Darlington College welcomes applications from people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Darlington College welcomes applications from people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
We are committed to making sure that all students receive the additional learning support they need to access the college and achieve their goals. Sensitive and individualised support is available regardless of what course you choose to do.
Help us to understand your needs
Please let us know about your support needs as soon as you can. You can let us know about any support needs when you apply for your course. The Additional Learning Support team will contact you and arrange to meet with you to start to plan your support.
Alternatively, you can contact us before you apply for a course for a chat about your needs and to find out more details of what support you could receive at college.
We also work very closely with local schools/SENCOs, the Local Authority SEN teams, Social Workers and other professionals who can support you to discuss your needs with us.
Your transition into College
We understand that leaving school and starting College can be difficult for some students and we can work with you to help you get used to the College before you start your course. This may include visits to the College, support at interview and meeting up with support staff.
What kind of support can we offer?
We are able to offer a variety of different services within the college:
Support for exams with assessments for colour overlays and access arrangements from our Specific Learning Difficulties team.
Learning Support Assistants can provide a range of in class support strategies i.e. prompting or note taking, alongside personal care if required. Support can be tailored on an individual basis depending on student’s level of need.
We also have a wide range of specialist equipment including:
- Computers around the college have Read&Write Literacy Software installed
- Dictaphones
- Text reader Pens
- Screen software for blind/low vision computer users
- Radio Aids
Examination and Assessment
You may need to take exams or assessment as part of your studies. It is important that you discuss any difficulties with tutors. This information will help our assessment team get you the correct arrangements.
The range of special arrangements may include:
- Extra time
- Alternative papers e.g. Braille, modified layout or enlarged text
- Use of low vision aids
- Modification of language
- Use of a reader
- Signed communication
- Use of a scribe
- Smaller or separate room
How to contact the Additional Learning Support team
You can ring us on 01325 503190. This number will get you direct to the Additional Learning Support team.
Alternatively you can email us at als@darlington.ac.uk
Darlington SEND Local Offer
The Local Offer is Darlington Borough Council’s publication of all the provision the local authority expects to be available across Education, Health, and Social Care for children and young people (0-25) in our area, who have special educational needs and/or are disabled, including those who do not have Education Health and Care (EHC) plans.
The main purpose of the Local Offer is to provide clear, comprehensive, accessible and up-to-date information about the available provision and how to access it; and to make provision more responsive to local needs and aspirations by directly involving children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities, their parents, and service providers in its development and review. Click HERE
Other local authorities links to their local offer;