Learning Support

welcome to addtional learning support

Tracy Tabb, Additional Learning Support Manager, welcomes you to St Vincent Sixth Form College.

“I understand how challenging it can be deciding which is the right college for your post-16 journey. 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 college journey.

Myself and my team are here to support your journey every step of the way!

Come and visit us at one of our open evenings. Come and see if our college environment and offer is the right one for you. Myself and my SEN Team Leader Kirsty would love to meet you. We can discuss your support needs, inform you on what we can provide and answer any concerns you may have. 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 that all individual needs of our students are met.”

what support is available?

Our provision is led by highly experienced and qualified staff who work to ensure all aspects of each student’s learning experience is supported. This may include:

  • Access throughout the day to SEN Leaders (open door policy)
  • One-to-one study sessions
  • Working with a nominated key worker
  • Learning Support Assistants (LSA) in class
  • Time out cards
  • Access to ZEN den (quiet space) manned by our Autism Practitioner
  • Note takers
  • Access to an extensive range of learning resources and technologies relevant to your needs:
    • Exam revision support
    • Targeted Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) sessions
    • Social communication interventions with our Autism Practitioner and our ELSA to develop skills needed in daily life as well as preparation for adulthood
    • Tailored support for students with physical difficulties
    • Support for a variety of medical conditions (St Vincent has an onsite college nurse and team alongside specialist facilities and resources to meet a variety of medical needs)

To ensure that no student is disadvantaged we offer Dyslexia screening for all students. Should the screener indicate a potential difficulty further assessment will be offered by our Learning Support Tutor to ensure a comprehensive understanding of your needs.

The SEND team also liaise with external agencies, including physiotherapists, educational psychologists, HAS (Hampshire Autistic Society) and specialist teachers, and others, who make regular visits to support our students where the need is identified.

initial screening

What happens if I have an EHCP?

If you have an EHCP (Education and Health Care plan) the Local Authority will send college 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. We can link with your current school with your permission 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 your future steps 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 Home 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, Welfare team, Tutors, College Counsellors and our Careers team. St Vincent college promotes Person Centered Planning and we are all here to support you and your college experience.

Exam Access arrangements

Exam arrangements make sure that 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.

Exam Access Arrangements may include:

  • Extra Time
  • Separate Room/Small Shared Room
  • Word Processor
  • Reader
  • Scribe
  • Rest breaks.

If you have had such arrangements in school please email our Specialist Learning Support Tutor officer Helen Currie hcurrie@stvincent.ac.uk or speak to your teacher to place a referral.

Contact us

If you have any other queries or questions please contact:

Additional Learning Support Manager – Tracy Tabb

SEN Leader – Kirsty Bailey