Learner handbook 17 18 by CBDavis Coaching

Learner Handbook

CONTENTS My Course Opening times College Term Dates Welcome to New Directions - Our vision and priorities - diversity & British Values - Safeguarding - Equal Opportunities New Directions Learner Charter General Information - Customer Care - Accessibility and Facilities - Late or not attendance - Parking - Bike shed - Food and Drink - Personal Belongings - Lost Property - Refunds Supporting you as a Learner - Classroom Support - Access arrangements - Helping you with fees - Material costs - Childcare - Information and Advice - Self-service Job Search - ICT, internet and website - Moodle - A note on plagiarism - Exam appeals Safe Learning and Safeguarding - Safety at New Directions - Fire Regulations - No Smoking Policy - If you have an Accident - If you require First Aid - Equality & Diversity - British Values and Prevent Duty NDAcceptable Use of I.C.T. - Acceptable use - Internet Filtering - Staying Safe Online - Agreement for using ICT Changing things at ND - Your feedback matters - Participation - Learner feedback form

Learner Handbook Keep up with New Directions online atâ&#x20AC;Ś.

www.newdirectionsreading.ac.uk

www.facebook.com/newdirectionsreading www.twitter.com/_newdirections

My Course My course is Day Time

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Finding our Centres 16 Further Information 16

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Location

Opening times Mondays: 9:00 – 17:00 (Term time only) Open

Open

Tuesday – Thursday: 9:00 – 17:00 19:00 – 21:30 (Term time only)

Fridays: 9:00 – 13:00 We are closed on Monday and Friday evenings

College Term Dates 2017-18 Autumn Half Term Christmas Holiday February Half Term End Term May Half Term End of Academic Year

Monday 23 October – Friday 27 October 2017 Monday 18 December – Friday 5 January 2017 Monday 12 February – Friday 16 February 2018 Monday 26 March - Friday 13 April 2018 Monday 28 May – Friday 1 June 2018 GCSE: Friday 8 June 2018 English, Maths & ESOL: Friday 29 June 2018 Leisure Courses: Friday 29 June 2018 Vocational Courses: Friday 13 July 2018

Welcome to New Directions Welcome and thank you for choosing this course. We hope you enjoy your learning journey. If you have any questions not answered here, please ask reception staff or your tutor who will be very happy to help you. We hope that you enjoy your learning experience. We hope you will enjoy and value the time you spend at New Directions.

Our vision and priorities Our vision is ‘To support individuals to achieve their personal aims and aspirations whether they are to gain employment, improve their skills or to help them be part of their community.’ Our mission is ‘To provide best value, high quality adult and family learning, which meets the needs and aspirations of each individual in the local community.’

Valuing diversity and promoting British Values Valuing diversity is one of New Directions’ core values. We will promote equality and diversity in everything we do to improve the quality and chances in life and work for Reading residents. New Directions actively promotes British values by challenging opinions or behaviours in college that are contrary to fundamental British values.

Safeguarding New Directions works closely with other organisations to ensure its safeguarding policy is up to date and is compliant with government legislation. By enrolling on any of our courses, you agree to abide by New Directions’ Code of Conduct. This Customer Charter is available online, in this booklet and in every classroom. If you have any queries or concerns about your safety, or the safety of others, please let us know.

Equal Opportunities New Directions is committed to ensuring that all learners have an equal opportunity to access its services in accordance with current legislation, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender re-assignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

New Directions Learner Charter What can you expect from us as a service?           

Wherever you access our services, you will find a safe, healthy and supportive environment. We will provide a learning environment free from discrimination, harassment and victimisation. We will advance equality of opportunity & foster good relations between different groups, promoting British values. We will follow Reading Borough Council’s Customer Service policies. Staff and tutors will be punctual. We will only reschedule or cancel services when there are no alternative options. We are committed to Life Long Learning and providing learning opportunities for the residents of Reading. We will offer impartial information, advice and guidance based on each person’s individual needs and requirements. We will respond to customer complaints in line with Reading Borough Council policy and take seriously any issues that are brought to our attention. We will request your feedback and responses will influence and shape further services. We are required to follow up with you after you have left our service to find out what, if any, difference the service made.

What do we expect from you as a learner?              

Inform us of any additional needs and/or disabilities before starting so that we can give you the support you need. Attend regularly and punctually and inform us every time you are unable to attend. Behave in a way that does not offend others, and show care, consideration and respect to all staff and fellow customers, whatever their race, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability. Not enter our centres under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Treat all staff and other customers in a polite and non-aggressive manner at all times. Comply with health and safety requirements, taking care of yourself and others at all times. Ensure we know when you are on New Directions premises, by signing in and out at receptions or by being listed as present on your class register. Respect premises, property and equipment. Pay all fees promptly. Complete a learner enrolment form before using any facilities and re-enrol every year if you continue using our services. Let us know what you are doing after your learning has finished and/or when you start work as part of our follow up activity (for statistical purposes only). Use the free job search services provided within the boundaries as stated above. Feedback regarding the services you have used when asked so services can better meet the needs of local residents. Ensure you are aware of the complaints procedure.

Please note that if you are rude, bully, harass or victimize staff or other customers, threaten them verbally or physically or engage in any terrorist activities, you will be asked to leave immediately and will no longer be allowed to use our services, in line with Reading Borough Council Policy. This agreement sets out the terms under which the New Directions facilities are made available to you. By using the facilities at New Directions you agree to be bound by these conditions. New Directions accepts no liability in respect of loss or damage to personal possessions. Please do not leave any personal belongings unattended in New Directions centres. Charges apply for some services. 4

General Information Customer Care New Directions is committed to continually improving its customers’ experience. If you would like to nominate a member of staff for a ‘customer care excellence award’ contact your centre reception to obtain the correct form.

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If you have any other feedback then you can talk to your tutor, LSW, volunteer or reception staff. If you have a complaint the forms can be found at reception and staff will be more than willing to help where possible.

Accessibility Services and Facilities at New Directions        

Fully accessible building and facilities Hearing Loops Personalised resources for learners who are blind or visually impaired Individual help from a Learner Support Worker (LSW) Help from a Learner Volunteer Adaptations to resources for learners with dyslexia Support for learners with mental health disorders Specialized IT equipment is available including: adapted keyboards, tracker balls, joysticks, arm and foot rests.

What should I do if I cannot attend or will be late? If you are unable to attend an activity please let us know immediately either by calling reception on 0345 842 0012 or by texting your Tutor. If you do not attend a course for four consecutive weeks or at least 80% of classes without explanation, you could lose your place. Please discuss with your tutor any issues regarding attendance or access. Late

Parking There are limited parking spaces at our South centre, however you can use the carpark in the AcademySport Leisure Centre across the road. There is no parking at the Avenue Centre. The nearest parking to our Central Reading centre is the Queen’s Road NCP.

Bike shed We have room for up to 12 bicycles in our bike shed. Please ask at reception for access.

Food and Drink Although we provide refreshments at our centres, we do not allow drinks and/or food to be consumed in our classrooms. Please help us to keep your environment clean and safe.

Personal Belongings Please take care of your personal belongings and do not leave any valuables unattended. New Directions cannot be held liable for any losses or thefts. 5

Lost Property Please hand in any lost property you find, informing us where and when it was found. If you have lost something please report it to reception.

Refunds  

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Full refunds are given when New Directions cancels a course for any reason. Partial refunds are given in the following circumstances: o For long-term customer sickness (including pregnancy-related illness). Written proof is required. This refund is pro-rata. o When written notice of withdrawal from a course is submitted to our Customer Relations Officers, New Directions, South Centre, 330 Northumberland Avenue, RG2 8DH, at least 14 days prior to the start of the course. All partial refunds are subject to a £25 administration fee. All exams re-sits will be charged for.

Supporting you as a Learner Classroom Support New Directions is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment and aim to make the most of every student’s learning opportunities. It is important to us that learners with disabilities and learning difficulties feel welcome and are supported throughout their time at New Directions. All additional support is based on individual need and assessment of how we can best help. Here are some of the things you can do:  

Talk to your Tutor: Let your Tutor know that you are having difficulties and discuss what might help. Evidence: provide your tutor with up to date evidence of support needed at the start of your course

Access arrangements Where appropriate and sufficient evidence is available we can offer access arrangements for exams. Please let your tutor know your needs as soon as possible. Some support arrangements and adjustments take longer to arrange with the Awarding organisations.

Helping you with fees If you are not eligible for full funding, and you are attending an accredited course (one that leads to a qualification or an exam) financial assistance may be available to help cover course costs, material costs and help with the cost of childcare  Financial help might be available for customers who meet the eligibility requirements of our funders.  Submitting an application does not guarantee that you will receive support and the scale of support may vary.

Material Costs Support with costs of materials may be available through the Hardship Fund. The Hardship Fund is only available to learners aged 19 and over and can be used to Money contribute towards costs associated with studying on a New Directions Course. Submitting an application does not guarantee that you will receive support. The scale of the support may vary.

Childcare New Directions may be able to provide support with the cost of Ofsted registered childcare for learners who attend courses which lead to a formal qualification. Childcare forms are obtainable from any of our centres. This is means tested and you will be required to provide evidence of your household income.

Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) New Directions offers support to our learners to help you make decisions on your future learning, training and work opportunities. Enquire at reception or discuss with your tutor for information on:  Further learning and training  Progress in your current job  Support with disabilities and childcare

 Improve your reading, writing and Maths  Funding to support your learning  Progression after finishing your course

Self-service Job Search Register with New Directions to use our range of support facilities to help you while looking for a job: internet job search, printing and photo copying and use of telephone for job search, local media advertising job vacancies and local labour market information.

ICT, internet and website Learners without a computer or internet at home can book sessions at no extra cost at the Selfservice Job Search Centre at New Directions. We have our own website which contains more information about all courses as soon as it becomes available. Check www.newdirectionsreading.ac.uk for news and to leave your feedback.

Moodle Many courses also have a Moodle page, New Directions’ Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), allowing learners the flexibility to learn at their own pace with the resources made available to them by their tutors. To access Moodle visit: www.berkshiremoodle.org.uk/reading If you don’t have an account and or are having difficulties opening one, please ask your tutor for support.

A note on Plagiarism Plagiarism is using or presenting another person’s thoughts, words or ideas as if they were your own. Examples of this might include: -

Copying chunks out of textbooks, other learners’ work or from the internet Paraphrasing someone else’s work without acknowledging them

To avoid plagiarism you must make sure you acknowledge whenever you use: -

Another person’s ideas or opinions Facts or data which are not common knowledge Quotations form someone else’s idea or theory

It is very important that all the work you hand in is your own and it is your responsibility to make sure you do not, inadvertently or otherwise, engage in plagiarism. When you hand in each piece of work, you will be required to sign a cover sheet declaring that the work you are handing in is your own. If you use the e-portfolio facility, you will sign a declaration when you first log on to the eportfolio system to say that the work is all your own. This is also monitored by your assessor/s who will sign a declaration to that effect when you complete your course. If the course tutor is concerned about plagiarism in your work, they will speak to you directly to try to resolve the matter. If the issue cannot be resolved, it will be discuss at a meeting with the Community Learning organizer who will take action. This may include reducing marks, refusing to accept a piece of work or further work being set. In very serious or repeated cases, learners may be asked to withdraw from the course.

Exam Appeals If you think that an examination or controlled assessment has been incorrectly marked you may be able to appeal. Each awarding body has its own appeal and re-mark policy and appeal/re-mark fees may be charged. For further information please speak to your Tutor or contact the Quality Team as soon as possible after you receive your result. Re-sit opportunities may be available for some qualifications; we will contact you with details on receipt of your results.

Safe Learning and Safeguarding How does New Directions make sure I am safe? New Directions staff are all trained to the appropriate Health & Safety level for their roles and responsibilities. At the start of your course your tutor will go through an induction with you so you know what to do in an emergency. We have staff trained as first aiders and fire marshals. Please observe and practice some simple health and safety advice:  Avoid walking around with drinks and food causing spillages.  In classrooms keep handbags and other items stored away under tables.  Never climb onto furniture.  Familiarise yourself with fire exits.  If you see anything that causes concern please let us know.  If you use equipment or hazardous substances as part of your course please ensure that you observe all the recommendations given by staff. If you feel uncertain about using them, please ask. Health & Safety information is situated by the doors in all classrooms. Risk Assessments are available in all doorways and public areas. Any queries regarding Health & Safety issues should be directed to Vanessa Hart on 0118 937 4914 or vanessa.hart@reading.gov.uk

Fire Regulations If the fire alarm sounds please assume that there is an emergency. Follow staff to the Fire Assembly Point where a register will be taken. Do not re-enter the building for any personal belongings. Please ensure you remain with staff until told otherwise. See the local fire notices at each centre for more details.

No Smoking Policy New Directions has a NO SMOKING POLICY, including e-cigarettes, and in line with Government legislation, smoking is not allowed in any learning session or on any learning premises.

If you have an Accident All accidents and incidents that occur on New Directions premises, however small, must be recorded online. Please ask at reception.

If you require First Aid If you require First Aid, for yourself or another learner, please make the situation known to a receptionist or your tutor. They will then alert a First Aider in the building.

Equality & Diversity Adult Education encourages participation in learning by all sections of the community regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, race, religious belief and sexual orientation. We want all our courses to be free from discriminatory behaviour, harassment and bullying. Signs to look out for: Harassment:  Unwelcome remarks about any of the following – age, disability, ethnicity and gender.  Unwelcome remarks about your personal appearance, race, religious belief, marital status or sexual orientation.  Personal insults to you or others.  Persistent criticisms.  You feel you are being ignored  Any physical contact that is unwanted  Jokes and humour you find offensive  Display or use of materials you find offensive.

Bullying:  Any offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour.  Verbal abuse that makes you feel undermined, humiliated or denigrated in some way.  Threats of physical violence.  Mis-use of power intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or cause injury.

Neither harassment nor bullying is acceptable. If you feel you or someone else in your class may be subject to any of these behaviours, we ask you to speak to your tutor about your experience.

British Values and Prevent Duty All our staff & volunteers undertake Safeguarding, Prevent and Equality & Diversity training. British Values The government anticipates that the promotion of British Values will reduce the threat of extremism (the holding of extreme political or religious views). From the 1st July 2016 the Prevent Duty actively promotes the following fundamental British values (as seen on posters in each classroom):  Democracy – your opinion counts  The Rule of Law – no one is above the law, laws protect everyone, innocent until proven guilty.  Individual Liberty – freedom of speech.  Respect and Tolerance – for any differences in relation to the 9 protected characteristics; age, gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity and marriage and civil partnership. At New Directions we actively promote British Values and if you would like any further information, do please speak to any of our staff. The Prevent Duty The Prevent Duty was developed by Government to provide information on ‘how to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism,’ Anti Terrorism and Security Act 2015. Various bodies including all FE colleges, adult education providers and independent learning providers with SFA funding or with over 250 students enrolled, are legally committed to implement the Prevent Duty. 10

At New Directions we have ensured that all our staff:  Have undertaken training in the Prevent Duty  Are aware of processes and able to refer any concerns to the Prevent/Designated Safeguarding Officer  Incorporate British values into their practice While the risk of someone being radicalised is very rare, it’s not one we can totally ignore! Everyone needs to NOTICE, CHECK and SHARE

New Directions Acceptable Use of I.C.T. Equipment New Directions is committed to maximising the use of I.C.T. in the delivery of learning programmes both by tutors and learners. We expect all users to respect and not abuse the equipment. New Directions monitors IT usage at all centres. Maximum use is expected to be no more than 2 hours per day.

Acceptable use of public access computers:    

Online job search of advertised vacancies and research for speculative applications. Online job applications, writing CV and covering or speculative letter. E-mail job applications/enquiries and reviewing responses. Access to New Directions Moodle (print restrictions still apply).

Users           

must not: Remove I.C.T. equipment from the classrooms. Eat or drink near I.C.T. equipment. Behave in any way that disturbs other people using the facilities. Download/install software without permission or alter the settings of the computers. Make any changes to the computers that render them unusable by others. Access or transmit offensive, discriminatory, sexual or illegal material. Send offensive, discriminatory, abusive or libelous messages. Hack into un-authorised areas. Use the computers for any illegal activity, including software and music piracy. Use the system for personal use (public libraries & internet cafés provide this service). Print in excess of daily allowance of 10 items (You need to pay 10p per sheet for additional printing).  Store personal documents on the hard drive.

Internet Filtering Our PCs have an Internet Filtering Software on them. If it blocks access to a website you think shouldn’t be blocked, please notify a member of staff. If they agree with you, they will unblock the website for you. Reading Borough Council accepts no liability for any loss or damage resulting from learners’ dealings with a third party. Anyone who does not comply with these guidelines will be asked to leave the premises and any serious issues will be dealt with as appropriate.

Staying Safe Online The internet is an amazing tool which allows us to do everyday tasks such as banking, being able to look up information and of course going on social media amongst other things. However, the freedom we have online can lead us into dangerous territory with the ability to share photos, videos and personal information across a wide range of websites and apps. This could end up in the wrong hands or be viewed by the public if we are unsure how to protect ourselves and our families. Therefore we’re providing you with the following useful tips to keep you and your family safe and secure online. 1. Passwords  Ensure your password is unique, includes capital letters, numbers and punctuation .  Regularly change your password and keep it private.  Never use the same password on other accounts. 2. Protection  A firewall prevents hacking.  An anti-virus prevents viruses.  An anti-spyware prevents ’keyloggers’ and ‘trojans’ from spying and stealing your passwords and account details. 3. Privacy  Apply strict privacy and security settings to your social media sites.  Ensure you know who can view your accounts and only communicate with people you know.  Encourage your family and friends to apply similar settings. 4. Posting  Be careful with the comments, photos and videos you share on social media sites especially about your home, work place or school.  Don't write that you are going on holiday as this can leave you vulnerable to burglars.  Whenever you're about to post, pause and imagine what someone in authority or who you respect would say about it. 5. Personal Information  Don't post personal information online: your address, email address or mobile number  It's safer not to display your actual birth date because it can make you more vulnerable to identity fraud.  Don't give out information online simply because it's asked for - think whether whoever is asking for it, really needs it 6. Online Banking  Use all the banks security recommendations, including the banks security software where possible, and try not to use internet banking on shared computers.  Only complete online transactions where the URL starts with 'https' and not just 'http,' the 's' stands for secure. 7. Scams  Spoof emails requesting money or personal information are common. It’s called phishing.  Don’t ever give anyone money, personal details or your pass words.  Nationwide bank has an archive of known email scams in circulation and the internet can provide examples of others. 8. Cyberbullying – ‘Stop, Block and Tell’  Stop – don't answer back, don’t engage with the person or comment, do not feed the abuse.  Block – block the person or comment to prevent them from sending further abuse.  Tell – tell someone you trust what has happened, report the abuse. 12

Learners’ agreement for usage of Online and Electronic Equipment Learners are encouraged to access various technologies in sessions and when undertaking independent research, and are therefore expected to follow the guidelines set out in the esafety and acceptable use of ICT policy. They should participate fully in e-safety activities and report any suspected misuse to a member of staff. Learners must agree to the terms of our Acceptable Use Policy and their e-safety responsibilities: Learners must    

behave in a safe and responsible manner treat equipment with respect be polite and not use e-mail to bully or insult others use the resources only for educational purposes

Learners must not  waste resources including Internet and printers;  eat or drink in the ICT suites ;  use someone else’s login details;  have any inappropriate files (e.g. copyrighted or indecent material);  attempt to circumvent or “hack” any systems;  use inappropriate or unacceptable language;  reveal their personal details or passwords;  visit websites that are offensive in any way;  use chat rooms or newsgroups;  download anything inappropriate or install any programmes. I have read and understood this agreement and agree to comply with the above

Name……………………………………………………..Signed………..…..………………………………. Date ……….......

Tutor’s signature………………………………………………………………………………………………. Date ……………….

How can you get involved and change things at New Directions? Your feedback matters There is a range of ways you can give your feedback and opinion:  Talk to your course tutor or staff at one of our centres  Complete our feedback card which can be found in the reception area.  Email us to thecroteam@reading.gov.uk or call us on 0345 842 0012.  Use our tablet in the Café area to give feedback.  Take part in surveys: New Directions - Learning Evaluation In order to be able to shape services for the future New Directions needs to ensure we are gaining feedback on how learners feel about coming to New Directions. We also need to know who accesses the services to ensure we are not inadvertently discriminating against any group.

Ofsted - Learner View – this is an optional online survey by Ofsted who inspect adult learning to ensure quality of provision. This short survey is accessible to learners at all times. http://www.learnerview.ofsted.gov.uk/

Participation There are numerous ways to get involved in Adult Learning at New Directions. Our ‘Learner Champions’ provide a clear route for learners to offer suggestions that will direct planning and shape future services to meet the needs of local people better. For more information on participation please contact:

Complete End of Course Survey

Feedback and Inform Staff and Tutors of any concerns

Use the Feedback Cards in Reception area and around the Centre

Become a Learner Champion

Positive Learner Experience Join Learner Forums

Feedback via our Social media

Learner Voice Feedback Form Course title:________________________________________ Course Code:____________________ Venue:_____________________________ If you wish to feedback a particular compliment, comment or concern, please use this form. We will respond promptly and appropriately so that you can complete your learning satisfactorily. Remember, you may at any time: -

Talk to your class tutor or member of staff in the centre Write or email us on thecroteam@reading.gov.uk Hand in your completed form at reception or send to: New Directions, 330 Northumberland avenue, Reading RG2 8SH

Name: ________________________________________________________ Telephone: ____________________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________ Details of your Compliment/Comment/Concern:

Finding our centres: South Reading Centre 330 Northumberland Avenue, Reading. RG2 8DH The Hub 3rd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square, Reading. RG1 3BQ Emmer Green Youth & Community Centre Grove Road, Caversham, Reading RG4 8LN The Avenue Centre Conwy Close, Tilehurst, Reading. RG30 4BZ

For further information: New Directions South 330 Northumberland Avenue Whitely, Reading RG2 8DH 0345 842 0012 thecroteam@reading.gov.uk