What is Additional Learning Support?

Additional Learning Support (ALS) helps learners reach their potential and achieve their learning goals, regardless of ability or any additional needs they might have.

This can include adapted learning materials, additional support and changes to the way that new information is delivered. Learners who can benefit from ALS include those with dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, sensory impairment and physical disabilities.

Bud’s workflows ensure that every learner who is eligible for ALS receives it. Bud flags the learner’s additional needs to the trainer and reminds them to tailor their learning delivery to suit. It also requires the learner to confirm they have received their training in a manner that suits their needs, thereby helping training providers to claim any additional funding. This helps you, the training provider, gain confidence and reduce risk, which delivers maximum learning results.

What is Additional Support for Learning?

Additional Support for Learning ensures that everyone can maximise their potential and learning achievements, regardless of any additional challenges they face.

According to the UK Office for National Statistics, around 20% of adults over 16 have a learning difficulty, disability or personal circumstances that require additional support to meet their needs. This can include:

• Dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia
• ADHD and ADD
• Sensory impairments
• Autism spectrum conditions
• Physical disabilities and medical conditions
• Mental health problems
• Social problems
• Leaving care

Providing additional support to apprentices

1. Conduct an initial assessment

A significant number of apprentices who require additional learning support don’t declare their additional needs when applying for a placement.

This means that training providers must conduct an initial assessment to define learners’ requirements. As a result, they can develop an ALS plan that helps apprentices meet the required standards and succeed.

This can be done during the recruitment process and throughout the apprenticeship using evidence assessment and formal testing, and by communicating with the apprentice in depth.

Consider both diagnosed and undiagnosed LDDs, social or safeguarding needs, economic factors and mental health requirements.

2. Provide the required support

If the apprentice requires additional support, you can develop the ALS plan for this individual. This can include:

• Webinars and workshops
• Additional resources
• Changes to the way that learning is delivered
• Additional breaks or reviews as required

3. Apply for ALS funding

You could be eligible for additional funding such as the £1000 payment for training providers aged 19-24 with an EHC plan. You could also claim up to £150 per month from the Education and Skills Funding Agency to help you meet the costs of providing this additional support. Bud helps you provide the evidence you need to claim the funding.

4. Provide evidence of how learning support funding is used

New rules were introduced in August 2021 to ensure apprentices who require Additional Learning Support were provided with the best possible support.

This means that training providers must carefully gather evidence of a continuing need for support and how any funding is used. This must be carried out on a monthly basis and the evidence captured.

What types of extra support are available?

There’s a variety of extra support available for learners with additional needs. This includes:

• Functional Skills qualifications in English, Maths and IT
• ESOL training for non-native English speakers
• Funding of £1000 for apprentices aged 19-24 with an EHC plan
• A £150 per month payment to help cover costs via the Education and Skills Funding Agency
• Access to Work Fund that can help cover special equipment, adaptations or a support worker

The law on additional support for learners

In August 2021, the UK government introduced new rules to ensure learners with additional needs were provided with the best possible support.

They are now obliged to:

• Identify a learner’s need due to disability or learning difficulty
• Assess the impact of that need on their completion of the programme
• Determine whether there is a cost impact associated with this

Find out more about learning support and making sure your training business is compliant.

How Bud ensures ALS is delivered and received by the user

Here at Bud, we automatically gather the evidence you require to claim funding and ensure you are compliant with the new rules. This provides you with total peace of mind and reduces confusion or time-consuming admin tasks.

Get in touch with Bud for more information

Our friendly team at Bud is here to answer your questions and help you streamline your apprenticeship management. Contact us today.