Learning Support
Accessing learning support
When you apply for a course you are encouraged to disclose any disability or learning difficulty on the application form, so that we can ensure the appropriate support is in place.
You may be referred to learning support through your school, tutor, Progress Coach or you may self-refer.
What support do we offer?
The college offers a variety of support depending on the students' needs, as well as supporting SEND students with their transition into college. This could include:
- In-class support (prompts, readers and scribe)
- Mobility support
- Specialist resources and equipment (laptops with assistive software, dictaphone and reader pens)
- Modification of learning materials
- Lunchtime and break support
- Meet and greet on arrival to college
- Transition
- Orientation
- Exam access arrangements
- Support in and out of timetabled sessions from experienced Learning Facilitators and Progress Coaches
- Assistive technology coaching, mentoring and support.
- Therapy Dog
Exam access arrangements
Our specialist assessors can provide exam access arrangements if required including:
- A reader or computer reader
- A scribe or use of voice recognition technology
- Extra time
- Separate room
- Rest breaks
- Modified papers
- A prompt.
The support we offer is all about you and your learning needs. We will make every effort to tailor support to meet your individual needs.
Students can request an appointment with our Learning Support Team by dropping into Learner Services or emailing learningsupport@wvr.ac.uk.
Transition & EHCPs
We visit schools and attend annual reviews to meet with applicants who are interested in progressing to our college.
We offer:
- Pre-enrolment visits and opportunities to meet with tutors and support staff
- Transition visits during the summer break to help learners adjust to the college campuses
- Taster days in the vocational subject areas.
If you have an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP), the college follows the processes outlined in the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice. The Local Authority must comply with your preference and consult with the college. The relevant Local Authority must send an up-to-date EHCP for consultation allowing the college to make an informed assessment of the support required and provide an accurate response to consultation, including staffing and the wider resources that may be required in order to meet your needs.
Consultations should be requested by 31 March of the calendar year of transfer and sufficient time must be allowed for the college to secure the required support provision. Where late requests for consultation are made, delays may occur in the implementation of the support provision, however the college will endeavour to resolve this as quickly as possible.
The consultation period is 15 days; this does not include college holidays, when staff are on annual leave. In this instance, every effort will be made to maintain response times within the consultation window.
There are occasions where placement cannot be agreed, these decisions are made in accordance with the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice and Children and Families Act.
Where an application is made to a course which is full or operating a waiting list, no advantage can be offered to any individual, including those with an Educational Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and/or those with special educational needs. Offers can only be awarded on a sequential basis.
Local Offer
We are part of the Local Offer where each local authority must publish information about services available to young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities. This information can include education, health and care services, leisure activities and support.
Learn more
Tae-Reece Brown
Course: Level 3 Creative Media Practice
Destination: BA (Hons) Television Production, University of Westminster
“I started at the college in 2019 on a Preparation for Work course, and now here I am four years later ready to head off to university! The support I’ve received from both my tutors and the support staff at the college has been brilliant, and has helped me to build up my confidence and skills so that I am ready for my next steps.”
Ryan Mahoney
Course: Level 3 Sport & Physical Activity
Destination: BA (Hons) Fashion Design, University of Central Lancashire
Former Green Lane Community School pupil, Ryan Mahoney, celebrated five years of hard work and determination at Warrington & Vale Royal College's most recent Vocational Results Day.
“I never thought I’d see this day; it feels like the end of an era. I came to the college 5 years ago and didn’t know how far I’d go. If someone told me back then that I would be going to university, I’d have never believed them, but now thanks to the support I have been given, I’ve proven I can and I’m really excited to be able to follow my dreams. I’m so glad I chose to study here.”
Lee Smith
Course: Supported Internship
Destination: Full-time employment at Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Lee joined our Supported Internship programme at Warrington Hospital in 2023, where he had the opportunity to experience various placements across different departments. This exposure helped him gain a deeper understanding of potential career paths and clarified his future goals.
Leoni Mchugh, Supported Internship Co-ordinator, said: “Through his hard work and dedication, he secured a full-time role within the NHS. It has been an honour to see Lee grow and develop into the confident young man he is today."
Elaine Clark
Course: Level 4 Therapeutic Counselling
Aspiring Destination: To become a children's counsellor
Elaine enrolled on this course at our Winsford campus to build the skills and confidence she needs to make a difference in young lives.
She is especially appreciative of her tutor, Gemma. Elaine says: “Gemma is amazing! Being dyslexic, I sometimes struggle with certain learning methods, but she ensures the materials are accessible and tailored to my needs.”