Disability Statement (POL/04)

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Policy Statement

RWP Training Limited wishes to widen participation by disabled learners. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunities for disabled learners and aim to create an environment, which ensures their participation in all aspects of our provision is as full and successful as that of any other learner.

  1. Introduction

    RWP Training Limited aims to respond to individual needs wherever possible but recognises that some individuals may require a more specialised environment or paramedical support, which can only be provided by specialist learning providers.

    RWP Training Limited has links with a variety of organisations, which support people with disabilities We can ask for help and assistance from these organisations or direct you to someone who can provide it.

  2. Admission Arrangements

    If you are considering one of our training programmes, you should contact our recruitment officer who will provide information on the programmes available, arrange for you to visit our centre to assess the facilities and discuss individual requirements.

    You will be required to complete an application form, attend an informal interview and undertake a series of short initial assessment tests. Applications are assessed on the basis of the applicant's aptitude, ability and qualifications. We try to ensure that no applicant is denied access on the grounds of disability.

    We want to make the admission process as easy for you as possible. If you have any problem at any stage, then please talk to a member of staff or contact our equal opportunities officer.

  3. Who to contact

    Karen polyblank is our Equal Opportunities Officer. She is our named person with special responsibility for Learning Support at RWP Training Limited. Karren can provide information and advice on all aspects of support for learners with any kind of disability. This may include:

    • Arranging visits and presentations for prospective learners

    • Helping learners identify what support and technology may be appropriate for their needs

    • Liaising over adaptions to buildings or the provision of specialist equipment

    • Advising on study support or special assessment/examination arrangements

    • Drawing on the expertise of specialist agencies to provide advice on specialist equipment and other support

    If you have any support needs that you wish to discuss either prior to, or during your training programme, please contact Karren on 01228 593446 or by email at k.polyblank@rwp.co.uk.

  4. Facilities and Support

    Visually Impaired Learners

    We have limited facilities to support learners with visual impairment. We will however seek suitable equipment and support from the relevant specialist agencies to ensure that our services are accessible to people who are visually impaired. If this is not practical, we will endeavour to refer you to a more appropriate provider.

    Hearing Impaired Learners

    We have limited facilities to support learners with hearing impairment. We will however seek suitable equipment and support from the relevant specialist agencies to ensure that our services are accessible to people who are hearing impaired. If this is not practical, we will endeavour to refer you to a more appropriate provider.

    Physically Disabled Learners

    RWP Training Limited will endeavour to ensure that the location and facilities for training, assessments and/or examinations are accessible for all learners regardless of any physical disability.

    Dyslexic Learners

    RWP Training Limited can offer an in-house assessments at the start of your programme to help identify the level of support you may require. You will be offered support with:

    • Planning and study skills

    • Improving spelling and presentation

    • One-to-one tuition/guidance as appropriate

    RWP Training Limited also has the following equipment available to assist dyslexic learners:

    • Computerised spell checkers

    • Portable tape recorders

    • Scanners to put print onto disc

    • IBM ViaVoice - voice activated computer software

    Learners with Learning Difficulties

    All learners undertake a basic skills assessment at the start of their training programme. This helps identify the level of support each individual learner requires in order to complete their training programme. A learning programme is negotiated between the learner, the assessor and the employer/workplacement provider. Support needs are discussed and documented on an individual training plan which is reviewed every ten weeks.

    Health Care

    RWP Training Limited has no medical facilities on the premises, apart from named and trained first aiders. All learners with any form of medical condition should be registered with a General Practitioner. Detail should be recorded on a health record and passed to our Centre Manager at the start of your training programme.

    Work-Based Learning - On-the-Job Training (Employers and Placement Providers)

    If you are enrolling on a work-based training programme, our Recruitment Officer will discuss your individual requirements with you during the initial interview. The information you give will help us seek suitable employers/placement providers who are able to provide the correct level of support to enable you to undertake your on-the-job training and complete your qualification.

    Subcontracted Training

    You may be required to undertake part of your training with one of our approved subcontractors. Should this be necessary, we will ensure they are able to provide the correct level of support to meet your requirements. If you are unhappy with the support you are receiving from any of our subcontractors and it is directly related to your disability, please discuss it with either your NVQ Tutor / Assessor or our Disability Officer.

    Regular monitoring of subcontractors by our staff ensures equality of opportunity is actively promoted.

    Progress Review

    As you progress through your training programme your progress will be reviewed every eight - ten weeks. Your assessor will meet with you and your workplace mentor and discuss how you are progressing. This meeting will provide you with an opportunity to comment on the level of support and, if necessary, renegotiate whether the level of support is appropriate to your needs.

    You will also be offered an exit interview at the end of your programme. This will allow you to comment on the quality of support you have received and what opportunities are available next.

  5. Assessment Arrangements

    RWP Training Limited can provide additional support and special arrangements for individuals with a learning or other disability during examinations and assessments. This could be in the form of:

    • Extra time

    • Use of a word processor

    • Someone to write your dictation

    • Someone to rewrite your submission because your handwriting is difficult to read

    • Modified exam papers

    • Someone to sign the paper

    • Rest breaks

    We must however, provide evidence that this is really necessary and your requirements may need to be assessed. It is best to let your NVQ Tutor / Assessor know as soon as possible so that we can request concessions from the appropriate Awarding Body.

  6. Physical Access

    Our training centre has full access for learners with disabilities. We have designated parking spaces in our main car park close to the main entrance. There is a ramp that allows physically disabled learners access to the building and we have a uni-sex toilet for learners with disabilities.

  7. Complaints

    Once you register onto one of our programmes, you will be issued with a Learners Handbook which provides you with lots of information about our company and your training programme, including how to make an official complaint. If you are unhappy with the service provided by RWP Training Limited and it is directly related to your disability, please discuss it with either your NVQ Tutor / Assessor or our Equal Opportunities Officer.

  8. Future Plans

    RWP have plans for several disability-related developments when funds become available. These include:

    • Installation of hearing loop in reception and our three main training rooms.

    • Additional staff training in disability issues.

    • Additional equipment to support visually and hearing impaired learners.

    • Installation of a lift providing access to first floor accommodation.

  9. Review

    This policy will be subject to ongoing review by the Equal Opportunities Officer.