TheLearning Supportservice exists to help all our students achieve success on their programme of study - whatever it may be. Help is confidential and is provided according to individual needs.

You might need support in one or more of the following areas:

• spelling, grammar or essay writing
• you've always found maths difficult
• you need specialist dyslexia support
• you have special requirements because of a visual or hearing difficulty, or a physicaldisability
• you need access to special I.T. facilities
• you have special educational needs and need support both in and outside the classroom
• you need help with your assignments or coursework

We will design an individual programme to help you achieve your primary goal. Learning Support staff will work with you todecide jointly what work is required. This may be a small group session or help in the classroom.

Small groups of full-time students share a personal tutor, whose job it is to give support and guidance. You will meet with your tutor once you enrol, and will continue to meet on a regular basis throughout your time at college. Your tutor receives information about your progress from your other teachers, which they will discuss with you regularly.

Part-time students will be allocated tutorial time when appropriate. Your course tutor will keep you informed of the progress you are making.

Tutors are very experienced at giving guidance and help, and if you have a problem they can't solve they can always refer you to someone who can help.

The College also provides motivational interviewing in the form of a mentoring service to encourage students to become more committed to learning and college life in general. Students who require this service are referred by their personal tutors, but individuals may also volunteer to take part if thought necessary.

You should always talk to your tutor first if you have any academic, personal or practical problems. They are there to help you succeed, and it is they who will write your final references.

The Study Support Service exists to help all our learners, regardless of disability or learning difficulties, achieve success on their programme of study. Support is confidential and is provided according to individual needs. The College enrolment form gives all learners the opportunity to disclose their disability and/or learning difficulty and mechanisms are in place to invite learners to discuss their needs more fully.

Whenever possible the College will access equipment and resources to assist learners with disabilities and learning difficulties. For example:

• Voice recognition software
• Large PC screens
• Magnifying glasses
• Tape recorders
• Spell checkers
• Voice activated dictaphones
• Laptop PCs
• Specialist software
• Micro link hearing system
• Cherry keyboard and key guard
• Roller balls
• Video reader

The College will endeavour to meet the needs of the Disability Discrimination Act and provide accommodation, access and learning resources to ensure equality of opportunity. Visit the Disability Discrimination Act website for more information.

In the careers department, our expert team of impartial advisers are available to speak to you about choosing the right course, as well as helping you to make future decisions about entry to university, jobs, apprenticeships, career planning, or a change of direction. They can be contacted on 0161 952 4694/0161 886 7121.

The College endeavours to promote an environment that supports mental health and the well being of each student. Your tutor is your first point of contact if you have a question or a problem and there are lots of other services available that offer advice and practical support. If at any time you want to talk things through in confidence, we have caring and approachable professional counsellors. To book an appointment, please contact us on 0161 952 4694/0161 886 7121.