Learning Support, Enrichment and Safeguarding

Learning Support and Safeguarding Managers: Kathy Court and Gretta Tharratt.

LEARNING SUPPORT

SLC's Learning Support Department is based on the first floor, opposite the Health and Wellbeing room and very close to The Eating Place. We provide support to students across the college in a variety of ways - we are always open to change and welcome any feedback so please feel free to call in or email us.

INCLUSION AND DISABILITY SUPPORT

We strive to be as inclusive as possible and are proud that our learners are from such diverse backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. We aim to provide an environment in which people treat each other with respect and ensure we are as fair as possible. All disabled learners are encouraged to disclose their disability so you can receive the support you are entitled to. There are many opportunities for this before you start your course, but it is never too late, you are able to self refer at any time. Support comes within the following areas;

PASTORAL SUPPORT

We have a pastoral advisor who will support you at times of crisis, this could be in your personal life or if you are feeling that things are too much at college. Our mission is to help you to succeed and we also have additional support advisors who will be happy to meet with you to find the right type of support in your time at SLC.

Attendance

If you have missed classes you will be contacted by your lecturer or a vocational mentor. We can only help you to achieve if you attend your course so we will do everything we can to try and overcome any barriers to learning which you may be experiencing.

Mentoring

Our vocational mentors offer support to help you work through any issues, either at college or in your personal life, which could stop you from achieving. We can help you to increase your confidence, gain greater motivation for learning, improve your social skills and help you live life to the full!

Counselling and Mental Health

What is counselling?

Counselling is a confidential non judgemental environment to explore thoughts, feelings and emotions. We are not here to give advice, however we will offer support in providing you with the tools needed to reach a better understanding of yourself.
 
The service is available to all students from Monday - Friday.

We also offer a service to learners with mental health difficulties who feel they need support but do not need counselling.

You can contact a member of staff or pick up a referral form from the additional support office (room 1-21) or from the main reception.

Learning Coaches

Learning coaches provide support to disabled learners within the classroom this is wide ranging support and can be help with personal care, with behaviour and social skills, just keeping you on track or any other identified support need.

Academic Support

As well as specific dyslexia screening and literacy and numeracy workshops provided by skills for life lecturers our learning coaches offer support to learners with specific needs. Our additional support advisors will be happy to meet with you to discuss the best way forward.

ENRICHMENT

We have specialist workers within this area who make use of our facilities – The Lounge and The Wellbeing Room both located on the first floor. Vocational Mentors work alongside our Specialists to provide a service to all learners. We offer a wide variety of trips, visits and activities to make everyone feel welcome and part of the college community. We also offer tutorials including safeguarding, which are mandatory for full time 16-18 year old learners. There is also a sexual health service and smoking cessation service based in the Health and Wellbeing room and a diary of awareness raising events throughout the year. There are many opportunities to be involved in fundraising, we welcome any feedback and further ideas for activities so please feel free to call into the learning support office to find out more.

SAFEGUARDING

WHAT IS SAFEGUARDING?

Safeguarding is a term used to describe the duties and responsibilities that those providing a health, social or education service have to protect individuals from harm. This includes safer staff recruitment and the SLC Safeguarding Policy.

As part of our induction process, all learners will understand how to recognise abuse, discrimination, bullying and harassment (including 'cyber-bullying') and what action to take if they or other learners are subjected to such treatment. Staff and learners should be able to understand the six categories of abuse as defined by the Department of Health:

• Physical Abuse
• Sexual Abuse
• Psychological/Emotional Abuse
• Financial or Material Abuse
• Neglect and Acts of Omission
• Discrimination

We commit to ensuring that staff who work with young people and vulnerable adults are vetted by conducting various checks, including a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. In addition, staff receive training on safeguarding. We have a team of designated senior persons at the college who have received specific safeguarding training; someone will always be on hand to help if you have any concerns.

SLC Safeguarding Policy

SLC Safeguarding Statement