College Charter – Learner Entitlement and Responsibilities

 Our Learner Entitlement is based on ‘The Learner Entitlement for 14-19 year olds in Cheshire and Warrington. A guide for Colleges, Schools and Training Providers’.

 Introduction

We recognise that our standards of service are dependent upon the partnership between College and our learners. The College Learner Entitlement sets out the standards and quality of service you are entitled to expect from us whether you are a prospective or existing learner, an employer or an interested individual. It also sets out your responsibilities and commitment as a learner.

Please read this information and keep it for reference so we can ensure that your needs are met and we continue to provide the highest standards of service.

 Our Commitment: Making the Right Choice

 As a prospective learner, employer, parent or guardian, you may be thinking about education or training. You have the right to expect accurate information from the college on:
-The learning programmes and qualifications we offer
-The different ways our programmes can be achieved
-The increasing opportunities for off-site and community-based learning
-The aims of each learning programme
-Entry requirements and/or the ways in which we take any previous learning or experience into account.
-The progression opportunities available, including higher education, employment and credit towards other qualifications
-A summary of the programme content and any methods of assessment
-Fees, other charges and grants (eg examination, registration, materials, travel, fee remission, financial assistance and methods of payment)
-Who to talk to for advice and how to contact them
-The College services, including Learning Support, Learning Centres,information technology, nursery/crèche and restaurant facilities

 To help you make your choice, you have the right to look around the College and our facilities. You also have the right to have access to information about programme submissions, syllabi, external reports, programme accommodation and equipment to satisfy yourself that we can meet your needs.

You are entitled to receive impartial, supportive and relevant guidance to help you to be successful. We will provide you with advice on facilities and programmes relevant to you individual needs and, where appropriate, refer you to external agencies for additional specialist support.

Customer Services will provide details of College Open Days or help you to make an individual appointment with a tutor or adviser. Details on all our programmes are available in our prospectuses and course leaflets.

 Getting a Place

We welcome application from all in the community. All are entitles to a place on a particular programme as long as:

-We offer the programme
-We both agree that the programme is appropriate
-Any stated entry requirements are met
-Places are still available
-The programme is economically viable for the College to run

In handling an enquiry, you can expect us to be efficient and respond promptly.

 In handling an application, you can expect us:
-To contact you, normally within two weeks
-To discuss your needs at an agreed time
-To advise you of the outcome of any interview, normally within two weeks

 Supporting Your Learning

On entry to the College, you will be asked to complete an individual learning agreement which sets out our mutual responsibilities.

All learners are entitles to a range of support facilities throughout a programme.

This includes:
-Help to achieve your learning agreement
-Help to overcome barriers to your progress
-Help to access financial support
-Access to a range of careers guidance and support opportunities
-Access to confidential personal counselling
-Help to achieve your next step, which may be further study or employment

Independent inspection and our own regular reviews ensure that:
-Our staff have regular access to training and development opportunities
-We employ qualified and experienced staff to support your learning
-The accommodation, equipment, resources, materials and learner support which we provide are appropriate to your programme and your needs
-Our services and provision are modifies, where possible, to meet your individual needs
-We comply with Health and Safety regulations
-Our programmes and procedures meet with specifications of any external awarding bodies
-We provide a comprehensive introduction appropriate to your programme
-We check that the aims of the programme match you needs and aspirations
-We provide you with flexible learning opportunities -We support you to develop key skills -Our assessment methods enable you to demonstrate your achievements -Our high quality teaching is responsive to learner needs -Any assessment of your achievement is consistent and carried out according to agreed time schedules
-We return your assignment/assessments, normally within two weeks of the agreed hand-in date. (here team marking is involved, we aim for a three-week turnaround)
-You have the right to appeal against assessment outcomes
-There are regular opportunities to review and record your progress
-Your progress may be reported to employers or sponsors
-Any work placements we arrange are suitable for the programme, well prepared and appropriately timed. We will set out in detail the obligations of the College, the learner and the placement provider and ensure that the placement’s objectives and assessment details are understood
-You are made aware of examination entry procedures
-We provide you with the opportunity to make your views known
-Qualification you achieve have value outside the College
-You have the right to provide feedback about the College and your course

 Other Facilities

The College will endeavour to ensure that social and recreational areas are welcoming to all learners. The college and the Student Union provide a wide range of extra-curricular activities and facilities. You will find further information with the Handbook and on College notice boards.

 We will make available information about educational, recreational and other facilities for community use and hire.

The college will provide information and guidance to learners who require accommodation during their learner programme:

-Overseas learners can expect us to advise on approved host family accommodation -Other learners can expect us to provide information on accommodation availability and price ranges

 Additional Information

You have the right to additional information published on a regular basis. This includes:

-A summary of our learners’ achievements and examination results
-A national comparative summary of examination results (also obtainable from local schools and libraries)
-Details on our learners’ progress and destinations
-Inspection Reports on the College and our response
-College policies
-College Statement under the Disability Discrimination Act
-The names and roles of the College Corporation members

 This information is available to you through any Learning Centre, Advisory Team and Customer Services at main College campuses, or via your tutor. At other centres, you can get a copy from the Centre Head or your tutor.

 Your Commitment as a Learner

Being a learner carries responsibilities as well as entitlements and also brings opportunities to contribute to the standards of the College. By signing the learning agreement on the College enrolment form, you have agreed to abide by the College Regulations. In particular, we expect you to:
-Treat others with respect
-Conform to the College Regulations and Code of Practice as set out in this handbook which exist for the safety and well being of the College community
-Adhere to timescales and deadlines agreed with your tutor
-Participate fully in the learning and assessment programme you have c hosen

-Arrive at sessions promptly so that other people’s learning is not disrupted
-Share responsibility for your own learning and development
-Be aware of body language and avoid invasion of personal space
-Think before you speak. Some jokes or comments may offend
-Refer to individuals by name and avoid using labels
-Recognise and acknowledge varying needs and avoid stereotyping
-Respond to individual specific needs by taking positive action
-Be prepared to challenge and report behaviour which is not acceptable

West Cheshire College affirms the right to equal opportunities for all members of the community. The college is committed to maximising the potential of everyone by offering a quality service which aims to meet the needs generated by a diverse community. This helps everyone by creating a positive and inclusive learning culture.

 Additionally, you may be required to supply some materials for particular programmes.