Student Support Team

Our Student Support Team can help you with information and advice on:

• Health Issues
• Childcare
• Relationships
• Leisure Activites

We also provide access to a confidential counselling service.
For more details call 01388 44 30 51

Our professional staff are very experienced at helping you get the most from your time at Bishop Auckland College.

Bishop Auckland College encourages applications from all people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

We want Bishop Auckland College to be as accessible as possible to our whole community.
That is why we are committed to providing sensitive and individualised support for all our students.

What Kind of Support Can We Offer

We can provide…
•  Extra tuition through one-to-one and small group work.
•  Support for specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia
•  Learning Support Assistants who come into classes and help you with your work
•  Help with personal care needs, both inside and outside the classroom
•  Assistance if you have a sensory impairment
•  Notetakers
•  Reader/notetaker
•  Mentoring programme
•  Special arrangements for examinations/assessments

Equipment and Technological Support

We have a wide range of specialist equipment including:
•  Computers with specialist software such as Read and Write
•  Spell checkers and thesauruses
•  Dictaphones
•  Specialist monitors and keyboards
•  Text reader
•  Screen software for blind/low vision computer users
•  Scanners and digital cameras
•  Magnifiers, glare guards
•  Hearing loops

Specialist Advice

Bishop Auckland College can provide potential students with specialist advice and support. We also have links with a range of agencies.

Examination and Assessment

You may need to take an examination or assessment as part of your studies. It is essential that you discuss your needs with us as soon as possible in order to meet examination board deadlines.
The range of special arrangements may include:
•  Extra time allowance
•  Alternative papers e.g. Braille, modified layout or enlarged text
•  Use of low vision aids
•  Modification of language
•  Use of a reader
•  Signed communication
•  Amplification
•  Tape recording
•  Answering in Braille
•  Use of a scribe
•  Alternative accommodation

How to ask for support

We want you to let us know as soon as possible if you require support. You can do this before you start College on your application form. This will give us the maximum time available to make arrangements.
You can start this process from your first visit to the College. A tour of the college will show you the buildings and identify any accessibility queries. After this time, we will be able to offer a much more informed assessment of the provision that may be available to you and begin a support plan aimed at meeting your individual needs.
Should you start your course and you feel you need support, you can still contact us at any time.

Please contact Victoria Russell on 01388 443132 for more information

Induction

To help you settle in during your first week at College you will meet fellow students and members of staff who will give you further information about your course/s and the College.

Personal Tutors

All students have a personal tutor. They are here to help you keep on track with your studies, ensure you receive any extra learning support you may need and to generally help you with any questions/queries you may have.

Support for Students with a Disability

We are here to give you support if you have a particular disability such as: a visual or hearing impairment, speech difficulties, wheelchair use and/or other needs.

Student Identity Cards

When you start College you will be given an identification card. You will need to keep your card with you at all times when you are on the College premises. The card is your responsibility and a charge will be made for the replacement of any lost cards.

National Union of Students (NUS)

All students are welcome to join the NUS. Student Support can advise you on how to buy a NUS card. A NUS card is a nationally recognised student Identity Card which entitles you to a range of discounts from retail and leisure outlets.

Childcare/Nursery

Bishop Auckland College has an enviable reputation for providing excellent childcare facilities and family friendly learning opportunities.
Our on-site 112 place Nursery has fully qualified and dedicated staff and is registered and inspected by Ofsted.