Academic Support at Loreto
Loreto College Local Offer
As part of the Children and Families Act, a Local Offer is a requirement for schools, colleges and local authorities to publish the provision available to children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) or disabilities.Below is a comprehensive overview of our provision from both the parent/carer and young person’s perspectives based on guidance provided by the local authority.
Pathways coordinator: Mrs Debbie Hadfield.
SENCo and Head of Academic Support Faculty: Mrs Kate Holden
Academic Support
Loreto College promotes educational opportunities, equality and knowledge to all students. We are committed to educating the whole person and are guided by seven fundamental values: Freedom, Justice, Sincerity, Truth, Joy, Excellence and Internationality. Our approach to academic support has enabled students to thrive by providing accessible, high quality educational opportunities for young people, regardless of their entry qualifications, disabilities or learning differences.
The Academic support faculty prides itself on the support we offer to students with a whole range of additional needs, including:
- Learning Mentor for support with specific learning differences
- Bespoke intervention to support students with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ASC etc.
- In class support
- Adapted resources and use of IT
- Exam access arrangements
Click here for more SEND information
The level of support can range from in class support, weekly mentoring sessions, lunchtime social groups, exam access arrangements, personal care and the loan of equipment such as laptops, scanning pens and accessible software.
The department consists of staff with an array of skills including Educational Support Assistants with specialisms in supporting students with ESOL and Literacy issues along with subject specialists in subject areas and dedicated coordinators of Exam Access Arrangements.
The Loreto Success Programme
A bespoke programme of support for students to aid them with:
- METACOGNITION
The where and when of studying; learning, practicing, developing and improving your study skills. - TIME MANAGEMENT
Prioritising, avoiding procrastination and target setting. - EXAM TECHNIQUE
Developing memory skills, past paper practice and positive attitude. - ANXIETY
Understanding and managing anxiety, where to access support both in college and externally. - ORGANISATION
Managing your time and resources to stay on task and avoid distraction from learning. - REVISION
Revision techniques and how to pass exams. Develop strategies to help the student overcome academic and personal challenges that they may face.
“Loreto has provided me with the support and opportunity to grow and develop not only as a student, but also as a person.”
-Loreto Student
Testing & Exam Concessions
Every year at Loreto, a large number of students are assessed by the Colleges Specialist Teachers to enable students to access Exam Access Arrangements during their time at Loreto. Students with more complex difficulties which might need further investigation may be assessed by an independent Educational Psychologist.
Students who have a disability, learning difference or medical problem may be entitled to additional support in their exams. The support given enables them to have the same advantages as the rest of the students in the group and it is important for their success that they use the support we offer and not to feel uncomfortable about it. There are approximately 150 – 200 students in College who have some form of support in the exams.
The additional support we are allowed to give is;
- Extra Time
- Reader
- Computerised Reader
- Scribe
- Voice Activated Software
- Practical Assistant
- Supervised rest breaks
- Word processor
- Room on own
- Prompter
- Modified paper – enlarged paper, braille papers and tactile diagrams, coloured papers
Study Skills
Study skills support is offered to mainstream students across the college to ensure that they have the support and skills they need to reach their full potential. After an initial assessment and interview to identify the needs of the student we will then determine the support needed throughout the rest of the year.
This support may include:
- In class support in some lessons.
- Additional 1:1 support for a specific subject
- 1:1 support to address problems with organisation, motivation, essay writing revision and examination techniques;
Onwards From Loreto
The Academic Support Faculty also supports students in their transition to Further and Higher Education:
- Mentoring through their university choices and applications in 1:1 appointments.
- Help making links with key external organisations to help establish alternative post college provision for students such as work placements and apprenticeships.
- Assistance and advice on accessing financial support and helping students who may be eligible to apply for Disabled Students Allowances.
- Help making links with university learning support departments.
- Access to learner specific events such as;
- Deaf Learners Events.
- Induction events for students with Autism or Aspergers Syndrome.
Mobility
- All buildings have key card operated lifts allowing quick and efficient access to the whole campus on all floors.
- Accessible toilets can be found on every floor of each of the college buildings alongside dedicated mobility bathrooms with ceiling tracking hoists and Closimat toilets for students that require personal care.
- Rest room for students who want to take a break from their chair during the day
- Our experienced mobility team are able to offer individual plans to ensure students are appropriately supported.
- All paths around the exterior of the campus are wheelchair friendly with dropped kerbs and our three canteens are equipped with specially designed tables and counters for wheelchair users.
- We provide a range of portable equipment; hoists, adjustable desks and wheelchairs, allowing for a greater level of flexibility.
With this combination of excellent equipment and experienced staff Loreto College is able to offer the best and most appropriate support to any student with a mobility issue whether temporary or long term.
First Aid Room
The First Aid Room (FAR) initially provides First Aid support to any student or member of staff who requires it. The aim of the FAR is to:
- Highlight any vulnerable students to the correct parties, give advice and refer to counselling or any other external agencies if needed.
- Prompt, administer and record medication given to students with specific medical conditions.
- Assist any students who may need to sign out due to illness or a medical appointment, we follow a strict sign out procedure, informing parents and all relevant teachers, checking attendance and liaising about this if needed.
- Act as a point of contact for any mobility or disability students who may require assistance or personal care.
Loreto College promotes educational opportunities, equality and knowledge to
all students. We are committed to educating the whole person and are guided by seven fundamental values: Freedom, Justice, Sincerity, Truth, Joy, Excellence and Internationality. Our approach to academic support has enabled students to thrive by providing accessible, high quality educational opportunities for young people, regardless of their entry qualifications, disabilities or learning differences.
