Overview
Additional Learning Needs (ALN) cover a wide range of conditions that may affect an Apprentice's learning or day-to-day participation on programme, differently from their peers. This can include, but is not limited to, specific learning needs and neurodiversity (such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, or autism), mental health conditions, chronic illnesses, physical or mobility needs, and sensory impairments (including visual impairments and d/Deaf or hard of hearing Apprentices). An Apprentice may have more than one Additional Learning Need at the same time.
This article explains the process for disclosing an Additional Learning Need and the types of support available, so that every Apprentice has an equitable opportunity to succeed on programme.
How to Get Support Quickly
You do not need a diagnosis to get started. You can raise it with your Coach, or email the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) team directly at [email protected] (UK).
The ALN team works over email, not live chat. Please email the team rather than waiting in the support chat, so that you receive a reply directly to your inbox.
What Additional Learning Needs Support Provides
Multiverse is committed to delivering inclusive and accessible learning for every Apprentice. Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Support removes barriers to learning by providing tailored support. Support can come directly from your Coach, or through collaboration with the ALN team, so that every Apprentice with an Additional Learning Need has full access to personalised support.
Categories of Additional Learning Need
An Additional Learning Need can be a diagnosed or suspected disability, learning difference, support need, or impairment that creates barriers to an Apprentice's ability to do any of the following:
Physically access or attend learning or exams.
Access the way in which learning is communicated. For example, a d/Deaf Apprentice may need a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter or live captions.
Take an equitable part in instruction and coaching sessions.
Process and retain information at the pace of learning.
Meet set deadlines.
Communicate learning needs to a Coach.
This is not an exhaustive list of conditions:
Category | Examples |
Physical Impairments | Cerebral Palsy, bulging discs, Scoliosis, Muscular Dystrophy |
Chronic or Severe Acute Illness | Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, cancer, migraines or cluster headaches |
Neurodevelopmental Conditions | ADHD, Autism Spectrum, Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder), Tourette Syndrome |
Long-Term or Severe Mental Health Conditions | Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar 1 or 2, severe depression (Major Depressive Disorder), severe anxiety disorders |
Sensory Impairments | Visual impairment, d/Deaf or hard of hearing, Hyperacusis |
Specific Learning Differences | Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, mild or moderate learning difficulties |
Process for Receiving On-Course Support
If you recognise that you might be affected by one or more of these conditions, follow these steps. You do not need to raise this only at the start of your apprenticeship. You can share this with Multiverse at any point during your programme.
Step 1: Talk to Your Coach
Your Coach plays an important role in your learning journey, though you are also welcome to contact the ALN team directly at [email protected] if that feels easier. If you feel comfortable, discuss openly:
Any past or current challenges related to your learning needs.
Situations where you have felt disadvantaged, in education or in the workplace.
Previous support or accommodations that have helped, or not helped.
Support options you might need from Multiverse.
If you are uncertain what you need, that is completely fine. Use this discussion as a starting point.
Step 2: Assess Next Steps
If you disclosed an Additional Learning Need during admissions, the ALN team may have already contacted you. If not, and with your consent, your Coach may refer you to the ALN team. The ALN team may do any of the following:
Work with your Coach to advise on how to best support you.
Contact you to create an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) that outlines recommended on-course adjustments and signposts further resources.
Offer further screening if you suspect a learning difference but do not have a diagnosis. This may also lead to an ILP.
Refer you to external services that provide learning mentors, wellbeing mentors, and assistive technology.
Step 3: Follow Up
Securing the right adjustments and support is an ongoing effort. Regular check-ins with your Coach will help refine any support so that it continues to meet your needs. If you have an ILP, the ALN team reviews it with you every three months. You can contact the team before this review if you have any concerns, at [email protected].
Process for Receiving Exam Adjustments
Functional Skills
NCFE is the exam board for Functional Skills. If you feel you may need additional time in your Reading, Writing, or Maths exams:
Email [email protected] with the subject heading "Functional Skills Adjustment".
If you have a Specific Learning Difficulty such as Dyslexia or Dyscalculia, attach a diagnostic report assessed in person after Year 9, as required by NCFE.
If you have a disability, including physical needs and neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and Autism, attach a medical letter or diagnostic report outlining your diagnosis. The ALN team must complete an additional form with you and will arrange a date to do this.
Note: NCFE can only make exam adjustments where these evidence requirements are met.
No Diagnosis Yet? How to Start
You do not need a diagnosis to begin the conversation. There are a few routes:
Multiverse can provide a non-clinical screener, such as the Support Connect "This is Me" screener. If you flag on the screener, this can be used in place of a diagnosis for exam adjustments.
If you are pursuing a formal diagnosis, for example through your General Practitioner (GP), email [email protected]. The ALN team can explain what the exam board requires, so that you have the right information for your GP or specialist.
For End Point Assessment adjustments, you may also provide a manager statement evidencing your usual ways of working.
End Point Assessments
If you feel you will need adjustments in your End Point Assessment (EPA), let your Coach know, or email [email protected] with the subject title "EPA Adjustments". Include your course, Gateway date, Coach name, and what you anticipate you may need. If you are not sure what adjustments might be available to you, email [email protected]. The ALN team can share a guidance list of reasonable adjustments.
Exam boards require evidence of your diagnosis. This can be any of the following:
A letter from a medical or other qualified specialist.
A diagnostic report.
An Occupational Health report.
A non-clinical screener, such as the Support Connect "This is Me" screener, where a potential learning need has been flagged.
On-Course Assignments (Levels 3 to 4)
An ILP can recommend extended deadlines and additional learning mentoring, such as Specialist Learning Mentoring and Assistive Technology Mentoring, with Multiverse's external partner, Support Connect. Your Coach sets deadlines, so you must discuss this with your Coach to agree a date that works for you both.
On-Course Assignments (Level 5 and Above)
Multiverse can create an ILP for you with 5 working day deadline extensions, as above.
Multiverse can also refer you for additional learning mentoring, such as Specialist Learning Mentoring and Assistive Technology Mentoring, with Support Connect.
Completing a Screener with Support Connect
If you and your Coach, or the ALN team, agree that you will complete a screener, Support Connect will email you an access code and link. This email does not come from Multiverse directly.
Cannot find the code? Check your junk or spam folder and search your inbox for Support Connect.
Code not recognised, link not working, or code never arrived? Email [email protected] with the subject "Screener access", plus your name and programme. The ALN team can resend your code or set up a new one.
Getting a Copy of Your Screener Results
Support Connect holds your screener results, not Multiverse. If you completed a screener or assessment during your apprenticeship and need a copy, for example to support an exam-adjustment request, contact Support Connect directly. If you have any issues, email [email protected].
Note: A screener cannot diagnose a learning difference. It can be used in place of a diagnosis for exam adjustments if you flag on the screener. It can also give you, and your Coach or Instructor, a clearer idea of your strengths and barriers, and how best to support you.
Support Connect can also provide Specialist Learning Mentors, Wellbeing Mentors, and Assistive Technology Mentors. Email the ALN team at [email protected] for a referral.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Questions | Answers |
Question: Do I need a diagnosis before I ask for Additional Learning Needs support? | Answer: No. You can start the conversation with your Coach or the ALN team at [email protected] without a diagnosis. Multiverse can offer a non-clinical screener or advise on how to pursue a formal diagnosis. |
Question: Who do I contact for Additional Learning Needs support? | Answer: Email the ALN team directly at [email protected], or raise it with your Coach. The ALN team works over email, not live chat. |
Question: How often is my Individual Learning Plan reviewed? | Answer: The ALN team reviews your ILP every three months. You can contact the ALN team before this if you have any concerns. |
Question: Where are my screener results held? | Answer: Support Connect holds your screener results, not Multiverse. Contact Support Connect directly for a copy, or email [email protected] if you have any issues. |
If at any point you prefer to contact the ALN team directly to discuss a learning or physical need, email [email protected] (UK).