Learner Welfare & Support

Policy Area: Learner Welfare and Support
Policy Title: Supporting Learner Success: Welfare and Support Policy
Purpose:  
This policy aims to ensure that all learners at Liffey College can access appropriate welfare and support services, enabling them to succeed in their studies and personal development. It recognises that learners may experience challenges impacting their learning and well-being, and provides a framework for proactive and responsive support.  
Policy Statement:  
Liffey College is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment where the well-being of all learners is valued. The college offers a range of support services, promoting early intervention and fostering respect, understanding, and confidentiality. We believe learner well-being is integral to academic success and are dedicated to empowering learners to reach their full potential.  
Responsible Parties:  
⮞ Learner Support Officers (LSOs): LSOs are the primary point of contact for learner welfare and support. They are responsible for implementing and overseeing this policy, coordinating support services, and providing direct assistance to learners.
⮞Academic Department Heads (ADOS): ADOS are responsible for the academic welfare of learners within their departments. They work closely with the LSOs to identify learners needing support and contribute to individual support plans.
⮞Tutors/Lecturers: Tutors/Lecturers play a vital role in identifying learners experiencing difficulties and signposting them to the appropriate support services. They are expected to create a supportive classroom environment.
⮞Learners: Learners are responsible for engaging with the support services offered by the college and communicating their needs to the relevant staff members.    
Monitoring Frequency  Bi-annual
Procedure:  
⮞Identifying Need: Learners may be identified as needing support through: Self-referral (directly to an LSO or via the online student portal). Referral by a tutor, ADOS, or other staff member. Concerns raised by other learners. Monitoring of attendance and academic progress. Through quarterly feedback we may know of the issues and take the necessary measures.  
⮞Initial Meeting: The LSO will meet with the learner to discuss their needs and explore support options. This meeting will be confidential and supportive.  
⮞Needs Assessment: The LSO, with the learner and relevant staff (e.g., ADOS), will conduct a needs assessment to determine the specific support required. This may involve considering academic, personal, social, emotional, or financial needs.  
⮞Support Plan Development: Based on the needs assessment, a personalised support plan will be developed with the learner. This plan will outline the specific support services, their frequency and duration, and the roles of relevant staff.  
⮞Implementation and Monitoring: The support plan will be implemented, and the learner’s progress will be regularly monitored by the LSO and relevant staff. Regular review meetings will assess the effectiveness of the support and make any necessary adjustments.  
⮞Referral to External Services: If the learner’s needs cannot be fully met by the college’s internal support services, the LSO will assist with referrals to external agencies, such as counselling services, health professionals, or financial aid organisations.  
⮞Confidentiality: All information shared by learners will be treated confidentially, in line with the college’s data protection policy. Information will only be shared with relevant staff on a need-to-know basis, and with the learner’s informed consent (except in cases of safeguarding concerns).  
⮞Record Keeping: The LSO will maintain accurate and confidential records of all learner support cases, including needs assessments, support plans, and progress notes.    
Responsibilities:  
⮞LSOs:
– Provide a confidential and supportive point of contact for learners.
– Conduct needs assessments and develop support plans.
– Coordinate and monitor the delivery of support services.
– Liaise with internal and external support agencies.
– Maintain accurate records of learner support cases.
– Promote awareness of learner welfare and support services. ⮞ADOS:
– Monitor the academic welfare of learners within their departments.
– Identify learners who may need support.
– Contribute to developing and implementing support plans.
– Communicate regularly with the LSOs regarding learner welfare concerns.
⮞Tutors/Lecturers:
– Create a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
– Be aware of signs of learner distress.
– Signpost learners to the appropriate support services.
– Communicate any concerns regarding learner welfare to the ADOS or LSO.
⮞Learners:
– Engage with the support services offered by the college.
– Communicate their needs to the relevant staff.
– Attend scheduled meetings and appointments.
– Participate actively in developing and implementing their support plan.  
Process:  
The process for accessing learner welfare and support services: ⮞Learner identifies a need or is identified by staff.
⮞Learner contacts an LSO (self-referral, directly or via the online student portal) or is referred by a staff member.
⮞Initial meeting with the LSO to discuss needs.
⮞Needs assessment by the LSO with the learner and relevant staff.
⮞Support plan developed collaboratively.
⮞Support plan implemented and monitored.Regular review meetings.
⮞Referral to external services if needed.
⮞Ongoing support and communication.