Students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

We are committed to supporting accessible learning and welcome students with disabilities and special educational needs.

Disclosure (Admissions)

We encourage you to disclose any disabilities or special needs when you apply to study here, so we can plan any support that we may need to provide at the earliest opportunity, including during the admissions process. Admissions decisions are always made on the basis of a candidate’s ability and/or potential to complete the programme for which they’re applying.

Accessibility and Reasonable Adjustments

We will make reasonable adjustments for applicants (during the application process) and students (whilst you study with us) with a physical or mobility impairment in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

The Art Academy’s main campus at Bankside (where almost all our teaching takes place) is fully accessible.  A very limited number of classes take place at our old Mermaid Court campus, which isn’t accessible.  If you have a disability it’s likely that most classes will be accessible to you, but we will advise you of any classes that aren’t.

Student Support

Sen students

We welcome students with Special Educational Needs. For Diploma and Foundation students with SEN, a bespoke programme of Elective Skills Workshop courses can be mapped if necessary, and alternative assessment models employed where appropriate to provide a parity of opportunity with non-SEN students. Our SEND Coordinator will act as a personal tutor and first point of contact for all Diploma and Foundation SEN students, and will also ensure that all other tutors working with SEN students understand that student’s needs and how to support them. SEN students on the Creative and Professional Practice year may be given additional support as necessary as they work towards their Graduate Show.

The SEND Coordinator, and other staff members as relevant, will keep in regular contact with the parents of younger SEN students if appropriate, including meeting with them to discuss the progress of the student and any issues arising in their course of study.

 

Disabled Students

Students who declare a disability, specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia), long term health condition or mental health disability are asked to complete a ‘Student Declaration and Identification of Support Needs’ form, once they begin their programme. (This is in addition to the declaration requested at application).   It’s intended to ensure we capture the information we need to ensure a safe and successful educational career at the Academy. A member of the Academic team will then contact the student to discuss their individual support requirements and agree actions, which are shared with relevant tutors and support staff, informing them of any services and adjustments required.