WHAT IS ADDITIONAL LEARNING SUPPORT(ALS)?

Well, it’s just that – support which is in addition to the course you are studying. Our support services are there to support, guide and advice all students regardless of your course, the level you are studying or if you already receive another form of support. Whether you need a little extra help with your studies, specialist equipment, or just need a chat, the team are there for you.

The wellbeing of each and every student is at the forefront of everything we do. We want all students to flourish and excel while helping you develop confidence, self-motivation, independence and life skills. That is why our ALS team will work with your every step of the way to produce a bespoke support package just for you and your needs.

We have outlined the kind of support the team has provided to other students to help make their time with us easier. These are just examples and if you would like to discuss support which isn’t outlined below, please get in touch with us.

Examples of the kind of support we can provide include:

  • Special exam arrangements
  • One to one support, in and out of the classroom
  • Help with personal care needs
  • Trained and experienced learning support assistants
  • Specialist software and equipment
  • Communication Support Workers
  • Qualified Teacher of the Deaf
  • Assessment and support for dyslexia
  • Note takers/ scribes
  • Maths, English and ESOL support
  • Personal tutor to monitor progress and assist with day-to-day queries
  • Learning Support Assistants (LSA) to provide support in and out of class as needed
  • Supervision over lunch, break and transport (if necessary)
  • Sensory room and quiet areas within specialist provision and across college

This list is not exhaustive.

If you would like to discuss any support you feel would benefit you during your time with us, please pop into our Learning Support base in A101, call us on 0191 427 3774 or email als@stc.ac.uk.

Online support services – we may not be onsite at the minute, but we are still here for you.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

We also have a number of additional support services to help at every stage of your journey with us.

Performance and Progression Coaches

All full-time 16-18 students are allocated their own Performance and Progression Coaches (PPC. Your PPC is there to support you throughout your time with us and will provide one-to-one progress reviews, let you know all about the additional learner support available, and are there to provide information and advice about anything you need. Don’t forget, if you just need a chat, they’re there for you.

Student Services and Financial Support

Our friendly student Services Team can help with a range of support, including course information, careers advice, available financial support, welfare and all general enquires. You can pop in and see the team in main reception, email: info@stc.ac.uk, call 0191 427 3900 or head to www.stc.ac.uk and head to the LiveChat box Monday – Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm.

Careers Guidance and Higher Education Advice

Our Careers Team are here to offer advice and guidance about studying further education, Higher Education and career options. The team can also offer you support with CV building, personal statement writing and prospective interviews. If you need advice and guidance, we’ve got you covered.

 

COUNSELLING AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Your time at college can be rewarding, fun and exciting but it can also be a time of stress and there may be other problems that affect your life and studies. Our Counselling Service is one of the support services which are there to help. Our qualified counsellor offers one-to-one, confidential counselling to all enrolled students and staff on any personal concerns or difficulties, both in and out of the classroom.

There are a number of ways in which counselling can help, such as:

  • Dealing with a crisis or immediate concern
  • Support with longer term difficulties
  • Getting access to specialist help
  • Referring on to other resources
  • Common issues that are talked about include:
    • anxieties about aspects of study, including exams and presentations
    • general stress and anxiety
    • depression
    • relationship difficulties
    • eating problems
    • bereavements and parental separations
    • loneliness
    • lack of self-confidence or low self esteem
    • managing transitions
    • making difficult decisions
    • traumatic experiences, including violence or abuse
    • difficulties with alcohol or drugs
    • issues around sex and sexuality
    • self-injury
    • suicidal thoughts
    • anger management
    • worries about appearance

Counselling aims to give you the time and space to explore and understand the issues you bring. The counsellor will be able to help you think about your problems from a different perspective.

Sessions with our counsellor usually last for 50 minutes and are held in confidence in a counselling room. Your first appointment will provide an opportunity to explore your reason for coming and will help build a clearer picture of your needs.

Confidentiality

The college counselling service is highly confidential. There are some limits to confidentiality and these are discussed with you in the first session. For example, risk of harm to yourself or someone else.

Students who wish to make an appointment are welcome to book themselves in by calling 0191 427 3773 and leaving a message, emailing als@tynecoast.ac.uk, drop by Student Services or speak to their tutor who can make an appointment on the student’s behalf.

 

MEET THE TEAM 

We are here for every student who needs extra support during their time at college.

If you would like to have a chat about how we can support you, get in touch with one of our advisors. You can also pop in and see us in room A101.

Christie Walker – SEND Advisor

I am one for the SEND Advisors at South Tyneside College. It is my role is to support you through your college journey. I am responsible for making sure all students with learning difficulties and or disabilities are receiving support they need to help them reach their full potential. I meet with current and potential learners who may need additional support. I will talk to you about your support needs, what we can put in place enable your progress and then make sure you have everything in place. I will be there through-out your studies checking on your progress and helping you if your needs change and offer emotional support when you might need it.

Eve Oliver – SEND Advisor

I am one for the SEND Advisors at South Tyneside College. It is my role is to support you through your college journey. I am responsible for making sure all students with learning difficulties and or disabilities are receiving support they need to help them reach their full potential. I meet with current and potential learners who may need additional support. I will talk to you about your support needs, what we can put in place enable your progress and then make sure you have everything in place. I will be there through-out your studies checking on your progress and helping you if your needs change and offer emotional support when you might need it.

Amanda Leadbitter – ALS Co-ordinator

I'm the Timetabling and Support Co-ordinator. I work closely with Eve and Christie making sure that any in-class support or study support you are assessed as needing is put into place. I line manage the learning support staff making sure that they are carefully matched to meet your needs.

Karen Ambelez – Counsellor Karen.ambelez@tynecoast.ac.uk

I’m South Tyneside College’s College Counsellor. I support students with all kinds of emotional and behavioural challenges using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). If you’re not sure if counselling can help you or you’d like to discuss what’s going on for you in a safe non-judgmental space, you can drop me an email with a contact number , t