ALN Frequently Asked Questions

Before Enrolment

Do SR have SEN provision?
Yes, we have a dedicated Learning Engagement Team who work to support learners through their apprenticeship.

How do I know if I qualify for ALN/SEN Support?
If you have a diagnosed learning difficulty, disability or health condition that affects your ability to learn or work, you likely qualify for ALN support. We will work with you to identify the right accommodations. As part of our onboarding process, we will ask you to complete a neurodiversity assessment on the Cognassist platform. This will provide you with a learning profile, identify any barriers and provide evidence for Reasonable Adjustment applications where appropriate.

What support is available to me if I have SEN/ALN?
That will very much depend on your learning needs, so it is best to speak to a member of our Learning Engagement Team so find out what appropriate support can be provided.

Who can I talk to about getting extra support in my apprenticeship?
The Learning Engagement Team is led by the SENDCo, Laura Coffey.

Can I get Extra Time in my exams?
Extra time is one example of a Reasonable Adjustment. You may qualify for extra time in your exams, but this is subject to having appropriate evidence. The Learning Engagement Team can help you explore what that evidence might look like but it is likely you may have a medical letter or diagnostic report from your school or Educational Psychologist.

Can you test me for dyslexia?
No. We don’t assess specifically for dyslexia but, as part of the apprenticeship onboarding process, all apprentices undertake a neurodiversity assessment. This is mandatory. We use the online platform Cognassist. It can identify barriers in a learning profile and the reports can be used to apply for reasonable adjustments (like extra time) in exams and through the EPA.

Are there any financial resources available for apprentices with ALN?
Depending on your location and situation, there may be funding or grants available to help cover the cost of additional support. Learners, including apprentices, can apply for Access to Work (AtW) grants to help cover the costs of additional support related to a disability, health condition, or learning difficulty that affects their ability to work or complete their apprenticeship. Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition: What Access to Work is – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

During Onboarding

What is the Cognassist assessment?
The Cognassist assessment is a digital tool used to identify and support individuals with neurodiverse learning needs. It’s commonly employed by apprenticeship providers, colleges, and employers to ensure that learners or employees with cognitive differences receive the support they need to succeed in their studies or work environment. It is a 30 minute online assessment.

Do I have to complete the Cognassist assessment?
Yes, apprenticeship providers are required to conduct an Additional Learning Needs (ALN) or Additional Learning Support (ALS) assessment if they identify that a learner may have learning difficulties, disabilities, or any condition that could impact their ability to complete the apprenticeship successfully. This process is vital to ensure that apprentices with ALN receive appropriate support and adjustments to help them achieve their goals.

What to do if I can’t access the Cognassist platform to complete the assessment?
To take the assessment, you must be on a computer, not phone or tablet. If you cannot access the assessment, it may be the browser not be compatible with the Cognassist platform, or stored cache and cookies may interfere with the login process. Clear the browser’s cache and cookies, ensure it is updated to the latest version, or try using an alternative browser like Google Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.

Can I see my Cognassist results?
Yes. If your report identified you may be eligible for additional support, the Learning Engagement Team will share the report with you in an online Teams meeting to explore what the results mean and what impact this could have on the support received throughout your apprenticeship. If there are no needs identified, you can request a copy of the report from support @srscc.co.uk.

During Apprenticeship

What do I do if I can’t login to my Cognassist platform?
Common issues may include:
The browser not be compatible with the Cognassist platform, or stored cache and cookies may interfere with the login process. Solution: Clear the browser’s cache and cookies, ensure it is updated to the latest version, or try using an alternative browser like Google Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.
Some workplaces have strict firewalls or security settings that block access to certain websites or platforms, including Cognassist. Solution: Contact the IT department to check if Cognassist is being blocked and request that access be allowed, or try logging in using a personal device outside of the workplace network.
Try logging in using the URL SRSCC.app.cognassist.com. If these do not work, contact: support@cognassist.com and they will work with you to rectify the issue.

What should I do if I fall behind because of my ALN?
If your ALN is affecting your ability to keep up with assignments or work tasks, inform your Mentor or a member of the Learner Engagement Team. They can review your support plan, and explore ways to support you.

What if my ALN needs change after starting the apprenticeship?
If your needs change, you can request a reassessment of your learning needs with the Learning Engagement Team. Your training provider can adjust your support plan to reflect new accommodations.

How can I balance work and study if my ALN affects my time management?
Time management can be challenging with ALN. Speak with your Learning Engagement Team or Progress Mentor to develop strategies like breaking tasks into smaller steps, using digital tools to stay organised, or receiving additional support from a mentor.

How do I prepare for my End-Point Assessment (EPA) if I have ALN?
The Learning Engagement Team will work with you to ensure you have the right support for your EPA. This could include accommodations like extra time, a reader or scribe, or adjustments to the assessment environment to meet your needs.

Can I access mental health or wellbeing support if my ALN is affecting my emotional health?
Yes, we do offer some mental health and wellbeing support if appropriate and can direct you to mental health and wellbeing support services. We recommend the Hub of Hope which is a is a national mental health database and support directory in the UK. It is designed to help individuals find mental health support services in their local area. The platform brings together a wide range of mental health resources, from NHS services to voluntary, charity, and private organisations, making it easier for people to access the help they need. Additionally, if your ALN impacts your emotional health, you can access counselling or wellbeing resources through your employer or external organisations.