Access Statement for Disabled Students or Students with SpLD
NW SCITT has devised policies and procedures which reflect the NW SCITT values and philosophy in supporting students who are disabled or those with SpLD. The SCITT programme is vigilant to ensuring that protected groups are treated equally and do not face discrimination. Policy and procedures have been developed in consultation with all stakeholders and has been ratified by the Programme Steering Committee.
North West SCITT takes full account of The Equality Act 2010, including the public sector equality duty. This is in line with The Disability Discrimination Act (1995), and covers both direct and indirect discrimination. We promote the principles of fairness and justice for all through the education and professional training of Associate Teachers and expect that they respect and reflect our principles in their behaviours and actions in our training centre and within our partner and alliance schools.
Disability Access
We welcome applications from people who are disabled, have a SpLD or a barrier to learning and all reasonably practical steps will be taken to ensure that barriers associated with access or equipment do not disadvantage those applicants and trainee teachers.
Candidates interested in making an application – We have worked successfully with many trainees with a range of learning disabilities such as dyslexia, ADHD, deafness, anxiety, ME etc. If you have any special needs you wish to discuss with us prior to interview please do not hesitate to contact us making your application.
Applicants invited to interview – While applicants are not obliged to disclose a disability, applicants who are disabled or have an SpLD, are encouraged to contact the programme team, to discuss any particular access or other requirements which could reasonably be put into place to support their selection and interview process.
Disabled access to partner training schools – All training schools within the alliance have disabled access, however, trainees with a disability or SpLD should be confident to share information about their access needs so that these can be considered for placement at the most appropriate schools.
Disabled access to training – Training is delivered using a combination of training methods and trainees with a disability or SpLD should be confident to share information about their access needs so that adjustments can be made to training methodology where appropriate.
The main building is situated as an annex to a primary school, there is a public carpark nearby and a low ramp to the entrance door, entrance is via wide entrance and gates and are step-free. The central training suite is on a single floor, doorways are wide enough to allow wheelchairs and if you are planning to visit our programme or are offered a place on the programme, you are encouraged to ring beforehand 01695 557488 so we can make any necessary arrangements to welcome you.
School-based training - All of our partnership schools are committed to ensuring that those with disabilities are fully supported, and making reasonable adjustments to support those with specific needs relating to a disability. Those with additional learning needs will be supported throughout the programme and school-based teams.
Disabled Students’ Allowance – DSA is to support cover is to cover the study-related costs you may incur because of mental health problems, long term health problems, disability or SpLD and can be on its own or in addition to other standard Student Finance. Students should access current public guidance https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa
Needs Assessment – Once eligibility for DSA is confirmed, Student Finance England will signpost you to contact an assessment centre to complete a ‘Needs Assessment. Applicants and students are asked not to book this until Student Finance England asks you to do so. The assessment will be paid for through any DSA entitlement students may receive and following the assessment a report will be provided listing support, equipment or resources you may be entitled to. Additionally, the report will signpost the signpost team to suggested reasonable adjustments that are appropriate to meet your training needs. We urge all trainees with a disability or SpLD who hold a previous or current Needs Assessment to make this available to the Programme Team during the induction period, so that needs can be understood and reasonable adjustments made to support trainees in their learning journey.