1. About this statement
The Institute recognises and fully embraces its duties under the Equality Act and other relevant legislation and seeks to provide accessible, inclusive learning for all its learners.
Learners with mental health needs, learning difficulties, physical impairments, emotional problems and psychological difficulties may need additional support with their learning. This document sets out that support available and how it can be accessed.
The policy statement is reviewed every 3 years and will be updated to take account of new legislation.
2. Policy
All learners are subject to the entry requirements relevant to their chosen course and we will make every effort to provide reasonable adjustments to help each learner to achieve their learning aims. However, there may be occasions when the Institute is not the most appropriate provider and in these instances we aim to provide advice and guidance including referral to other services and providers.
3. Identification of Need
Learners themselves are usually best placed to identify their own needs and on enrolment learners are asked to describe any particular needs, disabilities, learning difficulties or medical conditions which might affect their ability to be successful in their chosen course of study. This information helps us identify and provide appropriate support the learner.
With the learner’s consent, this information is shared with tutors and other relevant staff. If a learner does not wish this information to be shared we may not be able to provide appropriate additional support. Learners are strongly encouraged to make any particular needs known as soon as possible so that support can be planned and needs responded to quickly. However, those that do not choose to declare their disability on enrolment can self-refer or ask their tutor make a referral in their behalf at any time during their studies.
4. Learning Resources & Support
Redbridge Institute will endeavour to provide, within available resources, a range of learning aids and resources. We aim to ensure that teaching is differentiated, learning materials are inclusive and learning support assistance is available to all learners who need it. Where appropriate, we are able to provide dyslexia screening, assistive equipment, and adaptations.
Teaching staff at the Institute have broad experience of education and training and strive to make teaching and learning inclusive for all learners. The Institute employs a number of Learning Support Assistants who are can provide one-to-one learning support inside and/or outside the classroom.
5. Complaints & Appeals Procedures
It is the aim of the Institute to provide all its learners with a high quality service. However, from time to time problems do occur. Learners are encouraged to make any difficulties known to us as soon as they arise. At times this may mean using the Complaints Procedures. Appeals against external assessment decisions will be dealt with in accordance with the regulations of the awarding body.
6. Equality & Diversity Policy
Redbridge Institute will promote equality of opportunity to all staff and learners in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. This legislation has also introduced the general and specific duties for public sector organisations to promote equality of opportunity to people of all sexual orientations, religious or belief groups and age groups.
Redbridge Institute believes in equality of opportunity in all its activities including the delivery of education, training, projects, procurement, employment and recruitment.
It is unlawful to discriminate directly or indirectly on the grounds of race, disability, gender colour, nationality, religion or belief, ethnic origin, sex, age or sexual orientation.
Where practicable the Institute will endeavour to accommodate the cultural and religious needs of learners and staff within the constraints of operational requirements.
The Institute reports annually on arrangements that have been put in place to meet its equality duties, together with the impact on actions taken.
The full policy and summary are available in the Official Documents section of the Intranet and on the Institute website. This is one of a number of policy statements which serve to remind us all that diversity in our society is a strength and we must ensure equality and equity.
7. Examination Arrangements
The Institute is committed to ensuring that exam concessions are obtained for each learner who is entitled to such concessions. It is the responsibility of the learner to notify the Institute of their needs by speaking to their tutor or by contacting the Learning Support Team. This should be done at the earliest possible opportunity
8. Additional Learning Support Process
On enrolment, learners are asked to disclose any additional support needs. They are asked to indicate their main disability and/or learning difficulty (using ILR categories), give details of any support they have received in the past, any special arrangements for examinations and current support needs. This information is shared with The Learning Support Team. Learners will be invited to discuss their needs so we can provide support in the most appropriate way and in a timely manner.
Learners can also refer themselves for learning support at any time during their course.
Financial support through the Discretionary Learner Support Fund (DLSF) may be available to registered learners depending on personal circumstances.