Student Support

Additional Learning Support (ALS)

At Oldham College, our highly skilled, award-winning Additional Learning Support (ALS) team is committed to helping learners with learning difficulties, disabilities, health conditions and additional support needs succeed and achieve their full potential.

How we support you

We work closely with learners, families, schools, local authorities and external professionals to ensure the right support is in place from the very beginning of your journey.

Once your application has been received, we can begin planning your transition to college. If you already receive support, we can liaise with your current support providers and offer a comprehensive transition programme, which may include college visits, taster sessions and personalised support planning.

Our aim is to ensure you feel confident, supported and ready to succeed.

Watch our video to hear from our learners about their experience of Additional Learning Support (ALS) at Oldham College and how the team helped them throughout their journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can access Additional Learning Support?

We support learners with a wide range of additional needs, disabilities and health conditions, including:

Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia
Difficulties with English and maths
Emotional, behavioural and social difficulties
Mental health needs
Hearing impairment
British Sign Language (BSL) users
Visual impairment
Mobility difficulties
Personal care needs
Epilepsy and conditions requiring rescue medication
Long-term health conditions and disabilities
Other additional learning support needs.

What support is available?

Following an assessment of your needs, we will develop an individual support plan. Support may include:

In-class learning support
One-to-one support sessions
Small group workshops
Specialist dyslexia support
Study skills support
Mentoring and wellbeing support
Emotional literacy support to help learners develop emotional awareness, self-regulation, resilience and build positive relationships with others
Accessible learning materials, including Braille and large print
British Sign Language (BSL) Communication Support Workers
Sighted guiding
Assistive technology and specialist equipment
Mobility support
Exam access arrangements
Support to develop independence and prepare for adulthood.

How do you help me prepare for adulthood?

We recognise that college is an important step towards adulthood. As well as supporting your academic success, we help you develop independence, confidence, communication skills, employability and the skills you need for life beyond college.

Want to talk to our ALS team?

If you have any questions or would like to discuss support available at the College, please get in touch.

Telephone: 0161 785 4015
Email: alsenquiries@oldham.ac.uk

Support Statement

Oldham College is committed to meeting its responsibilities under the Children and Families Act 2014. We recognise our statutory responsibilities under the SEND Code of Practice for young people up to the age of 25 and are committed to making every effort to meet the individual needs of our students.

Download the full ALS Support Statement >