How we can help
We are a large team of dedicated staff experienced in supporting learners with a wide range of needs. If you have a disability or learning difficulty we are here to help you find the appropriate support.
We offer various types of support including:
- Physical support
- Support for a hearing or visual impairment
- Assistive technology loans
- Workshops
- Clubs
- Support in the classroom
- Online/remote support
Discuss your support needs
We understand that joining college can be an anxious time and it is important that we understand how we can support you. If you haven’t already told us about your support needs at application or enrolment, please share this information with us so we can discuss your needs.
You will have been sent a message following your application to fill out an ALS support questionnaire. You can complete the questionnaire by logging into your application. We will:
• Treat the information you give us with care and with your consent
• Share the information with your tutors and support staff, so they know how to support you in and out of the classroom
If you need any help filling out the ALS support questionnaire, please contact us for more information and a member of our team will help you.
Exam access arrangements
If you received access arrangements for exams or assessments at school or your most recent educational setting, it is important that you let us know. If you have not already shared supporting documents, such as a school assessment report or a medical letter, please provide these as soon as possible so we can review your needs and ensure appropriate support is in place.
Examples of access arrangements include the use of:
- A reader
- A scribe
- A prompt
- Separate accommodation
- Additional time
How to send us your documents
There are two options for sending us your documents; by email or by post:
Email your documents to us at: AdditionalLearningSupport@southessex.ac.uk
Post your documents to the ALS team:
South Essex College
Luker Road
Southend-on-Sea
SS1 1ND
United Kingdom
If we do not receive your documents, this will delay us in being able to undertake the necessary assessments for you to receive access arrangements at college. We have to work to tight exam board deadlines, so it is critical that you contact your tutor if you have not already done so.
Please note - All documents must be provided to us by the 2nd week in September. Any additional documents or requests received by us later than this means we cannot guarantee we can process your request in time to meet the necessary external exam board deadlines.
How to contact us
You can email the ALS Team and we will respond to your query as soon as possible: AdditionalLearningSupport@southessex.ac.uk
Local authority information
If you would like additional advice or guidance, your local authority may be able to help. The links below provide information on services available in your area.
Useful resources
The following links will support you with accessible features of the following remote platforms:
- MS Teams – Accessibility overview of Microsoft Teams - Office Support.
- Zoom – Accessibility overview of Zoom.
- Google Meet – Accessibility overview of Google Meet.
- Ambitious about Autism – Ambitious about Autism has launched the UK’s first online platform for autistic young people. Offering autistic young people aged 16 to 25 a safe and moderated online space to help them understand their autistic identity and reduce isolation and loneliness that many feel. Young people will be able to take part in peer support sessions, share experiences and find volunteering, work experience and employment opportunities. There will also be opportunities for them to work together and campaign for change.
- Positive Dyslexia – Positive Dyslexia YouTube channel has some free webinars.
- Made by Dyslexia – Website for positive emphasis on role models etc.
- OpenDyslexic Typeface – OpenDyslexic is a typeface designed against some common symptoms of dyslexia. If you like the way you are able to read this page, and others, then this typeface is for you!
- Worksheet Genius – Free Maths and English Worksheet Generators that provide differentiated, randomized worksheets at the click of a button.
- BDA Technology – Keep up to date with the latest technology and Apps for classroom use with the British Dyslexia Association.
- Easy Spelling Aid – Easy spelling aid empowers you to independently spell words and phrases.
- TypingClub – Improve typing skills
- Todoist – Organise todo lists
- Adapt – Revision timetables
- Seneca – Seneca is a free online revision platform. It presents subject content, organised by a helpful checklist, and uses self-marking questions to check your understanding as you go
- Blocksite – Block distracting apps and sites
- Forest App – Forest is an app that can help you stay focused
- Noisli App – Background sounds that help to mask annoying noise especially for those with sensory sensitivity
- miMind – Mind Mapping tool - organizing your thoughts, laying out schemes. Once your map is complete you can also share or export it to an image, PDF, text or XML file