Learner Handbook 2015/16

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Birmingham Adult Education Service

Learner

Handbook 2015/16


Term dates 2015/16 Autumn term - 2015

Monday 14th September - Friday 18th December Half-term: Monday 26th October - Friday 30th October Christmas Break Monday 21st December - Friday 1st January 2016 Please note: **Modern Foreign Language Learners** Christmas Break Monday 14th December - Friday 1st January 2016

Spring term - 2016

Monday 4th January - Thursday 24th March Half-term: Monday 15th February - Friday 19th February Easter Break Friday 25th March - Friday 8th April

Summer term - 2016

Monday 11th April - end date depends upon course Half-term: Monday 30th May - Friday 3rd June Please contact centre staff or a member of the Learner Services Team if you require this handbook in an alternative format or an easy-read version


Contents Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 Useful Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03 Learner Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 04 Additional Learning Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 05-06 Improving your English and Maths . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 Lifelong Learning Account (LLA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08 Fees, Payments and Refund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Cancellations and Transfers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Financial Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 Childcare while you study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Attendance and Punctuality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Examinations and Accreditation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Exam Appeals Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Your Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 Learner Entitlement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Learner Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Equality and Diversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Disciplinary and Exclusion Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Safeguarding & Prevent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Acceptable Use of IT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Health and Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Data Protection Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-33 Notes and Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Calendar 2015/16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Timetable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 1


Welcome Thank you for choosing to study with Birmingham Adult Education Service. We appreciate your decision to enrol on a course with us and our aim is to ensure that you have a successful and rewarding learning experience. This handbook will provide you with some key information to help you make the most of your time with us. It includes information about what you can expect from us and what we expect of you as a learner. Please see the details of the support we can offer you while you learn. If you have any questions about our services, please ask your tutor or centre staff in the first instance. We hope that you will enjoy your time with us. Best wishes

Learner Handbook 2015/16

Liz Stearn

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Head of Business and Learner Services


Useful Contacts

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Centre manager/Co-ordinator: . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Learner Handbook 2015/16

Centre: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Centre telephone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tutor: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tutor contact details: . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other contacts: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Learner Services All our staff are committed to supporting learners to succeed and progress on their courses. If you have any general enquiries Centre staff will be happy to help you with any questions you may have about: • Facilities at the centre and opening times • Childcare arrangements • Health & Safety • Financial support • General concerns or if you wish to make a complaint

Learner Handbook 2015/16

Centre staff can also make an appointment for you to see a member of the Learner Services Team.

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For more detailed Information, Advice & Guidance The Learner Services Team provide a range of services and offer support, information and advice on: • Routes back into work and courses leading to employment. • Careers guidance to help you make the right choice • Different options if your course is not meeting your needs • Getting extra help with Maths or English • Specialist assessments and support e.g. Dyslexia • Specialist resources if you have a disability or learning difficulty


Additional Learning Support

There are a range of different types of support available: • English or Maths assessments and support • Assessments to identify specialist equipment or resources needed e.g. large print, hearing loops, computer equipment and assistive technology • Interpretation services

Learner Handbook 2015/16

Additional Learning Support We understand that people have different learning needs and some may require extra support to achieve their goals.

• In-class support provided through a volunteer or learner support assistant. Dyslexia Research has found that many adults with dyslexia go on to succeed in all walks of life. If you think you may have dyslexia because you have difficulty with reading, writing, spelling, number work or organising your work, speak to your tutor who can refer you for specialist help. We can organise a dyslexia assessment to find out what would help you to learn. How to get additional support Please discuss any additional learning support needs you may have with your tutor as soon as possible. They may refer you to a Learner Support Co-ordinator If you find later on in your course that you are struggling, don’t worry, it’s rarely too late to get some help. However, we 5


Additional Learning Support ask you not to delay as it will be better for you if support can be arranged as soon as possible. To arrange an appointment with a Learner Support Co-ordinator either: • Let your tutor or centre staff know that you would like to discuss your learning needs and they will make an appointment for you. • Make an appointment yourself. Which Learner Support Co-ordinator to contact?

Learner Handbook 2015/16

Osborne, Boldmere, The Pump, Saltley Centres Ruth Duncombe Tel: 0121 464 6481 Email: ruth.duncombe@birmingham.gov.uk

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Brasshouse Language & Kingstanding Centres, St George’s Community Hub Salma Ladak Tel: 0121 464 8643 Email: salma.a.ladak@birmingham.gov.uk Aston, Selly Oak, Trittiford, Stone Hall Centres Sarah Roberts Tel: 0121 464 7406 Email: sarah.j.roberts@birmingham.gov.uk Northfield, Quinborne, Sparkhill & Dame Elizabeth Cadbury Centres & Bournville Campus Raksha Solanki Tel: 0121 464 8281 Email: raksha.solanki@birmingham.gov.uk


Improving your English and Maths

• Because they need an English or Maths qualification for their chosen career or to get onto a course • To be able to help their children with their homework • To improve general confidence with everyday reading, writing and maths tasks

Learner Handbook 2015/16

If you would like to improve your English or maths skills and gain a qualification, we offer free or discounted courses at most of our centres. People join these classes for many reasons: • To improve their writing skills for other courses

Some of our courses will include English and maths skills in the course delivery. How do I join? The first thing to do is let centre staff know that you would like to join an English or maths class. They will put you in touch with the curriculum team who will arrange for an initial assessment to take place. When we know what level your current skills are and which areas need improving we will help you to find a course at a time and place that is convenient for you.

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Lifelong Learning Account (LLA) A Lifelong Learning Account (LLA) is a free online resource open to all adults aged 16 years and above in England. A LLA provides a variety of resources to help you manage your career and employment opportunities. It will be a record of your learning throughout your life. Opening a Lifelong Learning Account will provide access and support in: • Developing your CV using an easy to understand process • Matching existing skills to possible jobs • Finding and choosing the right course • Planning and managing information to make the right career/job choices • Finding out about funding

Learner Handbook 2015/16

• Recording and sharing your achievements with others

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A LLA is quick to open: Step 1 – Go to http://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/account/ Step 2 – Click on ‘open an account’ at the top of the page Step 3 – Complete the form to open an account


Learner Handbook 2015/16

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Fees, Payments and Refunds Additional Costs There may be additional charges for exams or course materials. You are advised to check with your tutor to find out about any additional costs you will have to pay. For qualification courses you can apply to the Learner Support Fund for help with costs associated with your course.

Learner Handbook 2015/16

There are a number of funds available to support learners experiencing financial hardship. If you have a low income and cannot afford to pay the full course fee, speak to a member of our centre staff who will advise you on financial support available.

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Paying by Instalments We prefer learners to pay all their course fees when they enrol, but recognise this may be difficult. For longer leisure courses you can pay termly. If you are enrolled on a qualification course that costs over ÂŁ100 you can pay in three monthly instalments at your centre. This means if you enrol in September, you must complete payments by the end of November 2015. Direct Debit We also have a Direct Debit scheme for learners enrolled on qualification courses which cost over ÂŁ300 and are 20 weeks or longer. After an initial payment of 25%, three equal monthly payments will be taken.


Refunds We regret that course fees are only refundable if we have to close a course. If you change your mind within 10 working days of enrolling and before the course starts, we will refund your fee minus an administration charge of ÂŁ25.

Learner Handbook 2015/16

Fees - Reminder Before starting your course with us, all fees should have been paid, an instalment plan agreed or direct debits set up. All proof for concessions must also be shown or the full fee will be charged.

Please see our website for full terms and conditions or ask at your centre.

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Cancellations and Transfers Class Closures We try very hard to avoid closing classes. However classes can only run subject to sufficient numbers of enrolments. If numbers are too low, your class may be closed or merged with another class. Under these circumstances you will be offered the opportunity to transfer to a similar class if one is available or receive a pro-rata refund.

Learner Handbook 2015/16

Transfers It is usually possible to transfer to a different class if your circumstances change or if you are enrolled on an unsuitable course. Please consult your tutor or contact a member of the Learner Services Team to discuss the alternatives available.

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Class Disruption If a class session is disrupted, for example due to heavy snow, we will try to arrange an alternative session which suits everybody. We will endeavour to phone you if the class is cancelled e.g. due to tutor illness or the centre is closed. We will put a message on our website, centre answer machines and centre doors where possible if the centre is closed.


your

We run learner forums at many of our centres

Learner Handbook 2015/16

“Have

say” LLEEAARRNNEERR

Look out for posters in your local centre nearer the time letting you know how to get involved.

SSEERRVVIC ICEESS Learner Forums: influence your service

Birmingham Adult Education Service

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Financial Support If you are on a qualification course and claiming benefits, or on a low income, you may be eligible to apply for help with costs related to your study. Learner Support Fund The Learner Support Fund is a limited discretionary grant provided by the Skills Funding Agency to help learners experiencing financial hardship to stay in education. This fund can be used to help with the course costs, exam fees, childcare costs and DBS checks where they are a requirement of the course. To apply you must: • Be on a qualification course • Meet residency requirements

Learner Handbook 2015/16

• Provide evidence that you are on a low income or experiencing financial hardship

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* Please note: All support funds are subject to individual eligibility and the availability of funds. Unfortunately learners who are not EC/EEA citizens are not eligible for fee waivers, discounts or financial support. Before applying, check if you and the course you have enrolled on are eligible. You must provide proof of your income and status to apply.


Some of the key support funds available: Professional and Career Development Loans These are bank loans of between ÂŁ300 - ÂŁ10,000 to help pay for learning. The loans are interest free while you are studying and you have to start to repay the loan one month after your course ends.

Learner Handbook 2015/16

Government Support Funds You can get full details of Government funded financial support schemes, the eligibility criteria for these and application forms at www.direct.gov.uk/moneytolearn or by phoning 0800 121 8989.

Loans for over 24s on Level 3 courses If you are over 24 and on a Level 3 certificate or diploma course, then you must pay the full fee or take out a loan. Please ask staff for details or visit www.gov.uk/advancedlearning-loans/. Bursary for Level 3 certificate or diploma courses If you are paying for your course via a 24+ learning loan you are eligible to apply to this fund to support childcare costs, course resources including text books and any additional learning support needs. Learners under 24 will usually be eligible for support through a separate fund. 16-19 Bursary Fund This is a Government scheme to help young people facing financial hardship to stay in full-time education. To be eligible learners must be on a full-time programme of study.

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Childcare while you study Free Childcare All children aged three and four in England are entitled to free part-time nursery education. This can be in a variety of settings (including childminders), as long as it is registered by Government regulatory bodies and inspected regularly. The maximum entitlement is five 3 hour sessions (usually morning or afternoon) each week for up to 38 weeks a year. Parents on income-related benefits may also be eligible for free childcare for 2 year olds.

Learner Handbook 2015/16

How to apply To find out how to claim your child’s free part-time nursery place, contact the Family Information Service on 0121 303 1888

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BAES Supported Childcare If you do not qualify for any of the above and you are on a qualification course you may be able to get financial support for childcare. This can be with a childminder or a nursery as long as it is registered by Government regulatory bodies and inspected regularly by Ofsted. How to apply Contact centre staff or a member of the Learner Services Team who will give you an application form for the Learner Support Fund (LSF).


How to apply Contact a member of centre staff or the Learner Services Team who can provide an information leaflet and an application pack. Alternatively you can contact www.direct.gov.uk or call the Helpline on 0800 121 8989. You must apply within 28 days of starting your course to ensure the payments are made at the beginning.

Learner Handbook 2015/16

Care to Learn This fund is for young parents under 20. If you qualify you can claim up to ÂŁ160 per week in childcare costs for each child, plus travel costs. You do not have to be in receipt of benefits to claim Care to Learn and it will not affect any other benefit you receive.

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Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) If you are on a course which includes a placement working with children you will need to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before starting your placement. This check is for any convictions which could make someone unsuitable to work in this role. Your tutor will explain how to apply.

Learner Handbook 2015/16

The cost of the check is ÂŁ44 and is payable by learners on relevant courses, depending on their circumstances. If you are experiencing financial hardship you can apply to the Learner Support Fund for help with the costs.

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Attendance and Punctuality

We understand that adult learners have busy lives with many commitments. Our staff are always ready to explore ways we can support you to attend regularly. If you know in advance that you will be missing a course session, speak to your tutor who will arrange to send you handouts and course information to keep you up to date. Please remember if you are on a work placement you must inform your placement supervisor and tutor if you are unable to attend.

Learner Handbook 2015/16

To maximise the benefits of your course we expect that you will attend each session and be punctual.

If your circumstances change and you find you cannot attend at the set time, please speak to your tutor or centre staff about the possibility of changing to a course on a different day or time. If you feel the course is not meeting your needs we can discuss alternatives with you. Please note: Where tutors are absent through illness or for other reasons, learners will be notified and the class hours will usually be made up at the end of the course where this is possible.

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Examinations and Accreditation If your course leads to a qualification it is important you fully understand the requirements of the course. Please spend some time at the beginning of your course discussing the following with your tutor: • Whether there is an exam at the end of the course, and if so, how much it will cost and when will it take place • If there is any coursework or other assessed work If you are on an accredited course and feel you require additional support to help you through the examination, please speak to your tutor or centre staff as soon as possible.

Learner Handbook 2015/16

Please note that if you enrol on a qualification course you must attend the exam or complete the coursework which forms part of the course.

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Important: If your fees have been paid through the Learner Support Fund, you will be expected to repay the full costs if you do not attend the exam.


Exam Appeals Procedure

BAES has systems in place to ensure that internally assessed work is marked consistently, fairly and accurately. If you wish to make an appeal relating to an internal assessment you should take the following actions: •

Learner Handbook 2015/16

Each awarding body publishes arrangements for appeals against its decisions. If you wish to appeal against an awarding body decision, speak to your tutor or the examinations officer. You will need to take action quickly and should make your appeal as soon as you receive your exam results.

If you feel your work has been unfairly or wrongly assessed, in the first instance you should take up the matter with the tutor or the assessor who has assessed you.

• If, after discussions with the tutor or assessor concerned, you do not accept the grade or award made, you can formally appeal against the assessment decision. •

Your appeal must be made in writing to the Curriculum Leader for your area of study. You must lodge your appeal within 10 working days of receiving the assignment or coursework grade.

A full copy of our Learner Appeals Procedure is available from centre staff.

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Your Views Comments, Compliments and Complaints At BAES we welcome your feedback. Your views are important in helping us improve our services. While you study with BAES there will be a range of opportunities to express your views.

Learner Handbook 2015/16

1. Learner Forums Our main centres host Learner Forums where groups of learners from different courses meet to talk about issues related to their study at BAES.

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Learners from all centres are encouraged to attend. Centre notice boards will display forum feedback, including how we intend to address the issues you raise. The dates and locations of the forums will be displayed at your centre. If you want to get involved, speak to your tutor, centre staff or a member of the Learner Services Team. Many classes nominate one member of the class as a Learner Representative to take their views to the forum. 2. Learner Surveys In class you will be asked to complete BAES Learner Surveys on the quality of teaching and learning and on the services we provide. Surveys are generally carried out after your induction, and sometime between the middle and end of your course. They are simple to complete and provide valuable information for improving our service.


3. Your Views feedback cards You can give us your feedback at any time by filling in one of the Your Views cards at your centre. Please write your comment and post the card in the box provided. Centre staff will respond and display comments and feedback on the learner noticeboard or contact you to discuss the matter further, whichever is most appropriate.

Learner Handbook 2015/16

Between November 2015 and February 2016 some learners may also be asked to participate in a national on-line survey. The survey is carried out by the Skills Funding Agency to find out what learners think about their learning provider.

4. Your Views Online You can also give us your feedback at any time by visiting www.learnbaes.ac.uk and following the link to Your Views. 5. Complaints, Compliments and Comments We hope you will speak to a member of staff about any issues or concerns in the first instance. Hopefully we can quickly resolve the issue for you there and then. Complaints should normally be made within 3 months of the end of your course unless the circumstances are exceptional. However, if you wish to make a formal complaint, make a suggestion or have a compliment formally recorded, then Birmingham City Council ‘Your Views’ procedures are followed. You can record your comment or complaint on-line by going to www.birmingham.gov.uk/contactus 23


Learner Entitlement As a learner, we aim to provide you with: • A programme of study to meet your needs • Information and advice on education, training and career opportunities • Up-to-date information on sources of financial help available • An introduction to your course and a clear explanation of what will be expected of you • A variety of teaching and learning methods to meet differing needs • Tutoring by experienced and qualified staff • Additional support and equipment if you need this to achieve your learning goals • Good quality learning materials and equipment

Learner Handbook 2015/16

• Your own learning plan

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• Regular reviews of your progress • Information on how you can progress at the end of your course • Recognition of your achievement • Equality and respect • A serious response and support from BAES if you experience discrimination, harassment, bullying or abuse • A safe and healthy place to learn • Opportunities to comment on the quality of your learning experience and our service


Learner Responsibilities

• Negotiate your learning plan and review your learning and progress with your tutor • Let us know if you need extra support • Take responsibility for your own learning • Attend every course session punctually • Complete assessments, assignments and learning activities

Learner Handbook 2015/16

As a learner, we ask you to: • Complete all enrolment procedures and participate in the induction process

• Attend all exams relevant to your course • Respect other learners and their right to learn • Respect members of staff • Not accept or participate in any form of discrimination, bullying, harassment or abuse, and report it if it happens • Respect property belonging to others, including that of Birmingham Adult Education Service • Comply with Health & Safety requirements and report any safety concerns • Give us feedback on the course and our services • Tell us if there are any important changes to your personal details, e.g. if you move house, change your name, or change your benefit status • Let us know if you have any disability, condition or mental health issue that may affect your learning so that we can offer support if appropriate

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Equality and Diversity At BAES it is our mission to ensure that all learners, regardless of any differences, have an equal opportunity to benefit from high quality learning. We expect all staff and learners to: • Respect one another and treat each other fairly • Encourage good relations between all social and ethnic groups • Challenge and report bullying, harassment or mistreatment of any kind • Contribute towards creating a safe environment for all

Learner Handbook 2015/16

There are nine protected characteristics identified for protection from discrimination by the 2010 Equality Act:

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Age, Disability, Gender, Gender reassignment, Marriage & Civil Partnership, Pregnancy & Maternity, Race, Religion & Belief and Sexual Orientation Our Equality and Diversity policy and Equality report are available on our website and at all our centres. Anti-bullying, Harassment & Hate Crime Everyone who visits, studies or works with BAES should expect to be treated with consideration and respect. We will not tolerate bullying, harassment, anti-social behaviour or hate crime towards learners, staff or visitors. We ask that you report any actions or incidents that you consider inappropriate to a member of staff.


Disciplinary and Exclusion Policy

Unsatisfactory conduct or behaviour refers to acting in a way which could disturb, upset or offend other people, or which prevents individuals or groups from making the most of their time with BAES. The procedures followed will depend on the level of misconduct. While minor incidents are likely to result in a verbal or written warning, repeated or more serious cases may result in temporary suspension or a permanent exclusion.

Learner Handbook 2015/16

Learner disciplinary policy and procedures are in place to ensure that BAES is a safe and pleasant place to work and study for everyone. Disciplinary procedures are used to help deal with unsatisfactory conduct or behaviour inside or outside the classroom.

All serious cases will involve a formal disciplinary hearing. Full details can be found in the ‘BAES Disciplinary Procedures’ available at your local centre.

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Safeguarding & Prevent BAES is fully committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners. We want you to feel safe at all times on your course and we have procedures in place to protect learners from potential harm and abuse. Abuse is the violation of an individual’s human rights by another individual or individuals. It can take many forms and includes physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse. We have named members of staff who deal with child or adult protection and abuse issues.

Learner Handbook 2015/16

BAES supports the Government’s Prevent Strategy, which aims to prevent people becoming involved in terrorism. We do this by: • Supporting anyone who has a concern

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• Embedding the values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs. • Encouraging respect for others If you have a concern for yourself or others, please contact one of our safeguarding officers: Liz Stearn (Lead) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jasi Bridgman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Eachus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carl Marshall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarah Roberts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hafsha Dadabhai-Shaikh . . . . . . . .

0121 303 7631 0121 675 4239 0121 464 8132 0121 464 2776 0121 464 7406 0121 675 7816


Acceptable Use of IT

To achieve this all learners must: • Use computers and the internet responsibly • Use reputable search engines like Google or Bing • Think carefully before giving personal information or posting photographs on the internet. This information could be altered and misused Learners must not • Access and display illegal, obscene, pornographic or offensive material

Learner Handbook 2015/16

At BAES we want to ensure that standards of acceptable use of computers are maintained in all our learning centres.

• Use and display offensive or abusive language • Breach copyright laws • Damage the computer • Go into databases illegally or without permission Learners misusing BAES computers or using BAES wifi to download inappropriate material will be subject to BAES Disciplinary procedures.

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Health and Safety BAES has a legal obligation under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and supporting legislation to provide a safe and healthy environment for learners, visitors and staff. The BAES Health & Safety policy, available from centre staff, gives details of how we meet this obligation. To ensure we provide a safe learning environment we train staff and continually review arrangements for learners and staff.

Learner Handbook 2015/16

At your first class your tutor or centre staff will explain the Health & Safety procedures at your centre. These include emergency evacuation, First Aid provision and accident reporting. We all have a responsibility for Health & Safety and we ask you to:

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• • • • • • • •

Act in a safe way and be aware of the Health & Safety of yourself and other people Tell a member of staff about potential hazards and other safety concerns Follow the instructions of tutors and other members of staff at all times Use all teaching materials and equipment safely Report any accident you have in class or in the centre to your tutor or centre staff Inform your tutor or centre staff if you or another person needs first-aid support Ensure that staff know if you cannot hear a fire bell or evacuate the building without help Observe our Health & Safety procedures at all times


Data Protection

The information you provide is passed on in statistical form to the Skills Funding Agency and the Education Funding Agency who fund education and training for adults and young people. Data may also be shared with other funding agencies and organisations which monitor the work of BAES. All organisations that will have access to our data are registered under the Data Protection Act 1998. At no time will personal information be passed to organisations for marketing or sales purposes.

Learner Handbook 2015/16

All of the information you provide for BAES is collected, processed and stored in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998. This means we ensure that data is kept securely, kept up to date, and is only used for the purposes intended.

You have the right to access any personal data that is kept about you. If you wish to look at this data you should make your request in writing to the Business Support Manager. Centre staff will be happy to provide contact details.

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Other Information The minimum age for enrolment is 16 years at 31st August 2015. In the case of our Family Learning programmes younger children can attend with their parents or carers. 16 to 18 year old learners If you are aged 16 to 18 years you must provide contact details of parents or carers, unless you are living independently. You should provide this information on your enrolment form and notify your tutor if your details change. Volunteers and Learner Support Assistants Trained volunteers and Learner Support Assistants are available to support learners on some of our courses. They always work under the supervision of a tutor.

Learner Handbook 2015/16

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for BAES please contact a member of the Learner Services Team

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Teaching & Learning Observations During your course the quality of teaching and learning provided by BAES will be assessed by classroom observations. This is when a trained observer comes to a class to watch the work of the tutor and their class. Classes are sometimes visited by external inspectors. If an observer or inspector visits your class they will talk to you to find out your views about the tutor, the course and BAES services.


We also like to hear about what you go on to do next, whether it is a new course, gaining a job or becoming a volunteer. We will ask you for any feedback in our Next Steps survey at the end of your course and also hope to catch up with you after the course has finished.

Learner Handbook 2015/16

Your Success We are always keen to hear about and celebrate the success of our learners! We display work and photos in our centres and hold events during the year to recognise the work of groups and individuals.

Learner Zone Many of our courses include online access to key information via our Learner Zone and for some classes online work is part of the course. Ask your tutor for more details and how to find the resources for your course.

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Learner Handbook 2015/16

 Notes and additional information

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02 03 04 05 06 07 08 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31 01 02 03 04 05 AUGUST 2016

M T W T F S S

30 31 01 02 03 04 05

27 28 29 30 01 02 03

01 02 03 04 05 06 07

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

06 07 08 09 10 11 12 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 01 02 03

Bank holidays

04 05 06 07 08 09 10 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Learner Handbook 2015/16

31 01 02 03 04 05 06

08 09 10 11 12 13 14 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 01 02 03 04

BAES Holidays

for more details of term dates please see the inside front cover 35


Learner Handbook 2015/16

Day

Time

Timetable 2015/16 Room Class

Tutor

Start Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . End Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Assessment/Exam Dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Learner Number . . . . . . . . . . .

36


* d e t c e n n *Co get

with *your* service

*Connected* is the newsletter we produce to keep our learners up to date with what is going on. It is published half-termly and contains information and articles that are relevant to you! GOT SOMETHING TO SHARE? We’d love to hear from

you and find out more about what’s going on in your learning life. Drop us an email to newsletter@learnbaes.ac.uk and we will get you *Connected* with everyone else!


Learner Handbook - 2015/16 Central Office

Aston Learning Centre, 99 Whitehead Road, Aston, Birmingham B6 6EJ

Working in partnership with

Birmingham Adult Education Service


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