Here to help

Award Winning Support

We have a wide variety of support and safeguarding services that are available for all our students, whether you are here full-time, one day a week or even just for a few hours each week, you’ll have access to all our support and safeguarding services.

Contact us:

  • Find us upstairs in The Hwb
  • Monday to Friday: 08:00 to 17:00
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Lady using an ATM with blue lighting.

Financial Help

If your financial situation is affecting your ability to study there are several funding opportunities that may be available to you to help. You can find out more on our student finance page.

If the course has been cancelled by the College you will be entitled to a full refund. Please see our Fee Policy for more details.
This will depend on when you withdraw/cancelled your place. Please see our Fee Policy for more details.
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Additional Learning Needs (ALN), Learning Difficulties or Disabilities

At Pembrokeshire College we take learner support very seriously. As a leading education provider, we aim to maximise all our learners’ potential. Our award winning learning and wellbeing support helps to raise individual learner’s performance and help them progress to further learning, successful voluntary or employment opportunities or preparing for adulthood.

It is very important that, if you are planning on attending college, that you advise the Learning Support team of your support needs at the earliest stage possible and before your interview.

This is because we want to be certain that we can meet your support needs before you join our courses.

Contact us:

Yes, if you received support in school you can continue to receive support in College.

We have large team of Learning Support Assistants (LSA) who provide classroom, workshop and drop-in support for all our learners with additional learning needs, learning difficulties and disabilities during their time at College.

LSA support can be adapted to suit a learner’s individual needs. The support varies from supporting individual learners needs on a 1:1 or shared basis; help in completing assignments, adapting resources, making notes, time management, organisation skills, and developing their digital literacy, numeracy and literacy skills.

The LSA team also provide personal support to assist in day-to-day activities. Learners with mobility needs, medical needs and general care needs will be supported with dignity and respect and in a person-centred way.

At Pembrokeshire College, we are here to help every learner succeed and that includes providing support with assistive technology to make learning more accessible.

We offer a range of tools and technology designed to support your learning and independence and help you get the most out of your course. This includes:

  • Access to Office 365, with built-in accessibility features like Dictate, Immersive Reader and translation tools
  • Reader pens to help with reading and understanding text
  • The Microsoft Lens app for capturing and converting notes and documents
  • Magnifiers for easier on-screen reading
  • Laptop loans to support your studies at home or in college
  • Goblin.tools free AI software designed to support neurodivergent young people to prioritise tasks and understand information and communications

If you think assistive technology could help you with your learning, we are here to chat and find the right tools for you.

Yes, we have a team of Communication Support Workers (CSW) who provide 1:1 support for our hearing impaired learners and will adapt or modify resources, make notes, and help in completing assignments according to the learner’s individual needs.

All of the LSA’s and CSW’s work very closely with the curriculum teaching teams and are trained and encouraged to develop a learner’s independence skills whilst at College.

Yes, we have a team of Communication Support Workers (CSW) who provide one to one support for our visually impaired learners and will adapt or modify resources, make notes, and help in completing assignments according to the learner’s individual needs.

All the Learning Support Assistants and Communication Support Workers work very closely with the curriculum teaching teams and are trained and encouraged to develop a learner’s independence skills whilst at College.

Yes, our Learning Support Assistant team will coach learners with reading difficulties to use the Toe by Toe literacy system.

The system is designed to help anyone who finds reading difficult for whatever reason. The coaching takes place during learner’s break times so it does not impact on their course of study.

If you have an Additional Learning Need (ALN) which means you are unable to walk to College, or access mainstream transport, please refer to our Special Transport Guidance.

Exam Access Arrangement assessments are available to support learners who have additional learning needs, disabilities, or medical emergencies. They help make sure everyone has a fair chance to show what they know in timed assessments or exams without changing what the assessment is testing.

This might include having extra time, a reader, a scribe or prompt.

Joint Council for Qualification Guidance (external website)

We know that moving from school to college can feel exciting but it can also be a bit overwhelming. That is why our Learner Transition Team are here to help make your transition as smooth and stress-free as possible for both you and your parents, carers or guardians.

Here is how we support you through your transition:

  • Attendance at school Person Centred Plan (PCP) or Individual Development Plan (IDP) Review meetings. The Learner Transition Team at Pembrokeshire College actively participates in school PCP meetings. By attending these meetings, the transition team gains valuable insight into the learner’s strengths, needs and support requirements. This collaborative approach helps to align support strategies between the school and the college, ensuring a seamless transition.
  • Where you have evidenced needs, we will meet you to determine if you will need Additional Learning Provision and will therefore need an IDP or if your needs can be met via our Universal Learning Provision (ULP) when a One Page Profile Plus will be created for you. These documents outline your support needs and the best strategies to help you learn.
  • College Visits – individual or school groups. The Learner Transition Team supports individuals and schools by arranging bespoke visits to the College, helping learners become familiar with the environment, staff, available learning, pastoral and wellbeing support. These visits are designed to ease the transition process, reduce anxiety, and ensure that learners feel confident and prepared for their next steps in education.

If you need some extra support during open events we can arrange personalised visits or guided tours to help you feel more comfortable about getting to know the College.

Transition Magazine

Next Steps
Transition Magazine

ALN Transition

Supporting Learners with Additional Learning Needs in their Transition to College
ALN Transition Guide
  • Pembrokeshire College hosts a “Future Ready” event designed to prepare learners in the Life Skills Academy for their next steps in education or employment. This event offers attendees the opportunity to explore various career pathways, engage with industry professionals, and gain insights into the skills and qualifications required for different careers.
  • The Learner Transition Team plays a key role in signposting learners with additional needs to their next steps after completing their course. By working closely with learners, the team helps identify suitable progression routes, whether that involves further education, vocational training, work experience or employment.

The Individual Development Plan (IDP) review process is designed to ensure that you, as a learner with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), receives the right Additional Learning Provision throughout your studies. The process starts by gathering information about your strengths, challenges, and any support you need from both your school and the College.

Your IDP is then created in a person centred meeting.

Throughout your time at College, the Learning Support Team will continue to review your progress and adjust the support provided to help you succeed.

You can decide if you wish to give consent or not on an IDP being prepared and maintained while you are in College and if your Parent or carer are included in the decision making. We have listed some of the advantages and disadvantages of giving consent for IDP.

Flowchart of the Individual Development Plan Process
While at college the Transition Team will help with:
  • undertaking an assessment for exam access arrangements
  • access to College facilities and equipment
  • signposting you to advice on transport, health, financial support and student services
  • access to a wide range of assistive and adaptive technology
  • support throughout your time in College
  • your next steps once you are ready to leave College
If you have any queries, or would like to arrange a transition visit please email: learning.support@pembrokeshire.ac.uk

For students who may have followed a School Action Plus programme or an Alternative Curriculum, or perhaps attended some additional support sessions, had LSA support in classes, or attended a Special Education Needs (SEN) School, our Life Skills Academy courses are tailored to support your needs.

Our Life Skills Academy courses focus on Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE), Vocational Skills, and Essential Skills Wales. They are ideal if you are unsure what pathway to take next and need that extra provision. LSA support is available where needed for all learners.

Group photo of Learning Support staff

Judith Nichols

Kim Tamilia

Louise Blockwell

Beth Vines

Emma Wilkes

Judith Evans

Sian Thompson

Kristal Davies

Natalie Reynolds

Sian Thompson, ALN and Inclusion Lead

Judith Evans, Inclusion Services Manager

Judith Nichols, Inclusion Services Senior Officer

Louise Blockwell, Transition Services Senior Officer

Beth Vines, Learner Transition Coordinator

Natalie Reynolds, Learner Transition Coordinator

Emma Wilkes, IDP Coordinator

Kim Tamilia, Inclusion Services Senior Administrator

Kristal Davies, Specialist Dyslexia Teacher/Assessor

Neon lights spelling Good vibes only.

Support in College

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We are proud to offer a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment for all our learners. Everyone is treated with respect and valued equally. We are here to help you thrive, reach your potential and for you to feel safe and supported.

We have a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination of any kind. We fully support the rights of our learners under the Equality Act 2010. Our staff receive regular Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training, and we encourage learners and staff to speak up and report any concerns to our Safeguarding Team. Any reports of discrimination, harassment or victimisation are always taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.

Pembrokeshire College is an anti-racist organisation. We are committed to anti-racist values and have a robust Anti-Racism Action Plan in place to help us keep moving forward. We also respect and support religious and cultural diversity – a multi-faith prayer room is available for all learners and staff on our main campus.

The College’s Learner Executive have an active Learner Equality and Diversity Committee and a team of ‘Safeguardians’ who are committed to supporting learners and promoting allyship. The committee hold events raising awareness of the lived experiences and barriers facing young people and ensuring all learners are made to feel welcome.

If you are on a Jobs Growth Wales + (JGW+) course or an apprenticeship, we offer high-quality teaching, learning and assessment that works for everyone. We believe in a person centred approach, which means we focus on what you may need to succeed.

We offer support to all learners. If you need a bit of extra help, whether it’s something targeted or more personalised, we have got a range of academic, learning, pastoral or wellbeing services to support you. It could be access to a laptop or Exam Access Arrangements.

When you enrol, we will ask you to let us know if you have any learning support needs. Then we will arrange a time to chat about the best way we can support you.

And don’t worry if your needs or wishes change while you are studying, we are always here to listen and adjust your support.

If you’re struggling with the workload, this first thing is to speak to your tutor to let them know.

The next thing is to find your Learning Coach in The Hwb – they will be able to help you to make a plan and to get back on top of your workload.

Every learner in College has access to a dedicated Learning Coach to aid the academic transition from school to College. One of the main aims of the team is to encourage the development of independent learning skills; which will enable learners to achieve their academic goals.

Learning Coaches will work with learners to help them develop the necessary skills to enable them to become independent learners. They can arrange 1-1 or group sessions, tailor-made to the individual’s needs.

Sessions may include:

  • Organisation
  • Assignment work
  • Revision techniques
  • Study skills
  • Motivation

We don’t have a Student Union on campus but students are able to apply for an NUS card for discounts in some stores.

We also have an active Learner Voice programme and you will be encouraged to become a Course Representative or to even stand for Student Governor to ensure that the views of learners are heard.

The College is proud to be delivering the Reaching Wider project, giving looked after learners additional support to progress on their course and have the opportunity to attend Higher Education taster sessions.

Órlaith, is part of our Safeguarding Team and dedicated to the support and wellbeing of our looked after learners and care leavers. Órlaith is based in The Wellbeing Hub. Her phone number is: 01437 753 186, email safe@pembrokeshire.ac.uk

Pembrokeshire College has a designated officer, Judith Evans, as part of our Safeguarding Team she can provide advice and support to learners who are estranged from their parents. This can be regarding their current studies and also for progression to further studies at Pembrokeshire College or going to University.

Judith is based in The Hwb (up the stairs in the atrium). Her phone number is: 01437 753186, email safe@pembrokeshire.ac.uk

For information on how you can support your child during their studies at College, please refer to the Parents Page

Pembrokeshire College is committed to developing its bilingual provision and ethos. We promote bilingualism and encourage all our students to develop and use their Welsh language skills.

Bilingual opportunities

Students are welcome to access tutorials in Welsh, to complete assessments or assignments through the medium of Welsh and there are many units that you can study in Welsh or bilingually too.

Studying your vocational course bilingually will help you develop valuable skills for the workplace and will give you a wider range options when you leave College.

Visit our Welsh Language in the College page to find out what is available to you

Your tutor

If you have any concerns about your studies let them know, if you have any worries about things other than your course, they’ll be able to put you in touch with someone who can help.

Pastoral Coaches

On-hand throughout your study to support you with any issues you may be facing.

Emotional Literacy Support (ELSA)

We understand that emotional wellbeing is important for academic success. That is why we offer support through our trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs), who are specially trained to support young people with their emotional development. Their role is to listen, understand and help you find your own solutions to the challenges you might be facing.

Guidance Team

Our Advice and Guidance Team can support you with your progression, whether you need help with identifying your ambitions, knowing how to get to where you want to be, or simply researching your options. Our friendly advisors are here to help you. Pop in and visit them in the Admissions Office or drop them an email: admissions@pembrokeshire.ac.uk

Chaplain

We have a non-denomination chaplain who attends the College once a week.

Counselling

The College provides a free and confidential counselling service to both students and staff. The counselling team will help you to explore your thoughts, feelings and worries and to consider your options so that you can make the decisions that are best for you.

You can make an appointment to see a member of the counselling team by calling or by emailing counselling@pembrokeshire.ac.uk

Youth Worker

Our Youth Worker is on hand to help signpost learners who are having difficulties with any aspect of their studies or life in general.

We have several quiet spaces you can study on your own or simply take a break and relax in peace.

Pembrokeshire College aims to support all its learners and works closely with partner agencies to provide additional support for learners who have carer responsibilities.

The College is proud to be working with Investors in Carers and the Driving Change project in partnership with the Carers Federation and the Learning and Work Institute. We hold the Investors in Carers bronze award and the Carers Federation Quality Standard for Carer Support.

We offer our Carers:

  • A dedicated team that unpaid Carers can turn to for support and signposting, The Safeguarding and Wellbeing Team can be reached by emailing safe@pembrokeshire.ac.uk
  • A referral service to register learners as Carers with their GP and with Carer Information Services.
  • Resources for Carers – including lists of organisations available to help Carers, information on benefits, health and wellbeing and how to get one-to-one advice and guidance.
  • Provide a network for Carers to meet and engage with other learners who are Carers
  • If there is a time where the Carer’s responsibility impacts on their studies they can bring it to the attention of the Safeguarding team and the College will consider reasonable adjustments.
  • Give priority to Carers for financial support from the Financial Contingency Fund.
  • Support a learner Carer to represent other Carers at Learner Voice meetings and to work alongside our Safeguarding and Wellbeing team to keep the needs of Carers at the forefront of learner service provision.
  • Arrange events that raise awareness and provide information to Carers such as celebrating Young Carers Day and Carer Awareness Week.
A Specialist Support Assessor provides a diagnostic assessment for examination access arrangements. This includes assessing reasonable adjustments for learners with disabilities and Additional Learning Needs in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Participating in enrichment activities will support not only your mental health and wellbeing, but also help you to make new friends, and provide you with opportunities to learn new skills. Most importantly though, our enrichment activities are designed for you to have fun and get the most out of your time at College. Below is an example of our weekly provision, this may change during the College year. To find out the latest information, once you are in College, come along to the Wellbeing Hub (based in the atrium).
  • Arts and Crafts (inc Knitting for Mental Health)
  • Board and Card Games
  • Clwb Cymraeg
  • Drama Club
  • Duke of Edinburgh
  • Fantasy Games Group (inc Dungeon & Dragons)
  • Film Club
  • Fitness Activities (Basketball, Circuits, Boccia, Boxercise, Self Defence)
  • Gaming Group
  • Mental Health Support Groups
  • Music Jam meet ups
  • OpenLearn with Open University
  • Pembrokeshire Orchestra
  • Peripatetic Music Lessons
  • Pride Group
  • Prom Committee
  • Safe Space
  • Sign Language Lessons
  • Sports Academies (Rugby, Football, Netball)
  • UCAS Support
These activities are supported by specialist and skilled staff and are open to ALL College learners.
A-level Prom Committee
Pride Group
Fitness Activities
Sports Academies
Music Jam
Drama Club
Duke of Edinburgh
Knitting for Mental Health
Fantasy Games Group
Board and Card Games
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Safeguarding

We are an Encompass College and take the safeguarding of all our learners seriously.

Contact us:

Need someone to talk to?

Support and Safeguarding Services
Tutor
Pastoral Coaches
Cynnydd
Careers Advisors
Wellbeing
togetherall
Welsh Government
Mentor
Advice
Care
Support
Help
Progression
Guidance
Counsellor
Chaplain
youth worker

Your Tutor

If you have any concerns about your studies let your tutor know, it’s important that they know if you are struggling or don’t understand so they offer the right support. If you have any worries about things other than your course, they’ll be able to put you in touch with someone who can help.

Pastoral Coaches

Each Faculty has dedicated Pastoral Coaches who you’ll be introduced to during the first few weeks of College. Your Pastoral Coach will be on-hand throughout your studies to support you with any difficulties or barriers which are preventing you from achieving your full potential. Support includes both appointment and drop-in services, support and advice on wellbeing, relationships, behaviour, attendance, attainment, motivation, confidence building, housing, financial and signposting to other agencies for other support as required, plus regular contact throughout your time in college and during all college holidays.

Careers Advisors

Pembrokeshire College’s Careers & Guidance Advisors can support you with your progression; whether you need help with identifying your ambitions, knowing how to get to where you want to be, or simply researching your options. Our friendly advisors are here to help you. Visit them in the Admissions Office or email them on admissions@pembrokeshire.ac.uk.

Emotional Literacy Support (ELSA)

We understand that emotional wellbeing is important for academic success. That is why we offer support through our trained Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs), who are specially trained to support young people with their emotional development. Their role is to listen, understand and help you find your own solutions to the challenges you might be facing. Visit The Hwb (at the top of the stairs in the atrium).

Wellbeing Team

Our Wellbeing Team are here to help you get the most out of your College experience. We have a wide variety of support services including a nurse, counsellors, employment bureau, chaplain, youth worker, TogetherAll (website offering online support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year) plus much more. Visit The Hwb (at the top of the stairs in the atrium) to find out about the support available and how to access it.

TogetherAll, Mental health support. 24/7. Confidential. Online community. Free to all students.

Out of Hours

Please see a list of additional support offerings below if required:

Crisis or Emergency

  • If you think that either yourself or someone else are going to hurt themselves, call the police or ambulance service 999 or go to your local Accident and Emergency department immediately
  • If you or someone you know are at risk from domestic violence, call the police on 999 immediately
If you are made homeless Other homelessness support

Keep Warm Keep Well is a campaign to support people across Pembrokeshire during the cost of living crisis.

The campaign is being led by the Pembrokeshire Community Hub in partnership with Pembrokeshire County Council, Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services and a variety of agencies including Hywel Dda Health Board, Emergency Services and the Voluntary Sector.

Across Pembrokeshire we are once again seeing communities and organisations doing a fantastic job offering a range of local solutions including a warm space, hot meal, activities and access to information & advice. View online some of these Warm Welcome Community Spaces and what they have to offer.

A Winter Warm pack of items is available to people living in cold conditions in Pembrokeshire. The warm packs are part of Pembrokeshire’s programme of support for people struggling with the cost of living.

  • The packs will be distributed by West Wales Care & Repair and Ateb staff and volunteers on behalf of Pembrokeshire County Council.
  • Each pack contains a range of items to help people keep warm during the cold winter months.
  • To ensure these Warm packs reach those who would benefit from them the most, they are available by Referral Only (not self-referral).
  • Contact the College Wellbeing Team or Pembrokeshire Community Hub on 01437 723 660 or email enquiries@pembrokeshirecommunityhub.org
NHS 111 Wales poster, sad person looking at a phone. For urgent mental health support call 111 and press option 2. Healthcare advice you can trust 24/7 111.wales.nhs.uk Free to call from a landline or mobile, even if you have no credit left.
  • Hywel Dda Mental Health Helpline 111 Option 2
  • If you need medical support for a mental health condition speak to your GP for advice and a referral to mental health services.
  • If you are in crisis, go to your closest Accident and Emergency department.
The following organisations can offer counselling and support: