Inclusion (Additional Learning Support)

We have a dedicated team of Additional Learning Support staff (based in the Welfare and Inclusion Centre) who work alongside teachers to ensure that all our students have the opportunity to progress and achieve. Students with specific learning requirements can be assured that we will work with them to understand their learning challenges and offer the right support to enable good learning outcomes. We offer a variety of services and support to all students, some of which are available within a small group workshop setting or as a 1-2-1 consultation with specialist staff. These services are :

• Study Skills Workshops
• Assess, Plan, Do, and Review cycle termly meetings
• Study skills development for exams
• Organisational skills development
• Structuring essays
• Motivation and positive ways of managing anxiety
• Consultation with external support services (Educational Psychologist)
• Literacy and numeracy support
• Personal mentor/peer mentoring support

Where there are more specific needs, and where students have been diagnosed with SEN (Special Educational Needs), is statemented or has an EHCP (Education Health and Care Plan), our specialist team will work alongside external support agencies, parents and the local authority to provide the support necessary to meet the needs of such students. This will include:

• In class support
• 1-2-1 support outside of lesson time
• Personal care and accompaniment
• Enrichment opportunities
• Assessments and special access arrangements
• Differentiated learning techniques and aids
• Transition and preparation for independence
• Assess, Plan, Do and Review termly meetings
• Participation in transition, and formal annual review meetings
• Personal mentor/peer mentoring support

If you would like to have a discussion about individual requirements, please email the Welfare and Inclusion manager at Jonathan.Service@sgmc.ac.uk, or alternatively contact by phone on 020 8523 3544 extension 3481.

Bursary and Free College Meals

The College has funding to provide financial support for students who have the greatest financial need. Students who fit the eligibility criteria will be able to apply for the Bursary and Free College Meal. There are three schemes that students can apply for.

• Vulnerable bursary: Students who are ‘looked after’ by the Local Authority, Leaving care, living independently or a young parent can apply for this bursary. Disabled students in receipt of Employment Support allowance/Universal Credit and Disability Living Allowance or Employment Support Allowance/Universal Credit and Personal Independent Payments will also be eligible.
• Discretionary bursary: In order for students to be eligible for this bursary the total household income must be under £20,000. This includes all income the family receives (i.e. salary, pension, benefits) on an annual basis.
• Free College meal criteria: Parents/carers must meet the following criteria.
  • A benefit from the department of Works and Pension i.e. Employment Support Allowance
  • Child tax Credit with an annual gross income no more than £16,190 a year
  • Universal Credit with an annual net income not exceeding the equivalent of £7,400 a year

Attendance criteria:Student’s will be expected to maintain attendance of 90% or above to lessons and entry periods so that any point in the term when attendance is checked they will be able to receive financial support. It is the responsibility of all students to regularly check their attendance to ensure that the register is correct.

Application Process
Students will need to begin the application process on student dashboard and attend a Bursary assessment interview where a decision will be made. They will need to bring the following documents to the interview:

• Parent/carer income evidence (post April 2019)
• Signed parent/carer declaration form
• Student bank statement

If the student does not have a bank account in his/her own name this will need to be done as soon as possible. Bursary payments will not be paid into another person’s account. A decision can only be made on an application once all of these documents are provided.

If approved Students may receive contributions towards the cost of:

• Travel to and from college
• Travel to work placement (where applicable)
• Course Equipment
• Educational trips
• A laptop

Please note: The financial support provided is subject to funding provision.

For further information, please contact the college on 02085233544 and ask for the Bursary and Welfare Co-ordinator.

Child Care Costs

If you are a student who is also a parent there is support for child care costs. You need to contact Care to Learn on 08001218989. (Payment of the Care to Learn fund is dependent on 100% attendance, completion of all work, punctuality and satisfactory effort.) Details will be provided to all students upon request. For further details log on to www.gov.uk/care-to-learn.
Students can arrange an appointment with the Student Bursary and Welfare Coordinator to discuss their financial difficulties and based on this assessment they may be eligible to receive a lunch allowance, travel allowance and support with exam re-sits. If you need extra financial help in an emergency you can speak to a member of staff from the Student Support team.