Learner Handbook

PERSONAL DETAILS CONTACT NUMBER NAME

WELCOME TO BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE If you are new to the College, you will find that our learners come from a variety of backgrounds and are studying in a range of different circumstances. Some have joined us straight from school; others are in College part-time supported by their employers. A number are adult learners coming back to study after a long break and many are on work-based learning programmes. However, all have one thing in common - they want to gain a qualification and enhance their lives.

COURSE UCAS ID NO EMERGENCY CONTACT

PERSONAL TUTOR

ROOM

CONTACT NUMBER

SUBJECT

CONTACT DETAILS

SUBJECT

ROOM

We aim to do our best for all learners and we are proud of everybody who achieves success here each year. This handbook sets out for you our commitments to help you to achieve your potential and to be successful. Our Student Charter outlines what you can expect from the College and what to do if you are not satisfied and our Equality and Diversity Statement sets out our commitment to equality for all.

If you have any comments, suggestions or complaints, we want to hear from you in order that we can improve our service.

I hope you enjoy your time at Blackpool and The Fylde College and wish you every success on your chosen course.

(Signature of Principal and Chief Executive)

IF YOU CHANGE ANY OF YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS AT ANY TIME DURING YOUR COURSE, PLEASE INFORM STUDENT ADMINISTRATION. For security reasons, please remember to carry your ID card at all times and be willing to show it to any members of staff when asked. You will also need this for examinations.

Personal items within the College and its grounds are not covered by insurance and the College does not accept responsibility for money or property lost or stolen.

Please ensure that you contact your tutor if you are going to be absent from College!

Pauline Waterhouse OBE Principal and Chief Executive

OUR MISSION Leadership in Learning; Excellence at Work Blackpool and The Fylde College serves individuals, communities and employers by providing excellent learning opportunities that enhance social development and contribute to economic success. Our College transforms lives by inspiring learners to achieve their potential in a supportive learning environment.

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TERM DATES AND HOLIDAYS AUTUMN TERM

Full-time courses start

03 September 2012

EMergency contact and helpful numbers 6-7

Part-time courses start

10 September 2012

attendance and punctuality 7

Higher Education courses start

10 September 2012

Courses end

26 October 2012

HALF TERM

SPRING TERM

index

29 October – 02 November 2012

buses to college 7 campus maps

8-11

A positive learning environment

12

All courses start

05 November 2012

All courses end

21 December 2012

* Staff Training day

07 January 2013

compliments, complaints and appeals 15

All courses start

08 January 2013

who we are 16

Courses end

15 February 2013

HALF TERM

18 – 22 February 2013

All courses start

25 February 2013

All courses end

28 March 2013

Good Friday Bank Holiday

29 March 2013

Easter Monday Bank Holiday

01 April 2013

college facilities 13

Photographs, audio and video recording 18 student ambassadors 18 religious festival 19 student id cards student services

SUMMER TERM

All courses start

15 April 2013

May Day Bank Holiday

06 May 2013

All courses end

23 May 2013

* Staff Training day

24 May 2013

HALF TERM

27 - 31 May 2013

All courses start

03 June 2013

All courses end

4

21 June 2013

19

19

students’ union 21 student representatives 22 learning and study support 22 apprenticeships 23 what to do if... 23 HIGHER EDUCATION AT BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE

23

* Learners are not required to attend College on staff training days (this does not apply to School Links 14-16 courses).

being out and about in blackpool 25

The School Links 14-16 timetable may differ from the term dates above. Your high school will let you know the dates that you need to be in College.

useful contacts

26

5

EMERGENCY CONTACT AND HELPFUL NUMBERS

Art Shop - Palatine Road:

01253 504454

Sport and Recreation Office: sportshall@blackpool.ac.uk Apprenticeships: apprenticeships@blackpool.ac.uk

01253 504184 01253 504313

HAIRDRESSING AND BEAUTY SALONS Ansdell Campus: 01253 504639 The Cutting Edge, The Hub, Bispham Campus:

Reporting Absence Telephone the Main Switchboard,who will put you through to the appropriate member of staff.

Main College contact details: 01253 352352 Student Admin: Ansdell 01253 504632 Student Admin: Bispham 01253 504273 Student Admin: University Centre 01253 504420 For the hearing impaired - Textphone (Minicom):

01253 355755

Student Services

01253 504187

For learners wishing to contact Security, please contact Reception.

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY Blackpool and The Fylde College is committed to supporting its learners in achieving success. We expect 100% attendance from everyone. It is essential that tutors have the time to work with learners to help them gain the knowledge and skills

The Student Services Advice Team can be contacted by:

that the course demands. In order to maximise the opportunities for learning, the College monitors the attendance and

email: studentservices@blackpool.ac.uk;

punctuality of all learners and reports any absences that have not been authorised.

calling into one of our advice centres; or by telephone (below) Bispham Campus:

Learners are expected to inform their tutor in advance if they are going to be absent or late to their classes. The tutor will be

General Enquiries 01253 504350

able to give guidance on whether the reason is acceptable to authorise.

Welfare/Accommodation Advisors 01253 504298 Counselling 01253 504298 Careers Team

01253 504351

Employability Coach Team 01253 504590 01253 504591

notified as soon as possible on the day in question that they will be missing classes. Where the learner has failed to do this, the absence will be treated as unauthorised. Learners should be aware that it is standard College practice to contact a learner’s home number or next of kin on the day of absence in the case of students that fail to supply a legitimate reason for absence.

01253 504592

Reporting Absence - Telephone the Main Switchboard (01253 352352), who will put you through to the appropriate

University Centre:

administration desk.

General Enquiries 01253 504497 Counselling 01253 504496

BUSES TO COLLEGE

Careers Team 01253 504474

A number of buses serve our main College campuses - see below.

Ansdell Campus:

These may be subject to change. Please contact traveline, Public Transport Information - Tel: 0871 200 2233

All Enquiries 01253 504637

Blackpool Transport - Tel: 01253 473001

Chaplaincy/Multi-faith Team: Please use General Enquiries contact details, above.

Bispham Campus No. 3, No. 9, No. 15 and No. 16

College nurses: Please use General Enquiries contact details, above. Information is also

University Centre No. 3 (Nearest drop-off point: Park Road ) No.4 and No. 16 (Whitegate Drive)

available on the College Website – Student Services, including a virtual 360 link.

Ansdell Campus No. 11

Students’ Union: studentsunion@blackpool.ac.uk

Fleetwood Campus No. 1 and No. 14

Bispham Campus: 01253 504154

Information regarding travel is also available from each of the Student Services Advice Centres.

University Centre: 01253 504517

RAIL

­Learning Support Service: LearningSupport@blackpool.ac.uk 01253 504356

Beacon Travel (based at the Bispham Campus) is currently looking into providing Student

School Links Office: 01253 504238

Rail Cards, offering huge discounts for learners.

Student suggestions/complaints: sedg@blackpool.ac.uk 01253 504087

For further information, please contact: beacontravel@blackpool.ac.uk,

College Travel Agency: beacontravel@blackpool.ac.uk

01253 504186

visit www.blackpool.ac.uk or call:

Courtfields Restaurant – Bispham: restaurant@blackpool.ac.uk

01253 504378

01253 596979

Welfare/Accommodation Advisors 01253 504496

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Where an absence genuinely cannot be foreseen in advance, the learner must make arrangements to ensure the tutor is

01253 504186

7

BISPHAM CAMPUS

UNIVERSITY CENTRE CAMPUS KEY

KEY Cleveleys

Poulton

Park Road Building

Hub

Singleton

Central Hub

Bispham

Wyre

Garstang

Construction Skills Centre

Thornton

H&V Workshop

Greenhouse

Joinery Cove

Main Building

Elswick

Theatre Montreal Building

UPPER CAR PARK

Park Road Building

Hornby Road

South Building Ripon Annex

P

Parking

LOWER CAR PARK

Reads Avenue Ashfield Roa d

Elswick

Wyre

South Building

Construction Skills Centre

Joinery Cove

Ripon Road

CAR PARK 1 P

Ripon Annex

Singleton

Montreal Buidling

Poulton

Greenhouse

Theatre

Cle vele ys Car - Thor Park nton

P

Thornton

Garstang

Park Road

Hub

Central Hub

Bis

Cleveleys

Bennett Avenue

P

ph

am

Main Building Garstang Car Park

Montreal Avenue

Palatine Road

CAR PARK 2 P

H&V Workshop

8

9

ANSDELL CAMPUS

FLEETWOOD CAMPUS

KEY

KEY

Main Building

Survival Tank

Refectory

Main Building

Primary Health Care Trust

Halls of Residence Parking

Survival Tank

Main Building

P P

P Main Building

Albany Road

Fleetw

PHCT

ood R

oad

Refectory

Church Road Halls of Residence

Am

oun

10

dern

ess

Way

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CREATING A POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR YOU The College’s commitment to learners is outlined in the Learner Agreement, and underpins all of our policies and procedures.

exams and fabrication of results. Plagiarism is the theft or use of someone else’s work without proper acknowledgment and presenting the work as if it is your own, even when it isn’t.

Full versions of all College policies and procedures can be found on Moodle or the HR website. The Learner Agreement also contains a code of conduct for learners. For learners in residence at the Fleetwood Campus, a set of published rules exist, governing behaviour in the Halls of Residence. These are issued to all learners in residence at Fleetwood.

Staff will always try to ensure learners know how to prevent plagiarism. Any learner, however, found to be cheating, copying or plagiarising, will be dealt with according to the appropriate procedure. This can be found on: http://moodle.blackpool.ac.uk.

Tutorial Entitlement - If you are a full-time or substantial part-time learner [over 6 hours] you will have a Tutorial support and guidance entitlement.

You will be given a named Support and Guidance Tutor, who will provide weekly 1:1 review meetings with you. There will also be regular group meetings about supporting your achievement and raising aspirations. They will equip you with the personal knowledge, understanding and skills to allow you to progress and keep well and safe. 1:1 reviews will help you to achieve your maximum potential and will develop and support you as an individual.

On arrival at the College there will be an induction period in which your tutor will ensure all the necessary introductions are made and all necessary information about the College is made available to you.

The College is committed to providing an environment in which everyone can learn. To achieve this we expect learners to take their commitment seriously and remember they are here to learn and achieve. If you don’t know or understand what is expected of you at College – just ask your tutor to explain.

Copying, Cheating and Plagiarism - Most learners do not cheat; they are honest and hardworking and can be trusted.

Cheating is an attempt to deceive assessors or examiners. It includes plagiarism, cheating in

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If you don’t know or understand what is expected of you at College – just ask your tutor to explain.

Drugs and Alcohol - The College does not tolerate the use of drugs and alcohol on our premises. Any person found under the influence of alcohol or using, possessing or dealing in any illegal substance will be suspended with immediate effect, pending investigation. The College misconduct procedures will be implemented and the police may be informed, resulting in criminal proceedings. In the case of some 14-16 year-old learners who attend courses here, high school disciplinary procedures will be implemented as appropriate.

Smoking - It is illegal to smoke in College buildings and in or around buildings and doorways. As well as potential misconduct action, learners could be subject to fixed penalties and court fines for smoking in these areas. The College is committed to helping any learners who have concerns about the misuse of drugs, including smoking. Please contact the College Counsellor available through Student Services or by telephoning Bispham Campus 01253 504350, or University Centre 01253 504470. All contact with the College Counsellor is confidential.

Misconduct - College staff will offer every support and encouragement to help any learner change their behaviour pattern to one that conforms with the Code of Conduct.

However, if you fail to behave or you act in a way that is in breach of the Code of Conduct, then the Misconduct Procedure will be applied to you. Please see http://moodle.blackpool.ac.uk for the College’s full misconduct procedure. If you are attending a course through the School Links programme, any breaches of the Code of Conduct will be reported to your high school and the school’s own disciplinary procedures will be applied.

Rewards, Celebrations, Praise - Each of the College’s Schools reward learners who have done

well; for example, you may be given a ‘cause for praise’, which recognises how well you have behaved or performed and you can celebrate with your friends and teachers at the end of the year at a special awards evening. Staff can also put your name forward for an external award so your achievements and efforts are recognised outside of the College. It is essential therefore that you complete target setting, recording and evaluating your progress in your weekly 1:1 sessions with your personal tutor.

COLLEGE FACILITIES Food and Drink - The College has many outlets offering food and drink facilities, which are listed below. We are very conscious of the need for healthy, balanced diets and provide a range of options that meets most needs. If you have specialist requirements, please contact the Catering Supervisor by telephoning 01253 504157.

Details of opening hours are shown in each refectory.

Ansdell Campus Hair, Beauty and Related Therapies: Refectory - Ground Floor Bispham Campus: Le Café - Ground Floor Cleveleys Building Ashfield Bistro - Sixth Floor Cleveleys Building (Learners welcome - all we ask is that you respect other customers) - see below Courtfields Restaurant - Sixth Floor Cleveleys Building - (Booking required) - see below Loafers Bakery - Ground Floor Hub - see below Treats (Shop) - Ground Floor Cleveleys Building Brunel’s - Ground Floor Wyre Building Bites - Ground Floor Elswick Building Galley - First Floor Garstang Building - (Staff use only until 4.30pm) University Centre Central Blackpool Campus: Café Grads - Central Hub Central Park - Ground Floor Park Road Building Fleetwood Campus: Neptunes - Ground Floor Main Building Compass Bar - Ground Floor Main Building

6th Floor and pay us a visit. Open for lunch Monday – Friday: 11.30am-1pm. Learners - all we ask is that you respect other customers.

Courtfields Restaurant – This venue offers a relaxed dining experience and a bar facility, complete with a comprehensive wine list that complements any dish selected. It is open for lunch Tuesday to Friday and for dinner Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, with live music from a pianist during term time. For a reservation (booking advisable), please call 01253 504378. Please note: The sale of alcohol is not permitted to anyone under the age of 18.

Loafers Bakery - Choose from a wide selection of bread, cakes and pastries. Celebration cakes can be made on request. Opening times: Monday – Thursday 8.30am - 4pm and Fridays 8.30am - 3pm.

Fleetwood Halls of Residence On-site student facility with 101 single rooms and one double en suite disabled facility.

Learning Resource Centres (LRCs) Throughout your College experience, you will find that the Learning Resource Centres and their staff can play a key role in your success. Each centre is tailored to support its own learners and stocks a broad range of books and journals. Beyond this, you can access a wealth of online resources on the College network. Much of the information about Learning Resources that you’ll need can be found on Moodle, the College’s Virtual Learning Environment.

Ashfield Bistro – This has proved to be a very popular venue with staff and learners. Pop up to the

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The staff are here to help you. If you’re struggling to find the resources you need for your work, or you’re not confident in using the computers or in fact, if anything else is stopping you from getting the most from the Learning Resource Centres, then ask a member of staff and together we’ll help you to achieve.

Moped, scooter and motorbike users are requested to park in the designated areas allocated and not in the car parking bays. Additional designated areas will be identified if required.

If you have any further queries, you can visit one of the centres, phone (or email) your Learning Resource Adviser, or email LRCS@blackpool.ac.uk and staff will do their very best to help you.

University Centre At the University Centre there is very limited student parking and a strict ‘Permit to Park’ system is in place. The University Centre Travel and Transport Guidelines gives the locations of a number of local car parks and can be found via http://moodle. blackpool.ac.uk at Reception or at Student Advice Centres.

Network use – As a learner you are entitled to a College network user account. This includes email, internet and online learning environment access.

Your user name is the learner identification number that has been allocated to you at enrolment. Your initial access code is the alpha-numeric code also given at enrolment, which should be changed once you have created your account.

The Information for Network Users sheet provided at enrolment includes notes on how to get started on network account creation. Your tutors or Learning Resources staff can also help.

Users of the College network should be aware that all internet activity is logged and that it is possible to trace any site visited by a user. You are required to exercise appropriate behaviour when using the College network – this includes all communications, including email and social networking sites. You can access Facebook in the LRC at Fleetwood, on the Fast Access computers in The Loop at Bispham, on laptops in The Central Loop at the University Centre and in IT classrooms at the discretion of your tutor.

Parking - There are car park facilities at all main campuses although these can become very full at peak times.

Any vehicle driven on College premises must be driven with great care and consideration for the safety of others: please note the maximum speed limit at all campuses is 10 mph.

Liability will not be accepted for loss or damage to vehicles or their contents, which are only admitted to the College sites and car parks at owners’ risk.

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The College provides disabled parking bays at all sites.

Car parking permits will only be issued for the following: Disabled staff and learners with a valid blue badge; staff and learners who currently hold a car parking pass who are continuing to participate in the car share scheme. There is no parking on site for any learner who does not already hold a permit unless they are registered disabled and hold a valid blue badge.

Salons: Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy and Related Therapies - The Salons at Bispham, The Cutting Edge (Bispham Commercial Salon) and Ansdell Campuses offer competitive, discounted prices for College learners. Hair treatments include cutting, restyling, blow drying, a variety of techniques in colouring and perming and various up to the minute hairdressing creative styles, including barbering. Conditioning treatments are also available and long hair styling.

Beauty treatments include facials, eyelash tints, waxing, spray tanning, manicures, pedicures, nail art, nail extensions, reflexology, aromatherapy and body massage. The school offerscompetetive prices with discounts for College Learners. For full details, a price list or to make an appointment please call: The Cutting Edge, Bispham Campus: Tel 01253 504187 Salon Reception, Ansdell Campus: Tel 01253 504639 Salon Reception, Bispham Campus: Tel 01253 504581 Keep an eye out for special offer treatments delivered in the Salons throughout the year.

The Cutting Edge is the commercial Salon based in the Hub at the Bispham Campus. The Salon offers a variety of treaments, including Hairdressing Ladies and Barbering; Beauty Therapy; Nail Art and Extensions; and Sports Therapy.

Sports and Recreational Facilities - The main sports facilities are based at the Bispham Campus, where there is a sports hall and all-weather floodlit pitch.

In addition, we have a state-of-the-art fitness suite – Inspirations - with a full range of cardiovascular and resistance equipment. We have a low-cost membership system, an induction programme and experienced trainers who will work with you to develop a personal fitness programme. The facilities are also open at weekends for public use. There are College teams for Rugby, Hockey, Football, Basketball, Netball and Badminton. There is also Volleyball, Five-a-side, Cricket Nets, Tennis, Short Tennis, Table Tennis, Weights, Circuit Training, Spinning and Salsa classes, Sailing and Canoeing.

The College operates an enrichment programme throughout the year, offering a range of activities such as Skiing, Snowboarding, Chess, Yoga and Photography and it’s really easy to book yourself onto an activity. Details are available from the Sports and Recreation Manager, who can be contacted at the Bispham Campus on 504184. They can also give you details of all the sporting activities at College and information on sport and leisure activities happening in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre.

Enrichment programmes are available in all College curriculum areas. Please ask your course tutor for details.

Travel Agent - The College has its own travel shop, Beacon Travel, which is part of the Global Group.

The agency is open all year and we can book flights, rail travel, short breaks, last minute deals as well as exotic holidays. We will meet any travel need in terms of accommodation, transport and transfers as well as holidays. It is managed by Nikki Baines and staffed with trainee travel consultants.

Contact Beacon Travel on: 01253 504186 or email: beacontravel@blackpool.ac.uk

COMPLIMENTS, COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS Help us to help you – You can do this by becoming a student course representative, becoming involved with the Students’ Union, taking part in learner surveys, making suggestions, nominating your favourite tutor or member of the support team for an award, becoming an elected student governor or sitting on various committees across the College.

suggestion or complaint about any aspect of the College, approach the relevant member of staff who will try to deal with it immediately. Learner suggestions, complaints and appeals can be emailed to complaints@blackpool.ac.uk or submitted via the ‘Helping us to be Better’ forms available in all administration areas.

As we are very keen to involve you, the College has developed a Learner Involvement Strategy. Learners have been involved in its review so that you can influence the decision-making of the College. For more information or if you would like to become involved in the learner voice go to http://moodle. blackpool.ac.uk or email studentsunion@blackpool. ac.uk

Compliments – No news is good news but if you’d like to tell us about a positive experience you’ve had we’d love to hear from you. Just let the relevant member of staff know.

Complain if you feel you have been unfairly treated or if you wish to APPEAL against any decisions made by the College – If you have a

If you need help making your compliment or complaint, please telephone one of the Student Advice Centres (see Main Contact Details for Student Services Advice Centres) or call in and speak to an advisor in person. Help in making your compliment or complaint will be given in confidence.

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Health and Safety The health, safety and welfare of College staff, learners and visitors is of great importance and it is essential that everybody takes personal responsibility for themselves and all others to ensure a safe and healthy environment. The College has appropriate systems, policies and procedures in place to ensure that it is fulfilling its legal requirements in relation to health, safety and welfare.

Copies of the Complaints Policy and Procedures are available from Quality and Standards; they can also be found on Moodle and the College’s website. There are also booklets available at all main reception areas and Student Services that explain the complaints procedure in brief. Blackpool and The Fylde College is committed to equality in all its activities for those who learn and work here and will respect differences in race and ethnic origin, gender, disability, mental health, sexuality, age, religion and belief, additional learning, economic and social need.

WHO WE ARE The College Equality and Diversity Statement is: At Blackpool and The Fylde College we are committed to Equality and Diversity in all our activities for everyone who learns and works here. We do not discriminate on the grounds of the way people look. We respect and value differences in race and ethnic origin, gender, marital status or civil partnership, pregnancy, disability, mental health, sexual orientation, age, religion and belief, additional learning, economic and social background.

What This Means The College is a place where: • Learners are at the heart of all that we do.

• All who learn and work here have the opportunity to participate fully and achieve their full potential • Physical, social and economic barriers to access are minimised • The environment is welcoming and supportive • Teaching and Learning are the key to our success • We all accept our responsibility to uphold equality and show fairness, courtesy and respect to others How We Show Our Commitment At the College we all have responsibility for upholding the College Values and as a community we will: • Actively promote equality by valuing and respecting differences between people • Ensure staff are equipped to recognise diversity and challenge discrimination • Investigate all allegations of discrimination sensitively • Monitor the curriculum and learning to ensure they are free from discrimination and reflect the needs of the wider community • Monitor policies, procedures and practices to

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• •

•

ensure they are free from discrimination and respond to the needs of the wider community Reflect the contributions of all members of the community in promoting its activities Face up to the challenge of improving year on year as an organisation with a strong track record in equality and one which listens to and values all its students and staff Aspire to excellence and ensure that quality and equality are the responsibility of all of us who learn and work here

College Values • Placing the learner at the heart of all we do • Showing fairness, courtesy and mutual respect • Teaching and learning as the key to our success • Aspiring to excellence; quality is everyone’s responsibility • Working together to get the best results • Empowering others to achieve their potential Throughout the College year there will be frequent opportunities for you to explore and discuss issues and ideas about all aspects of Equality and Diversity. The College holds an annual Equality and Diversity Festival week for both learners and staff to get involved in, but the ethos of Equality and Diversity is embedded in the curriculum and in all we do for staff, learners and the wider community all year round.

We value your feedback on our Equality and Diversity ethos. If you have any comments or suggestions there are frequent opportunities to make these, including through your Student Representatives at The Student Forums, your Personal Tutor or direct to our Equality and Diversity Co-ordinator or Head of Student Support and Guidance Services, both of whom can be accessed through Student Services.

There are specific responsibilities for all learners: • Be responsible for your own health and safety and for that of others around you.

• Ensure that you comply with College health, safety and welfare procedures.

• Use safe and appropriate standards of behaviour at all times.

• Only use health and safety devices and equipment for the purpose for which they have been provided.

• Report to your tutor any hazard that has the potential to cause harm.

• Wear and display your College ID badge at all times that you are on College premises.

• Observe and adhere to speed limits, road markings and signage on College premises.

• Only smoke in designated areas and away from all entrances.

Learners bringing children into College (this policy also applies to members of staff) It is appreciated that childcare can be difficult to arrange and that there are sometimes emergencies.

However, due to the nature of our learning environment, our insurance and risk regulations, safeguarding policy and the health and safety of the children themselves, it is not usually acceptable to bring children on site and into work or learning areas with you as an alternative form of childcare. If you are found to be in work/class or College area such as the refectory or Learning Resource Centre, with children in your care you will be politely asked to leave. A full copy of this policy is available on the Human Resources website First Aid and Accident Reporting - In the event of an accident or injury first aid assistance will be provided by one of the College’s trained first aiders. These can be contacted through Reception or your tutor.

Please report any accidents, illness or injuries immediately to a member of staff or Reception so that

they can help you to complete an accident report form. This will enable the College to identify remedial actions to help prevent further accidents.

Fire and Evacuation Procedure - If you discover a fire: • Sound the alarm by activating a fire call point box, located throughout all College premises.

On hearing the alarm: • Leave the building immediately and in an orderly fashion by the nearest safe escape route.

• Report to the nearest designated Assembly Point.

• Do not re-enter the building until you have been informed that it is safe to do so.

Course Activities - You will be informed about any hazards and associated risks arising from the activities you will be undertaking as part of your course. Please ensure that you follow all instructions given in order to undertake your activities safely.

A full copy of the College Health, Safety and Environment Policy can be found via: http://moodle. blackpool.ac.uk Security and CCTV Blackpool and The Fylde College operates a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system across all its sites.

CCTV provides additional security and assists in protecting personnel and property. CCTV recordings may be used to detect crime or any behaviour that is not acceptable and may be used in any disciplinary or criminal proceedings. It should, however, be noted that not all areas of the College are covered all of the time and it is therefore necessary that all learners take appropriate care of themselves and their belongings at all times.

The College does not accept any liability for loss, damage or theft to belongings whilst on any College premises.

Student Searches - The desire to maintain Blackpool and The Fylde College as an open campus to which staff, learners and other members of the community have access and where they feel safe is of great importance. The College has the power to screen learners for weapons and the statutory power to search learners without consent when there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the learner has a weapon. Where such a search is

17

deemed appropriate the College will call the police to undertake such a search.

There are clear procedures to be followed when conducting searches and these can be found via http://moodle.blackpool.ac.uk Policies and Procedures Copies of the College’s policies, procedures and guidelines, including our Learner Information Security Policy, Student Charter, Misconduct Procedure, Plagiarism Policy Procedure and many more can be found on our Moodle pages via http://moodle.

blackpool.ac.uk under Student Info. In addition, paper copies of these can be requested at the College’s Student Advice and Learning Resource Centres.

College Values • Placing the learner at the heart of all we do • Showing fairness, courtesy and mutual respect • Teaching and learning as the key to our success • Aspiring to excellence; quality is everyone’s responsibility • Working together to get the best results • Empowering others to achieve their potential

PHOTOGRAPHS, AUDIO AND VIDEO RECORDING All intellectual property rights in work created by learners belongs to the learner. Learners’ work (and examples of learners’ work), whether in photographic or other formats (eg audio video), may be reproduced, used and sub-licensed by the College, without payment of any fee, royalty or other compensation, for administrative, promotional, educational and teaching purposes.

As a result of videos and images that have been brought to our attention on YouTube and similar internet sites, we wish to bring to your attention the guidelines around and terms of use of such sites.

These do not permit the uploading of material that is deemed unsuitable, examples of which are given on the respective sites. Blackpool and The Fylde College regularly monitors videos and images on YouTube and similar internet sites and will not hesitate to contact the operator to remove any videos or images that it feels may adversely affect the safety or the reputation of the College, its staff and learners. The College will then decide on any further action to take against the relevant party.

COMPLIMENTS, COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS Depending on the nature of the course, learners’ work may be recorded for assessment purposes e.g. videoing in Performing Arts productions.

If you have any queries or concerns about this, please contact your course tutor. Learners are not permitted to record, video or photograph lessons or reproduce/publish any images taken on College premises without the prior written permission of the College. We take safety and the reputation of Blackpool and The Fylde College, its staff and learners very seriously.

Please be aware that if attending a performance or play protected by copyright, you are requested not to upload any video content of the performance to any website or to publicly broadcast the video as this would contravene rights protected by Law.

STUDENT AMBASSADORS

The Student Ambassador Scheme recruits current Blackpool and The Fylde College learners to support a wide range of liaison activities and events. You will be paid for this work at the rate of £6.00 per hour (current as at September 2011).

Ambassadors act as role models and motivators to encourage other young people to consider further and higher education. They assist with open days,

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campus tours, welcoming visitors and supporting other College-wide events.

Our student ambassadors are carefully selected by the School Liaison team and are subject to CRB clearance. They will undertake intensive training sessions on leadership and customer service throughout the academic year.

It is important to remember that ambassador duties never take precedence over your College timetable.

You will be surprised at what you will get out of being involved in such activities. Acting as an ambassador is an excellent way of enhancing your CV and looks great on your UCAS application!

For more information about the Student Ambassador Scheme, please contact our Liaison Officer, Ricky Newton, via email rn@blackpool.ac.uk or phone 01253 504329/504341.

RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS The College community is a diverse one, and we value the fact that our learners follow a variety of religions and faiths. We understand that some religious festivals fall during term time and some learners will wish to take time off to celebrate. All we ask is that you submit a written request for an appropriate amount of time off to your tutor well in advance of the day of celebration.

STUDENT ID CARDS You must wear your ID badge at all times whilst on College premises. Access to College facilities is dependant on learners having their ID badge. You will also be asked to show your ID badge when sitting exams. You will be challenged if you are not wearing your badge when on College premises. Staff, volunteers and regular visitors who have been given permission by College to wear a regular visitor badge, will also be challenged when not wearing a badge in areas that are not open to the public. This is to help learners feel safe in College.

STUDENT SERVICES Advice Centres - The Student Services Advice Team provides confidential and impartial information on a range of areas, and work to matrix quality standard to ensure excellence of support, advice and guidance to all our learners and prospective learners. Student Services are based at three main Advice Centres: Bispham Campus (adjacent to the main Reception area), University Centre (ground floor of the University Centre, adjacent to Reception) and at Ansdell Campus (ground floor room next to Reception). Staff also provide a drop-in service at all Blackpool and The Fylde College Campuses.

Welfare - The Welfare Team can provide expert up-to-date professional assistance with Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) student finance, including the new 14-18 Bursary, Adult Learning Grant (ALG) and Access to Learning Fund (ALF) for HE students. Welfare Advisors also provide information on funding for equipment, how to access help with transport and childcare while you study, and can link you with specialist support staff and services appropriate to your individual needs.

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International Learners - If you have come to Blackpool from outside the European Union, please make contact with a Welfare Advisor. They will help to support you during your induction at the College, assist you with joining a local bank and registering with a doctor, and introduce you to services you may wish to access at the College and within the local area. Please also see the section on Advice for Students and Useful Contact information within this handbook.

Accommodation: If you are aged 18 years or over, the Welfare Advisors can help you find suitable accommodation and advise you with costs, legalities and other expenditure, ie rent bond, gas, electric, TV, phone, travel etc. They can also support you with any concerns you may have about your accommodation during your course of study.

Students under 18 will be referred to the Young People’s Service who will be happy to discuss your needs.

For all welfare enquiries, please see the Main College Contact Details for Student Services – Welfare, at the front of this handbook.

Careers - The Careers Team are all highly qualified in careers information, advice and guidance. They can help you with making decisions about progression to other courses, making UCAS applications for entry to Higher Education, preparing job applications, CV writing and interviewing techniques, as well as advise you about career and further training pathways and opportunities.

Information is also available on a wide range of occupations, national and local employment opportunities and Apprenticeships. Learners are welcome to visit a Careers Adviser at one of the main Student Advice Centres or they can book an appointment. Please see the Main College Contact Details for Student Services – Careers at the front of this handbook.

Chaplaincy - The College Chaplain provides a contact for people of all faiths or none. The Chaplain can assist you to get in touch with local faith communities both inside and outside of the College. To contact the College Chaplain, please contact Student Services General Enquiries – 01253 504350. The College has multi-faith rooms at the

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Bispham Campus (Room 302, third floor of the Cleveleys Building); a new multi-faith room at the University Centre (S130, first floor of South Building) and at Fleetwood Nautical Campus. If you wish to access these facilities, please ask at one of the main Reception areas.

Counselling Service - There may be occasions during your life when you feel that you have reached a crossroads; you may not be coping with College or your personal life and are looking for a way forward. The College Counsellors are highly qualified and offer a free, confidential and professional service to learners. The College Counsellors are based in the Student Services Advice Centres and provide drop-in appointments at mutually convenient times across all College campuses. To book an appointment, please contact Student Services Advice Centres by phone, email or by calling in to see us in person. Please see our Main College Contact Details, at the front of this handbook, for ‘Student Services – Counselling’ or you can contact Student Services General Enquiries on 01253 504350.

STUDENTS’ UNION Your voice within the College - As a learner at

where learner involvement and comment is

Blackpool and The Fylde College, you receive

welcomed. The Union also provides the framework

automatic free membership of the Students’ Union

and financial backing for learners to organise their

and you are encouraged to play an active role. We

own events and clubs and societies, which can be a

are engaged in learner affairs at local, regional and

great way to gain experience, broaden your interests

national level so there are plenty of opportunities

and meet new people. With a wealth of information,

for you to become involved in our campaigning and

our Students’ Union can also advise you on places to

fundraising activities.

go and things to see and do.

Our aim is to work for the good of the College

For more information, please contact the Students’

community and to take an active interest in

Union at studentsunion@blackpool.ac.uk or

improving the College experience for all learners. As

telephone us at Bispham on 01253 504154 or the

such, the Union Executive Committee represents our

University Centre on 01253 504517.

membership on a number of College committees

College Nurses - There is a medical room at Bispham Campus and an additional service at Ansdell Campus. For further information regarding these facilities and for opening times, please contact Student Services, General Enquiries on 01253 504350.

Safeguarding (Being Safe and Feeling Safe) Blackpool and The Fylde College recognises that staff and learners have an important role to play in helping to safeguard the welfare of all of our learners and those who access College, including children, young people and vulnerable adults.

The College has, in consultation with schools, other colleges, the Police, Social Services and local safeguarding boards, written a comprehensive Safeguarding policy to ensure the welfare and protection of all of our learners.

Anyone who would like to see a copy of this policy or discuss any safeguarding issues should contact, via email, the Head of Student Support and Guidance, Dr Judith Poole jpoo@blackpool.ac.uk, or our Student Services Manager, Maggie Whittle mwhit@blackpool.ac.uk.

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES Student Reps play an active role in improving the learner experience at College. They make up the body of the Students’ Union and assist the Union and College management by providing a learners’ view of College life. They are volunteers from different courses, who meet regularly with the Students’ Union and College staff to discuss the issues affecting students in their areas and how they can work with the Union and College to improve the learner experience. Reps help to make sure courses run well by giving feedback to their Heads of School; they also help promote Students’ Union activities and organise fundraising events for charity. Being a Student Rep looks great on your CV and helps you

stand out from the crowd if you are applying for further study or a job.

It is important to remember that anyone can apply to become a Student Rep. Good skills to have are the ability to talk and listen to other students, being able to represent others’ views (whether you agree or not) and being sensitive to people’s needs.

Student Reps are selected at the beginning of the College year. Contact the Student Liaison Officer for more information: Bispham Campus - 01253 504374; or the University Centre – 01253 504517.

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LEARNING AND STUDY SUPPORT

APPRENTICESHIPS

Who can support you in your studying and learning? - Blackpool and The Fylde College has a team of experienced and friendly Learning Support staff, dedicated to supporting learners who are experiencing difficulties with their studies. This may be because of disabilities and learning difficulties including specific and moderate LDS. Some learners may need help to catch up as a result of a temporary disability or after a prolonged period of ill-health, when some classes may have been missed. Learning Support is tailored to learners’ specific needs and there are a variety of roles within the service to help and support our learners to be the very best they can be.

Are you thinking about entering employment? - If so, your education does not have to stop. Through the Apprenticeship Programme learners can continue to access education and training whilst doing a full-time job and getting paid! If you aren’t in a job already, we may even be able to secure employment for you within your chosen industry.

The College has its own Technical Assessment and Support Centre (TASC), which offers independent assessments, professional advice and guidance for learners with disabilities or difficulties that may need help with the provision of specialist technical support. This also encompasses temporary difficulties ie a broken limb. If you rely on the help of others in a potential medical emergency situation or require help in an emergency evacuation to get out of the building, we can help you plan for this too.

What about special concessions or access arrangements for examinations? - The Learning Support Team works closely with the College’s Achievements office and your course Tutors to help you do the best you possibly can on your course, providing support such as a reader, scribe or extra

time during exams. If you have previously had Access arrangements, exam concessions or any other special arrangements to help you with your studies, or think you may be eligible for them, you should tell your Tutor as soon as possible at the start of your course.

Who do I contact about Learning Support? The College is ‘committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for all’. Please ensure that we are aware of your need so that we can make all reasonable adjustments to help you succeed. If you think you need help in order to succeed, ask your tutor or contact the Learning Support Team at your campus.

You can contact us via telephone on 01253 504356 (Learning Support) or email us at learningsupport@blackpool.ac.uk or a minicom is available for learners with hearing difficulties on 01253 355755.

If you are in care or a care leaver - If you are a young person in care or a care leaver we are committed to meeting your needs in a sensitive and confidential way that is right for you. Please contact our dedicated team in Student Support and Guidance Services on 01253 504361 or email yplasupport@blackpool.ac.uk

Leaving full-time education and entering employment is a big step for anyone; especially if you are looking for your first job. The Apprenticeship Team are here to advise you on a range of employment and training related issues including:

Support with sourcing employer vacancies CV building/ interview skills & techniques Minimum rates of pay/ hours & conditions Specific Apprenticeship course information Progression routes from College-based learning to an Apprenticeship programme

If you would like to make an application for an Apprenticeship Programme or if you would like an informal chat, please contact the Apprenticeship Team on Tel: 01253 504325 or 504319 or email us at: apprenticeships@blackpool.ac.uk

WHAT TO DO IF...

Your tutor is absent - In the unlikely event that your tutor is unavoidably absent for your session, you should delegate one of your group to report the absence to Reception. A College manager will then visit the class to make appropriate arrangements.

We would expect you to use any time spent waiting, working constructively on coursework.

You have lost your property - The College is unable to take responsibility for your personal property. Please ensure you do not leave any of your belongings in classrooms or elsewhere. If, however, property is handed into College you can retrieve it from Reception.

You are experiencing genuine financial hardship - You may apply for financial assistance from the Access Fund towards the cost of your studies if you meet the eligibility criteria, for example, to cover the cost of materials, transport and childcare. For more information and specialist financial advice, please see the Welfare section under Student Services in this handbook. To make an appointment please see the Main College Contact Details for Student Services – Welfare, or call in to see the Welfare Adviser.

HIGHER EDUCATION AT BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE Higher Education (HE) and University Education mean the same thing. Traditionally there was a divide between the academic and the practical or vocational aspects of professional training. Since the 1960s however, governments of all shades of political opinion have encouraged universities to recognise the critical significance of advanced vocational learning to economic development, social inclusion and cultural regeneration. Blackpool and The Fylde College is the third largest provider of vocational higher education within the FE sector. The university courses provided

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• • • • •

at the College are designed to equip learners with the skills, knowledge and attitudes to enable them to gain employment in a number of professional areas and with the additional skills to continue developing personally and professionally.

About Your Course - Lancaster University, which is one of the top ten universities in the UK*, validates the majority of our degree courses. Some professional courses are also accredited by a variety of appropriate professional organisations.. Our other validating partners are Liverpool

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John Moores University (for FD Nautical Science); UCLAN (for FD Nuclear Engineering); and Edexcel, the Institution of Engineering and Technology, and the Scottish Qualification Authority (for our Higher National programmes).

In designing your course, we have consulted with employers, universities, professional bodies, regional development agencies and of course, former learners. It is important to recognise that your course may be brand new, but it will have been developed to meet a need that has been identified through our HE Development process.

While the College accepts that the University has overall responsibilities for standards and the quality of the programmes delivered in their name, the College recognises its responsibility to continually develop protocols to facilitate the development of high quality HE provision that is fit for purpose and meets the expectations of learners and employers. *Source: The Complete University Guide 2013 Placement Learning - Work-based learning is recognised and valued by the College. The College has received considerable acclaim for designing and delivering effective vocational higher education. If a work placement is part of your curriculum this will be managed by your course team.

Learning in the workplace reinforces learning at College by providing the practical framework for application.

Go to http://moodle.blackpool.ac.uk for more information on PDP. Coursework and Exams - All coursework and exams are designed to assess the achievement of the validated learning outcomes. These learning outcomes are set out in the programme specification, course and module descriptors. It is therefore critically important that you know and understand these expected outcomes. The earlier you begin to plan and scope out the work for your assessments the more likely you are to succeed. For more information on assessment go to http://moodle.blackpool.ac.uk Extenuating Circumstance Application – During your time at College you may experience genuine and unavoidable circumstances that may affect your performance in coursework and/or prevent you from being assessed or from submitting coursework on time. It is the responsibility of the learner to inform the College of these circumstances through the submission of an Extenuating Circumstance Application. It is your responsibility to complete and submit the form to the HE Registrar (University Centre) before the submission date and before the date of tests and examinations.

Applications must be completed in full and submitted with supporting documentation in order for the Panel to fully review the application. It is important to understand that all work must still be handed in by the submission date even if incomplete.

COMPLIMENTS, COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS Fees - Fees are payable at the commencement of each year of your studies. This should not be a barrier to your learning as there are loans and grants available to you!

Go to http://moodle.blackpool.ac.uk for financial information for HE students.

Programme Handbook - At the start of your course you will be given a copy of the programme handbook for the award you are registered on. This is key to your progression as it normally includes the programme specification that lays out the proposed scheme of work and identifies the assessment plan and the learning outcomes of the programme. It will also indicate your module tutors, programme leader and timetable.

Personal Development Planning - Personal Development Planning (PDP) is a process that is undertaken by an individual learner to reflect upon their own learning and achievement and to plan for their own educational, academic and career development.

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The Extenuating Circumstance Panel meets approximately 3 times per semester and reviews each application. Please note that the Panel does not grant extensions, it reports the decisions to the Board of Examiners who then determine what action is to be taken. Full procedures and an application form can be obtained from Reception at the University Centre, Student Administration at Bispham and Ansdell Campuses or go to http://moodle.blackpool.ac.uk

needs is available to learners with a disability (including learning difficulties such as dyslexia, sensory differences, medical and mental health conditions). Many learners are eligible for Examination Access Arrangements.

The team helps and advises you on applying for appropriate funding, including The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), a government grant for UK learners with disabilities/learning differences enrolled on Higher Education courses. Further information is available at: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople

techniques. Health and Wellbeing Support may include, for example, helping learners to develop stress, anxiety and emotional management self help skills.

Technology support for study - Every PC and MAC on the College network gives access to great study tools for all learners including Inspiration and Mindview thought mapping/project software, Text Help Read and Write Gold. The latter is a literacy tool for reading, writing and research skills for all, yet particularly useful for learners with dyslexia and where English is a second language.

Contact the HE Learning Mentor and Disabled Student Allowance team: email: HELMinfo@blackpool.ac.uk

Disability and Dyslexia Services - The College takes all reasonable steps to meet the general need for access and specific needs of learners with disabilities. We have our own accredited Assessment Centre, the Technical Assessment and Support Centre (TASC), which provides Disabled Student Allowance needs assessments, specialist technology and equipment. The centre is a member of the National Network of Assessment Centres.

Specialist Learning Support specific to your individual

Contact the Technical Assessment and Study Centre (TASC) email: TASCinfo@blackpool.ac.uk Telephone: 01253 504494 Visit: The Central Hub, University Centre, Blackpool, FY1 4EE For more information go to http://moodle.blackpool.ac.uk

SIX TOP TIPS FOR BEING OUT AND ABOUT IN BLACKPOOL Blackpool is a great place to live, work and study. You are studying in a town that is at the heart of the UK’s resort entertainment industry! However, as with all modern urban areas it is a good idea to know how best to keep safe when out in the town, especially if on a night out. Please see the following tips from our Safeguarding team.

• • • • • •

Always make sure that someone knows where you are going.

Always use a reputable Taxi Service.

Always have credit and charge on your Mobile phone, or be contactable at all times.

Ensure you know the times of the last bus/train.

Make sure you know who you are out with and make sure that you stay with at least one of your friends.

Never leave a drink unattended and don’t let strangers buy you drinks from the bar.

Study and Wellbeing Services - Higher Education Learning Mentors provide study and wellbeing support to all Higher Education students to help you to get the most out of your course and to achieve your full potential.

Support can be a regular meeting slot or just as and when required, on a face-to-face 1:1 basis, in a group workshop at any campus or remotely via telephone and email. Study Skills Support can cover everything from developing research skills, academic writing and time management to statistics, including revision and exam

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Useful Contacts in Blackpool Blackpool Council can be contacted for a large number of reasons, including environmental (collection of refuse etc) and Pre-16 education. They can also put you in touch with a large number of other agencies that can provide you with support.

They specialise in providing advice in the following areas: Animal Welfare, Asylum and immigration, Becoming a British Citizen, Benefits, Consumer advice, Credit Unions, Debt advice, Drugs and Alcohol, Grants.

Moving home Contact: Blackpool Council, Customer First Centre, Municipal Building, Corporation Street, Blackpool, FY1 1NF Tel: (01253) 477477 Opening hours: Customer First Centre, Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.15pm, Saturday 10am-1pm Customer First Telephone Line 8.30am-5.15pm Monday to Friday, Saturday 10am-1pm Police Phone - The police can help with emergencies, nuisance, disturbance, crime and disorder, amongst many other things.

Contact: In an emergency always dial 999.

For all non-emergency calls, please dial 101.

When to call 101?

You should call 101 to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

For example, you should call 101 if: • your car has been stolen • your property has been damaged • you suspect drug use or dealing in your neighbourhood Or to: • report a minor traffic collision • give the police information about crime in your area • speak to the police about a general enquiry 101 has been introduced as part of the government’s wider work to improve access to the police, ease pressure on 999, and help to efficiently and effectively tackle crime and disorder.

Online Help: www.askthe.police.uk. If you have a general question, you may find the answer on this official police website. Email: If you want to email, please use lancashirepolice@lancashire.pnn.police.uk. * Please do not use email to report ongoing crime; in an emergency use 999.

Emails are not monitored 24 hours a day.

SMS Text: You can text your non-emergency message to 66247 but the message must start with the word SMS. These

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messages are not monitored all the time, so never use it to report an emergency or to ask for help for an incident that is happening at the moment. For example, to find out how to contact your local police team your text message would be: “SMS Hi What is the number for my police team my postcode is PR45SB” Emergency SMS System: If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired use 66247 and start your message with POLICE if you need the police service or FIRE if you need the fire service. Text messages do not always arrive straight away, so use BT Emergency TypeTalk if there is a delay.

timetable Monday

Period 2 Period 3 Period 4 Period 5 Period 6 Tuesday

Period 3 Period 4 Period 5

teams and also provide hospital-based services.

Contact: Duty and Assessment Team, Bloomfield Road, Seasiders Way, Blackpool, FY1 6JJ

Period 6 Wednesday

Blackpool Emergency Dental Access Service This service is available for emergency NHS treatment for patients not registered with a dentist or patients wishing to receive treatment at standard NHS charges. Please telephone for an appointment after 6pm / Bank Holiday opening hours are as Saturday opening hours.

Contact: Blackpool Emergency Dental Access Service, 88 Whitegate Drive, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY3 9DA Opening Times Monday - Friday - 18.00-21.30, Saturday - 12.00-18.00 Sunday - 12.00-14.45.

Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period 4 Period 5

Opening Times Monday - Thursday: 9am-5pm, Friday: 9am-4.30pm NHS Direct - NHS Direct deal with medical issues that can be supported over the phone or provide referrals to other NHS staff for direct support.

Contact: 0845 4647

Period 1 Period 2

Blackpool Social Services- Blackpool Social Services provide a range of social services for children/families, older people, people with disabilities, learning difficulties and mental health problems. They have several specialist

Adult Social Services - phone 01253 477592. Children and Young People’s Services - phone 01253 477299. Out of hours emergencies - phone 01253 477600.

Email: social.services@blackpool.gov.uk Website: www.blackpool.gov.uk

Period 1

Period 6 Thursday

Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period 4 Period 5 Period 6

Friday

Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period 4 Period 5 Period 6

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