Additional Learning Support

Will support differ during the Coronavirus pandemic?

Support will continue, both in class and online. We have put together plans to ensure you are still able to access the support you require both on campus and during your remote lessons.  We remain as committed to supporting you as ever.

What about practical lessons?

These will continue as usual.  You will need to keep face coverings on during practical lessons if we cannot ensure social distancing.  That also applies to practical lessons outside if we cannot maintain a safe social distance.

What if I cannot wear a face covering?

You may be entitled to an exemption if you are unable to wear a mask.  You can discuss this with your tutor.

Will I be able to use a computer at college?

There will be no shared desktop computers at Plumpton. We recommend, therefore, that you use your own device at college.  All modern mobiles, tablets, Chromebooks and laptops will be compatible with the systems we use at college. However, for the best experience, we recommend a modern Windows 10 laptop.  To engage in learning activities, you will also need a headset and microphone.

What if I don’t have a suitable device?

We recognise that not all of our students will have access to a laptop or device.   If you meet certain criteria, we will be able to supply a laptop from our loan pool or purchase a device via our bursary scheme.  If you are able and wish to buy a laptop, the IT team can give you advice on suitable devices and they have partnered with Dell to offer students discounts of up to 20% on a range of Dell products. 

The college will supply the Office 365 package free for up to 5 devices that you own.  This package comprises of: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams. You can install this on your laptop or smart device.  You also have the option of obtaining a free copy of Windows 10 Education from plumpton.onthehub.com.

What if I need specialist or assistive technology?

Modern devices have a range of accessibility options and Microsoft Teams is particularly accessible.  We can help you find out and explore how to use these.  However, if there is a requirement for specialist software or hardware to help you with your digital studies, you can contact helpdesksupport@plumpton.ac.uk for advice. 

Will Annual Reviews still take place at college?

For the safety of all staff and students, all meetings should take place virtually wherever possible.  We therefore anticipate that all Annual Reviews will take place via Microsoft Teams or by phone, unless you request otherwise. We will therefore be contacting you to agree a date and time that is convenient to you.

If you need the support of a CSW for the Annual Review, please let us know when we contact you.

Will Lunch Club continue to take place each lunchtime?

We are able to provide a quiet, Covid-safe environment at lunchtime for those students who have been identified as requiring a safe space.  This will be by invitation only to ensure that social distancing measures can be maintained.

What about Structured Support?

This will be held between 12 and 1.30pm every day in MBF13 for support with coursework, personal organisation, Maths and English.  There will also be opportunities for virtual lunchtime support, if you are unable to attend in person.

Are there any resources that might help my child at the present time?

• General information about what the Coronavirus situation means for young people with SEND, with links to useful organisations that can offer information, support and resources to use with the young people to keep them educated and entertained at home: https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/help-resources/resources/covid-19-support-and-guidance
• https://gigbuddies.org.uk/  The original idea behind Gig Buddies is to enable people with learning disabilities and/or autism to enjoy all the great things going on in their community, especially live music. Gig Buddies is a project that pairs up people with and without learning disabilities (and/or autism) to be friends and to go to events together. The Gig Buddies project aims to make volunteering easier for people in Sussex by enabling volunteers to go to gigs they’d already probably be going to anyway, but with someone with a learning disability.  During Coronavirus this is being managed and thought through in a slightly different way and the sorts of activities that suggested are things like:
  • socials of up to 6 people meeting up in a park with lots of open space;
  • a walk so volunteers/buddies can chat with you;
  • meeting volunteers/buddies in a quiet café with tables outside;
  • zoom meetings and coffee morning.
• Ambitious about Autism is the national charity for children and young people with autism. They provide services, raise awareness and understanding, and campaign for change. They also offer specialist education and support. There is information specifically related to autism and the Coronavirus.  https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/information-about-autism/coronavirus-and-autism
• For Coronavirus updates and information in BSL, go to SignHealth.  SignHealth is committed to making sure coronavirus information is available in British Sign Language (BSL). Their content is updated daily. https://signhealth.org.uk/resources/coronavirus/
• https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/coronavirus The National Autistic Society have lots of guidance to support autistic people and their families during the changes to life during the pandemic.