Support Worker Service (SWS)
The Support Worker Service has been established in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) Part IV, to ensure equal access for disabled students. It is provided by Northumbria University in partnership with Randstad HR Solutions and provides educational support for D/deaf, disabled and dyslexic students.
Educational support available includes: Note taking in taught sessions, Educational Personal Assistance, Guiding and Exam Reading /Scribing.
How does a student arrange Support Worker Service support?
Students are referred to the Support Worker Service by a Disabilities Adviser/Mental Health Practitioner. The student has a Working Agreement meeting with the Support Worker Service Co-ordinator and support is arranged and put in place.
Educational Personal Assistance
Support may include reading text aloud, recorded reading, locating texts in the library, typing assignments, internet assistance, photocopying and transcription.
Note taking
In some cases, the Note taker may attend the session and the student will be absent. However in most cases the Note taker will attend with the student, who may decide whether or not to sit next to the Note taker.
Support Worker timesheets
The student receives an emailed timesheet after each session of support and is requested to validate the support worker’s claim for payment as soon as possible
Academic Staff - please be aware that:
- A Note taker may need a printout of any PowerPoint presentation that is used, as he/she does not have access to the eLearning Portal
- The Note taker may take a copy of handouts produced, depending on the student being supported
- The Note taker may have to leave very promptly at the end of the session as he/she may have a consecutive lecture to attend
- The Note taker will be wearing SWS ID
The Note taker will not:
- Be on the register
- Do any assignments
- Ask any questions
- Participate in any group work or discussion
- Have specific knowledge about the subject being taught
- Discuss the student’s identity or any details regarding his/her disability
