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Parents’ Handbook once Enrolled

The College has a range of policies, procedures and standards to ensure learning can take place in a safe, friendly, positive and supportive environment for all learners and staff.

The College has a range of policies, procedures and standards to ensure learning can take place in a safe, friendly, positive and supportive environment for all learners and staff.

Aims

As a college, we aim to provide your son/daughter with the academic and pastoral support and guidance they will need to help them to perform to the best of their ability and achieve success.

The Student Charter identifies the expectations the College has of learners so that we can help them to achieve in a supportive and non-threatening environment. In addition, every learner will receive a Student Success Passport outlining expectations and key information.

The first six weeks of college

For all learners joining a course with us, we mirror the workplace with a six-week probationary period. At this stage it is important learners engage and attend with 100% of their effort, as this time determines how well they will settle in and retain their place on their course. We do everything we can to support learners to settle in and as a result 95% make a successful transition to college.

The College provides a safe, friendly and positive environment for all students and staff

The College has developed a range of policies and procedures to make sure everyone knows what is expected of them whilst they study and work here. The main policies and procedures can be found on our website by visiting: https://www.farn-ct.ac.uk/about-us/quality-assurance-and-governance/

Absences must be reported

100% attendance is expected throughout the academic year. Learners are required to attend every timetabled session and any additional sessions deemed necessary to support their progress. Parents should notify the College Absence Line (01252 407474) and Personal Tutor before 8.45am for each day a learner is absent.

During a learner’s time at college, we will help them to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes to prepare them for the world of work.

We expect them to approach coming to college with the same commitment they would if they were employed.

As with any job, college attendance is expected to be 100%. Good attendance at college is vital to successfully completing their programme of study.

Learners are expected to attend every timetabled session and planned activity related to their programme. This will ensure they have the best opportunity to successfully achieve their qualifications and prepare them for future progression opportunities.

Holidays are not acceptable during term time as this is detrimental to their studies.

The following absences are also not authorised during college timetabled hours:

  • Driving Lessons and Examinations
  • Medical Appointments (where possible)

You will be notified via the automated absence email at the end of the day if your son/daughter does not attend college and would encourage you to contact their Personal Tutor if you have any queries.

Punctuality

100% punctuality is required for all sessions and activities related to their personal timetable including:
a) Sessions and other timetabled activities e.g. remote sessions
b) Work or industry placements
c) Appointments with college staff
d) Internal and external interviews

Lateness is unacceptable and learners will be required, at a convenient point during or after their lesson, to explain their reason for lateness.

Sanctions may also be applied depending upon the circumstances and frequency of lateness.

Employability/Work Placement

Employers require employees to arrive on time for work, maintain good attendance and work hard. At college, we also have high expectations and believe that this helps to consolidate these skills in preparation for your son/daughter’s future employment. As part of their study programme, your son/daughter will also be expected to attend a relevant work placement which will provide them with invaluable experience in looking for and gaining successful employment.

Tutorial Sessions

All Learners will be timetabled for a group and one-to-one tutorial session each week. Both these sessions are mandatory. Within these sessions they will:

• Set ProPortal SMART targets for attendance, punctuality, academic assessments and homework tasks.

• Develop a ProPortal Individual Learning Plan (ILP) including their careers and progression action plan.

• Undertake topics to enhance and enrich their personal development.

• Undertake one-to-one progress discussions relating holistically to personal development and behaviour and attitudes throughout their learning journey.

Together with their Personal Tutor, learners will make informed judgements on whether they are meeting their targets.

Study Programmes

A Study Programme is a combination of qualifications, personal and employability learning experiences that will prepare learners to progress into employment.

It includes the following:

• Maths and English (GCSE or Functional Skills

• Stretch (for those learners that have achieved a 4+ in Maths/English before their course)

• Main vocational or academic qualification

• Tutorial sessions

• Work experience

• Enrichment opportunities

Progress

During a learner’s time at College, their overall performance will be monitored regularly.

One of the mechanisms for doing this is our tracking system, ProPortal. All learners will have access to this, and parents will be given access during the autumn term.

The purpose of reviews is to monitor and record learner progress across a broad range of skills, knowledge and behaviours, all of which will help to prepare them for their next step, whether this is employment or further learning, such as an apprenticeship or studying in higher education.

This will allow learners to set ProPortal SMART targets in tutorial sessions to support working towards their highest possible standard.

Reports to parents will be generated in both December and April. Parents’ evening will also take place in November and March. However, we strongly encourage you to check your son/daughter’s ProPortal account regularly to monitor their progress.

Progress

During a learner’s time at College, their overall performance will be monitored regularly.

One of the mechanisms for doing this is our tracking system, ProPortal. All learners will have access to this, and parents will be given access during the autumn term.

The purpose of reviews is to monitor and record learner progress across a broad range of skills, knowledge and behaviours, all of which will help to prepare them for their next step, whether this is employment or further learning, such as an apprenticeship or studying in higher education.

This will allow learners to set ProPortal SMART targets in tutorial sessions to support working towards their highest possible standard.

Reports to parents will be generated in both December and April. Parents’ evening will also take place in November and March. However, we strongly encourage you to check your son/daughter’s ProPortal account regularly to monitor their progress.

Safeguarding

The College is committed to safeguarding the welfare of your son/daughter. To meet those responsibilities, the College will ensure that relevant and effective safeguarding practices exist and are actively promoted within the College. All learners have a right to be safe and protected both within the College, online and whilst engaging in college-related activities. Their safety, welfare and well-being are of paramount importance.

If you or your son/daughter have any concerns, these can be raised in a number of ways:

  • Speaking to a Personal Tutor
  • Calling the Safeguarding team on 01252 407373
  • Emailing: safe@farn-ct.ac.uk
  • Reporting via the Student Help and Advice Reporting Page (SHARP) via the College website

Lockdowns

We must also plan for those unexpected and extremely rare situations where the College must ‘lockdown’.

What is a lockdown?

A lockdown involves the College preventing threats and intruders from gaining access into college buildings and preventing them from moving through the building.

Usually a lockdown situation will be declared on the recommendation of police or emergency personnel. If this occurs, parents will be notified as soon as it is practical to do so.
What should parents do?

Parents are requested not to come to the College, as students will not be released to parents during lockdown. Parents are also asked not to call the College as this may tie up emergency lines that must remain open.

Parents should not expect their child to call them, nor should they call student mobiles, as the lockdown situation requires silence in order not to alert an intruder to the presence of students and staff in classrooms.

If your child’s stay at college is extended beyond the regular time, you will receive information about the time and place that you can pick up your child. Please be assured in the event of lockdown that the only consideration for the College is the safety and wellbeing of your child.

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