Disability support for apprentices

All apprentices complete an initial assessment, where you can share information about a disability or learning support need. If you have a need, a member of the Inclusive Support Team will be in touch.

You will also complete QuickScan as part of your initial assessment. QuickScan is a confidential screening process, which can pick up signs of a Specific Learning Difficulty like dyslexia.

If QuickScan identifies any signs of a Specific Learning Difficulty, you will need to contact our Inclusive Support Team. We can help organise further testing and arrange learning adjustments.

Once you have shared information about a disability or learning need, a further assessment will take place. This will identify if there is any direct impact on your ability to complete the apprenticeship.

You'll also be allocated an advisor who will assess any reasonable adjustments and support you may need. This may include extra time in exams, specialist learning software, or weekly specialist 1-2-1 tutor support.

If you have complex needs, you will be invited to an information visit with our support team and your course leader. We will review the support and adjustments you might need.

To support the further assessment and understand the impact of any needs, you will need to provide evidence. This may include:

• Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) or previous equivalent, including statements of special educational need (SEN) or a learning difficulty assessment (LDA).
• Medical evidence such as a letter from a medical practitioner explaining the nature of any disability and its impact.
• Diagnostic assessment for a specific learning difficulty, including a diagnosis of dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia.

If you are awaiting an assessment for autism or ADHD, to prevent any delay to adjustments and support we will review any information you have available.

Strong English and maths skills are important. However, if your learning difficulty or disability is a barrier to meeting English and maths requirements, we will consider accepting an entry Level 3 functional skills qualification in English or Maths. This will enable you to develop basic English and numeracy skills at a practical level.

Disability and inclusive support can be accessed at any time during your learning. That includes sharing information about a new condition or need.

We recognise that you work alongside your studies, so offer flexible appointments and support access. Appointments can take place online, as well as face-to-face. For more information, please see the Student Support webpage.

We will discuss and agree on consent to share information with your employer or other relevant colleagues who are involved in delivering support, implementing adjustments and delivering learner agreements.

If any changes need to be agreed with your employer, we will share information with your consent. You can find out more about how we use your information in the student support privacy notice.