Learner Support

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Learner Support

LOETB Core Values

Our vision is to lead in providing high quality education and training in Laois and Offaly, with a mission centered on excellence through education. We prioritise learning by offering diverse programmes and support for LOETB learners. We believe lifelong learning is essential for personal growth, social inclusion, and economic prosperity. Our core values include care, community, equality, excellence in education, and respect, ensuring a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative environment for all members of our learning community.

The LOETB centre and service staff, and learner support teams fully understand how challenging learning can be and we are here to help you.  LOETB will, as far as reasonably possible, provide support for learners to access and participate in education and training.

How can LOETB support you?

If you have a diagnosed disability, learning difficulty, or health condition (Types of Disabilities), or if you feel you need support while learning, staff in every LOETB centre and service are here to help. 

The support staff will arrange to meet with you for a Needs Assessment to establish what supports you would like to consider and compile a Learner Education Needs Summary (LENS) to plan the support and accommodation you may need during your learning with LOETB.   

For more information, please speak with staff in the centre, as soon as possible.

What is a Needs Assessment and LENS?

Your needs assessment is an opportunity for you to discuss support you might need during your course. The meeting lasts about 25 to 40 minutes and can be held online, via Teams or in person at our centre.

The purpose of the Needs Assessment is to:

  • Create a support plan that works for you
  • Gather relevant background information
  • Discuss the demands of your course
  • Discuss any assistive technology or training needs you might have
  • Discuss any reasonable accommodations, including exam accommodations, you may need
  • Answer any questions you may have

The reasonable accommodations for assessment are given to a student, and are considered on a case-by-case basis during a needs assessment. Reasonable accommodations for assessment may be different for each student depending on their needs and the course requirements. Please see LOETB reasonable accommodations information.

A LENS (Learning Educational Needs Summary) outlines the accommodations, both for assessment and learning, that a student may require. This is generated following the needs assessment and a link to this file will be sent to you, once completed. It is important to note that the LENS includes no medical information and that the link is only accessible to the student and their relevant teachers (with your permission). Learning Educational Needs Summary is drafted once the needs assessment is completed and can be reviewed and updated.

Your personal information will be kept confidential and secure. Information regarding your requirements will be sent to relevant people who can provide you with the supports identified, this may include members of teaching and learner support staff. If you have a medical conditions, such as Epilepsy, for your health and wellbeing, we would ask that you allow us to make people aware, with your permission. This is for your own health and wellbeing.

The centre and service staff, and learner support team fully understand how challenging learning can be and we are here to help you. If you have any questions, please contact them or the LOETB Access Officer: Thérèse Glennon  [email protected] or 0858765452

LOETB Further Education and Training Centre Learner Supports

A range of learner supports are available to LOETB learners at all our Further Education and Training Centres.

Learner supports available
One to One support or Small Group learner support:

The Learner Support Workers will assist you with:

  • interpreting assignments briefs
  • planning, organising and time management
  • academic writing
  • study skills
  • research and referencing techniques
  • Study areas with individual workstations
  • Individual learner booths are available in many of our centres, for accessing online classes or if you require a quiet study space.
  • Small group areas for group projects or study groups
  • Sensory and relaxation areas, and sensory furniture
  • Learner Wi-Fi is available in all our Centres
  • Charge points and sockets

Reasonable Accommodation for Assessment refers to modifications in how an assessment or exam is administered while not compromising the integrity of the examination system. Accommodations may include changes to presentation format, response format, test setting or test timing. In general terms, the provision aims to remove the impact of a disability so that candidates can demonstrate their full level of attainment, while not being given any advantage.  
Please click here for further information on Reasonable Accommodation for Assessments

If you are an LOETB learner and think you may have dyslexia, Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), you can meet with centre staff to discuss a Dyslexia Assessment of Need (Screening). This screening can help identify whether the difficulties you are experiencing might be linked to dyslexia or other factors.

  • Screening does not provide a formal diagnosis of dyslexia or any other learning difficulty.
  • A formal diagnosis requires a full assessment by an Educational Psychologist, using standardised tests.

Assistive technology can help learners to access and participate in learning using specialised equipment, IT and software.  Check the LOETB Directory of Assistive Technology to see what support options might be available to support your learning.

This scheme has been made available to the LOETB Further Education and Training Centres to support learners who require a device such as a laptop or other device to complete their studies or an assignment but do not have access to one at home. 

Please contact learner support staff or the Centre Manager to apply for access to equipment through this scheme.

If you already have a QQI component certificate or a qualification from another awarding body, you may be able to use it to count towards a major award when you complete your current programme.

Please visit the exemption application section of the website.

This is a process which recognises the skills and knowledge, a person has gained from previous experience or studies

LOETB does not currently have agreed quality-assured processes to support the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for any purpose other than access.

If you wish to discuss any of the supports outlined, please contact the Learner Support staff or Centre Manager.

If you have not yet applied for a course with LOETB, and you wish to find out more about the types of support available and how to apply for them, then please contact the LOETB Access Officer, Thérèse Glennon: email [email protected] or phone 08508765452 for information.

Assistive Technology

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Student Resources
  • Understand the assignment brief
  • Writing skills 
  • Reading Method SQ3R
  • Researching and Digital Library
  • Planning for your assignment
  • Mindmapping 
  • Hamburger method for assignment writing
  • Referencing
  • Study Skills

LOETB How To Series

LOETB staff have created these YouTube videos to show you useful tasks and skills for your learning.

Visit Youtube

Convert files and resources into accessible formats

This link to Sensus Access is software allows LOETB learners and staff to convert documents into a range of alternative media including audio books, e-books and digital Braille.   The service can also convert inaccessible documents such as image only PDF files, JPG pictures, Microsoft PowerPoint presentations, and transfer them into more accessible formats.  This service is also available on Moodle for easy access to convert your course resources and learning materials.

LOETB Policies and Procedures

Please visit LOETB policies and procedures section for more information, including freedom of information and data protection policies.

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Do you require help with English, reading, writing, and computers?

The Adult Literacy Service provide free and confidential group classes and one-to-one tuition for adults who wish to improve their reading, writing, spelling, maths or basic computer skills.

They provide classes for Speakers of other languages, driver theory and family learning.

Are you unsure about which course to choose?

Adult Guidance Service offers advice and information on all aspects of returning to learning as an adult.

Information Hubs

Information Hub | Mol Eolais | Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board

The Information Hub is a place where you can access LOETB’s Adult Guidance and Information Service. This service offers free, impartial and confidential guidance and information. 

In the Information Hub you can:  

  • Access information on education and training options and funding supports  
  • Gain a greater understanding of progression options available through Further Education and Training in LOETB with links to third level colleges
  • Research course options independently or with support 
  • Reserve a space to study, research or attend online classes

USEFUL LINKS

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