Learning Support
We are committed to providing a safe, supportive and welcoming learning environment to help students to become independent learners. Our inclusive policies also aim to promote active participation and seamless integration into College life.
What is Learning Support?
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 individual support. This Learning Support team assists students with disabilities, learning difficulties or medical conditions to realise their full academic and personal potential. Examples of difficulties includes specific literacy difficulties, Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, mental health difficulties or mobility difficulties. The team should be your first point of contact for any disability related enquiry.
Should I disclose my learning difficulty and/or disability?
There is no obligation to disclose a learning difficulty and/or disability, either when applying to the College or throughout your time with us. However, if you require additional support, we strongly advise you do inform us so that the necessary plans and arrangements can be made to support you. All information is treated in a sensitive and confidential manner. The College also welcomes the student’s designated person (e.g. parent, guardian, carer, key worker, social worker, support worker) to attend any meetings with Learning Support.
How to make a referral
To begin the process the student completes a Learning Support Referral form. What happens when you complete a referral form:
- A member of the Learning Support team will contact you to arrange an initial needs assessment appointment.
- During the initial appointment you will be asked to discuss your support needs and provide evidence.
- A support plan will be completed and shared with your lecturers and learning support staff.
How we can support you
Types of support we can provide
Referral Form
Preparing for College
The Education Authority and the Autism Advisory and Intervention Service have produced a series of helpful videos to help prepare students for making the transition to College, including 'An overview of AD', 'Strategies for College' and 'Using the Stepping up Booklet.' To access the videos, please visit the Education Authority website.
Autism Accreditation By The National Autistic Society
SRC is Autism Accredited by the National Autistic Society, the UK’s leading charity for autistic people. The distinguished Accreditation is awarded to businesses and organisations who showcase outstanding provision and support for those living with Autism and the positive outcomes that follow these measures.
Please click on the following link for details on support for students with autism during lunch times. Autism Lunchtime Club
Examination Support
If you are a new student sitting exams in SRC and had exam support in your previous school e.g. extra time or a reader, you will need to contact the Learning Support Office on your campus
ACCESSABLE - Promoting Accessibility
SRC is pleased to be working with AccessAble to promote the accessibility of our College campuses.
Learning Support for Higher Education Students
Higher Education students (Level 4 and above) who require learning support are advised to make an application to their local Education Authority for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). For more information please visit Student Finance NI.