Learning Support & SEND at Peterborough College

How We Support

At Peterborough College, we understand that every student’s journey is different. Some students may need additional support to access learning, navigate college life, or achieve their full potential. Our team provides personalised support to help with learning difficulties, disabilities, medical conditions, mental health needs and other challenges that might affect your education.

Support is available for students assessed with barriers to learning, Special Educational Needs, and disabilities, which may include specific learning difficulties.

How to Access Support

We encourage all students who may need additional support to reach out as early as possible so we can put the right arrangements in place.

Before you start college:

• Indicate any additional needs when you apply.
• If you have an EHCP, let us know so we can plan your support.

What happens next:

• Meet with the ALS team to discuss your needs.
• Work with us to create a tailored support plan.
• Receive ongoing support and regular reviews to empower you to manage your own success.

📩 Email us: als.pbo@ieg.ac.uk
📞 Call us: 01733 762168
📍 Visit us: Pink-003

What support will I receive?

Your Support Plan will outline the support recommended to ensure that you can achieve your course and build on your independent study skills. These recommendations could include:

• Out-of-class small group English and Maths support
• Out-of-class small group assignment support
• Mobility support
• Communication in BSL
• Modification of learning materials (braille, visual timetable and large print)
• In-class support (prompts, readers, scribe)
• Note-taking
• Specialist resources and equipment (laptops with assistive software, Dictaphone and reader pen)
• Personal care
• Support in lunch, breaks and unstructured times
• Meet and greet at the start/ end of the day
• Transition support
• Orientation
• Exam access arrangements
• Recharge room—a space designed specifically for our Neurodivergent students to take a breath and reset whenever the world feels a bit too loud or overwhelming. This room is a sanctuary, where the usual demands of the college day are paused especially at break and lunchtimes. To access this space please speak to your LSC for a referral.

What support is there for transitioning to college?

If you would like to explore our facilities before you attend you can do this via our virtual tour.

You can attend the college open events or a meet the tutor event to tour the college, speak and ask questions to the tutors.

You will be invited to attend our Taster Day, a full-day experience designed to support your transition from school to College.

If you require any support whilst attending a taster day, please email get in touch before attending so that we can arrange for you to be met by one of our staff.

If you feel you need additional support with transition, please get in touch with our Transition Officer at transition.pbo@ieg.ac.uk.

What support is available now I’m leaving college to go to university?

If you are considering applying to university and need some support, you must apply for Disabled Students Allowance. Please check the government website for further information: https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa

If you need help deciding your next steps, visit our Careers Advice Team.

What if I have an EHCP?

If you have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) the Local Authority will name your preferred Post 16 setting following a consultation with the setting. For more information on this process have a look at your Local Authorities Local Offer.

The ALS team will help you with your transition to us, whatever course you will be starting with us. If you are looking at studying at the College, you can choose to invite one of the team during your Year 10 and 11 Annual Reviews at school.

When you are at College each year you will have an annual review of your EHCP. At your review there will be yourself, family members/advocates, staff from the College and other professionals. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the progress you are making at College, your mid and long-term plans, what is working well, what you might require support with and your aspirations for the future. We will also review your EHCP to see if anything needs updating. The meeting will take 1-2 hours.

See below for the links to the local authorities.

Exam Access Arrangements

Exam access arrangements from school do not automatically transfer to college.

To be considered for adjustments such as extra time, a reader, a scribe or assistive technology, you must:

• Use these arrangements regularly in lessons as your normal way of working.
• Speak with your subject tutor as soon as possible about your needs and any previous EAAs.
• Provide evidence from your previous school (without this, adjustments may not be granted). Please forward this to the exams access arrangement team.

Tutors confirm eligibility by observing and documenting your normal classroom practice. All arrangements must be approved in advance, so please start this process early.

Contacts for Support

If you have questions, please contact our Exam Access Arrangements team below:

Peterborough College: eaa.pbo@ieg.ac.uk

Group Lead: Cat Bevan

The Local Offer for the Closest Local Authorities

• Peterborough City Council
• Cambridgeshire County Council
• Norfolk County Council
• Lincolnshire County Council
• Rutland County Council
• Northamptonshire County Council
• Leicestershire County Council