SEND and additional learning support

We understand that no two people are the same, and that means some people learn in different ways. We have an extensive support system when it comes to learning, and help is always available to those who need it.

Our learning support team is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. Our team is experienced in working with students from diverse backgrounds and has a deep understanding of the needs of students with additional needs.

We believe that every student has the potential to thrive, and we are committed to helping them achieve their goals in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Support for learners is individualised to ensure needs are being met. We offer consistent routines with a timetable that is bespoke to individual needs. We will work with students to find out what support is needed and agree a plan of how this will work. 

We encourage all our learners to disclose any support needs that they have when they apply for a course at InspireU.  This ensures that we can discuss how to support them and put things in place from the start.

Pastoral support

At InspireU you will receive a high level of pastoral support, this is both from when you arrive and in the transition, to support you to come to our sites.

This might include an initial home visit, or we will meet you in the morning, giving you time to adjust and regulate before placing any expectations on you.

Clean start and clean finish are a key part of our day, supporting you to start the day in a positive way and being able to talk through any concerns or problems. We offer regular well-being hours to support learners to manage their own needs with our expert staff to help and support you.

Our experienced Pastoral Leads and Well Being coaches will support you in a variety of ways including putting together well-being plans and trying out different strategies in a supportive environment. You will be supported to arrange counselling (or other professional appointments) and transport to get the support you need.

We can offer support for your learning to be away from the main teaching area should you feel overwhelmed. Including break-out spaces and places where you can gradually be introduced to the learning environment.

If you require additional support for your exams, such as extra time, we may need evidence from your previous education provider so that we can put this in place for you.  Please ensure you provide the details of your last education setting when you apply. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the access arrangements to be successful in formal examinations.

What we offer

We offer:

  • community projects
  • outdoor learning
  • access to sporting activities
  • enterprise
  • work experience

These are fully supported by our experienced staff members and include support from our Careers team, who will work with you to complete Information Advice and Guidance interviews, approach employers and set up work experience placements that match your goals and interests.

You will be provided with one-to-one job coaching (if required), interview support, offering career guidance and finding work placements that have a natural nurturing environment. You liaise and advocate on every learner’s behalf.

Our seven sites are small and nurturing with small class sizes and a high staff ratio. We offer short bursts of learning, using language that is supportive and nurturing.

We offer transition support to all learners in their final year, with six- weekly meetings to ensure you are fully prepared for your next step.

We work closely with other professionals and parents to support learners.

How can I access more information about this support?

  • Through transition from school to InspireU - we'll help you with your transition to College, whatever course you'll be starting. You can invite InspireU Team to your Year 10/11 or EHCP review at school and they'll be able to explain what courses are offered and how you'll be supported before and during your time at College.
  • College Open Days - we will be able to tell you about the support we can offer
  • Tours - once you have applied for a course, we will be able to offer you a tour of the site in which you are interested
  • Taster Days - we offer numerous dates for taster days to give you an idea of what the course will be like

To find out more about the support that is available, please contact inspireu@lincolnshire.gov.uk.