HANDBOOKAdult Learner

Transformation through learning…

www.warrington.ac.uk • 01925 494494 www.warrington.ac.uk • 01925 494494

Foreword 3

Key Priorities 4

Learner Journey 5

Support & Services 6

Our Partners’ Contacts 11

Learner Charter 12

Overview 14

Important Information 16

Feedback 18

Contents Foreword

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Learning throughout life is essential in order to maintain employability, achieve personal fulfillment, build cohesive communities and add to quality of life.

However Warrington Collegiate and its partners recognise that some people find it difficult to access learning, so we offer a wide range of learning opportunities throughout the local community. Through talking to learners and working closely with our local neighbourhood workers we ensure that the courses we offer respond to the needs and demands of the community.

Warrington Collegiate welcomes all community learners to the college and wishes you well on your learning journey.

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Learner Journey

Advice & Guidance

ReviewEvaluate

Induction & Learning

Satisfaction/ Performance

Feedback

Assessment & PlanProgression

www.warrington.ac.uk • 01925 494494

Key PrioritiesTransformation through learning:Thriving and prosperous individuals and communities, contributing to a better Warrington

1 Living Well: Improving health and personal responsibility

2 Connected Living: Reaping the benefits of digital technology

3 Living Positively: Building self-reliance

4 Prosperous Living: Building success and financial resilience

5 Living Inspirations: Raising aspiration and ambition

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Opening Hours: Term TimeMonday 8.30am – 5pm Tuesday – Thursday 8.30am – 6pm Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm

If you enrol on any of the courses available you automatically become a student of Warrington Collegiate and will be entitled to use its services. These will be explained in full, along with the details of your course.

If you decide to withdraw from your course before the expected end date please contact your tutor or the Community Learning team of the organisation delivering your course. Contact details of organisations are given on page 11.

Tutor..

Your tutor will be with you for the duration of your course. They will provide on-going support to you as required.

The main responsibilities of tutors are to:

• Ensure that a full induction takes place during the first week of the programme

• Identify and agree your learning aims and ensure they are reviewed on a regular basis

• Assist as far as possible with any difficulties experienced in relation to the course

If you have any difficulties on your course please contact your tutor or a member of the Community Engagement team and they will assist you. It is in everyone’s interest to resolve problems before they escalate. To this end it is important to alert your tutor at an early stage so that we can help to resolve any issues as they arise.

Your tutor has access to many support networks within the college and will refer you to appropriate colleagues if you have any issues.

Counselling..

Occasionally, learners can find themselves experiencing personal or stress-related difficulties, which may be hindering their studies. We are able to offer a confidential counselling service, which you may access by calling into Learner Services for an appointment.

Medical/Spiritual Services..

There are a range of spiritual and health advisory sessions which are offered by our extensive network of support partners.

Careers..

We have professionally qualified Careers and Higher Education (HE) Advisors or Connexions Advisors who can help you plan your future career, help you choose your next college or university course, advise on university personal statements, job search, CVs and applications. We have great resources ranging from books to computer software and learners can also receive help with higher education applications.

Learner Support Learner Services

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Learning Resource Centre (LRC)

All learners and staff are invited to use the LRC for learning resources and studying. Friendly, well-qualified staff are always available to help you find and make the best use of all our resources. Guidance in the form of LRC inductions, help sheets, guides, booklets and workshops are readily available.

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Study Areas..

Located on campus at Winwick Road, there are both quiet study and group work areas. There are networked computing facilities providing access to the Internet and GroupWise email, as well as Microsoft Office and specialist software.

Resources..

Along with a growing number of e-books, which you can access 24/7, you will find a wide range of resources, including books, talking books and large print books, journals, magazines, newspapers, DVDs and music CDs.

Library Loan Service..

There is an Inter-library loans, enquiry and reservations service, including a ring and reserve facility.

Print Services..

The Stationery Shop sells a wide range of stationery and provides binding and laminating services, as well as photocopying facilities. There are also laser and colour printing available in the LRC, as well as up to date scanning equipment.

Study Support..

You can access study skills support in the LRC. Computer and assignment support is available throughout the year including all college holidays and during the evenings through prior arrangement.

You automatically become a student at Warrington Collegiate when you commence your course. As a student of the college you are entitled to access the wide range of facilities offered across our sites. This includes the library and IT facilities and the student union. The first point of contact for these facilities is through Learner Services.

Opening Hours:Term TimeMonday 8.45am – 5pm Tuesday – Thursday 8.45am – 8pm Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm

HolidaysMonday to Thursday 9.00am – 5.00pmFriday 9.00am – 4.00pmTel: 01925 494 422

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MRHMC Ltd BecksideMandy Roberts Back Lane Wennington Lancashire LA2 8NZ T: 07751 690411 E: info@mrhmc.com W: www.mrhmc.com

Priestley College Loushers LaneGlennis Hassall Warrington WA4 6RD T: 01925 624455 E: enquiries@priestley.ac.uk W: www.priestley.ac.uk

Warrington Citizens Advice Bureau The GatewaySteve Cullen 89 Sankey Street Warrington WA1 1SR T: 01925 246994 E: manager@warrington.cabinet.org.uk W: citizensadvice.citizensadvice.org.uk

Warrington Disability Partnership Centre for Independent LivingNick Vaughan Beaufort Street Warrington WA5 1BA T: 01925 240064 E: Nick.Vaughan@disabilitypartnership.org.uk W: www.disabilitypartnership.org.uk

Warrington Voluntary Action The Gateway 89Stef Woof Sankey Street Warrington WA1 1SR T: 01925 246880 E: stef@warringtonva.org.uk W: www.warringtonva.org.uk

Workers’ Educational Association WEA North-West Region Andy Jurgis 405 Cotton Exchange Old Hall Street Liverpool L3 9JR T: 01606 784458 E: ajurgis@wea.org.uk W: www.wea.org.uk

Our Partners’ contacts 2015-16

Call 01925 494378 to book a table or for more information

Discount

prices for students

Hair, Beauty and Holistic Training Salons

Free haircuts and discounted beauty treatments are available for students through pre-appointments.

To book an appointment or to fi nd out more about the treatments available, please contact the Academy’s Reception on

01925 494336

Call 01925 494378 to book a table or for more information

www.warrington.ac.uk • 01925 494494

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Warrington Collegiate’s Community Learning Team is committed to engaging with any adult learners from all areas of Warrington. We believe our courses provide our learners with skills and knowledge that create more life opportunities that they enjoy.

Each member of Community Learning is expected to be personable, attentive to your needs, act in a professional manner and make every reasonable effort to deal with any problems immediately.

As a learner, you can expect:

Choices..

• To be considered as an individual – treated fairly and with respect

• To be an active participant in your learning aims and goals

• To understand the course choices open to you

Skills and Knowledge..

• To receive accurate course information in a timely manner

• To be supported in developing your understanding of unfamiliar subjects

• To receive advice and guidance to help you achieve your learning plan

• To have access to learning which will enable you to progress within the wider community

Learning Environment..

• To have access to different teaching and learning approaches and resources which meet your individual needs

• To have access to people who are able to extend and develop your understanding of your chosen course(s)

• To learn in an appropriate and safe learning environment

• To have access to learning resources which can further your understanding and knowledge

Feedback..

• To provide feedback on your learning experience to help us to improve our service

As a learner, we expect your:

Commitment..

• To attend classes

• To have a positive attitude to your learning

• To comply with the rules and regulations of the college, qualification board and other stakeholders

• To be responsible for meeting set deadlines for the submission of work

Integrity..

• To be informed when your needs change or our service fails to meet your expectations

• To have respect for others regardless of their ethnic background, sexuality, gender, religion or personal circumstance

Learner Charter

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Types of Courses on Offer..

Community Learning

Warrington Collegiate and its partners offer a wide range of short courses for adults over the age of 19. Courses run across a variety of venues in the Warrington area including the College’s Winwick Road and Museum Street sites. To find out more about community learning courses on offer, please visit our website or contact our partners (details on page 11)

No previous experience is necessary. Courses may be free subject to eligibility.

Warrington Collegiate also work with partner agencies from the community to run bespoke short courses to meet identified needs of specific groups, if you would like your partner agency or community group to run a course, please let us know.

Further and Higher Education Courses

In addition to our community based learning, Warrington Collegiate offers an extensive range of courses available on a full time or part time basis. Students aged 24+ might be able to apply for an Advanced Learning Loan to help with tuition fees. Visit www.warrington.ac.uk for more information about our courses and financial support.

Employability Training

A wide range of courses for adults, who are currently unemployed and looking to retrain and gain new qualifications are available. The courses have been designed to provide you with new skills in emerging job markets and may lead to a recognised qualification. The courses are tailored to meet your individual needs and they fit within your benefit conditions. Once you have gained employment, you can carry on training towards the qualification.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

We have courses from Pre-Entry (absolute beginner) to level 3 (those applying for university) so there is a course for everyone. We offer Cambridge main suite exams in Business English, First Certificate, Advanced English and Proficiency as well as all levels in Skills for Life.

For further information about any of these courses please contact the Learner Services Team on 01925 494494 or email learner.services@warrington.ac.uk

Overview

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Equal Opportunities Policy..

We actively work together to offer Equality and Diversity opportunities to all our learners and staff regardless of age, disability, gender, race, sexuality, marital status or any other irrelevant distinction. We expect our customers to support this policy and not engage in discrimination in any form.

The Main Laws Associated with Equality and Diversity:

The Equal Pay Act 1970 – women and men must receive equal pay for like work and work which is broadly similar.

The Sex Discrimination Act 1975, amended 1986-no discrimination against men or women because of their gender.

The Disability Discrimination Act 1995, amended 2003-prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities.

The Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003- must not treat people differently in employment because of their sexual orientation.

The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 – age should not be a barrier to people accessing work.

Carers Equal Opportunities Act 2004 – must not discriminate against someone who is a carer for a person who is disabled.

Health and Safety Policy..

We comply with Health and Safety legislation and are obliged to conduct a health and safety appraisal prior to the commencement of a course. This is to ensure your safety and the safety of our tutors.

Quality Assurance..

Quality Assurance is the responsibility of Warrington Collegiate, who fulfil requirements from the Awarding Body and Ofsted. This is based on customer feedback and survey research, which you are expected to participate in.

External Inspection..

In addition, OFSTED externally inspect Warrington Collegiate to verify the quality of learning offered to adult learners attending courses. Inspectors who undertake these reviews may contact learners for feedback directly. We will ensure that you are fully prepared and supported if you are asked to take part in either the audit or inspection process.

Grievance Procedures..

If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of your course, then you should try and discuss this with your tutor in the first instance.

Alternatively if the matter has not been resolved to your satisfaction within 10 working days, then you may wish to contact the Quality Department.

Important Information

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Feedback

We welcome and value your feedback on any aspects of our courses. Tell us about what we’re doing well, where we can improve and what else we can develop to meet the needs of your community.

This information will be used in future service improvements and help us to increase learner satisfaction. Please send your comments and compliments to: learner.services@warrington.ac.uk

We promise to acknowledge all communication within two working days and investigate and resolve all feedback as quickly as possible.

Notes

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