Additional Learning Support

The Learning Support Team aims to help all students achieve their full potential whilst studying at Grantham College & University Centre. Help is available for students studying on all of our courses, whether you are at college or studying towards a University level qualification. Our qualified and experienced team are able to support students with a range of learning difficulties and disabilities including, but not limited to: 

• Visual impairment – Grantham College works in partnership with the RNIB and can provide adapted materials, including braille services and low vision aids
• Hearing impairment – sign language interpreters and note-takers can be arranged
• Mental health support
• Autistic Spectrum support
• Specific learning difficulties such as Dyslexia/Dyspraxia/Dyscalculia
• ADHD
• Mobility Support
• Study Skills Support

Students needing complex support will be involved in preparing and designing their own individual programme of support to help them fully access their learning. Support may be in class, one-to-one or access to specialist equipment or services.

Disabled Student Allowance

If you are studying a University level course at Grantham College and have a learning disability or difficulty then you can apply for a Disabled Student Allowance (DSA)

DSA grants are based on your personal needs and not at all based on your income. The funds are paid to the supplier of support or specialist equipment which may be the college if you so choose.

Six simple steps to apply for a DSA:

1. Fill in the application form. If you have completed an application form for Student Finance England and indicated that you want to apply for Disabled Student Allowance, they will send an application form to you. Or you can download a form from here You must send some written evidence of your difficulty/disability to support your application. As soon as you have accepted your place at college for a University level course you can apply for DSA.
2. Find out if you qualify. Student Finance England will assess your application and send a letter to let you know if you qualify.
3. Attend a needs assessment. If you are eligible for DSA you will need to arrange a needs assessment to identify the support available to you.
4. Receive your needs report. You will be sent a report which identifies the equipment and other support you will need, how much it will cost and where to get it from.
5. Find out what the DSA can pay for. Your funding body will send you a letter to tell you whether any equipment and other support that has been recommended in your needs assessment can be paid for from DSA’s. You will also be given instructions on how to order equipment or arranging other support.
6. Receive your support. Your funding will be paid direct to the supplier of the equipment or service, which may be the college if you so choose.
   

The Learning Support team can help you with this process and provide you with one to one specialist support.

Grantham College is a supplier of Non-Medical Help (NMH) for students receiving DSA.  View our hourly NMH rates

If you are a prospective or current student, or parent/carer or student, and need more information, advice or support regarding any additional support please contact: WHO TO CONTACT???

English & Maths 

All students aged under 19 who study at Grantham College and have not attained a grade ‘C’ GCSE or above in either English Language or Maths will participate in Functional Skills or GCSE lessons.

These lessons will form part of your programme of study.

For those students who didn’t achieve a grade ‘C’ or above in either English Language or Maths years ago and wish to get back into education, go to university or increase their knowledge and gain a recognised qualification, we offer classes in English from Entry Level 3 to Level 2 and in Maths from Entry Level 1 to Level 2. 

The importance of English and maths

Achieving a good standard in English and Maths is a key requirement for most jobs as well other courses you may be thinking of progressing onto. When you enrol on a qualification you will also work towards a level 2 qualification in English and/or Maths if you haven’t already achieved a grade 4 previously. This will either be a Functional Skills course or a GCSE retake programme, depending on which is most suitable for you