Learner Support
We’re with you every step of the way during your time at Trafford College.
Find out more about the support we will offer you in our Trafford College Charter, which you can download below. From college term dates and values through to bitesize information about learner support, careers guidance, our code of conduct and more, this small brochure is a must read before you come to college.
Another useful read is our Learner Services brochure. In here you’ll find useful information, advice and support about how you can enjoy college life the most by looking after your mental health and wellbeing.
If you need help with your finances, career planning or mental health and wellbeing we are here to help. Please contact Learner Services Reception and they will be happy to support you: Altrincham Campus: 0161 952 4694/ Stretford Campus: 0161 886 7148.
Services available in college
Consultation with your Course Tutor or Pastoral Support Mentor
Pastoral Support Moodle page
College Counsellor (you can self-refer in Learner Services)
Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshops – see your Pastoral Support Mentor for Further details
External Counselling Service (referral can be made via your GP)
Websites such as “The Mix” and “Kooth” offer support outside of college
Additional Learning Needs & Local Offer
We offer a wide range of personalised support to ensure you can fully access the college and your course. We will help you to find the strategies that work for you during your time at college and in your future career.
We proactively implement the SEND principles: enabling participation, collaboration with partners, high quality provision, inclusive practices, removing barriers to learning and preparing for adulthood.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the move from school to college. Our friendly Transition Team is here to make your start to college run smoothly, so if you have any special educational needs (SEN) or you have an educational healthcare plan then the Transition Team is a good place to start. If you have any questions email ehctrafford@tcg.ac.uk
The curriculum at Trafford College is split into 2 discrete areas of offer:
Foundation Learning: This provides an opportunity for anyone who may need additional learning to access further education courses. As there are no formal entry requirements, acceptance on a course is subject to an assessment and interview. To help prepare you for a higher level course, the Foundation Learning pathways combine English (GCSE and Functional Skills), Maths (GCSE and Functional Skills), employability and a vocational option.
Level 1,2 & 3 courses on offer at Trafford College: If you’re a young person enrolling on a full-time course at Trafford College, you will be placed on an appropriate study programme. The level of study offered is dependent on specific academic entry requirements. (Please refer to individual course entry details for each programme’s specific requirements.)
The study programme will consist of the following key elements:
- A substantial core qualification in an academic or vocational subject, so you can progress on to higher education, further study at the next level or sustainable employment
- English and Maths courses if you’re without a grade 4 or above in these subjects at GCSE level
- Work-related learning within all vocational pathways including work experience, employability skills, enterprise capability and other opportunities to engage with the world of work
- Professional development programme for one hour each week
As part of the Children’s and Families Act, a SEND Local Offer is a requirement for schools, colleges and local authorities to publish the provision available to children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) or disabilities.
At Trafford College we are committed to meeting the needs of all our students. Our offer describes how we support the special educational needs and disabilities of young people and adults. Find out more about our Local Offer in our SEND policy here.
Further Learner Services Support
At college, we embrace the opportunities that technology can bring to your studies and encourage you to use it wherever possible. The college has a range of assistive software available for all students. We can also lend you equipment such as laptops and digital voice recorders, or even better, show you how to make the most of your own kit.
Your time at college is valuable. How you spend it will determine what direction you take after your time with us. As part of the learner support provided, the Career Guidance team is here to help you make the right decisions. We can help you in a number of ways, from giving you advice on the most appropriate course to take before you start, to helping you decide what you want to do when you finish your course by considering your interests, abilities and whether you’re after more education, training or work.
We also have a fully stocked careers library, including a section for graduates, with career databases and software packages to help you decide on your future direction.
Email: careers@tcg.ac.uk
Tel: 0161 952 4694
When you submit your application to college we ask that you tell us if you are care experienced by ticking the relevant box on your application form. This enables us to link you with a Pastoral Support Mentor (PSM) who will contact you to discuss a bespoke support plan and ensure that you are settling in. Your Pastoral Support Mentor will also serve as a link with any social worker you are currently working with and a parent/guardian.
As a care experienced learner you are entitled to receive a bursary to help with travel, equipment, trips and college meals. You are entitled to up to £1200 on a study programme that lasts for 30 weeks or more. Study programmes of less than 30 weeks are paid a pro-rata amount. You will be sent an application form in the post or alternatively can collect one from Learner Services. If you require any help completing the form then please speak with your pastoral support mentor or the front desk of Learner Services.
For more information for care experienced young people, please read our Principles of the Care Experienced Covenant.
For definitions regarding care experienced learners please visit: The Higher Education Statistics Agency for Definitions of a care leaver / looked after status or the NSPCC definition of ‘looked after children’.
Sometimes personal problems can make it difficult to concentrate on studying. It’s reassuring to know that you can call on a professional and confidential counselling service if you need to.
You are welcome to talk to us about issues such as relationship difficulties, bereavement or anything else that is on your mind, without judgement. Counselling is available to full and part-time students.
Tel: 0161 952 4694
Our dedicated team of learning facilitators will work with you to design a personalised support package. We also work with partner agencies to ensure you can access the help you need. This could include any of the following:
- In-class support
- Out of class support
- Study skills support
- Modified material
- Communication support
- Dyslexia support
- Support from Sensory Support/SALT specialists
- Exams access arrangements
All learners are assigned a Pastoral Support Mentor (PSM). The Pastoral Support Mentors are trained to provide a frontline service for any mental health needs and are here to support you through the difficult times in your life that could stop you achieving your best at college.
Self-care techniques and general lifestyle changes can help support a positive mental health. Here are some tips for looking after yourself that you might find helpful.
If these work well for you then you may find you don’t need any formal treatments or meetings. However, it’s important to remember that there is unlikely to be an instant solution.
- Keep a mood diary. Tracking your moods can help you to work out what makes you feel better or worse. You can then take steps to avoid, change or prepare for difficult situations. You can create your own mood diary or find one online – there are many freely available on the internet and as apps for your phone.
- Build your self-esteem. Taking steps to increase your self-esteem can help you to feel more confident and able to cope
- Nourish your social life. Feeling connected to other people is important. It can help you to feel valued and confident about yourself, and can give you a different perspective on things. If you can, try to spend some time connecting with friends and family – even a text or phone call can make a difference.
- Relaxation – you may already know what helps you relax, like having a bath, listening to music or taking your dog for a walk. If you know that a certain activity helps you feel more relaxed, make sure you set aside time to do it.
- Mindfulness – mindfulness is a therapeutic technique that involves being more aware of the present moment. This can mean both outside, in the world around you, and inside, in your feelings and thoughts. Practising mindfulness can help you become more aware of your own moods and reactions, but not everyone finds mindfulness helpful.
- Getting into nature – getting out into a green environment, such as a park or the countryside, is especially good for you. Even if you don’t have a garden or aren’t very mobile, caring for plants or animals indoors can still help you get some benefits from nature.
- Get enough sleep. Rest when you can. This can help you have the energy to cope with difficult feelings and experiences.
- Keep Active. Regular exercise doesn’t have to be very strenuous or sporty to be effective – to start with you could try gentle exercise like going for a short walk, yoga or swimming. The important thing is to pick something you enjoy doing, so you’re more likely to stick with it. If you’re physically disabled, Disability Rights UK provides information about exercises you might be able to do. Alternatively, ask your doctor for advice.