Academus Training Institute

📞 Phone: 02 7807 2229 | 0490 522 838

📧 Email: info@academus.edu.au

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Additional Support Policy – Academus Training Institute

Academus Training Institute  ·  Policy Document

Additional Support Policy

RTO Code 46483
ABN 59 674 526 375
Relevant Standards Outcome Standards 2025 – 2.3, 2.4, 2.6
National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (Outcome Standards for NVR Registered Training Organisations) Instrument 2025 – Standards 2.3, 2.4, 2.6

Purpose

Academus Training Institute is responsible for ensuring that the educational and support services it provides meet the needs of the student cohort/s undertaking the training and assessment.

This policy ensures that Academus Training Institute has mechanisms in place to collect, analyse and act on any support requirements that are additional to the provision of standard services. This ensures individual students are provided access to the educational and support services necessary for them to meet the requirements of the training product as specified in training packages or VET-accredited courses.

This policy also ensures that Academus Training Institute determines the amount of training required in accordance with the requirements of the relevant training package and in consideration of each individual student's existing skills, knowledge, and experience with respect to the relevant vocational competency.

Policy Principles

Academus Training Institute is responsible for collecting, recording, analysing, and acting on additional support information that could adversely impact a student's ability to undertake and complete a course. This includes but is not limited to, any disability or impairment that restricts access and equity as well as English language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) information obtained from students prior to enrolment and prior to the commencement of their first unit of competency.

Educational and support services may include, but are not limited to:

  • Pre-enrolment materials;
  • Study support and study skills programs;
  • Language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) programs or referrals to these programs;
  • Equipment, resources and/or programs to increase access for students with disabilities and other students in accordance with access and equity;
  • Learning resource centres;
  • Mediation services or referrals to these services;
  • Flexible scheduling and delivery of training and assessment;
  • Counselling services or referrals to these services;
  • Information and communications technology (ICT) support;
  • Digital literacy to ensure students meet the required technological knowledge in order to participate effectively in the course;
  • Learning materials in alternative formats, for example, in large print;
  • Learning and assessment programs contextualised to the workplace;
  • Wellbeing services;
  • Reasonable adjustments for any disability or impairment; and
  • Any other services that the RTO considers necessary to support students to achieve competency.

Assessment of Need and Identifying Additional Support

Each eligible student of Academus Training Institute is asked to provide information prior to enrolment to a full qualification or training regarding any additional support requirements. The Enrolment Form and Pre-Enrolment Assessment Form provide students with the opportunity to identify and advise if they are aware of LLN issues, disabilities or impairments that may impact their ability to undertake study in their chosen course.

Academus Training Institute will conduct an assessment of need prior to enrolment or prior to commencement of training. It will ensure that assessment of need is undertaken at the earliest possible opportunity and that it manages any identified support needs.

Academus Training Institute will promptly and efficiently respond to all relevant queries regarding additional support, ensuring students receive clear guidance on their available options without unnecessary delays.

Academus Training Institute may also identify and act on student support needs at the time of enrolment and/or any time prior or during the delivery of training. Trainers will be monitoring attendance during face-to-face sessions, online training sessions and/or webinars. Students who miss critical training sessions will be contacted by Student Services and/or provided with available webinar recordings as needed.

Academus Training Institute will document the results of the assessment of need and ensure that this is reflected and managed in the student's training records.

Academus Training Institute's assessment of need involves, but will not be limited to the following:

  1. Eligibility assessment to assess eligibility of student for the course;
  2. LLN skills assessment to ascertain whether the level of the qualification and proposed learning strategies and materials are appropriate;
  3. Determining the most suitable qualification for the student, based on the student's existing educational attainment and capabilities;
  4. Offering RPL to the students when applicable, explaining credit transfer obligations and identifying any relevant competencies previously achieved (refer to the RPL and Credit Transfer Policy);
  5. Assessing the need for additional support;
  6. Identifying any actions or strategies to be implemented to address identified needs for the student including any adjustment required to the learning program, delivery of learning and materials used for learning to ensure that retention and completion outcomes are improved.

Access to Educational Support Services

Academus Training Institute ensures individual students are provided access to the educational and support services necessary for them to meet the requirements of the training product as specified in training packages or VET-accredited courses. In line with performance indicators for student support, Academus Training Institute will actively monitor the well-being needs of VET students, provide clear guidance on actions they can take when facing challenges, and ensure students are aware of the appropriate staff or external services they can contact for assistance.

Academus Training Institute will ensure that students are made aware of opportunities for recognition before the start of training and that adequate information, support and opportunities are provided to the students to engage in the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process when applicable. (Refer to the RPL and Credit Transfer Policy)

Academus Training Institute will ensure that when additional costs are required to provide additional support, the student will be notified and provided information prior to enrolment.

Academus Training Institute will inform students prior to enrolment of any limitations to the additional support it can provide so that students can make informed decisions regarding their training.

Provision for Reasonable Adjustment

Upon student advice of any disability or impairment that may impact on their studies, Academus Training Institute will review the information provided and where necessary, contact the student to determine the additional support requirements.

Academus Training Institute will arrange for reasonable adjustment to be applied to training or assessment tasks where appropriate. It will ensure that the reasonable adjustment applied does not impact the integrity of the training package requirement. (See the Training and Assessment Policy)

Language Literacy and Numeracy (LLN)

The language, literacy and numeracy assessment is part of Academus Training Institute's initial skills and upfront needs assessment process. LLN assessment will help to ensure prospective students have the minimum levels to access the vocational course of their choice.

LLN Assessment

Academus Training Institute uses the Pre-enrolment Assessment Form to review and assess each student's training needs, relevant current competencies, Language, Literacy and Numeracy skills and eligibility for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Information gathered through this form will be used to facilitate provision of additional support required in areas such as language, literacy and learning and assessment, whilst ensuring that students receive the maximum outcomes and benefits from the training, in relation to set learning objectives, career opportunities and skill level.

When the LLN assessment outcome identifies that the student does not have adequate language, literacy and numeracy levels of their chosen course, Student Services will:

  • Explain to the student the challenges that will be encountered in completing the course with their LLN level;
  • Provide information on where they can obtain assistance with their LLN issue; and
  • Offer other options and pathway for training until they are within the ACSF level requirement of the course.

Disability and Impairment

Student Services will advise the trainer in writing of any identified disability or impairment that may impact the studies of the student. The trainer is responsible for reviewing the information provided and, where necessary, contacting the student to determine any further additional support requirements. The support will vary depending on the individual needs of the student.

Academus Training Institute trainers may arrange for reasonable adjustment to be applied where it is appropriate to the assessment and does not impact the integrity of the training package requirements. (See Training and Assessment Policy)

Trainers will endeavour to work with the student to determine and provide reasonable access to training facilities, materials and resources to allow them to undertake their studies.

Where appropriate, Academus Training Institute will seek external assistance to ensure additional support services are available.

Determining the Amount of Learning

Academus Training Institute ensures each student's skills and experiences relevant to respective vocational competencies are considered in the development of their learning plans. It follows the procedures outlined in the Upfront Assessment of Need procedural document in determining how the student's existing skills, knowledge and experience impact the amount and level of training they will require.

Records Management

Academus Training Institute will document the assessment of need for each student in their student record.

Academus Training Institute will retain all documents and reports pertaining to a student's individual record following enrolment.

Monitoring and Improvement

The Training Manager will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Additional Support Policy and Processes. All administration staff are responsible for the correct and accurate enrolment in accordance with this policy and relevant procedural documents.

All enrolment practices will be monitored by the Training Manager. Areas for improvement will be identified and discussed during the Continuous Improvement Meetings. (See Continuous Improvement Policy)

Students and employers (if applicable) are encouraged to provide feedback on their experience and through Academus Training Institute's continuous improvement process.

Students can lodge a complaint or appeal an enrolment decision, as per Academus Training Institute's Complaints and Appeals Policy.

ANNEX A: LLN SUPPORT SERVICES

Students with LLN issues may be referred to the following services to discuss any additional LLN support services available to them:
  1. Reading Writing Hotline
    Phone: 1300 655 506
    http://readingwritinghotline.edu.au
  2. Australian Council for Adult Literacy (ACAL)
    Phone: (03) 9546 6892
    https://acal.edu.au/
  3. NSW Adult Literacy and Numeracy Council (NSWALNC)
    Phone: 0499 110 952
    www.nswalnc.org.au
  4. Resources for people teaching or tutoring adult literacy
    https://www.readingwritinghotline.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Literacy-Face-to-Face.pdf
  5. Blacktown City Libraries adult literacy program
    Max Webber Library
    Corner Flushcombe Road and Alpha Street, Blacktown
    Phone: 02 9839 6677
    www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Services/Blacktown-City-Libraries/Whats-On
  6. TAFE NSW Blacktown campus
    Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program, adult literacy and numeracy support
    Corner Main Street and Newtown Road, Blacktown
    Phone: 02 7921 0533
    www.tafensw.edu.au/programs/skills-for-education-and-employment
  7. Mt Druitt Learning Ground, Chain Reaction Foundation
    10–12 MacArthur Way, Bidwill
    Community-based literacy and numeracy mentoring
    Phone: 02 8319 1809
    www.chainreaction.org.au/mdlg.htmL
  8. Blacktown Area Community Centres Inc.
    Early Literacy Program, local volunteer-tutor literacy support
    64 Falmouth Road, Quakers Hill
    Phone: 02 9626 5312
    https://bacc.org.au/Blacktown%20Area%20Community%20Centres
  9. Computer Pals Blacktown Inc.
    Digital literacy sessions
    Blacktown City Libraries venues
    Phone: 0407 410 072
    www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Community/Our-people/Older-people/Digital-literacy-programs

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION POLICY

RELEVANT STANDARD(S)

National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (Outcome Standards for NVR Registered Training Organisations) Instrument 2025 – Standards 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, and 2.6

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to establish Academus Training Institute’s commitment to creating an inclusive, diverse, and respectful environment for all students, staff, and stakeholders. Academus Training Institute recognises that a culture of inclusion enhances learning, teaching, and organisational success.

This policy ensures that:

  • Diversity is actively promoted across the workforce, leadership, and student body.
  • Inclusion is embedded in workplace culture, recruitment, and decision-making.
  • Academus Training Institute maintains a safe and supportive environment that welcomes people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities.

POLICY PRINCIPLES

This policy applies to all students enrolled in training and assessment at Academus Training Institute and all staff, including trainers, assessors, student support officers, and administrative personnel. It also applies to third-party providers delivering training or assessment on behalf of Academus Training Institute.

Academus Training Institute is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible learning and working environment where all individuals are valued, respected, and supported. Academus Training Institute’s approach to diversity, disability support, and inclusion is guided by the following principles:

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Academus Training Institute recognises that diversity strengthens learning and workplace culture. Academus Training Institute ensures that people of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities are welcomed and supported in training and employment.

  1. Academus Training Institute celebrates diversity across cultures, abilities, identities, and backgrounds, ensuring that all students and staff feel welcomed, valued, and respected.
  2. Academus Training Institute’s policies, practices, and decision-making actively promote diversity and prevent discrimination based on race, culture, language, disability, gender, age, sexuality, or socio-economic status.
  3. Academus Training Institute fosters an inclusive culture by embedding cultural competency, unconscious bias training and disability awareness across our workforce and training delivery.

Equal Access and Disability Inclusion

All students and staff deserve equal access to education, employment, and opportunities. Academus Training Institute ensures that reasonable adjustments are made to remove barriers for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions.

  1. Students and staff with disabilities or ongoing health conditions are encouraged to disclose their needs in a safe, supportive manner.
  2. Reasonable adjustments are made to training, assessment, and workplace responsibilities to remove barriers to participation.
  3. Where reasonable adjustments cannot be made, clear and transparent communication will be provided to the student, with alternative solutions explored.

Student Support and Training Accessibility

Every student should have access to the support they need to progress and succeed in their training. Academus Training Institute provides accessible resources, flexible learning options, and additional academic support when required.

  1. All students have reasonable access to trainers, assessors, and student support services to assist them in successfully progressing through their training.
  2. Training support services include:
    1. LLN (Language, Literacy & Numeracy) support
    2. Assistive technology and accessible resources
    3. One-on-one academic support and mentoring
    4. Additional tutorials and flexible learning options
  3. Students will receive timely responses to training support queries and will be clearly informed of the staff and services available to them.

Zero Tolerance for Discrimination and Harassment

Academus Training Institute upholds a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, bullying, and exclusionary practices. Everyone at Academus Training Institute has the right to work and learn in a safe and respectful environment.

  1. We enforce a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, bullying, and exclusionary practices.
  2. All reports of discrimination will be taken seriously, investigated promptly, and handled confidentially, with protections against retaliation.
  3. Training on anti-discrimination, unconscious bias, and inclusive practices will be provided to all staff.

Student Wellbeing and Mental Health Support

Wellbeing plays a key role in student success. Academus Training Institute ensures students are informed about available support services and encourages a holistic approach to wellbeing.

  1. Academus Training Institute recognises that wellbeing plays a key role in student success and will proactively identify and respond to student wellbeing needs.
  2. Academus Training Institute will provide information on available support services, including:
    1. External counselling and mental health services
    2. Financial assistance pathways for students at risk
    3. Wellbeing support tailored to diverse student needs, including First Nations, CALD, LGBTIQ+, and neurodivergent students.
  3. While Academus Training Institute is not responsible for ensuring that students access wellbeing services, Academus Training Institute will actively promote awareness and facilitate referrals where needed.

MONITORING AND IMPROVEMENT

  1. The Training Manager will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Diversity and Inclusion Policy and Processes. All administration staff are responsible for the correct and accurate enrolment in accordance with this policy and relevant procedural documents.
  2. All enrolment practices will be monitored by the Training Manager. Areas for improvement will be identified and discussed during the Continuous Improvement Meetings. (See Continuous Improvement Policy)
  3. Students and employers (if applicable) are encouraged to provide feedback on their experience and through Academus Training Institute’s continuous improvement process.
  4. Students can lodge a complaint or appeal an enrolment decision, as per Academus Training Institute’s Complaints and Appeals Policy.

STANDARD EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Academus Training Institute is not expecting learners with heavy additional support needs; however, where this may be required, Academus Training Institute will implement standard support services, such as providing supplementary one-on-one coaching, providing referrals to available free support services, etc. Please see the Student Handbook for more information.

Academus Training Institute has identified free resources to support learners with support needs. Support services sources are focused on available free resources on Learning Literacy and Numeracy programs online, and providing opportunities for reasonable adjustments in training and assessment delivery, such as providing additional coaching sessions, providing verbal instead of written assessment where applicable, providing additional review resources/references, etc.

Please see the Student Handbook, Additional Support Policy, and Procedure documents.