews with learners who are supported. We always aim to put the learner at the centre of any reviews and recognise the contributions that parents, carers and guardians can make in the process.
At any point during the college academic year, parents, carers, or guardians are welcome to visit the college to discuss their child’s progress.
How does the college work with Local Authorities (LA) to support transition?
Each Local Authority (LA) has a designated person for post16.
We work closely with the LA’s to provide additional support for young people with ALN moving into further education. This may include opportunities to become more familiar with the college campus, meeting staff and/or taking part in taster sessions (where available).