Learning Support Plans, Placement Learning Support Plans and Disabled Students’ Allowance.
An LSP is a document that is used to support students with a disability whether that be a physical, sensory, neuro-diverse condition or a mental health condition.
Students who have a diagnosed condition which impacts on learning are eligible to apply.
The LSP is a document that is created jointly between the student and a member of Student Wellbeing Service and is then agreed by the course director.
An LSP is a starting point for identifying the reasonable adjustments for students with a disability. It is intended to inform departments, /tutors, lecturers and examiners etc. of the impact that a student’s disability/health condition is likely to have on their learning. This then allows the recipients of the LSP to anticipate needs and to consider any adjustments (in accordance with the recommendations of an LSP) which the student may require more specifically on the course.
It is important to note that the recommendations made in an LSP are intended to create ‘a level playing field’ for disabled students; they are not designed to create an advantage for a particular group of students. Senior academic staff in departments must play a key role in determining whether the ‘level playing field‘ is being maintained by the suggested reasonable adjustments.
You will need to register with the Student Wellbeing Service. The team are here to help so you should not be worried about getting in touch. If you are unsure whether you want to complete a referral, you can email or attend a drop-in.
The Mental Wellbeing Team and Disability Team both run a weekly drop-in for students with specific questions around LSPs or applying for DSA.
You can attend the drop in and talk to a member of the team. If you have medical evidence, an LSP could be drafted at the drop in.
The team will ask you to send in medical evidence, this can be:
- a letter from a GP
- a letter from a specialist team,
- a dyslexia assessment or ASC diagnostic letter,
- a report from your therapy or mental health team.
Once the Student Wellbeing Service have received the referral form then a link will be sent to book an appointment with either a Disability Adviser or Mental Health Practitioner, depending on the condition. In some cases, input into the plan will be needed from both teams, for example, if you have a diagnosis of dyslexia and also depression, a joint plan will be written.
Access the template PDF below for an example of a blank LSP and an LSP personalised for a student with ADHD*
*Please note, each LSP is made in collaboration with you, therefore your LSP may include different recommendations.
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