University of East 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?

UEL provides a free online dyslexia screening service for all students; we also have a fund to pay for full diagnostic assessments (£75.00 student contribution), dependant on the outcome of screening results. The Disability & Dyslexia Team has a discretionary fund which can provide interim support whilst students complete their application for Disabled Student Allowance, as well as to fund international students and courses that do attract DSA funding.

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?

The Disability & Dyslexia Team at UEL has Disability & Dyslexia advisors, that students can speak with. We actively encourage and promote students to access our services prior to commencing their course, so we can ensure that any access requirement/reasonable adjustments are available to them at the start of their course. Students can also contact us at any time during their studies by booking an appointment with us via our Student Hubs.

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?

Each student is assigned an academic advisor at the commencement of each year of study; the academic advisor will provide the following support:

1. Help with settling into life at UEL through practical guidance, support and encouragement during those important early days.
2. Opportunities to discuss your academic progress and develop your confidence with independent learning.
3. Support if the going gets tough, from advice on keeping up with your studies to sources of specialist help.
4. Encouragement and an informed view with ways to enhance your academic studies and build your CV.

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?

All students who meet with the Disability & Dyslexia Team will initially attend a registration appointment, with one of our advisors. An assessment of their individual needs will take place and bespoke recommendations will be implemented and shared with relevant departments once express written consent has been obtained.

All our advisors have a case load of students to ensure continuity of support.

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?

UEL has a Wellbeing Service that all students can access if they have concerns about there emotional or mental health and require some additional support.

UEL’s Counselling service also sits within the Wellbeing team and can be initially accessed through an appointment with our mental health practitioners by contacting the Hub for an appointment.

The Mentoring Team based in our career zone offer a range of events and programmes for students to get involved in. They also offer both professional and student mentoring programmes.

One to one / group study skills

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

UEL’s Disability & Dyslexia team provide support in arranging one to one specialist study skills support sessions.

UEL also offers academic tutoring to all students to develop skills in academic writing, mathematics and to approach assignments effectively. They also offer a free assignment checking service; for more details email [email protected]