WELCOME
Parent/Carer Handbook 2014/2015
TO BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE into College. I would urge you to persuade your son/
Dear Parent/Carer,
daughter to take advantage of these opportunities if they This document provides information about College services,
have not done so already.
facilities, and the rights and responsibilities of you and your son/daughter so that you can support them as they
Finally, I hope that your son/daughter’s time with us is
progress through their learning programme in the College.
enjoyable and rewarding and look forward to working with you to ensure that this is indeed the case.
In 2013 our College received Grade 1 ‘Outstanding’ from Ofsted and was ‘Commended’ by the Quality Assurance
Yours sincerely,
Agency (QAA) for Higher Education, both recognising that we keep our students at the heart of all decision making. The learning environment is a very supportive one. Our highly qualified, experienced staff are totally committed to
Bev Robinson
ensuring that our young people are happy and that they
Principal and Chief Executive
successfully achieve their learning aim. Through working with our students and parents, we seek to maintain a culture of mutual respect as we see this as a foundation stone on which to build a young person’s life and career. We believe that the behaviours learned by our students at College will be the behaviours that they will take with them into the workplace and further study and we seek your support in ensuring that all of our students are best placed to take advantage of the opportunities available to them. To strike the right balance between study and relaxation, we also provide a range of interactive social activities that often lead to new friendships and help students to settle
Inspirational learning creating outstanding futures.
OUR MISSION
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 students to achieve their potential in a supportive learning environment.
Parent/Carer Handbook 2014/2015
SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM WHO ARE THEY?
Bev Robinson Principal and Chief Executive
Catherine Hill Deputy Principal
Daryl Platt Executive Director Commerce
Anne Edgington Executive Director of Finance
Chris Thomas Director of 14-19
Cheryl Dunn Director of HE
Barbara Jones Director of HR
Simon Hughes Director of Quality and Standards
Mike Phelan Director of Business and Skills
Stuart Crane Director of Estates
Andy Iredale Director of Communications and Marketing
Parent/Carer Handbook 2014/2015
COLLEGE CAMPUSES WHERE ARE THEY?
BISPHAM CAMPUS Ashfield Road Bispham · FY2 0HB Student Services T 01253 504 350
UNIVERSITY CENTRE Bennett Avenue Blackpool · FY1 4DW Student Services T 01253 504 470
ANSDELL CAMPUS Church Road Lytham St Annes · FY8 4AP Student Services T 01253 504 637
NAUTICAL CAMPUS Broadwater Fleetwood · FY7 8JZ Student Services T 01253 779 123
Steven Clough Head of Construction Linda Harston Head of Professional Studies
Nigel Brown Head of Creative Arts and Digital Industries
Jill Riley Head of Hairdressing, Beauty and Related Therapies
Neil Atkinson Head of Fleetwood Nautical Campus
Michael Coleman Head of Engineering and Computing Mandy Pritchard Head of Society, Health and Childhood Joanne Kershaw Head of Hospitality, Tourism and Sport Jackie Wooding Head of School of Access
THE COLLEGE VALUES At Blackpool and The Fylde College we; 1. Placing the learner at the heart of all we do 2. Showing fairness, courtesy and mutual respect 3. Learning, teaching and assessment as the key to our success 4. Empowering others to achieve their full potential 5. Working collaboratively to achieve excellence and growth
Parent/Carer Handbook 2014/2015
THE STAFF/ STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT All College members share responsibility for creating a positive learning environment. For College life to run smoothly, we need to treat each other and our environment with respect. The welfare and wellbeing of all College users is dependant on the appropriate behaviour of everybody. We expect all who access our College to abide by the College Code of Conduct and Guidelines provided by tutors during induction.
There are eight aspects to our code; 1 Arrive on time, ready and prepared for learning and/or participation 2 Use respectful behaviour and language at all times 3 Maintain a calm environment 4 ID badges to be worn at all times 5 Respect and follow all health and safety regulations 6 Save phone calls and messages until after the lesson or meeting 7 Only smoke in designated areas 8 Make sure litter goes in the bins
TERM DATES AND HOLIDAYS
Parent/Carer Handbook 2014/2015
AUTUMN TERM Full-time courses start
1 September 2014
Higher Education courses start
8 September 2014
PROGRESSION WEEK 1 Last day of term
24 October 2014 19 December 2014
SPRING TERM All courses start PROGRESSION WEEK 2 Last day of term
5 January 2015 16-20 February 2015 27 March 2015
SUMMER TERM All courses start
13 April 2015
*Staff Training day
22 May 2015
PROGRESSION WEEK 3
25–29 May 2015
Last day of term
* Learners are not required to attend College on staff training days (this does not apply to School Links 14-16 courses).
26 June 2015
Parent/Carer Handbook 2014/2015
EMERGENCY CONTACT AND HELPFUL NUMBERS IMPORTANT CONTACTS College Minicom (text phone)
01253 355 755
Main College
01253 352 352
Student Admin
01253 504 632
iKNOW Student Recruitment, Support and Guidance The iKnow Team are available at the Bispham, University Centre (South Building) and Ansdell campus or can be contacted by: iknow@blackpool.ac.uk
Email General Enquiries
01253 504 350
Welfare Support and Information
01253 504 298
Accommodation (HE Students)
01253 504 496
Careers Advice and Guidance
01253 504 474
Information is also available on the College Website – iKnow – blackpool.ac.uk/support
GENERAL CONTACTS Course Enquiries
visitors@blackpool.ac.uk
01253 504 343
Examinations Office
dcl@blackpool.ac.uk
01253 504 227
Health and Safety Office
HSE@blackpool.ac.uk
01253 504 244
Learning Support Service
LearningSupport@blackpool.ac.uk
01253 504 356
Student Suggestions/Complaints
sedg@blackpool.ac.uk
01253 504 087
Art Shop - Palatine Road
01253 504 454
Sport and Recreation Office
sportshall@blackpool.ac.uk
01253 504 184
Apprenticeships
apprenticeships@blackpool.ac.uk
01253 504 313
The Job Shop
jobshop@blackpool.ac.uk
01253 504 100
HAIRDRESSING AND BEAUTY SALONS Ansdell
01253 504 639
The Cutting Edge, The Hub, Bispham
01253 504 187
Parent/Carer Handbook 2014/2015
TRANSPORT TO COLLEGE BUSES TO COLLEGE A number of buses serve our main College campuses, see below. These may be subject to change. Please contact Traveline, Public Transport Information - T 0871 200 2233 or Blackpool Transport T 01253 473 001 Bispham Campus No. 3, No. 8, No. 15 and No. 16 Central Blackpool Campus No. 3 (Nearest drop-off point: Park Road) No.4 and 16 (Nearest drop-of point: Whitegate Drive) Ansdell Campus No. 11 Fleetwood Campus No. 1 and No. 14 Information regarding travel is also available from each of the iKnow Centres or the following websites: W traveline-northwest.co.uk | W blackpooltransport.com
Parent/Carer Handbook 2014/2015
CREATING A POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT STUDENT ID CARDS
SAFEGUARDING – BEING SAFE AND FEELING SAFE
Staff, students and Visitors must wear an ID badge at all
Blackpool and The Fylde College recognises that staff
times whilst on College premises. Indeed, access to College
and learners have an important role to play in helping
facilities is dependant on wearing an ID badge and students
to safeguard the welfare of all of our learners and those
may not be allowed to sit examinations, for example, unless
who access College, including children, young people and
they have a badge with them.
vulnerable adults.
EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY STATEMENT
The College has, in consultation with schools, other
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 respect and value differences in race and ethnic origin, gender, disability, mental health, sexual orientation, age, religion and belief, learning needs, economic and social background. HEALTH AND SAFETY The College attaches great importance to the health, safety and welfare of its staff, learners and visitors and considers it essential that everyone should work together to achieve a safe, healthy environment for themselves and others. We expect that all students will: • Abide by the local Health and Safety rules that apply in their curriculum area • Take care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by what they do or do not do • Take notice of any warning signs in and around the College A full copy of the College Health, Safety and Environment Policy can be found via moodle.blackpool.ac.uk
colleges, 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 Student Services Manager, Maggie Whittle mwhit@blackpool.ac.uk
Parent/Carer Handbook 2014/2015
STUDENT PROGRESS Student achievement is the principle focus of the College. We are committed to making sure that your son/daughter is able to make the necessary progress that allows them to at least meet and, in most cases, exceed their projected targets based on their results from School. However, in addition we appreciate that students should also develop as individuals in their time with us to ensure that they are better prepared for employment, university or the world outside of College. TUTORIAL ENTITLEMENT
THE E-TRACKER RECORD: SUPPORTING ACHIEVEMENT The College employs a electronic recording system that allows appropriate staff and students to look at the up to date markbook, set and record challenging targets and review them periodically. This system is known as the “e-Tracker record� and it has been used to good effect to make sure that students are appropriately challenged on their
All of our full time 16-19 year old students have a named
course and to
Progress Tutor who provides regular review meetings to
provide an
support achievement and to provide as first point of access
easy check
to additional support. Individual reviews carried out with
for students,
Progress Tutors help to ensure that each student achieves
parents/carers
their maximum potential.
and staff that good
On arrival to the College there will be an induction period
progress is
in which the Progress Tutor will make sure that all necessary
being made.
information about the College is made available. The e-Tracker Throughout the year there will be lots of opportunities
record can be viewed
for your son/daughter to access cross College activities
by students at any time including
(including sports, societies and clubs). In addition, there will
at home through the internet at
be a varied and interesting programme of events, visits and
blackpool.ac.uk. All students are
speakers both arranged across the College but also within
shown how to do this early in the course.
each curriculum area. Information about these events will be delivered through Progress Tutor meetings.
Many parents take this opportunity to look with their son/daughters at progress and
PARENTAL SUPPORT
targets. We consider this best practice and are currently working to develop
The partnership between student, parent or carer, and the
systems through which parents can
College is very important in supporting achievement and
access their son/daughters e-Tracker
ensuring that all of our learners reach their full potential
record directly through the
whilst with us.
College’s Parent Portal. We
The College is keen to involve parents from the very start of the course. We will make contact with you regarding issues that are likely to affect student progress (eg, undeclared absence or non-completion of set work) at the earliest possible opportunity.
will keep you informed about developments in this area.
Parent/Carer Handbook 2014/2015
MEET THE TUTOR EVENING Additionally, in the early weeks of term, each curriculum area will offer all parents/advocates of students on its 16-19 programmes, the opportunity to attend a “Meet the Tutor” evening. Your son or daughter should bring this letter home with them when enrolling at the College. Alternatively it will be provided for you through the post. At this event, Progress Tutors will meet with parents/advocates to introduce the College, the curriculum area and themselves. We see this as a vital opportunity to establish a positive relationship with parents/advocates from the very start of the course and would very much recommend that you attend this if at all possible. In addition, Meet the Tutor evenings provide an opportunity for Progress Tutors and Parents/advocates to, where suitable, exchange contact details to ensure that all communications are carried out using the most effective method. STUDENT REVIEWS: TUTORIAL 1:1 SESSIONS Each student’s progress is reviewed regularly by their Progress Tutor. This ongoing review takes into account; attendance, punctuality and progress against targets. The review is essentially a discussion between student and Progress tutor using the e-Tracker record as a guide to progress. It results in targets being agreed for the next 6 weeks. We term these “1:1 reviews” and they help to guide students to make sure that they get the most out of their courses. As a part of the discussion that takes place, the students obtain an action plan, that is part of their e-tracker record and can be viewed by students at any time including at home (please see e-Tracker on the opposite page).
Parent/Carer Handbook 2014/2015
STUDENT PROGRESS continued‌ REVIEW DAYS In addition, parents/carers of students who are studying on our 16-19 programme are able to attend three further planned opportunities during the year to visit the college to discuss student progress. The individual dates for your son/daughter will vary depending on the dates chosen by the School but all students will be informed of this from the start of the year and the dates will be available at the Meet the Tutor evening.
Subject area Tutor Review day 1 Review day 2 Review day 3 Review day 4
If you are unable to attend, a copy of the review will be sent out to you, and you are welcome to contact your son/ daugther’s ProgressTutor to discuss general progress or specific issues.
HOLIDAYS IN TERM TIME It is important that students attend all sessions planned throughout the year, and we advise not taking holidays during term time, as this may impact on whether they can successfully complete their course.
Parent/Carer Handbook 2014/2015
GENERAL INFORMATION REWARDS, CELEBRATIONS, PRAISE
RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS The College community is a diverse one, and we value the
Each of the College’s Schools reward learners who have
fact that our learners follow a variety of religions and faiths.
done well; for example, may be given a ‘cause for praise’
We understand that some religious festivals fall during
which is recorded on your son/daughters e-Tracker record
term time and some learners will wish to take time off to
and recognises how well they have behaved or performed.
participate. All we ask is that a written request is submitted
Parents/advocates can gain access at home to these records
for an appropriate amount of time off to your tutor well in
through logging in through your son/daughter’s access
advance of the day of celebration.
There are also awards evening in each School at the end of the academic year (June). Staff can also put student’s names forward for an external award so that achievements and efforts are recognised outside of the College. COMPLAINTS AND COMPLIMENTS If you feel you or your son/daughter has been unfairly treated or if you wish to appeal against any decisions made by the College – please e-mail sedg@blackpool.ac.uk The same e-mail address can be used to register compliments and suggestions. If you need help making your compliment or complaint, please telephone one of the iKnow Student Advice Centres (see Main Contact Details for iKnow 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. Copies of the Complaints Policy and Procedures are available from our Quality and Standards team. 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.
SPECIAL CONCESSIONS OR ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS If your son/daughter has previously had access arrangements, exam concessions or any other special arrangements to help their studies, or you think they may be eligible for them, you should encourage them to tell their tutor as soon as possible at the start of your course.
Parent/Carer Handbook 2014/2015
iKNOW STUDENT RECRUITMENT,
SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE ADVICE CENTRES iKnow are based at three main Advice Centres: 1) Bispham Campus (Ground floor the Bispham Hub) 2) University Centre Central Blackpool Campus (South Building foyer) 3) Ansdell Campus (Ground floor, Silver room) Staff also provide a drop-in service at all Blackpool and The Fylde College Campuses. KEY SERVICES iKnow provide a number of Matrix Standard services including; • Welfare (Student finance, funding and access to help with transport and childcare) • Careers (Career and Training advice, UCAS applications for entry to Higher Education, support with applying for jobs) • Chaplaincy (A contact for people of all faiths or none) • Counselling Service Students wishing to access these services are advised to attend one of the centres or use the specific telephone contact details provided above.
LEARNING AND STUDY SUPPORT 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 or temporary disability (for example, broken bones) • a prolonged period of absence through ill-health • other issues that may affecting your overall progress at College Support will be tailored to your son/daughter’s specific needs.
Parent/Carer Handbook 2014/2015
BISPHAM CAMPUS Ashfield Road · Bispham · FY2 0HB UNIVERSITY CENTRE Bennett Avenue · Blackpool · FY1 4DW ANSDELL CAMPUS Church Road · Lytham St Annes · FY8 4AP NAUTICAL CAMPUS Broadwater · Fleetwood · FY7 8JZ
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youtube.com/batfcollege
T 01253 352 352 E info@blackpool.ac.uk
blackpool.ac.uk