Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW college) is dedicated to providing an inclusive learning environment where every learner can thrive. We believe in equal access to education and high aspirations for all learners, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Our approach aligns with the Children and Families Act 2014, the SEND Code of Practice (0–25 years), and Worcestershire’s SEND Strategy priorities.
About Us
HoW College is a large General Further Education (GFE) college offering vocational, technical, and professional courses from Entry Level to Higher Education. We support learners aged 16 and above across four main campuses and several smaller sites in Worcestershire. Our provision includes:
- Mainstream Vocational and Technical Courses from entry level up to Level 3
- Higher Education
- Adult Skills
- Apprenticeships
- The Base – discreet SEND provision at Redditch and Worcester campuses
- Supported Internships
- Infinity – bespoke programme for learners with autism who have been out of education.
- National Star at HoW College – specialist provision in partnership with National Star for learners with complex needs
Our Discreet SEND Provision
The Base:
Located at Redditch and Worcester campuses.
Facilities include an independent living flat, sensory room, and sensory garden.
Programmes focus on Preparation for Adulthood, employability, independent living and community inclusion. Learners also study English and math alongside their main qualification.
How We Support Learners
Our provision ensures every learner has an equal opportunity to progress and succeed. Inclusive, high-quality teaching is available to all through ordinarily available support. Learners with identified SEND co-produce an individual learning plan tailored to their needs and future goals, including individual support interventions. Learners with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) receive personalised, outcome-focused support tailored to the needs as outlined in their plan, ensuring progress towards agreed outcomes.
We follow the graduated approach: Assess – Plan – Do – Review.
- Assess: Gather information from previous education, assessments, and learner input.
- Plan: Agree outcomes and support strategies with learners and parents/carers. Advise on and create progression pathways with our learners.
- Do: Deliver study programmes with appropriate adjustments and support.
- Review: Regularly monitor progress and adapt support as needed. Facilitate annual EHCP reviews with our learners.
Additional academic and pastoral support is provided by Personal Tutors (through 1:1 and class delivery of the THRIVE curriculum), Learning Support Assistants, Personal learning Coaches and Academic Skills Mentors.
We also offer a careers information, advice and guidance service and a wellbeing service for learners to access confidential specialist support.
Our student experience coaches and HoWRU hub provides a programme of workshops, information and support around the THRIVE curriculum, personal development, equality and diversity and preparation for adulthood.
IDENTIFICATION OF NEEDS
We identify SEND through:
- EHCP documentation and consultation
- Annual reviews and transition visits
- Application and interview disclosures including additional information from the learner, parent / carer and previous setting
- Initial and ongoing assessment
TRANSITION & PREPARATION FOR ADULTHOOD
We work in partnership with schools, local authorities, families, employers, and external support providers to ensure seamless transitions into our college and onward to higher education, employment, volunteering, or community opportunities.
Our programmes promote:
- Independence
- Employment readiness
- Community inclusion
- Health and wellbeing
SPECIALIST LEARNING SUPPORT
At HoW College, we have teams to offer support to students with ECHP's or learning disabilities and difficulties. With tailored academic support and transitional support, our teams are on hand for each student.
The HoW College Specialist Learning Support team are committed to supporting our High Needs learners with Education, Health & Care Plans (ECHPs) striving to provide a level playing field for students with effective academic support delivered by our Learning Support Assistants (LSAs).
From when you first apply, we support our students transition from school to college in making this important leap by ensuring that your journey is smooth, empowering and most importantly, tailored to your needs. We offer support by introducing you to new surroundings, key staff members and more.
Our Learning Support Assistants champion your growth and success within the classroom. Their understanding of diverse heading needs, they will ensure that each step of your journey is met with personalised support. They encourage independence, resilience, and growth and foster an environment for our EHCP learners to thrive and reach their potential. Our LSAs communicate regularly with your curriculum staff to ensure your progress is being monitored, and you will be invited to an annual ECHP review with our High Needs Coordinator, where your progress can be discussed with yourself, and your parents and/or carers.
To contact the Specialist Learning Support team please email us at: Specialistlearningsupport@howcollege.ac.uk
Specialist Learning Support (SLS)
At the heart of our college’s support system is the Specialist Learning Support team, committed to supporting learners with Education, Health & Care Plans (EHCPs). The team strives to provide a level playing field for students through effective academic support delivered by:
LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANTS (LSAS)
Our dedicated Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) play a vital role in supporting learners throughout their college journey. Working closely with students and teaching staff, LSAs provide tailored support within lessons, helping learners to develop confidence, resilience, independence, and essential study skills.
Each learner receives support that is tailored to their individual needs, enabling them to engage fully in college life and make meaningful progress towards their aspirations. LSAs work collaboratively with curriculum staff to monitor progress and ensure support remains effective throughout the academic year.
LSAs also support learners to make progress towards the outcomes and targets identified within their EHCP. Through ongoing observation, regular reviews, and close communication with teaching staff, they monitor progress and adapt support strategies where needed. This helps learners develop the skills, knowledge, and independence required to achieve their individual goals and prepare successfully for adulthood, further learning, employment, and independent living.
For learners with an EHCP, progress is regularly reviewed through Annual Reviews with the High Needs Team; attended by the learner, parents/carers, key college staff, and external professionals where appropriate.
TRANSITION SUPPORT
Moving from school to college is an important milestone, and our team is committed to making that transition as smooth and positive as possible.
We work closely with the High Needs Team, learners, families, schools, and other professionals to provide personalised transition support before and during the move to college. This may include visits, familiarisation activities, introductions to key staff, and ongoing guidance to help learners settle into their new environment with confidence.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT AND RESOURCES
The Specialist Learning Support Team provides a wide range of support strategies and resources to help learners access their studies and achieve success. Support may include:
· In-class learning support
· Personalised learning support plans
· Assistive technology and specialist software
· Support to develop independence and study skills
· Exam Access Arrangements, where appropriate
· Reasonable adjustments to support learning
· Liaison with curriculum teams, parents/carers, and external agencies
· Preparation for adulthood and progression opportunities
SUPPORTING A WIDE RANGE OF NEEDS
We support learners with EHCPs who have a variety of identified learning differences, disabilities, and additional needs, including:
· Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), including PDA
· Dyslexia
· Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
· Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
· Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
· Dyscalculia
· Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
· Physical disabilities and medical needs
· Hearing impairments
· Visual impairments
At Heart of Worcestershire College, we are committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where learners with EHCPs feel valued, supported, and empowered to develop their independence, achieve their ambitions, and prepare for their future.
To contact the Specialist Learning Support team please email us at: Specialistlearningsupport@howcollege.ac.uk
Co-Production & Feedback
We actively contribute to the local authority’s SEND improvement plan and co-production efforts through forums and workshops, ensuring our learners have meaningful opportunities to participate in shaping services.
At HoW College, we continuously enhance our services by listening to learners—through feedback, forums, and student ambassadors who champion their peers’ voices and contribute to meaningful improvements.
*This document provides an overview of the services we offer to learners with SEND. It is not exhaustive, and we recognise that every young person’s circumstances and needs are unique. We welcome enquiries to discuss how we can support individual learners.
For details of our full course offer, please visit our website.
Complaints & Feedback
If you would like to provide feedback or are dissatisfied with SEND provision at HoW College, please follow our Complaints Policy by emailing: quality@howcollege.ac.uk
Contact Us
For SEND enquiries:
Email:
highneedsteam@howcollege.ac.uk or specialistlearningsupport@howcollege.ac.uk
Phone:
Redditch 01527 572552
Worcester 01905 72555
Website: https://www.howcollege.ac.uk
Accessibility
This Local Offer is available in alternative formats (large print, easy read) on request. Please contact our high needs team for details: highneedsteam@howcollege.ac.uk
Useful Links
For more information on Worcestershire’s SEND Local Offer, including Preparation for Adulthood visit:
https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/schools-education-and-learning/send-local-offer
For additional Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, advice and support, visit:
https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/sendiass