University of West 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?

A student can initially book an appointment with a Disability Adviser for a SpLD screening. Depending on the outcome of the screening, a referral will be made for the student to have a full diagnostic assessment. This is fully funded by the University.

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?

Yes. Our team is made up of Disability Advisers and Mental Health Advisers.

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?

Advice and support can be access through pre-arranged meetings, email, phone, video call or within set seminar times. Some academics may also have an ‘open-door’ policy at set hours. Each Academic School may differ slightly.

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?

It is possible to see the same Disability Adviser for continuity purposes. However, this cannot always be guaranteed due to staff holiday, sickness or other staff commitments.

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? 

There is a counselling service available at UWL. There is also a specific Wellbeing Peer Mentor scheme specifically for disabled students or who have a wellbeing need. This support is available from UWL’s Study Support Team. Specialist Mentoring is provided by external services.

One to one / group study skills

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

We have internal and external providers for 1-1 specialist study skills sessions. The University also provides general 1-1 academic support, workshops, language and maths support via our Study Support Team.