Canterbury College aims to meet the educational needs of the whole community. Students with specific disabilities and/or difficulties are welcomed and will be given support to achieve their learning potential.
All students have the right to receive high quality relevant education at an appropriate level. Appropriate and effective support will be provided which encourages independence and autonomy. This will be negotiated individually to ensure success and help students progress to other opportunities within education.
The support provided by the College will depend on disclosed details of your needs using information from you, your parents/carers, (if appropriate) background information from careers services, Social Services, schools, etc. Every effort will be made by the College to meet your needs and you will be informed of the level of support that is planned for you. Any information will be dealt with confidentially and if you agree the educational implications of your disability/difficulties will be passed on to teaching staff.
We provide
- Screening Assessments
- In-class support workers (learning facilitators)
- Specialist equipment where appropriate
- Signing communicators (BSL), note takers, brailled handouts, enlarged handouts
- Help with time management, study and organisation skills
- One-to-One tutorials
- Support around the campus
- Advice/Support to course tutors
It is essential for you to contact the College as early as possible to arrange a meeting with the Additional Support Manager to discuss the kind of support you need and to tour the College. We will listen to what you say and do our best
Sometimes we are unable to meet student's needs, especially if they require a 24 hour integrated curriculum. If this may be the case, you need to apply as soon as possible so that we can assess your needs and then recommend that you apply you a specialist college if necessary.
Canterbury College is able to provide 75% physical access for students in wheelchairs. Accommodation such as the Sports Hall, the Learning Resources Centre, the Lanfranc Theatre and the Motor Vehicle Workshop have been specifically designed to give access to students with disabilities. Sheppey College is 100% accessible.
The College uses a variety of sites for adult classes and you are advised to ring the College to ask for further information.
A portable loop system is available for those who have a hearing loss.
Disabled car parking spaces can be reserved by contacting the Estates Manager.
Specialist Staff
We have staff with a range of skills & experience. Currently we are able to offer help with:
- Dyslexia/Dyspraxia
- Key skills (see below)
- ADHD/Behavioural Problems
- Visual Impairment
- Hearing Impairment
- Physical/mobility difficulties
- Mental health issues
- Autistic spectrum disorders e.g. Autism, Asperger's Syndrome
Our Drop in Support Centre is a workshop which offers support for all students in:
- Study Skills e.g. essay writing, revision techniques
- English and Maths
- Tips on using IT to assist your studies including the Internet
- Research for assignments.
Examination & Assessment
All students who attend an initial support interview are asked about their exam requirements and all full and part time students are asked during induction whether they need special exam arrangements.
You must make sure that the Additional Support Team knows about your requirements and you need to make an appointment in September to discuss your needs. The examinations staff and Additional Support Team work together to arrange the different exam concessions needed by individual students.
Types of concessions which may be available
- Extra time
- Brailled scripts
- Reader/Communication support worker
- Scribe
- Modified language
- Modified papers
- Physical help
The final decision about examination concessions is made by the examining boards.
We will try to be as flexible as possible when assessing your work so that you can achieve your potential. We do however have to conform to the regulations laid down by examining boards.
Support for Students on Higher Education Courses
Extra help is available for students on HE courses but is organised slightly differently. Please contact the Additional Support Manager or Director of Student Services for advice about applying for a Disabled Student Allowance.
Disability Advice
If you require any information or advice on any aspect of being at college including support with learning and access or you just need someone to talk to, contact the Disability Adviser, Sharon Clarke, in the Information Centre. You can phone Sharon on 01227 811334 or email her s.clarke@cant-col.ac.uk or drop-in. The Disability Adviser also liaises with other departments to ensure your additional needs are met, arranges personal evacuation plans, provides information on the Disability Policy and has information about external organisations.
Technology & Equipment
We have a range of equipment available:
- Laptop computers
- Dictaphones
- Loop systems
- Enlarged keyboards
- Large screen monitors
Equipment is allocated according to need as stated in the assessment and interview with an Additional Support Team member. It is essention that you contact the Additional Support Team as early as possible so that equipment can be reserved for you.
Other Relevant Facilities & Support
All students are entitled to the range of welfare and advice services provided by Student Support.
First aid is provided by a team of qualified first aiders who will refer to the local hospital if necessary. Services which should only be provided by qualified nursing staff are not provided.
The College is usually able to offer suitable menu choices for people with additional dietary requirements e.g. diabetes, by providing a range of food in The Food Hall. Wherever possible the staff will try to meet specific needs if sufficient notice is given. All restaurants are accessible to wheelchair users.
If you wish to make a formal complaint please contact the Student Services and they will help you record your concern. For further information please contact Lut Stewart - Director of Student Services.
Canterbury College is committed to Equal Opportunities. No one will be denied opportunity by any form of direct or indirect discrimination on grounds of race, gender, age, culture, sexual orientation, disability or background.
Mental Health Support
If you have a mental health difficulty and would like to talk to someone, you can contact, in total confidence, the Mental Health Support Tutor on 01227 811342
All advice and support information is available in a range of formats. Please let us know what you require.
For more information contact the Information Centre on 01227 811188.
