New Directions College is able to offer our learners a range of support to make ensure learning is a positive and enjoyable experience. We aim to break down any barriers to learning, be that a learning difficulty or a financial hardship, with our Learner Support schemes.
Overview of offer
We offer a range of support to help learners with a learning disability or a learning difficulty. This includes:
- Initial assessments to identify your starting point and clearly identify areas where you would benefit from additional support
- Additional support in and out of the class with a Learning Support Worker or specialist service
- Access arrangements for exams, including extra time, a reader, a scribe or adapted exam papers
- Individual Learning Plans
- Regular reviews and feedback on your progress
Our team of Additional Learning Support Workers are on hand to support you if you have a learning difficulty and/or disability. You could receive 1:1 support in every class and additional time with your Support Worker to help you complete assignments and course work outside of timetabled sessions.
We work with a range of local services who can also provide support for learners with visual or hearing impairments.
Please let us know as soon as possible if you wish to have learning support. We will discuss your needs and how best we can support you.
Learner Support Fund
New Directions College is able to provide financial support for individuals enrolled on a course that is either fully or part funded by the DfE ( Department for Education), through our Discretionary Learner Support Fund (DLSF). DLSF is available at New Directions college to provide financial support for individuals enrolled on a course funded by the DfE (Department for Education), with a specific financial hardship preventing them from starting or continuing in learning.
DLSF is for learners who need financial support to start or stay in learning. This is discretionary and will be decided on a case-by-case basis. DLSF may be able to provide the following where certain eligibility and criteria are met:
- Help with childcare costs – this can be applied using a separate form
- Help with course fees
- Help with books and equipment
- Help with travel expenses
Important Notice for Universal Credit claimants
Learners receiving Universal Credit are not eligible for travel or childcare support from the College’s Discretionary Learner Support Fund (DLSF). You must speak to your Work Coach and request access to Flexible Support Funds to cover:
- Travel (e.g., bus fares)
- Childcare costs
- Course-related expenses (e.g., books, equipment)
The College can provide you with a letter confirming your enrolment and course details to support your application to the Work Coach. If you are unable to receive UC Flexible Support Funds, attach a written explanation from your Work Coach. Temporary support may be granted for one term only at the discretion of the Head of MIS & Business Support.
Childcare
From September 2025, Government free childcare entitlement has expanded to 30 hours per week for children 9 months and older. You must evidence that you’ve accessed your entitlement before applying for additional support.
https://www.gov.uk/free-childcare-if-working/check-youre-eligible
If you need childcare to be able to attend a course with New Directions College and your child is not of school age yet and you are unable to afford childcare, you can apply for financial support towards your childcare fees. There is a separate application form with information to consider before applying for funding towards childcare fees.
All other Learner Support
To be eligible you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Unemployed
- In receipt of pension credit
- In receipt of a means tested benefit e.g. Universal credit, JSA, ESA, Income support
- From a low-income household – less than £30,000 per year
When applying you must provide the following evidence:
Evidence must be dated within 3 months. Photocopies are accepted. Originals may be requested for verification.
- Evidence of the benefit you receive
- Evidence of low-household income, less than £30,000 – last 3 pay slips, bank statement, P60
- Bank statements which evidence any life savings.
- A supporting statement as to why you are applying to the fund