Any recommendations for private providers for online SpLD Study Support for Uni?

[ExeterUniMum]

Didn't want to derail the other thread where I mentioned this, but after waiting/chasing this for the last 15 months, DS's uni (Exeter) have told him they can't guarantee they can provide him with the 1-to-1 study support he is entitled to/has budget for as part of his DSA. They've suggested he look outside for a private provider...

Does anyone have any recommendations for a person/company who can do weekly 1 hour support sessions for a 20 year old with dyslexia (and possibly undiagnosed ADD)? I expect it will need to be online. And it will need to be within the DSA budget.

I have googled and found some options, but a personal recommendation would be great.

Have you asked DSA?

Exeter provide a lot of in-house DSA support but it's topped up by private providers. Some unis only use private providers. DSA should be able to refer to an approved provider.

Not yet asked DSA, no, as I'd prefer to hear of some personal recommendations if possible, rather than just get a list.

Exeter provide a lot of in-house DSA support I'm not sure what your relationship with Exeter Uni is, but as over the last 15 months they haven't been able to deliver a single session of DSA support for DS, I'm afraid I can't agree with your first statement. Also, if they have access to private providers too, how come one of these can't be matched to DS?

I just wish they had been honest up front if they weren't going to be able to deliver, rather than waste everyone's time (and DS's DSA funding).

I'm a parent of a disabled student at Exeter, no other links. I've also been a recipient of DSA at another university.

Sorry, I didn't word that part you've bolded well. Exeter provide DSA funded assessments and mentors direct for many students, which is not how it works everywhere. I'm not saying they provide a lot of support per student, but that they provide (in theory) a large chunk of the DSA work for their own students as it is contracted to them.

My understanding is that the majority of students there who get DSA mentors get mentors directly employed by the university. My son was given a choice as when he started they didn't have capacity and he chose to wait for someone to be appointed*. Other mentor providers eg Randstad are employed separately to the university. I have had student friends who've had good experiences with Randstad mentors (including the 'non-medical helper' and study skills support).

But, I don't think you can just go direct to eg Randstad and contract them (or another provider) to do the work, you need to ask DSA (as the funder/contracting org) to agree to them being the provider and make the referral. This should be very straightforward.

*In terms of my experience, and I've just read your post on the other thread, yup, their email system is fucking awful, but you can reply even when they say the ticket is closed and you have to be persistent. I ended up emailing at the same time every day for a week until they sorted out my son's mentor, as they'd said 4 weeks delay and we got to beyond 6 weeks and had heard nothing. They did sort it then. But I am very disappointed that the streamlined service presented at open days and the pre-start events (autistic students event and the enhanced induction day) promised more than they deliver.

@Yarnosaura Ah, thanks for clarifying all that! Sorry to hear you've had similar problems. Yes, the SiD system is the worst, most bizarre system I've ever come across (and I've worked as a manager in call centre/customer service companies). He has replied to previously closed requests, but nothing seems to come of any of the emails.

Their latest email says they currently have no appointments and offers two choices:

"1. We can add your name to our allocation list and offer you an appointment as soon as one becomes available.
2. You can inform your Study Needs Assessor or Student Finance that we do not presently have any appointments and you can ask them to recommend an alternative local supplier instead of the University of Exeter.

If you choose to stay on our allocation list we are not able to guarantee how long you will wait."

I have no confidence that anything will happen if he stays on the list. But also I doubt he will successfully engage if he has to travel to an external provider off-site (unless it's online?)

External providers can go to campus or be online, that really won't be a problem.

And good luck