What is Additional Learning Support?

At Shrewsbury Colleges Group, we are committed to ensuring every student has an equal and outstanding learning experience. We have a large team of experienced and trained staff who work closely with students, schools, outside agencies and tutors to provide you with an individual support package. We recognise that everyone's needs are unique and will work with students to identify any barriers that exist and make every effort to overcome them. The college wants all students to have the same opportunities to achieve their full potential.

Who can we support?

Our ALS team are proud of the diversity of the support offered at Shrewsbury Colleges Group which includes support for learners within the following areas:

  • Autism
  • ADD or ADHD
  • Dyslexia, Dyspraxia or Dyscalculia
  • Physical mobility
  • Visual and hearing impairments / sensory inclusion
  • Social, emotional and mental health
  • Health/medical needs
  • Moderate learning difficulties

What support we can offer?

The support offered by ALS is dependent on individual needs but can include the following:

  • Specific Learning Difficulties Teacher
  • Additional English and Maths support
  • Learning Support Assistants support within the class and out of class for those with an Education, Health and Care Plan
  • Exam Access Arrangements – 25% extra time, a scribe, a reader, a prompt, Read & Write Gold, a small room
  • Attendance at year 9, 10 and 11 EHCP Annual Reviews where requested
  • Transition support, including students being accompanied by ALS staff to college open events to help them explore their options
  • Bespoke small group or individual tours for students with EHCPs
  • Loan of a range of assistive technology software to enable access and inclusion, including Read & Write Gold (the world's leading literacy support software)
  • Adaptation/modification of learning materials into an accessible format
  • Small group workshops
  • Mobility support
  • Advice and guidance on how to access outside agencies for additional support where required
  • Careers advice
  • Access to a quieter social space
  • Support for Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties
  • Student Assistance Programme
  • Volunteering opportunities 
  • Enrichment opportunities – take a look at some of our enrichment activities 
  • Preparation For Adulthood – Travel training, fire safety, Bikeability, cooking skills, budgeting

How can I access support?

For more information please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Courses for students with EHCPs

ASDAN Life Skills – a one-year course
ASDAN Realising Aspirations – a one-year course with the option of a second year
Pre-Supported Internships – a one-year course
Supported Internship – a one-year course
Project Search - a one-year course

Useful links

SEND Local Offer

The SEND local offer is a single place for information, services, and resources for children and young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs and/or disabilities, their families, and the practitioners who support them. It's been designed with a family’s needs at the heart of the process.

Shropshire Local Offer 
Telford Local Offer 

Shropshire IASS

Shropshire Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS) provides free, confidential and impartial information, advice and support around Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, including health and social care. 

Sensory Inclusion Service (SIS)

The Sensory Inclusion Service (SIS) supports children and young people with hearing and/or visual impairment, or a multi-sensory impairment and their families, from birth to 25 (if they are still in Further Education).

Parent and Carer Council Shropshire (PACC)

Parent and Carer Council Shropshire (PACC) supports and empowers Shropshire parents and carers of children with a disability or additional need, to enable them to be actively involved in the design and delivery of the services that they use, through the sharing of their experience and knowledge of their family's needs.

Parents Opening Doors (PODS)

Parents Opening Doors (PODS) is a parent carer/peer-led charity with staff and volunteers who have the relevant ‘real life’ experience to support families who have a child with a disability or additional need (aged 0-25 years).