Mature Learners Guide

Essential Guide for Mature Students

This booklet will help you if you are: • a mature student (over 21 years of age) thinking of returning to education • undecided about whether to join a higher education course • looking to find out more about how the University of Wolverhampton meets the needs of mature students • unsure whether you meet our entry requirements • seeking more information on support available at the University

Contents

05 Why choose the University of Wolverhampton?

08 University Open Days 09 Campuses 13 Entry requirements 14 Relevant work experience 15 Routes into higher education 19 How to make an application 19 Student finance 21 Studying part-time 21 Finance for part-time students 22 Student support 25 Students’ Union 26 Childcare – Little Scholars Nursery

• a parent or have dependants and are hoping to study • worried that you may not have the skills or experience to make a success of a degree course.

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Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk

Email: enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Call: 0800 953 3222

Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk

Email: enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Call: 0800 953 3222

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The University has a team of Education Guidance Advisers based in The Gateway@ The George in the centre of Wolverhampton. They can help you explore in more detail all of the information in this booklet.

Introduction

Over a third of students studying in UK higher education are classified as 'mature' – that is, aged 21 or over at the start of their studies. We recognise that people have different circumstances, qualifications and requirements when they join us and this is reflected in the range of services and support we offer.

My organisation and punctuality is remarkably better than when I was younger. Being a mature student, personally, has made me want this more than anything. I have had time to choose what I want and the realisation of knowing this is definitely ‘it’ makes you hungrier to complete your studies and achieve the end goal.

Samantha Owens BEd (Hons) Primary Education

Get in touch: Email: gateway@wlv.ac.uk Call: 01902 321 032 Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/gateway The team may be able to deal with your enquiry over the phone or by email but they would be very pleased to see you in person – so please drop in or ring to make an appointment.

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We will support you throughout your journey – from considering the right course and during your time studying with us, to help with launching your graduate career or further study at postgraduate level. Our services for students are there to guide you every step of the way.

As a mature student, I felt committed to my studies and achieving my goal much more so in comparison to when I was younger. It was hard at times, managing large volumes of work alongside a busy home life however this made succeeding extremely rewarding.

Our advanced facilities, combined with the guidance of our expert staff, can help turn your raw talent and potential into the specific skills and knowledge needed to succeed in your chosen career.

Rosa Sorrento BA (Hons) Event and Venue Management

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Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk

Email: enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Call: 0800 953 3222

Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/gateway

Email: gateway@wlv.ac.uk

Call: 01902 321 032

‘‘

The University of Wolverhampton welcomes thousands of mature students each year onto a wide range of undergraduate courses and we would like to encourage you to find out more about opportunities to study with us.

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Returning to education after a break can be a daunting but exciting prospect. Going to university is life-changing, and at the University of Wolverhampton we aim to provide a firstclass experience for all our students, whatever their age and background.

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The University of Wolverhampton is a warm and welcoming place that nurtures talent and creates opportunities – helping students from diverse backgrounds to fulfil their potential within a caring and supportive community.

Why choose the University of Wolverhampton?

If you bring enthusiasm, commitment and determination we will help you to realise your ambitions and goals.

A more flexible approach We know that the decision to become a mature student is not always an easy one.

Some mature students worry that they won’t be able to cope if they have been out of education for a long time – but once they’ve settled into their courses they often wonder why they didn’t start sooner!

At the University of Wolverhampton there is a great deal of help with important aspects of academic study such as reading and study techniques, note taking, essay writing, using computers and how to succeed in assessments.

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Having not been in education for almost five years, I was extremely nervous before my first day. However, once there I found a great deal of academic support was available to me throughout my studies from both the Learning Centre and lecturers.

Having the first year to ease you into university and not impact upon your final classification is a great help too!

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Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/gateway

Email: gateway@wlv.ac.uk

Call: 01902 321 032

Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/gateway

‘‘

Rosa Sorrento BA (Hons) Event and Venue Management

Email: gateway@wlv.ac.uk

Call: 01902 321 032

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University Open Days

You might be surprised at how conveniently you can fit your studies into your week. Most full-time courses involve no more than 12 to 16 hours each week in class (although nursing, social work and teaching courses will demand more of your time due to time spent out on placements).

University of Wolverhampton Open Days are held throughout the year and are a great way to find out more about our facilities, courses and staff.

You can arrange the study you will need to do outside the class around your own weekly commitments – a lot of our Learning Centre resources are available online. We have part-time, as well as full-time, courses to suit busy lifestyles – and if you find fulltime hours aren't suiting you, we can help you look at part-time alternatives.

My lectures did not start until 9am which made it possible for me to drop my two children off at nursery and travel the 40 mile journey here to get to a lecture on time. The teachers have understood and been supportive throughout the entire course.

‘‘

Samantha Owens BEd (Hons) Primary Education

Please visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/opendays for further information on Open Days.

In our Careers Centre, our team of advisers will help you to explore and improve your career plans and develop the important skills you need to make these plans happen.

Remember you'll always find a friendly face – and valuable information on any aspect of higher education – in The Gateway@The George in Wolverhampton City Centre.

‘‘

Getting the chance to speak to my potential lecturers about the course and modules I would be taking was beneficial.

But hearing the speech from Paul Brighton, Head of Film and Broadcasting Media, made me feel confident that I had chosen the right course.

Jermaine Leslie-Stouph

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Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/gateway

Email: gateway@wlv.ac.uk

Call: 01902 321 032

Visit www.wlv.ac.uk/opendays

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When you visit us at an Open Day you can take your time to look around the University and explore the facilities.

You can speak to academic and support staff and ask as many questions as you wish. It’s your chance to find out about the course and how the finance works, as well as other aspects of studying at the University.

Email enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Call 0800 953 3222

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Free shuttle bus

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Campuses

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The library being open late normally and 24-hours-a-day during the exam period was really useful.

Mike Ames BA (Hons) War Studies and History

During term time the University operates a free intercampus shuttle bus serving the three Wolverhampton, Walsall and Telford campuses, as well as stopping in their respective city centres.

City Campus City Campus is our main site based in the heart of Wolverhampton, a buzzing, student-friendly city, with something for everyone.

City Campus is home to the Millennium City Building which provides 10,000 square metres of teaching space, a 300-seat lecture theatre and a social learning space which incorporates a coffee/sandwich bar with islands of PCs and comfortable seating.

In the Technology Centre you’ll find smart, expansive open-access areas with 500 PCs running the latest software to support your studies. The flagship Harrison Learning Centre has four floors of electronic, online, hardcopy and audio-visual materials to help you study the way you want to.

City living Three halls of residence for 1,000 students are a short walk from City Campus – and next to a 24-hour supermarket. They're safe, secure, convenient and comfortable. And there's a block for mature students who are looking for a quieter, study-friendly home.

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Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/accom

Email: accommodationservices@wlv.ac.uk

Call: 0800 953 3222

Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/accom

Email: accommodationservices@wlv.ac.uk

Call: 0800 953 3222

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Walsall Campus

Telford Innovation Campus

Walsall Campus is just minutes from Junction 9 of the M6 motorway and a mile from the busy town centre, and less than an hour from Birmingham city centre.

Set in the grounds of the Grade II listed 18th century building Priorslee Hall, and just three miles from Ironbridge, the campus is home to a large number of international students, so you’re likely to make friends with people from all around the world. Many of our engineering courses are delivered at Telford and supported by excellent specialist facilities.

You'll rub shoulders with students pursuing their goals in music, dance, sport, education and health. It's a fun and energetic mix, with every discipline benefiting from a campus that's modern and fit-for-purpose.

The Performance Hub is an impressive teaching and learning space hosting facilities that support drama, dance and music students. Inside, you’ll find superbly equipped practice, rehearsal and audiovideo technology rooms; recording, dance and drama studios; and a black box performance space. The Performance Hub also incorporates the Campus Learning Centre, which is open seven-days-a-week and offers all the relevant information for your studies as well as somewhere you can access expert help.

Telford living The halls of residence offer almost 500 en-suite rooms for students with wireless internet access plus CCTV and 24-hour security staff surveillance. For some exercise, Telford offers a floodlit football pitch and tennis and basketball courts.

The Walsall Sports Centre has expertly staffed and well-equipped sports science laboratories. There's a 12-court, multi-activity sports hall, a six-lane, floodlit athletics track, all-weather floodlit pitch, throws and jumps area, swimming pool and the British Judo Centre of Excellence.

Walsall living Walsall Student Village is based on the campus itself.

The CCTV-monitored courtyard development has a 24-hour security presence and over 300 en-suite study bedrooms. Walsall accommodation is set in a large social area with the Student Union juice bar nearby.

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Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/accom

Email: accommodationservices@wlv.ac.uk

Call: 0800 953 3222

Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/accom

Email: accommodationservices@wlv.ac.uk

Call: 0800 953 3222

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Entry requirements Universities can enrol any person who is able to benefit from the experience. We run a wide range of preparatory and pre-degree level courses as well as foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and courses tailored to those in specific job roles. We can discuss what the right path is for you and cover everything you need to know (including financial matters) so that you can make the right choice.

Entry requirements for higher education courses can differ depending on which course you are applying for. Entry requirements can often include UCAS tariff points sometimes in specific subject areas, in this case we would advise students to consider a pre-university course such as Access to Higher Education courses offered at further education colleges, or a Foundation Year offered here at the University of Wolverhampton.

‘‘

I’d been working as a graphic designer for 16 years when I decided to get a formal design qualification.

Because of the work experience I had, I could start straight on the third year of the degree programme.

Studying part-time alongside a fulltime job, I gained my degree in just two years.

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There are various ways you can show us that you have the right experience and background to join a University of Wolverhampton course. In our experience, many adults tend to be very modest about their achievements and overlook important work and life experiences which demonstrate their skills and capabilities.

Simon Hutton BA (Hons) Visual Communication

Relevant work experience

We take into account your personal and work experiences, and past achievements, for example, school and/or college qualifications as well as references, interviews and/or assessments.

We consider: • relevant skills that have been developed during paid work • professional qualifications undertaken during paid or voluntary work • non-accredited courses • voluntary work • independent work/study.

If you are looking to further your skills and knowledge in an area in which you already have experience, then we may be able to formally recognise your prior learning.

This will mean that you may not have to study your chosen course in full if we can see that you already have core knowledge and experience in certain areas.

As part of the application process you will be asked to provide a satisfactory reference and sometimes complete a relevant background check if you plan to work with children.

For further information on course entry requirements see: www.wlv.ac.uk/courses

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Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/courses

Email: enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Call: 0800 953 3222

Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/courses

Email: enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Call: 0800 953 3222

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Routes into higher education Foundation year courses Degree courses which include a foundation year provide an entry route onto many undergraduate courses at Wolverhampton. Completing the foundation year is the first step on the way to successfully obtaining your degree. The foundation year is different to Foundation Degrees which are described later.

Our foundation year programmes have been specifically designed to provide students with the best possible grounding for entry onto a wide range of undergraduate degree courses. Students who successfully complete a foundation year are able to progress onto year one of their chosen degree, providing they have taken the relevant pathway modules and passed them at the required standard.

The University offers foundation years in a wide variety of subject areas including: • art and design • business management • health and wellbeing • law, social science and communication studies • technology

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Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/courses

Email: enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Call: 0800 953 3222

Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/courses

LEaP – Learning, Education and Progression For entry onto certain health and wellbeing courses at the University of Wolverhampton, LEaP is designed to widen access if your qualifications or experience may generally be acceptable for entry to higher education, but are not appropriate for normal entry to a degree programme.

This course will enable you to develop an independent, reflective and self-managed approach to using skills appropriate for study in higher education.

Following successful completion of this LEaP level 3 foundation year, you will have the opportunity to progress directly onto the following courses: • • • •

BSc (Hons) Health Studies BSc (Hons) Public Health BA (Hons) Social Care and Health Studies BA (Hons) Social Care and Social Policy

Should you wish to progress to the BNurs (Hons) Nursing or the BSc (Hons) Midwifery you will be guaranteed the opportunity to enter into the initial interview stage.

Email: enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Call: 0800 953 3222

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Foundation Degrees

A-levels and BTECs

These are undergraduate degree level courses which have a work focus and have usually been designed with the support of key employers who have helped to create the learning content. There is a clear focus on a particular employment sector and Foundation Degrees usually involve a significant amount of practical work-related activity and placements.

A-level and BTEC qualifications are well recognised for entry to higher education. Even if it may have been some time since you gained these qualifications they are relevant for entry to our degree courses.

After completing a two year (full-time) Foundation Degree (part-time routes are also very popular) it is possible to move onto the third year of an honours undergraduate degree (sometimes referred to as a ‘top-up’ degree) in order to gain a BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons) award.

Access to Higher Education (A2HE) courses The University welcomes Access to Higher Education (A2HE) qualifications for most degrees. A2HE courses are designed to prepare students aged 19 or over for study at higher education level. Details of the specific A2HE pass requirements are stated within our entry details for each course on our website.

There is a wide variety of A2HE courses available ranging from Business and Management to Nursing and Science.

A2HE can be studied full-time or part-time and can take a year or more to complete. Further information on Access to Higher Education courses can be found at your local further education college. Alternatively visit the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education website at: www.qaa.ac.uk or the Open College Network of the West Midlands website at: www.ocnwmr.org.uk

Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/courses

• Applied Biology • Architectural Design • Biomedical Science • Business • Civil Engineering • Computing • Construction and the Built Environment • Engineering • Forensic Science • Information Technology • Mathematics and Computing • Pharmaceutical Science

Some degree courses do ask for qualifications in specific subject areas, further information can be found at: www.wlv.ac.uk/courses

Higher National Diploma

Foundation Degrees have been designed to address key skills needs within the local, regional and national economy.

They help employers to meet their workforce needs and help individuals to gain employment or improve their employability skills while continuing to work.

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Here at the University of Wolverhampton we currently offer HND qualifications in:

A Higher National Diploma (HND) accredited by the University is designed with the help of employers, so the skills and knowledge you gain are what industry values and what you need to remain competitive.

Other qualifications If you feel you have other relevant qualifications that may meet the entry requirements of one of our courses, please do not hesitate to contact: admissions@wlv.ac.uk Alternatively, get in touch with us and speak to an Education Guidance Adviser: Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/gateway Email: gateway@wlv.ac.uk Call: 01902 321 032

They are also a great entry point into higher education, as credits obtained on the course can be transferred to another qualification (such as a Bachelor degree).

A HND is right for you if: • you've already gained experience working in your sector, and now need to develop your skills and knowledge to further your career • you're maybe looking at a career change, and now require an effective way to learn relevant new skills • you're looking for a path into higher education that can lead to the career you want • you already have some level three qualifications.

Email: enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Call: 0800 953 3222

Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/courses

Email: enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Call: 0800 953 3222

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How to make an application Student finance For full-time undergraduate courses apply through UCAS. Visit: www.ucas.com

For part-time undergraduate courses you will need to apply directly to us.

Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/apply

When do I apply?

Full-time: as a general guide, applications can be made to UCAS between September and mid-January. Check with UCAS for confirmed dates.

However, as a few courses prefer early application, including midwifery, nursing, social work and teaching; it is recommended to apply in the autumn of the year before you wish to start the course. If in doubt please contact our Course Enquiries Unit or The Gateway@The George.

Part-time: the University of Wolverhampton welcomes applications from students throughout the year.

Applications will usually be accepted until a few weeks before the start of the course.

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Student finance can often be seen as a complex process, especially for mature students with dependents. However, alongside tuition fee and maintenance loans, there is a wide range of funding available which students may be eligible to apply for, this includes: - Maintenance grant - Bursaries - Scholarships - Parent Learning Allowance - Childcare grant - Dependents allowance - Hardship fund For further information, visit our website at: www.wlv. ac.uk/moneymatters and the Student Finance England website at: www.gov.uk/student-finance

For further information on the courses we have available, take a look at our online prospectus, alternatively you can order one to be delivered at your home free of charge.

Further advice and guidance on all money matters relating to higher education can be accessed through The Gateway@The George.

Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/prospectus Call course enquiries: 0800 953 3222 Email: enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/gateway Email: gateway@wlv.ac.uk Call: 01902 321 032  

Visit www.wlv.ac.uk/prospectus

Email enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Call 0800 953 3222

Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/gateway

Email: gateway@wlv.ac.uk

Call: 01902 321 032

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Studying part-time

Student support

At the University of Wolverhampton we understand how important it is to allow you to study the way you want to – which is why we offer a range of part-time courses and professional development opportunities.

While you're still considering your study options and throughout your time with us we will offer a full range of services to support you through student life.

With part-time study you can:

Before your studies

• fit your studies around your work and home commitments • enhance your employment prospects • continue earning while you’re learning.

Part-time study is a flexible and cost-effective way to realise your potential. It provides an opportunity to do a degree course that works with your lifestyle.

You can build upon existing skills, head in a new direction, or just pursue your interests and passions!

‘‘

I chose the University of Wolverhampton because it offered me the opportunity and flexibility to study my degree on a part-time basis, studying once a week. I was already working within the construction industry for Carillion Plc and I wanted to progress within the company with qualifications that were relevant to the industry.

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Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/gateway

‘‘

Danny Gainham BSc (Hons) Construction Management

Before your studies begin, talk to our education guidance advisers in The Gateway@The George.

Knowledgeable on a broad range of topics relating to student life and learning, our education guidance officers are happy to answer any questions you may have about study.

Finance for part-time students

They can provide information and impartial advice on everything from courses, fees, finances, applications and entry requirements.

Part-time students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, however unlike full-time courses, part-time courses are not eligible for a Maintenance Loan or Grant.

For further information on part-time student funding, please contact our advisers at The Gateway@The George.

Email: gateway@wlv.ac.uk

Call: 01902 321 032

Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/gateway

Email: gateway@wlv.ac.uk

Call: 01902 321 032

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After you graduate Advice from our excellent careers and employment service – including help searching for graduate positions and support at all stages of your job applications – will continue to be available to you for up to three years after you graduate.

You may want to take part in one of our knowledge transfer programmes, which allow students to be placed within companies to work on live projects once they graduate. The University of Wolverhampton also offers graduate internships across its many departments. These placements can last between six weeks to one year, and provide our graduates with

While you're studying here Once you're with us, you can call into one of our Student Centres with any queries. You’ll be greeted by a friendly face and directed to an expert who can help.

valuable work and life experience.

The results of the latest Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey show that we have a very high proportion of our students taking their place in the world of work. 90% of our 2012 graduates had already found employment and/or were pursuing further training six months after graduation and by now we would expect that to be substantially higher.

For further information on the support services we provide at the University of Wolverhampton please visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/support

Based at both City and Walsall Campuses, the Student Centres are home to most of our support services. You’ll find straight talk and clear information on all the official activities relating to your academic life at the University.

At the University of Wolverhampton there is a great deal of help with important aspects of academic study.

You can access excellent Skills for Learning workshops and drop-in sessions run by our Learning Centres.

These concentrate on all the core skills you will need throughout your studies.

Our careers and employment services include a job matching service that can match your skills to full and part-time vacancies as well as opportunities to gain experience through volunteering.

The University has an inclusive and supportive environment for students with a wide range of sensory, physical or specific learning difficulties. The Student Enabling Centre offers outstanding confidential, personalised support to students who have additional needs throughout their academic life.

Counselling Services are available should any concern arise, whether personal, social or academic and the team at our Chaplaincy welcomes everyone, whether you follow a religion or not.

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Visit www.wlv.ac.uk/support

Email enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Call 0800 953 3222

Visit www.wlv.ac.uk/support

Email enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Call 0800 953 3222

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The Students’ Union (SU) is an independent charity that is run by students for students.

The SU offers opportunities to get involved in social and sporting activities, provides advice and support for you on all matters affecting you as a student, and develops your skills to increase your chances of success in the job market.

So whether you want to join a club or society, put on an event, campaign for students’ rights, access professional advice, or simply find a place to chill in a comfy and safe environment – the Union is a home away from home where you can get the most out of your time as a student.

Little Scholars Nursery Learning through play for children aged 9 months to 5 years

Childcare

Funded places available for 3 and 4 year olds.

For more information, contact the Nursery Manager.

Tel: 01902 322 909 or email: nursery@wlv.ac.uk

Little Scholars Nursery is a 50-place nursery situated in the ground floor of our Randall Lines Accommodation at City Campus. The nursery offers good quality childcare to University staff, students and members of the local community, enabling parents to pursue higher education and employment, and is registered to care for children between nine months and five years of age.

Students’ Union

Graded 'Outstanding' in all areas by Ofsted, 2010.

• • • • • • •

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Help students acquire new skills and discover new experiences.

Demonstrate quality and value.

Create and maintain fantastic social space for students.

Provide support to students.

Listen to our members and react to the issues that affect them most.

Develop an involved, supportive and strong staff team.

Be financially, ethically and environmentally responsible.

‘‘

Seven core aims

All children attending this nursery are enabled to thrive in the excellent provision.

For further details please contact the Nursery Manager on tel: 01902 322 909 or visit: www/wlv.ac.uk/nursery

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Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk

Email: enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Call: 0800 953 3222

Visit: www/wlv.ac.uk/nursery

Call: 01902 322 909

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Contact Visit: www.wlv.ac.uk Email: enquiries@wlv.ac.uk Call: 0800 953 3222

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