Information for Needs Assessors

DSA Mentoring & Consultancy provides DSA-compliant Band 4 Specialist Mentoring for students with Autism Spectrum Conditions (SM-ASC) and Mental Health (SM-MH) needs. Our approach is neuro-affirming, strengths-based, and focused on practical, sustainable strategies that support academic engagement and independence.

Accessibility

This page is designed to work with screen readers and read-aloud tools. Alternative formats are available on request. Email contact@dsamentoring.co.uk.

Provision

Specialist one-to-one mentoring (Band 4)
SM-ASC • SM-MH

Primary focus

Executive functioning, study systems, self-advocacy, confidence, and emotional regulation in academic contexts.

Approach

Neuro-affirming, calm and respectful, outcome-focused, and aligned to inclusive education principles (e.g., UDL-informed).

Scope of provision (Band 4 Specialist Mentoring)

  • Structured mentoring with individualised goal-setting and review
  • Planning, prioritising, time management, and task initiation
  • Workload and deadline management (including longer projects)
  • Study routines aligned with capacity, energy, and wellbeing
  • Communication and self-advocacy strategies
  • Practical tools (templates, checklists, prompts) to support independence
  • Support with anxiety/low mood/overwhelm as it relates to study participation

Practice framework

  • Clear boundaries: mentoring is not therapy or counselling
  • Student-centred goals and measurable outcomes
  • Trauma-aware pacing and respectful language
  • Reflective practice and continuous improvement
  • Professional communication with consented stakeholders where appropriate
  • Safeguarding and escalation in line with policy

What this support is / is not

Specialist mentoring supports executive functioning, organisation, planning, motivation, confidence, self-advocacy and emotional regulation in academic contexts.

It is not therapy, counselling, or crisis intervention. Where clinical mental health support is required, we can discuss appropriate signposting, in line with DSA guidance and the student’s consent.

Referrals and communication

  • Clear referral pathway and timely responses to quote requests
  • Transparent session structure and expectations
  • Records maintained for audit and invoicing purposes
  • Accessible formats available on request

Delivery and availability

  • Remote and face-to-face delivery available
  • Blended support available if the student wishes to switch
  • Regions covered: England / West Midlands / National remote
  • Typical session length: 45 minutes

Rates (Band 4)

£60 per hour for Band 4 Specialist Mentoring (SM-ASC / SM-MH). Rate inclusive of preparation, delivery, reasonable follow-up, record keeping, supervision, CPD, insurance and administrative overheads.

Charges for cancelled or missed sessions are applied strictly in line with current DSA guidance and only where permitted.

Contact

DSA Mentoring & Consultancy

Email: contact@dsamentoring.co.uk
Phone: 07974 363 429
Website: www.dsamentoring.co.uk

If you require confirmation of documentation (insurance, ICO registration, safeguarding, GDPR, complaints procedure), please email and we will provide the relevant evidence promptly.

Note: This information is provided to support DSA Needs Assessors in sourcing NMH provision. Provision is delivered in line with DfE/SLC DSA guidance and is subject to audit. Version: [v1.0] • Last updated: [18 January 2026]