Disability Statement

This document gives details of the support available to students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities joining the College. If you need a different format, for example large print, please contact Learner Services on +44 (0)1270 654654 ext 374.

We aim to ensure that you:

enjoy your time at College
are successful on your programme of study
are given opportunities to extend your skills

We want to increase learning opportunities for those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and to respond flexibly to the individual needs of students.

Policy Statement

The college will challenge inequality, prejudice and discrimination and seeks to provide a learning environment free from harassment and discrimination.

The College supports and promotes the principle of equality of opportunity in all aspects of its work. All reasonable steps will be taken to ensure that all applicants and students are treated equally and fairly, irrespective of age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, nationality, culture and religion.

1. Who should I contact for information about facilities?

For information about the support available please contact: Rob Tulip (Head of Learner Services) or Jane Higgins (Co-ordinator for Students with Physical Disabilities) on telephone +44 (0)1270 654654 ext 374

The College address is:
South Cheshire College
Dane Bank Avenue
Crewe, Cheshire CW2 8AB

Telephone: +44 (0)1270 654654
Facsimile: +44 (0)1270 651515
E-mail: info@s-cheshire.ac.uk
Text Phone: +44 (0)1270 654670

2. How is support arranged for Higher Education Students?

The Local Education Authority will arrange assessments for students applying for the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) to fund non-medical help and equipment. For more information on the Disabled Students' Allowance please contact:

Mark Jones (Student Adviser) on telephone +44 (0)1270 654654 ext 306

3. Joining a programme - What help and advice is available?

We want to help you to decide which course is best for you and to make sure that if you need any extra support, this will be arranged before you begin your programme of study. Initial guidance and assessment can include:

an individual interview with one of our Careers Advisers
visits to the College to have a look around
taster sessions so that you can try out different vocational areas before deciding which course to apply for
an initial guidance and assessment interview
a specialist assessment
risk assessment
the help of a communicator at interview
a full transition plan
early assessment procedures if you wish to apply to a specialist College
welfare advice

4. What facilities and support are available at the College?

Support is available to all students at the College. Your Personal Tutor will meet you regularly to review your progress and ensure you are getting all the support you need to help you achieve your full potential.

Study Support
You can be supported with your studies in a number of ways. You can:

have extra help in the classroom from a Learning Mentor
have one-to-one help from a subject specialist
have regular reviews of your progress and a review when you leave
make use of the Study Skills Workshops
follow an individual learning plan

Specialist Equipment
The College has extensive IT facilities. The College also provides specialist equipment to help students with sensory impairments, physical disabilities and/or dyslexia. There is a Learning Resource Centre equipped with assistive technologies, as well as a specialist room for students with visual impairments. Learning Mentors are available to help students in using this software and equipment.

Specialist Staff
Within College we have staff with a range of skills. Currently we are able to offer assessment and support for students with:

specific learning difficulties e.g. Dyslexia
key and study skills - communication, numeracy, IT etc
learning difficulties
visual impairment
hearing loss/deafness
physical difficulties
social / emotional/ behavioural difficulties
mental health difficulties
assistive IT training
speech and language difficulties
Autistic Spectrum Disorders

We can arrange specialist assessments and support through other professionals if required.

5. Is there any other support available?

Within College we also have:

a team of First Aiders
Counsellors who provide a confidential service
Student Advisers who can assist with welfare issues
a Health and Welfare Manager
a College Nursery for children aged 0 - 11 yrs
a Student Council
Careers Advisers
Student Liaison Officers

We also have links with a large number of external agencies, particularly Social Services, Connexions and the Disability Employment Adviser.

6. Are there any special examination arrangements?

Assessments for examination concessions are arranged through Learner Services. The Examinations Officer then contacts the examination boards with details of students requesting special examination arrangements for example:

extra time
a reader
a communicator
a scribe
enlarged scripts
computer

7. Is there good access at College?

The College has loop systems, clear signage, ramps, lifts, toilets for the disabled and a medical centre. There is car-parking for the disabled outside the main College entrance and to the rear of the Sports Hall.

The College is committed to an on-going programme to improve accessibility for all students.

8. How are complaints dealt with?

If you are not satisfied with any aspect of College services the matter should first be discussed with your personal tutor.

There is also a formal complaints procedure. For help with this process, please contact Learner Services.

9. How do students go about arranging transport to College?

There are several contract coaches to and from the College's main campus at Dane Bank Avenue, Crewe.

Bus passes for public transport and contract coaches can be arranged through your local Area Education Office or directly through Cheshire County Council Transport Coordination. You can phone directly for information:

Sue Williams, Crewe & Nantwich Area +44(0)1606 815887
Jane Davies, Winsford & Northwich Area +44(0)1606 815751
Cath Priest, East Cheshire Area +44(0)1625 534753
Lorraine Jeffries, West Cheshire Area +44(0)1513 576852

Non-Cheshire residents should contact Jo Sobutta (South Cheshire College Transport Co-ordinator) on telephone +44(0)1270 654654 ext. 338 for advice and details of routes and times.

JUNE 2009