We're committed to ensuring that all students can access, participate and succeed in their learning.
We provide an inclusive learning environment with high quality teaching that ensures that the learning needs of all individuals, including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, are met, enabling students to maximise their potential and achieve their next steps. We are committed to the early identification and assessment of a student’s needs so that we can provide reasonable adjustments and arrange any special educational provision. Students are supported to recognise their personal barriers to learning and are supported to develop skills and strategies that will encourage them to become as independent as possible. We are highly ambitious for all students with SEND, focusing on supporting all students to set high aspirations and reach positive destinations. These include higher education, training or employment.
Support for students with Education, Health and Care Plans
Students that require a significant level of support to meet their special educational needs may have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
The progress of all students with an EHCP will be reviewed regularly throughout the year. Their EHCP will be reviewed annually in accordance with the SEND Code of Practice. Where students consent, parents/carers will be kept informed at all stages, and all relevant professionals will be invited to the annual review. Preparation for Adulthood will be central to the EHCP outcomes agreed for all students.
For students with an EHCP, Learning Support staff will produce a Learner Profile. This will outline the long term aims and aspirations of the student, their support needs, support strategies and their EHCP outcomes. The Student Profile will be reviewed on a regular basis and support will be adapted and adjusted in response to their progress and development whilst promoting independence.
Support in College
If you are applying to come to York College and have an EHCP or SEND need, please let us know as soon possible so that the College can discuss adjustments with you.
EHCP support is reviewed on an individual basis and support may look different at College than in your previous education setting.
Exam Access Arrangements
Some students may be eligible for reasonable adjustments to be made for assessments and exams. To determine this, Learning Support staff will carry out relevant assessments and, providing that there is sufficient evidence to support this, will make an application to the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) for these to be approved.
When applying for exam arrangements, strict JCQ Guidelines have to be adhered to. Two criteria must be satisfied for a request to be made:
- Evidence that a student meets the threshold to qualify for exam access arrangements which are usually identified through a Specialist Teacher Assessment (STA)
- Evidence that these exam access arrangements represent a student’s normal way of working
Please note that:
- Requests for exam access arrangements must be requested before the JCQ Deadline (usually February). Requests received after this deadline may not be granted
- Without evidence of continued need or normal way of working, exam arrangements cannot be applied for
- External reports cannot used to request exam access arrangements
- Exam access arrangements cannot be transferred from a previous education provider, therefore any exam access arrangements that were in place in another school or college will not automatically roll over to York College
If you have previously had exam access arrangements or support for exams/assessments or think that you may need them, please inform your tutor, Progress Coach or the Learning Support Team as soon as possible.
How can I prepare for my transition to College?
We offer a wide range of support to students prior to enrolment, and we encourage young people and their parents/carers to get in touch as soon as possible to discuss any potential support needs. We can tell you about the support we are able to offer linked to the course you are interested in.
- Attend one of our Open Events and speak to a member of the Learning Support Team
- Contact us in advance if you need any arrangements or support at your interview or guidance discussion meeting, such as mobility or communication support
- Ask your school/provider to pass on any relevant information about your support needs
Students applying for Higher Education (HE) courses
Students with SEND applying to study on a Higher Education (HE) course (e.g. Higher National Diploma or a Degree) should declare this on their UCAS application form. Students may be eligible for support through the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) and should apply for this by contacting the DSA Team at Student Finance England as early as possible.
Further information can be found here.
SEND Code of Practice
The Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice provides statutory guidance for organisations who work with and support children and young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs and disabilities. York College, as a provider of Further Education, has specific duties outlined within this. While the Code of Practice does not apply to students on Higher Education (HE) courses, details about how York College can support can be found by clicking here.
If you would like to find out more information or to speak to the Learning Support Team, please email us at learningsupport@yorkcollege.ac.uk.
