New students

Approximately six months prior to commencing your studies

• Make sure you have supporting information such as medical documentation or an appropriate diagnostic assessment for Specific learning difficulties. You will need this when you apply for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) and when you register with our service.
• Make an application for the DSA if you are eligible - this process can be started at the same time you apply for Student Finance.
• Once awarded DSA, ensure we have a copy of your DSA needs assessment.

Any time before your course starts

• If you would like to register with the Inclusive Support Service, please complete the self-referral form or contact us directly if you prefer. 
• If you will need adapted accommodation or assistance on campus, please let us know as soon as possible.
  
• Feel free to contact us if you have any queries or concerns.

On arrival

• If you haven’t already been in touch, please make contact with the Inclusive Support Service to find out what we can offer.

If you have dyslexia or a specific learning difficulty and do not have a full diagnostic assessment you are strongly advised to obtain one before you begin university. 

Assessment criteria

In accordance with government guidelines, the assessment should have been carried out by a chartered Clinical or Educational Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council or Specialist Assessor with a current practising certificate, and should contain:

• Detailed information about the tests used, with ceilings, age range, results, conclusions.
• Tests of cognitive ability/processing, general underlying ability and attainment, the results of which indicate dyslexia/SpLD.
• Discussion of the impact of dyslexia/SpLD on the student's performance in higher education.

Assessments must comply with the guidelines set out by the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee.

If you are providing a recent letter from a GP or specialist as evidence of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD / ADHD), the letter must show how your daily life and studies are affected and explain the effects are long-term. The letter should also include recommendations for support or adjustments for studying at university.