Learner Handbook 2023-24

Learner Handbook

Designed and printed by Distinction Solutions

Author Michelle Dorling

Welcome to Distinction Solutions College

Information Advice & Guidance

If you require assistance in understanding the UK qualification system or are seeking guidance in locating a university or college course, we welcome you to visit us (which can be online) for an hour complimentary consultation with our Learning and Careers Team.

Our dedicated staff can provide support with the following:

 Job Search

 Creating a Curriculum Vitae (CV)

 Job applications

 Interview techniques

Other Courses

We have a wide range of courses available to help you either gain more qualifications or to study subjects you enjoy and have specific interests in.

Please see our Prospectus for the full range of courses available here (need to insert link to website once uploaded)

If you would like to fnd out more about the courses you can join, please speak to our dedicated Enrolment Team or email us on (need to insert once confirmed).

You can always review available courses on our website, click here (need to insert link to website once uploaded).

The College

Address Distinction Solutions

The Old Brickworks

Bates Business Park

Church Road

Romford

RM1 0JF

Telephone: 0204 539 4600

Email: to be inserted once confirmed

Website: Healthcare Training Specialists | Distinction Solutions

Equality & Diversity

Our aim is to ensure that every individual at the College enoys equitable opportunities for learning and study. The College upholds an Equality & Diversity Policy which includes Equal Opportunities, you can obtain a copy of this from our website here (need to insert link to website once uploaded)

Safeguarding

If you have a safeguarding concern about you, your family or friends or about anyone else, you can speak to any member of staff.

Ensuring safety from harm is a fundamental priority. If you are experiencing harm, witness someone enduring harm, or suspect that harm may be occurring, we are here to offer assistance.

Some instances of how individuals may experience harm are:

 Undermining your self-esteem

 Instilling fear or making threats towards you or your loved ones

 Physical violence, such as hitting or pushing

 Aggressive acts like kicking or burning

 Financial or personal data theft, both online and in person

 Forcing you to engage in activities against your will

In case of an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Police immediately if you or someone you’re acquainted with is in danger. For additional information on staying safe, we have a list of contacts accessible at Reception and on our website here (need to insert link to website once uploaded).

Online Safety

When we discuss the concept of ensuring safety, we also emphasize the importance of online safety. This encompasses all devices that can connect to the internet, including computers, smartphones, tablets, iPads, and even smart TVs

What is unsafe about being online?

There are individuals online who engage in the deceptive practice of pretending to be someone they are not, often referred to as 'Catfishing.' They steal other people's names, pictures, and birthdates to assume false identities and deceive people, sometimes with the intention of stealing their money or goods. Signs of a catfish include:

 A limited number of friends

 Consistently unchanging profile picture

 Resistance to video calls

 Inconsistent or conflicting stories

 Requests for financial assistance

Phishing involves sending fraudulent emails that impersonate well-known companies to deceive people into divulging personal information such as passwords and credit card details. If you receive an unexpected email or text message that raises suspicion, verify its authenticity by finding the company's telephone number online and contacting them before responding or clicking any links.

Remember that your bank or credit card company will never ask for your banking details through email.

Fake news and misinformation are prevalent online. Ensure you verify the accuracy of what you read by:

 Confirming if the information is from a reputable source

 Checking for the same information on other websites

 Evaluating the publication date, as older information may no longer be valid

 Assessing the quality of writing, readability, font consistency, and overall coherence

Cyberbullying involves using electronic devices to bully others, often through social media and messaging services accessed on mobile phones, tablets, or gaming platforms. This behaviour is typically repetitive and can manifest in subtle ways, such as excluding someone from a group chat or cropping them out of a picture.

Cyberbullying may encompass:

 Threats and intimidation

 Harassment and stalking

 Rejection and exclusion

 Identity theft, social media account hacking, and impersonation

 Publicly sharing or disseminating personal information about others

 Manipulation

It is essential to prioritize online safety. Strong passwords are crucial to prevent unauthorised access to your electronic accounts and devices. Ensure you use distinct passwords for all your accounts and remember to keep them confidential.

PREVENT

Some people are more vulnerable to radicalization or extreme viewpoints.

The college is responsible for preventing individuals from being drawn into any form of radical or extreme ideologies that could potentially lead to self-harm or harm to others.

The college is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of its students and actively monitors and reports any indications of extremist perspectives and conduct.

We are fully committed to fostering British Values in a secure and contented community for both personal and professional development

Health & Safety

At the college, we have individuals with first aid training. If you require assistance while in class, please communicate with your tutor.

If you are not in class, kindly proceed to reception, if you are able, where they will arrange for someone to assist you.

In the event of a fire alarm, please follow your teacher to the designated fire assembly point located at the back of the car park. Your teacher will guide you to the shortest fire exit route to your classroom.

Compliments & Complaints

If you have any concerns regarding your course or believe that there are ways the college can improve, we encourage you to share your feedback.

You can reach out to us by emailing here (need to insert link to website once uploaded), speak to your teacher or leaving a suggestion in the designated box at Reception.

Additionally, we have an Appeals Process available, accessible through the Quality Team or via email at (need to insert link to website once uploaded)

Important Information

It is important that every learner has the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding and enjoyable experience during the course.

You are entitled to:

 An assessment of your learning needs and a plan of how they will be met.

 Receive full information of your programme of study, qualification level aimed for, time and date of your course and fee of your course before it starts.

 Know the name of your tutor and how to contact the college.

 Regular and constructive feedback, advice and support.

 Know what policies we have at the college.

 A safe and secure learning environment.

 Help and support to deal with literacy, numeracy, language skills and any other identified needs.

 Be taught by trained professionals.

 Receive impartial information, advice and guidance throughout your learning.

 Be asked your views on your experience.

What we expect from you:

 Making a positive commitment to your learning including

 Attending at least 80% of classes and attend all exams.

 Completing work regularly and on time

 Completing individual learning plans (ILPs) or progress records as required

Notify Us

Let us know if you will be absent from class in good time, your tutor will provide you with contact information however you can also let us know here (need to insert link to website once uploaded)

Mutual Respect

We ask that you

 Respect College equipment, staff, tutors and any other service user of the college.

 Participate fully in the lessons

 Arrive promptly for lessons

 Raise any concerns you may have with your tutor or Delivery Team Manager promptly

 Agree to be contacted by the College once your collect has completed to ensure certification and/or ceremonial presentation information is disseminated and to collate data on your career progression after your further education

We will

 Respect you person

 Respect your property

 Respect your values and beliefs

 Protect your personal data and provide you with assured confidentiality

 Protect your privacy

 Protect your rights

 Provide you with a safe environment in which to study and learn

Skills Nexus

The College offers a variety of courses to develop workforce skills including Skills for work courses and mandatory courses such as First Aid, PMVA, Oliver McGowan to meet the needs of the Health and Social Care Sector. Browse our website for more information, here (need to insert link to website once uploaded)

We are adept at creating bespoke courses for employers including the use of IT systems to maximise the use of technology and can deliver workplace training to suit specific needs.

Contact Us for more information (need to insert link to website once uploaded)