Skip to main content

SEND Support

What is SEND?

SEND stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. It means you might need extra help with learning, moving around, talking, or understanding things. It’s okay to ask for help and support, and your voice matters in shaping what works best for you.

Everyone learns in different ways - and that's okay!

What Kind of Help Can I Get? 

You might get help with: 

  • Learning - like reading, writing, or Maths
  • Understanding - if you find it hard to follow instructions
  • Speaking or listening
  • Moving around or using equipment
  • Feelings and emotions

Who Can Help Me?

At college, there are friendly people who can support you:

  • Learning Support Assistants - help you in class
  • SEND Manager - the Special Educational Needs Manager
  • Counsellors - if you're feeling worries or upset
  • Careers Advisors - help you plan your future
  • Learning Support Officers - listen if you're worried
  • Tutors - talk about your course

What Support Might Look Like

  • Extra time in exams
  • Help from a Learning Support Assistant
  • Special equipment like laptops or reading tools
  • Quiet spaces to work or relax
  • A plan made just for you (called an EHCP or support profile)

What Should I Do If I Need Help?

  • Talk to someone you trust – like a teacher or tutor
  • Ask to speak to the SEND Team
  • You can also ask your parent or carer to help

Want to Talk to the SEND Team?

  • Contact us on 01205 365701 and ask for the SEND Team
  • Ask your tutor to help you get in touch

What is an EHCP?

An EHCP is a plan that helps you get the support you need at school or college. It stands for Education, Health and Care Plan.

It tells people:

  • What you're good at
  • What you need help with
  • What support you should get
  • Your goals and dreams for the future

What is an Annual Review? 

An Annual Review is a meeting that happens once a year to check your EHCP.

At the meeting you can:

  • Say what’s going well
  • Talk about what’s not working
  • Share your ideas and goals
  • Ask for changes if you need more help

SEND Services

Boston College provides a range of SEND services to ensure that students with special educational needs and/or disabilities can access education on an equal basis with others. These services are designed to support students academically, socially, and emotionally, and help students achieve their aspirations!

  • Initial assessments pre-enrolment and on programme to identify learning needs
  • Ongoing evaluations to monitor progress and adjust support plans
  • Collaboration with external professionals (e.g. Sensory Impairment, Physiotherapist)
  • Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) or Support Profiles
  • Tailored strategies and goals based on the student’s specific needs
  • Regular reviews involving students, parents/carers, and staff
  • Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) to help students in lessons
  • Differentiated teaching methods and materials
  • Use of assistive technology (e.g. speech-to-text software, screen readers)
  • Access to counselling
  • Support from academic coaches
  • Physical adaptations to buildings (e.g. ramps, lifts, accessible toilets)
  • Exam access arrangements (e.g. extra time, scribes, separate rooms)
  • Flexible timetables or reduced course loads following assessment of need
  • Help with transitioning from school to college and from college to employment or higher education
  • Career advice and work experience opportunities tailored to SEND students
  • Collaboration with local authorities and support agencies
  • Regular training for staff on inclusive teaching practices and disability awareness.
  • Designated SEND team.
Boston College Counsellor talking to a student who has their back to the camera

Lincolnshire County Council SEND Team 

For broader SEND support, including EHCPs and assessments:

This team supports the Boston and South Holland area and can help with Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments, plans, and other SEND-related queries.