Queen Mary University of London

Funding for an SpLD assessment

Can a student be referred for a Specific Learning Differences (SpLD) support with a Specialist teacher through the University?

Yes. If students have no evidence of an SpLD then they are required to complete a screening questionnaire.  This is reviewed and the student is:

1. Referred to a diagnostician, where the screening is positive
2. Advised to seek support from other QMUL Services (e.g. Learning Development).

If evidence is available but does not meet current requirements, then students are referred directly to a diagnostician. Currently, assessments are taking place remotely, following Government Guidance on social distancing.

Disability Adviser available

Are there specialist staff available to talk to within the service?  Is there a disability officer or a disability adviser for students to talk to?

We have a range of specialist Disability Advisers who work within specific areas, including:

1. Physical/Sensory disabilities
2. Long-term medical conditions
3. Specific Learning Differences
4. Mental Health Conditions
5. Autistic Spectrum Conditions

Students are allocated an Adviser based upon these specialisms to ensure that the best possible support is offered to each student.

Support from academic staff

Is advice and support available from academic staff within the faculties of the University? How do students access this advice and support?

Every School and Institute has a dedicated Student Support Contact/Officer/Manager who offers advice on matters students feel may be impeding their ability to study.

Students are also allocated a personal tutor who provides pastoral care. Students are encouraged to contact these staff directly as required, doing so via email, phone or face-to-face. In addition to this, the Disability and Dyslexia Service works closely with Schools to ensure that appropriate referrals are made by all academic staff.

Staff continuity and understanding individual needs

Are the specialist disability staff in the team able to offer a personalised, bespoke response to a student’s needs? Where possible, is continuity provided for the student in meeting the same Disability Adviser and/or mentor so the student can get to know them over time?

Upon contacting the Disability and Dyslexia Service, students are allocated an adviser (or advisers, as appropriate) who is best positioned to establish and implement relevant support, e.g. a mental health adviser, disability adviser, SpLD adviser. Where possible continuity is provided by ensuring students who have previously accessed support are seen by the same adviser, which encourages the development of a successful working relationship. Students may be offered appointments with other advisers due to leave/sickness and/or new diagnoses.

One to one mentoring support

Are there any additional services available such as mentoring, counselling services or a buddy scheme to help a new student to settle in if needed?

Specialist (mental health) Mentoring is available and funded by the DSA or a research council for Home students. Specialist mentoring is also available to international students, funded directly by the institution. QMUL also has an advice and counselling service that all students are able to access for counselling support and/or welfare advice.

One to one / group study skills

Does the institution provide support with arranging One to one/Group study skills sessions?

QMUL employ in-house Study Skills tutors to support students with SpLD. Funding for home students is via a student’s DSA. International students are funded directly by the institution. Support takes place on campus in dedicated rooms and can be booked via the DDS Front Line Team, once the appropriate funding path has been identified.

Group study skills sessions are available to all students via the Learning Development team within Library Services.