How can we help...

Specialist SEND support for apprentices with SEND needs, including autism, learning difficulties, dyslexia, speech and language difficulties, social-emotional and mental health difficulties, physical and sensory difficulties is provided by our team and managed by the Welfare Support Coordinator.

We always aim to support all apprentices with learning difficulties and ensure they receive the support they need throughout their learning journey. This may be direct support or referrals for support from regional professional groups.

  • Our programmes always consider the needs of apprentices with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), which impact on their ability to progress and develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours
  • Trainers, coaches and support teams are made aware of what is most appropriate for different groups of apprentices, including those with a variety of special educational needs
  • Trainers, coaches, support teams and managers have access to training and we ensure that further training is provided as required and make staff aware of new and wider guidance on a variety of developments in SEND
  • The Welfare Support Coordinator is aware of the guidance, research and support available from organisations specialising in SEND and signposts to the most relevant support available
  • Trainers, supervisors, support teams and managers are aware of apprentice’s learning needs through discussions about apprentices' individual requirements and work from a prescribed learning needs report
  • Trainers, coaches and support teams are aware of their responsibility to ensure access and appropriate differentiation for apprentices and refer apprentices who require support outside of our provision and develop strategies to support the individual needs of apprentices
  • Trainers, coaches and support teams act on the information they receive about individual apprentices and refer them to the Welfare Coordinator
  • Additional specialist advice and support can be provided by specialist organisations and local regional support after consultation

How we provide support...

  • At Calex, we discuss challenges with apprentices who are struggling in all aspects of their learning journey towards their final exams and accommodate the challenges, stresses and anxieties that SEND needs can cause
  • We are aware of the impact that social-emotional and mental health issues have on apprentices and provide support where we can to improve the impact on learning
  • We strive for consistency in terms of inclusivity, organisation, structures and clear teaching and learning routines and training environments to best suit apprentices with additional needs in face-to-face settings
  • We signpost apprentices and employers to self-help and counselling services to help them develop strategies to overcome their own difficulties, as well as other agencies which offer support

  • We modify lessons by simplifying instructions and information, breaking things down into smaller points and emphasising the most important and consistent explanations in the training materials. We use visual aids, components, checklists and reference objects to support the teaching of theory and practice
  • During training, our trainers and coaches can give extra time for reflection, speaking and listening as well as completing tasks
  • We provide systems and materials to help with revision and additional learning, support with prioritisation and organisational skills and improve listening and attention skills with face to face and online training
  • We provide support in the provision and use of ICT for accessibility and work with employers to financially support access to equipment
  • We ensure that trainers, coaches and support teams provide assistance in completing projects and assignments, training tasks are clearly outlined so that apprentices know what they need to do to complete the tasks in their programme
  • Trainers, coaches and support teams demonstrate and model learning and consistently reinforce language and terminology where necessary to ensure apprentices absorb information and develop skills

  • We can provide assessments for exam entry arrangements where official declarations have been submitted
  • Calex apprenticeship programmes provide a highly organised learning space for in-person and virtual training and provide inclusive accessibility to learning materials
  • We use short reflection sessions to promote understanding (repeating, rephrasing, explaining and demonstrating)
  • We use different ways of setting tasks to ensure both access and understanding of the curriculum topics. We encourage apprentices to work in pairs and small groups to encourage and develop apprentices’ social and communication skills
  • We recognise the importance of not making too many changes during training and we ensure that transitions between apprentices are made clear and needs are addressed during training
  • During theoretical training, we aim to avoid sensory overload and are able to create a calm and distraction-free learning environment if required

Calex training teams always strive to provide the best opportunities for apprentices to flourish and develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours. We may need to work beyond the elements listed above and are always looking for new ways to improve delivery. Specific support outside of these elements may be sourced locally to further support development.

Any SEND needs can be discussed by sending a message to our Welfare and Support Coordinator: safeguarding@stellantis.com