ALS

Do you need extra help with your studies?

Additional support can be provided to students who have a learning difficulty or disability.

We understand everyone is different and some students may need support to get the most out of college life. Support options may include making reasonable adjustments to facilities and resources or putting in place specific support.

Our aim is to enable students to access all the opportunities the College has to offer and help them gain the skills to maximise their potential, reach goals and achieve greater independence.

When applying, please let us know your needs by ticking the appropriate boxes on the application form. You can also contact us by emailing als@osc.ac.uk

Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

If you have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) we will require your local authority to formally consult with us and commission a place. Consultations should be sent to: ehcppanel@osc.ac.uk

Examples of the support we offer:

• Understanding and managing specific learning difficulties, eg Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Condition
• Reasonable adjustment
• Exam access arrangements 
• Literacy, Numeracy
• Study Skills
• In-class support (from a Learning Support Assistant)
• Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)
• Mentoring
• Support for students with mobility difficulties
• We can also approach the local authority to provide specialist support for Hearing or Visual Impairment
• Transition

Exam Access Arrangements

Access arrangements are exam adjustments made for individual candidates, based on prior evidence of need and the candidate’s normal way of working. They allow learners to have the same opportunity to be successful in their exams and include reasonable adjustments for those with a confirmed disability or learning difficulty.

Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs)

ELSAs are specialist staff trained and regularly supervised by Educational Psychologists. An ELSA can help you develop your emotional resilience and cope with life’s challenges. They will help you manage and find solutions to things like anxiety, self-esteem, social skills and emotional regulation.

Students in need of support will be offered 6-12 targeted sessions in a group or individually of approximately 45 minutes each.  ELSA referrals need to be made through Additional Learning Support (ALS).