About the College
The College aims to provide the highest quality education and training for its students. This can only be achieved if students, particularly the younger ones, feel secure and supported and know that they are expected to work hard and that their performance is being monitored. In order to be successful, we need your help in maintaining contact with you throughout your son or daughter's time at College.
The safety of our students is of paramount importance to us. From student ID cards and emergency contact details to facilities maintenance and first aiders, there are many contributing factors to our safe and secure environment. Aside from these, there are other aspects that students need to be aware of in order to stay safe at College, such as the procedures for leaving College during the day, absence from College, safety on external trips etc. The College has a set of guidelines that are outlined on the College intranet, which your son or daughter will have access to once they have started their course. Please be assured that whatever course your son or daughter chooses to study, we will take all necessary steps to ensure they will be safe, secure and supported during their time with us at the College.
Safeguarding
The College is committed to safeguarding the welfare of its students, particularly young people under the age of 18 and vulnerable adults. To meet those responsibilities the College will ensure that relevant and effective safeguarding practices exist and are actively promoted within the College. All students have the right to be safe and protected both within the College and whilst engaged in College-related activities, and their safety, welfare and well-being are of paramount importance.
Safeguarding means:
• Promotion of health and development
• Ensuring safety and care
• Ensuring students are offered the best life chances
• Protection from abuse and neglect
• Preventing bullying and harassment
If you have concerns about any of the issues outlined above contact our dedicated email address or telephone number to speak to a member of the Safeguarding Team:
Iain Wolloff Vice Principal
Steve Fear Director of 14-19 Development
Jacqui Payne Student Services Manager
Call 01252 407373
Email safe@farn-ct.ac.uk
The College has a number of policies and procedures which aim to safeguard students. You can see a copy of the Safeguarding Policy by clicking the link below:
Child Protection\Safeguarding Policy
The aims of our Safeguarding Policy are:
• To create an environment in which students and staff feel safe and protected, whilst not being overly constrained
To ensure, as far as reasonably possible that :
- The risk of harm to students is minimised
- Concerns about the welfare of students are addressed
- Students who may be suffering significant harm are identified and appropriate action is taken
The College will take a range of actions to ensure the safety of students, including to:
• Prevent unsuitable people working with students.
• Promote safe practice and challenge poor and unsafe practice including carrying out appropriate risk assessments on the physical environment.
• Raise awareness of and deal effectively with bullying, harassment and discrimination.
• Identify instances where there are grounds for concern about students’ safety or well-being and initiate actions to keep them safe
• Contribute to effective partnership working with all those involved in providing services for young people and vulnerable adults, including the local Safeguarding Children Board.
• Ensure that all staff and governors receive appropriate training and support.
• Ensure there is effective monitoring and reporting on safeguarding and that the responsibilities of governors are fulfilled.
• Effectively deal with allegations of abuse against staff members, whilst protecting staff from malicious complaints.
Choosing the right course
Going to College not only represents a challenge to the students, but to parents and guardians as well. As parents you have a large part to play in your son or daughter’s choices. Choosing the right course with them is a very important decision. The College offers a free information service to help you make the correct choice, simply call 01252 407040 for any help or advice you need.
Our School Liaison Advisor visits many year 10 and 11 pupils and attends career fairs and parents evenings to provide information about the range of post-school options available. Our Career Advisers and Information Team are always available to assist any students who feel they have made the wrong choice or need additional information. Our staff are always happy to discuss all options with students and/or their parents.
In the summer before their course starts, there will be an opportunity for students to attend a Summer College. These two or three days in July help prepare students for College. Once at College, all courses begin with an Induction Programme. The Summer School and Induction enable students to review other options at an early stage if required.
Our promise to you as parents and guardians
We believe that the best results for your son or daughter will be achieved if we work closely together; we treat students as mature individuals when they come to the College, but we will monitor their behaviour. This will be done via regular meetings and tutorials. Attendance is monitored and you will be notified if your son or daughter fails to attend classes, without prior notice.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking
The College operates a non-smoking policy in all its buildings, courtyards and malls. Smoking is discouraged and only allowed in designated smoking areas. Disciplinary action will be taken if students smoke in any area of the College not designated as a smoking area.
The College also has an established procedure concerning the misuse of alcohol and drugs. Both policies have been developed following consultations with staff and students and are considered to be in line with current concerns on personal and environmental health. Be assured that the College will take a very strong line on drugs; any students found to be contravening drug laws will be dealt with appropriately.
Catering
The Farnborough refectory provides a choice of healthy and nutritious food including hot and cold breakfasts, lunches and dinners. A deli bar in the Plaza area offers fresh baguettes, jacket potatoes and salads. The Aldershot site also provides catering facilities for its students there.
The College believes healthy nutrition for young people not only promotes wellbeing but also offers better concentration and learning ability for its students.
Term Dates / Parents Evenings 2011-2012
Autumn Term 2011
Monday 12th September – Thursday 15th December
Half Term Friday 16th October - Friday 29th October inc.
Parents evening Thursday 6th October
Spring Term 2012
Tuesday 3rd January - Friday 30th March
Half Term Monday 13th – Friday 17th February
Parents evening Wednesday 11th January
Summer Term 2012
Tuesday 16th April – Friday 6th July
Half Term Monday 4th June – Friday 8th June
Parents evening Thursday 29th March
Learner Support Fund may be available to help meet course related costs; a student might be eligible following a short assessment. The Fund is open to students experiencing financial hardship. Students are able to apply for an award if they are attending a full-time course and have lived in the UK for at least three years. This fund may help with expenses such as travel, equipment, books or student visits.
Application forms are available from Main Reception
FE students
We have a personal adviser who helps students aged 16 to 19 with university applications, job-hunting and other post-college options. Appointments are made at the Learning Resource Centre helpdesk.