Optimum Student Support

In just a few days, we’ll be hosting a comprehensive webinar with Tony Allen, a Governance Support and Apprenticeship Quality expert, where we’ll delve into: Key Topics: What is ALS? -Understanding its definition, purpose, and importance for apprentices with learning differences and disabilities. Outsourcing ALS Delivery: -Identifying needs, selecting the right provider, and effective collaboration strategies. Claiming ALS via ESFA: -A detailed guide on navigating the claim process, including key documentation and common challenges. Examples of ALS: -Tailored support strategies for apprentices with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more. This webinar is a valuable opportunity for employers and training providers aiming to enhance their understanding of ALS and improve outcomes for apprentices with learning differences and disabilities. Reserve your spot today!    https://lnkd.in/eNNBQ_KM Your participation can make a significant difference in fostering an inclusive environment for all learners. Please feel free to share this post within your network!

Is your organization struggling to understand how to implement Additional Learner Support (ALS) for apprentices? Gain practical insights and strategies that can help you create a more inclusive and supportive environment for your apprentices. In this webinar, hosted by Optimum Student Support with Tony Allen, Governance Support and Apprenticeship Quality expert, we’ll cover:  Key Topics: - What is ALS? Definition, purpose, and why it’s crucial for apprentices with learning differences and disabilities. - Outsourcing ALS Delivery: How to identify the need, select the right provider, and collaborate effectively. - Claiming ALS via ESFA: A step-by-step guide on navigating the claim process, key documentation, and overcoming common challenges. - Examples of ALS: Tailored support strategies for apprentices with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more.  Speakers: - Sanja Quayle from Optimum Student Support - Tony Allen – NED, Governance Support & Apprenticeship Compliance Expert This webinar is designed for employers and training providers looking to enhance their understanding of ALS and improve outcomes for apprentices with learning differences and disabilities. Register Now: https://lnkd.in/euAD237d

Forward-thinking employers see the unique strengths neurodivergent people bring to the workplace 🤩 Here’s why:  ➡ Unique viewpoints: Neurodivergent people often see things differently, which can lead to new ideas and creative solutions.  ➡ Special Skills: Many have strong abilities in areas like spotting patterns, paying attention to detail, and logical thinking. These skills are great for many jobs.  ➡ Better Teamwork: Teams with neurodivergent people benefit from different perspectives, leading to better and more effective solutions.    At Optimum Student Support, we help employers create inclusive environments where neurodivergent employees can thrive.    Discover more about our support services: https://lnkd.in/eGkJjpzT

Share your biggest challenges 👇

Why do apprentices with learning difficulties and disabilities face higher dropout rates? This often happens because their needs aren’t fully met.    Societal barriers and misconceptions can create challenges and hinder success.    Why it matters:  ➡ Everyone can do their best: When workplaces are accessible, everyone has what they need to succeed. This helps people show their true talents and skills.  ➡ More ideas and creativity: Different perspectives bring new ideas and creative solutions. An accessible workplace welcomes and values these differences.  ➡ Better team morale: When everyone feels included and supported, it creates a positive and happy work environment.  ➡ Fairness and equality: Making workplaces accessible ensures everyone has an equal chance to succeed, regardless of their learning difficulties or disabilities.  ➡ Improved performance: When people have the tools and support they need, they can work more efficiently and effectively. How we can help:  Our 5 step wrap around support services at Optimum Student Support help reduce dropout rates by removing barriers and providing the necessary support for apprentices to complete their programmes. Learn how  https://lnkd.in/eGkJjpzT

Dyslexia is often misunderstood as a barrier or weakness, but it’s actually an opportunity to embrace a new way of thinking 🙌      When we make our workplaces more accessible, we can empower dyslexic individuals to embrace their talents.    Why dyslexia is a strength:   - Creative Problem-Solving: Dyslexic people often think differently and find creative solutions to problems.   - Innovative Thinking: Many dyslexic individuals have great creative skills, bringing new ideas and solutions.   - Strong Visual Skills: People with dyslexia often have strong visual and spatial skills, which are valuable in many tasks.    Discover our dyslexia support services: https://lnkd.in/eGkJjpzT 

Did you know there’s funding available to help you create a more inclusive and supportive environment for your apprentices? 👀   The ESFA (Education and Skills Funding Agency) Learning Support Funding is a vital initiative aimed at providing additional support to apprentices in the UK who have learning difficulties or disabilities, including those who are neurodivergent.    Who can the funding help?  The funding is aimed at helping education/training providers offer tailored support to apprentices, ensuring they can fully participate in and benefit from their training.     How can LSF help?  - Tailored Support: Use the funds to give apprentices extra Study Skills tutoring and Mental Health mentoring. The support is mapped to the specific needs of the learner in relation to their apprenticeship course and the required KSBs of their training programme.  - Assistive Technology Training: Making learning easier for everyone.  - Reasonable Adjustments: Tweak training programmes to fit the needs of apprentices with learning difficulties and disabilities, so they can fully take part and succeed.    Why Utilise LSF?  - Empower Apprentices: With the right support, apprentices with learning difficulties and disabilities can truly contribute their unique skills and perspectives to your organisation.  - Promote Inclusivity: An inclusive learning environment ensures all voices are heard, creating a positive culture of continuous improvement and fresh ideas.  - Drive Success:  By meeting the needs of all learners, you make sure every apprentice has the chance to succeed, attracting a wider range of skilled and diverse team members.    Learn more   Optimum Student Support guides you in maximising this funding, ensuring you can provide the best possible support to your apprentices: https://lnkd.in/eGkJjpzT

Did you know nearly 20% of individuals aged 16-64 in England have a learning difficulty or disability?     And many don't feel safe declaring their needs.    This is why we are dedicated to working with employers and training providers in supporting their apprentices.     Our goal is to remove barriers, create safe and supportive environments where every apprentice can thrive.      Discover how we can help: https://lnkd.in/eGkJjpzT

Are you an employer or training provider looking to improve your apprenticeship programme? Supporting individual needs might seem challenging, but it benefits everyone. 🌟 Our tailored academic and wellbeing support helps apprentices with learning differences thrive. Here’s how we can help you: - Initial assessments to understand each apprentice's unique needs - Tailored support plans and reasonable accommodations - 1:1 mentoring and tutoring for personalised guidance - Regular progress reviews at one, three, and six-month intervals By addressing individual needs, we help apprentices overcome barriers, succeed in their programs, and increase completion rates. From start to finish, we provide continuous, personalized support, ensuring every learner thrives. Partner with us to create an inclusive environment where all apprentices can reach their full potential. Empower your apprentices and boost your completion rates! 🚀 Find out more: https://lnkd.in/e-8aHrhs

The diagnostic criteria for autism focuses on a deficit in socio-communication–but let's look at it from a different angle 👀 The way autistic people and neurotypical (NT) people socialise can be different, not wrong. 🤝 This difference in sociality can cause misunderstandings on both sides. Autistic individuals may find it challenging to interact with neurotypicals, and vice versa. This is called the "double empathy" problem (Milton, 2012). 🌍 Autistic people often have to learn neurotypical social norms because we live in a neurotypical world. However, neurotypicals might not understand autistic social norms as well. 🧠 Autistic sociality tends to be more logical, while neurotypical sociality follows more unspoken social rules. Neither is better or worse—just different.