Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

Funding for an SpLD assessment

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

Free dyslexia/dyspraxia/ADHD 60-minute screening appointments with specialist tutors are offered. 

Approximately 20% of students at Central are dyslexic or dyspraxic, ADHD learners.

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?

Disability advice available prior to application, after offer and also when students register on our courses.

Advise staff; advocate for students; carry out non-DSA assessments of needs and disseminate adjustment plans to teaching staff.

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?

Academic staff have access to student’s Reasonable Adjustment Plans.

Each student has a Personal academic tutor. 

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?

We are a small team with 2 Disability Service Managers and 1 SpLD Co-ordinator and 1 Senior SpLD tutor.

We currently have 8 SpLD VL tutors and 3 Mentors. Mentoring support is with the same mentor over a period of time, as is 1:1 SpLD support. This ensures an effective bond is nurtured and is student centred, though students can request to change their tutors/mentors when/if necessary.  

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?

One-to-one in-house mentoring is available

Counselling service is available

Some courses have a buddy scheme (not specifically disability related)

One to one / group study skills

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

Yes, the majority of neurodiverse students have 1:1 specialist study-skills support.

Central also has an academic writing learning support service for all students – this is primarily offered as a virtual service.